Opel may return to Russia in 2019

27 July 2018

But the final decision is still pending

Opel left the Russian market in spring 2015. The German brand has gone with a Chevrolet (although nominally American brand is still presented, but only sells expensive niche models). Since then a lot has changed. Sales in Russia are gradually increasing (although the pre-crisis indicators cannot yet be considered), and the Opel changed a lot: now its owner is the French PSA Group, not General Motors. Even during the change of ownership, experts said that Opel could return to Russia. Apparently, the company is close to this decision.

The representative of the European office of the Opel Michael Hundgens told Autonews.ru that the Russian market is very attractive. Now inside the German company are discussing future strategy, including the possibility of returning to Russia. At the same time the final decision is still pending.

Unnamed sources say that Opel will start its activities in our country in 2019. The first will go on sale in three models: hatchback Astra K, Grandland X crossover and wagon Combo.

Before the crisis, 2014, the Opel brand is successfully selling their cars in Russia. The most popular models, including the Astra H and Astra J, manufactured at the plant in St. Petersburg, while in Kaliningrad "Avtotor" produced less mass of the car like Antara, Insignia, Meriva, Mokka and Zafira.

By the way, the recent case of the German company rapidly took off: in the first half of Opel for the first time in 20 years, it has become Pribylina! The manufacturer was able to earn €502 million. Output plus it became possible after in March 2017 PSA Group bought Opel and Vauxhall from General Motors.