Vauxhall confirms new flagship SUV in development

General Motors boss Mary Barra has revealed that a range-topping Vauxhall SUV is in development.

The new model, announced as part of Barra's trip to Vauxhall parent Opel's Rüsselsheim manufacturing plant, will sit alongside the Insignia and act as the firm's second flagship model.

The SUV forms part of Vauxhall's long-term product plan, announced in June of this year, which aims to bring 27 new models to market by 2018. The new Corsa supermini, upcoming Astra and Viva city car are among the more prominent models to be included in the plan.

Up to 17 new engines will also be introduced as part of the strategy.

While the new SUV will act as a premium flagship for the brand, at least two other high-riding models are likely to appear in the immediate future.

Opel boss Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann revealed earlier this summer that his company was eyeing up a compact crossover to rival the Dacia Duster. Such a model could well form the basis of a replacement for the Meriva MPV.

The Zafira MPV is also due to be replaced in the near future, and like the Meriva is expected to ditch its people-carrier looks in favour of more muscular, SUV-esque styling.

GM has already announced it will invest €245 million into Opel's Rüsselsheim plant to help meet "future requirements" - including the production of the new SUV.

Barra today announced an extra €500 million investment in Opel's engine and transmission plants. She also revealed a third shift is being added at Opel's Eisenach plant to cope with increased demand for the Adam and Corsa.

Barra said: "Opel/Vauxhall is of high strategic importance for GM. The product offensive with 27 new models and 17 new engines has enjoyed a very successful start. These additional investments will help the brands shine again and further strengthen our position in Europe. They are a clear sign of GM’s commitment to Opel/Vauxhall, to Germany and to Europe.

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