Opel-Vauxhall to launch 27 new models by 2018

Vauxhall's parent company Opel has today announced plans to introduce 27 new models and 17 new engines by 2018.

Opel boss Dr Karl-Thomas Neumann told journalists that the brand would also look to increase its market share in Europe from 5.8 per cent to 8 per cent by 2022, and in doing so become the second-largest car maker in the market.

The firm also wants to grow sales in its home market of Germany to 10 per cent by the same deadline, as well as strengthen its image to become "an emotional, approachable German brand".

The first of the brand's new models are scheduled to appear before the end of this year, with the new Vivaro van and Vauxhall Adam Rocks. Also being revealed in the coming months will be the new Corsa. Driven here in Prototype form, the new Corsa will make its debut at the Paris motor show in October before going on sale in the UK in 2015. Also in development is the next-generation Astra, which will launch in 2016. Both cars will start a significant shift upmarket for Opel and Vauxhall, with the brand inspired by the fit and finish exhibited in cars from German rivals such as Audi.

Among the planned range of new engines is a 113bhp ‘SGE’ 1.0-litre turbocarged petrol triple, which will appear in the new Corsa.

As well as its new model onslaught, Opel will also continue to bring new technology to market, including the newest generation of its OnStar connected service. Neumann said OnStar would be capable of turning into a mobile Wi-Fi hotspot starting from next year.

Opel plans to return to profitability next year thanks to lower product costs, improved capacity at its plants, higher sales revenues and an improved brand image.

The latest announcements form part of Opel's Drive 2022 strategy, a 10-year plan which was first revealed in the summer of 2012. The plan was seen as GM's rescuing of Opel and Vauxhall, and was kicked off by the unveiling of the Adam supermini in production form.

Speaking to journalists, Neumann said: "We have already made the preparations for implementing the plan step by step. We have the full backing of our parent company General Motors."

In the UK, a Vauxhall spokesman told Autocar the brand was "committed to building our true (smaller) fleet sales by 2016, and we feel that will be at the core of creating profit within the business.

"That growth will be underpinned by an extensive powertrain offensive as well as significant new product in this year and next."

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