It’s new, well, it’s not new, we have seen the name before, but it might as well be new.
German automaker Opel has announced its arrival in New Zealand, and it will be distributed through the Armstrong Motor Group’s Automotive Distributors network.
So, who is Opel? Where does it come from? And why has it chosen now to emerge in New Zealand?
Opel is a highly regarded German automotive marque with a history stretching back more than 100 years.
Today, it is part of Stellantis Automotive, the parent company for Alfa Romeo, Abarth, Chrysler, Citroen, Dodge, DS Automobiles, Fiat, Fiat Professional, Jeep, Lancia, Maserati, Mopar, Peugeot, RAM and Vauxhall.
“Of the multiple individual markets I have responsibility for, the team in New Zealand constantly impress us with their professionalism and ambition,’’ said Billy Hayes, Head of ASEAN Markets for Stellantis Automotive.
“’The team at ADNZ constantly punch above their weight and we are excited by the potential of Opel in the New Zealand market.”
Tom Ruddenklau has been appointed general manager for Opel New Zealand.
“The onset of the Clean Car legislation has proven to be particularly timely for a new entrant to launch in New Zealand featuring a fully electrified portfolio of new vehicle options,” says Mr Ruddenklau, adding that “Opel as a brand has committed to New Zealand and is committed to delivering a premium electrified product at a mainstream price.”
All models in the marque’s line-up will be available with an electric powertrain, either a plug-in hybrid system or full electric offering, meaning all new Opel vehicles qualify for significant rebates under the Clean Car scheme.
The Opel new model portfolio will initially consist of four nameplates:
Corsa (small hatch city car) with ICE and PHEV option,
Mokka (small SUV) with ICE and electric motor option,
Grandland (mid-size SUV) with ICE and PHEV option,
Astra (medium-sized hatch) to debut in January 2023 with ICE or electric motor option.
“Opel is here to present a very real and viable alternative to Kiwis who desire an electrified motoring future,” said Mr Ruddenklau.
“It’s an incredibly exciting time to bring a new brand to market at such a significant moment in our Clean Car journey.”
Looking further into the future, Opel New Zealand will be looking to introduce elements of its full commercial range over 2023 for arrival in 2024.
During the media event, there was an emphasis on bringing new product to market with alacrity, maximising the Clean Car Scheme window of opportunity which other automakers are going to find challenging to meet across their entire product portfolios.
More details regarding the Opel dealer network will be made in coming weeks, with new model pricing information to follow in May and the first new Opel models will land in New Zealand early in the second half of the year.
“Opel is here to present a very real and viable alternative to Kiwis who desire an electrified motoring future,” said Mr Ruddenklau.
“It’s an incredibly exciting time to bring a new brand to market at such a significant moment in our Clean Car journey.”
If new car owners aren’t quite ready for the shift to electrified motoring, then all Opel petrol-powered models for sale in New Zealand will also receive a rebate under the Clean Car programme, thanks to their low carbon emissions.
“Opel has a huge opportunity to help New Zealand embrace an electrified future and we can’t wait to introduce the new model line-up, instil confidence in our product and bring even more options to Kiwi motorists,” said Mr Ruddenklau.
