German Union Leader Urges GM to Sell Opel Brand in North America

Opel Not Likely Coming to North America but New Saturns to be Rebadged Opels

Most people in North America won't remember Opel or Vauxhall, GM's European duo that sell a distinctive line of sedans,

For years automotive enthusiasts have pleaded with GM to sell its Opel lineup in North America. (Photo: General Motors of Canada)

hatchbacks, sports cars, vans, and crossover in continental Europe and the U.K. respectively.

Opels and Vauxhalls were once sold in North America, the former best known for building what looked like a compact version of the early '70s Corvette, dubbed the GT.

For years automotive enthusiasts have pleaded with GM to sell its Opel lineup in North America, and when it could have done just that it started its own import-fighting division, Saturn.

Now it looks like Saturn is undergoing a metamorphosis, dropping its unique

Saturn's new production models and concepts look very much like some Opel/Vauxhall models and concepts. (Photo: General Motors of Canada)

polymer paneled vehicles for more conventional steel bodied cars, SUVs and minivans, in an effort to improve quality and reduce costs, and introducing new production models and concepts that look very much like some Opel/Vauxhall models and concepts.

This last point might make head of the Opel works council Klaus Franz's comments, to have GM approve the sale of Opel branded products in the North American market somewhat moot, as Opel vehicles may soon be sold in North America under Saturn badges as it is.