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

But if it was so easy, Volkswagen wouldn't have incurred an operating loss of 907 million euros ($1.2 billion USD) in

The exchange rates, a glut of GM brands, and their new relationship with Saturn mean that it's unlikely Opel will come to North America. (Photo: General Motors of Canada)

its North American operations during 2004. Due to the strong euro VW doesn't expect to break even before 2006.

Still, Franz said that whatever disadvantage was brought about by foreign exchange rates would likely be less of a problem than doling out excessive incentives.

But just the same, Opel is not likely to come to North America. The exchange rates, a glut of GM brands, and Opel's new relationship with Saturn, are reasons enough why a spokesman from GM Europe commented that the automaker had no plans to export Opel cars to North America.

"The most important reason is the unfavourable exchange rate, but that's not the only one," he said, adding, "The company has a sufficient number of brands in the U.S. to cover all customer groups, and Opel's U.S. sister-brand Saturn integrates Opel technology and design into its models much like Opel's sister-brand Vauxhall

GM is having enough trouble managing all of its North American brands, the last thing it needs is to rebuild a long forgotten nameplate. (Photo: General Motors of Canada)

does in the UK," the spokesman continued.

He might be a bit early in stating that Saturn integrates Opel technology and design into its models, as none of these have hit the market just yet, but he's right in that this is the plan.

Interestingly, GM's Bob Lutz made comments at the New York International Auto Show last week on the subject of too many GM brands, stating that the automaker may have to drop one of its domestic nameplates, so the likelihood of entering the North American marketplace with a long forgotten brand, and spending the high price needed to make it a household name, isn't about to happen anytime soon.