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

Franz wasn't ignorant to Lutz's statement, however, but rather feels that its not the number of brands GM is offering but the cars

GM is weaker in its car lineup than in trucks and SUVs. (Photo: General Motors of Canada)

it is selling within those brands that is the problem the automaker faces in North America. The union boss feels that Opel's new models will sell better than the current crop of GM cars and crossovers.

"The company has a product range problem in the U.S., but the fault doesn't lie with the trucks, rather with the passenger cars," Franz added, stating that Opel models, such as the Zafira van and the Signum crossover wagon, would be ideal in North America.

Franz does have a point, not necessarily that Opel cars will sell better than GM's current crop, but that GM is weaker in its car lineup than in trucks and SUVs.

Opel's cars and crossovers would be more competitive than some of GM's against sportier imports, however, and therefore it still

Saturn enjoys an enviable customer satisfaction index, and needs fresh new products to support its good name. (Photo: General Motors of Canada)

makes sense for GM to cross pollinate the German brand with its Saturn division. Saturn enjoys an enviable customer satisfaction index, and needs fresh new products to support its good name.

Either way, whether Opel is reintroduced as a separate brand in North America or its cars are rebadged as Saturns, Franz may get his wish. After all, what should matter to him is that his workers are building new cars and/or components, no matter what brand name is affixed to the hood and trunk lid, and as long as business case can be made for doing so, a new generation of Saturns could be produced at underutilized European plants.