Opel not leaving SA: '7 in 2017' model offensive

Earlier in May, Chevrolet announced it will cease local manufacturing and selling Chevrolet vehicles in the domestic market by the end of 2017. Since then, many motorists and customers wondered if another brand in the General Motors stable, Opel, would follow suit.

Isuzu Motors intends to purchase GM's South African light commercial vehicle manufacturing operations and strengthen its presence in the market.

Opel isn't leaving SA

Opel on Wednesday revealed its plans for the future with a new distributor in SA and more models set to join its local range.

Opel says 2017 will be the "most active year" in its history, with the introduction of its “7 in 17” model offensive. New models for SA include its Crossland X (2017) and Grandland (2018).

Wheels24 spoke to Opel South Africa about its plans for the brand in South Africa.

Here's how Opel plans to expand its brand in SA:

1 New distributor

The Williams Hunt group has been appointed as the automaker's distributor in South Africa, effective from January 2018.

Opel SA said: "Williams Hunt has been a major and outstanding Opel partner in South Africa for many years, contributing to some 20% of sales already today. With this setup, Opel plans to further growth in South Africa and strengthen the brand and service to its customers."

2 More models on the way

The German car brand will launch the new Opel Crossland X in the second half of 2017 and the Opel Grandland X in 2018. The automaker said: "Opel customers can expect a continued focus on strengthening the portfolio with new and exciting German-engineered vehicles that meet and exceed expectations."

The automaker adds: "Opel has been one of South Africa’s favorite car brands for decades, with a presence in the market since the 1930s. South African consumers have enjoyed a major product onslaught from Opel since 2012 with the launch of 13 new vehicles in the market."

The current Opel line-up in South Africa includes the Adam, Corsa, Astra and Mokka.

3 Renewed local investment

Bill Mott, director of international sales operations, said: "Opel has had great success in South Africa. Many of our models have enjoyed great popularity among the buying public and have received rewards and acclaim from the motoring press. Just this year, the Opel Astra was the winner of the South African Car of the Year competition, a great indication of the brand’s ongoing success in this market.

“We view South Africa as an important market. We are confident that the brand will continue to grow from strength to strength globally, and here in South Africa, because of the solid foundation that has been built in the 80-plus years Opel has been here.”

Mott added: "Opel customers can expect the same quality of after-sales support and no changes to existing warranties. We will ensure that our customers receive outstanding sales and after-sales support as we continue to grow in the South African market."

*Republikein has it on good authority that Auas Motors have an outstanding relationship with Williams Hunt and although it’s too early to speculate on the local impact of this new agreement, this bodes well for the future of the beloved German auto brand in Southern Africa. - Wheels24 and own reporting