The electrification of the automotive sector has put the "old" European brands on alert. It's clear that with their current technology, they can't compete with any real guarantee of success against the Chinese manufacturers currently arriving in Europe. MG is using the MG4 compact hatchback as a Trojan horse , and others like Omoda and BYD are looking to replicate its success. However, Stellantis is going to put up a fight, and Opel will be one of its key players.
As you know, Stellantis is planning an offensive of "affordable" electric vehicles . They've set a price of €25 and have developed a multi-energy platform called Smart Car. However, before we get into the details, we should mention that Opel is also reportedly considering launching its own version . And not only that, there are rumors that they might use a name they've already used for a model. Remember the Adam?
This hypothetical electric Opel Adam would be a clone of the Citroën Ë-C3 and future Fiat Panda... for a price of 25 thousand euros...
If you cast your mind back a bit, you should remember the aging Opel Adam . Such is life, and such are the coincidences; it was born to compete with the successful Fiat 500 when Fiat was under the General Motors umbrella. And today, the German automaker and its former Italian rival are "making" plans together, and this hypothetical future electric Adam would be one of them. Indeed, the other day we were talking about the new electric Citroën Ë-C3 , which will also lead to the next generation of the Panda.
Well, for Opel to make the numbers work with this hypothetical new electric Adam, it has to share the costs with its sister brands . According to statements made by Florian Huettl, CEO of Opel, to the team at Autocar…
"A city car was possible since there is room in the new range for a model smaller than the Corsa ."
Of course, he never confirmed that this model had already been designed or that they were working on it. He also indicated that its retail price should be around 25 euros. Huettl added that…
"That's the goal. Our target for the next generation is €25.000 for an electric vehicle ."
Stellantis is currently finalizing the development of the new STLA Small platform . With it, they plan to underpin a new range of electric vehicles spanning from the A to the C segments, with a starting size of 3,6 meters. Its launch is slated for 2026, replacing the Smart Car platform already used in the Citroën Ë-C3. Furthermore, it will feature batteries with capacities ranging from 37 kWh to 82 kWh to offer extended driving ranges.
Vauxhall could also have its own version to conquer the United Kingdom...
The UK, though it may not seem so, is one of the most complex markets in Europe. The best example is that Opel sells its models there under the Vauxhall brand . Fiat isn't doing well, Peugeot and DS aren't making much of an impact, and the performance of Chrysler and Jeep has been mixed. Therefore, for Stellantis to succeed in this venture, Opel's smallest model needs a counterpart in Vauxhall. The Viva and the Adam, which was well-received there, are still fresh in our memories.
So be patient...
Source – Autocar
