Opel Astra: Brother To The Chevy Cruze
You almost need to have a scorecard handy in order to track all of the different variations of the Chevy Cruze on the market.
More Variations On The Cruze Theme
The Daewoo Lacetti Premiere was the first version of the Cruze to roll out when it was introduced to its South Korean market in October 2008. Since then, the Chevy Cruze itself has rolled out for markets serving China and Europe to be followed in the coming weeks with the roll out of the Holden Cruze.
Opel, which is currently part of GM’s worldwide portfolio, has its own Cruze-like car, the next generation Opel Astra. Sold here as the Saturn Astra, the new Opel shares the same platform and similar components as the global Cruze, thus the familial relationship. The new Opel is to officially debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September and go on sale shortly thereafter.
Opel, Buick Team Up?
Now for a bit of a history lesson for all of you car buffs. Buick sold a small car imported from Opel back in the day, what was it called? That would be the Buick Opel. Yep, German built Opels were sold here during the 1960s and 1970s as Buicks, most specifically as Buick Opels including the Opel GT. Google that information to see what comes up.
With the Opel Astra hitting the market, rumor has it that this car could find its way to the US regardless of whether GM owns Opel outright or not. Some are thinking that the Astra would become the base model for Buick to help that brand fill out its product line. That also suggests that GM could kick Buick downmarket especially if the automaker retreats from the luxury market by having Cadillac take Buick’s place as a near luxury brand. Given its financial predicament, anything is possible including a shifting of brand purpose.
Photos of the Insignia Looking Astra
As the following photographs show, the next generation Astra takes its styling cues from the Insignia, a car currently sold in the US as the Saturn Aura. The improved look could fit nicely with Buick especially if the grille is swapped out with the Trishield logo.
Photos Credit: GM Corp.
See Also: The Current & Soon Coming Chevy Cruze
[...] to Google Latest Content Opel Astra: Brother To The Chevy Cruze – 3 minutes ago You almost need to have a scorecard handy in order to track all of the different [...]
[...] Apparently, the previous owner decided to part with the domain which was first registered in 2003. rmkeegan — May 13th, 2009 at 4:48 [...]
[...] Opel Astra: Brother To The Chevy Cruze [...]
[...] Cruze is available in Australia and New Zealand. Opel’s version of the car is called the Astra, demonstrating that the Cruze and its name variants will soon penetrate every GM global market [...]
[...] By keeping Opel and shutting down Saab, GM effectively guarantees that it will be the one selling Opels to Russia. GM just last year opened a new plant in St. Petersburg. Having invested heavily to obtain more than 10 percent market share in Russia, GM is not in the mood to lose Opel and be forced to compete with it using only Chevrolet, its other main Russian brand, which not incidentally borrows elements from Opel. [...]
[...] Search: Images, Videos, News Opel Astra: Brother To The Chevy Cruze Opel, which is currently part of GM's worldwide portfolio, has its own Cruze- like car, the next [...]