The Opel Astra will most likely be shipped over and transformed into the next Saturn Ion. The Antara, Opel’s latest SUV, recently went on sale overseas. GM plans to import it to replace the current Saturn Vue. The new SUV, though, will continue with the moniker.
Other Opel vehicles that GM is considering are the Opel Corsa and Zafira. The former would compete against the Honda Fit and Nissan Versa, while the latter against Mazda’s micro-minivan, the Mazda5.
Our take? While enthusiasts and the car press are clamoring for GM to import the Opels, we’er not too sure it’s a wise move. Historically, small vehicles have brought little profit to an automaker, profit GM desperately needs. Worse, GM could spread itself too thin as it tries to devote resources not only to Saturn, but to Chevy, Cadillac, Buick, etc.
Additional articles:
Saturn Ion continues into 2007
GM to bring Opel Corsa to North America as a Saturn
Via Detroit Free Press