According to reports from the US, Opel could soon get a couple of rebadged Buick models on the European car market. After General Motors moved the Opel Insignia and Astra to the Buick line-up as the Regal and Verano models, it will try things the other way, too.

The Opel range could soon make room for the Buick Enclave and LaCrosse models, as GM increases production on minimal investment, and the models could be manufactured in the US or China to further cost savings. In terms of size, the models would be larger than the current Opel Zafira - the biggest model in the Opel lineup and the second MPV it offers after the more compact Meriva.

There could be room for the crossover characteristics of the Enclave, but we’re not sure whether Opel needs to carry a second sedan (the LaCrosse) after its own Insignia. They’re both quite good looking cars, but as Autoblog points out, some further styling work would need to be done for Europe, and a strong offering in the engine line-up, especially with diesel variants would be needed. Details are sketchy, so we can’t say if all this will be happening at some stage in the near future.

Source | GMInsideNews

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How many Opel Amperas or Chevrolet Volts does the world need? A Buick-badged Opel Ampera could be in the making, according to Bloomberg, which would take the range-extending vehicle into a new premium brand and price-point. General Motors is apparently considering a Buick Ampera but hasn’t given the green light as yet.

The problem would seem to be how to distinguish the Buick model from the Opel/Chevrolet model, and then to justify its price-point given that Buick would have to offer something slightly more luxurious. Under consideration are ways to extend even further the range, or possibly add light materials but it’s likely that would prove to be an over-investment in the project.

A Buick-badged Ampera could also use a more traditional refurbishment of the interior to provide more luxury, and make for a more comfortable car in terms of high-quality finishes. Still, it would be quite expensive. The Chevrolet Volt costs about 41,000 USD while the Opel Ampera pricing in Europe is about €41,000. If a Buick Ampera appears, sales would start in 2013.

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