If we think about Opelit is very likely that there are two models that come to mind first, the Astra and the Corsican. We are going to focus on the second, one of the most important cars, no longer of the brand, of the entire industry, the brand’s access model, a car that has been on the market for almost half a century, and that has been evolving and adapting generation after generation, and that can boast of more than 15 million units sold in all this time. A German vehicle, leader in sales in Germany, and with more than consolidated production in the Zaragoza plant. And now, as it could not be otherwise, it is adapting to electrification, with the aim of remaining in the market for many more years, within an industry where everything is changing very quickly.
And precisely these changes within the industry have caused changes in the production roadmap of the Corsican. Because the initial idea was to bet on the 100% electric model, but it seems that, seeing the evolution of the market, they have backtracked and it seems that their plans once again include coexistence with the hybrid model. Market evidence reflects that there are still many drivers who do not want to make the leap to 100% electric cars, so it is time to reconsider strategies.
Opel Hybrid Corsa
The next generation of Opel Corsa is planned for 2028, it will be developed on the platform STLA One by Stellantis, a key platform to reduce costs and that will allow the 100% electric car to have a starting price below 25,000 euros, because the idea of this model, like the entire history, is that it is accessible to everyone.
And although in principle, the roadmap indicated that production would be 100% electric, Opel has left the door open for it to coexist with the hybrid model, exactly, with light hybrid technology. This has been stated by the CEO of the company, Florian Huettl, They are evaluating the alternatives and studying what the consumer may demand when the new generation sees the light.
It also has to see how the sales of the current models, available in both technologies, in addition to continuing to have other combustion technologies, evolve. And now, the electric model continues to be the least sold, even below the gasoline versions.
So, given what we have seen to date, Opel considers that the smartest thing to do to maintain the sales pace is to bet on hybrid technology, or rather, maintain the two alternatives at the same time, and see how the market continues to evolve. Although the decision is not final, and they will continue monitoring the current models, it seems feasible that they will end up deciding on this option.
The new electric Opel Corsa
Of course, the commitment to the new electric model, to the new generation starting in 2028, not only remains intact, they want it to be the model that ends up democratizing access to completely electric mobility. The idea is that the vehicle is below 25,000 euros, and given the current market prices and being a vehicle with such historical strength, it is very attractive. Of course, we will have to see how the market evolves and how technology advances, because, especially because of the Chinese industry, prices are dropping considerably. But with the current strategy, and thanks to the platforms it provides Stellantisit is possible to adjust production prices much more, and therefore, the final price to the consumer.
Zaragoza is key
In this sense, the Spanish industry will continue to take advantage of the importance of the Opel plant in Saragossa. The current Opel Corsa It is manufactured in the capital Aragonesebeing one of the pillars of the group throughout Europe. And although at the moment it has not been confirmed that Opel will use the plant to manufacture the Corsa, those responsible for the company have taken it upon themselves to publicly express their satisfaction with the current performance, so everything indicates that they will continue to rely on it for the next generation.
And it is that he Corsicanso far this year, accounts for 40% of global sales of Opelbeing the company’s best-selling model. And this is not just because of the price, it also has a lot to do with the history behind this model, its reputation and its performance, being one of the most recognizable cars on the entire continent.
The new generation of Opel It aims to focus on three pillars for the consumer, price, technology and autonomy. The big bet will be 100% electric mobility, looking to the future, but they do not forget those who continue to bet on an intermediate solution, and although the final decision remains to be made, everything indicates that the hybrid model will continue on the market for many years.
