After recovering from the financial crisis which had struck them in the year 2008, now it has emerged that General Motors is set to axe the Chevrolet business in Europe by the end of 2015.
This move from the American auto giant will allow them to focus on the Opel and Vauxhall brands, which are facing stiff competition in the European markets.
Stephen Girsky, vice chairman of General Motors, said: “We have growing confidence in the Opel and Vauxhall brands in Europe. We are focusing our resources in mainstream Europe.”
Reputedly the decision has been made without any influence from the company’s associations with Peugeot. “This is done independent of the PSA relationship,” said Girsky. “Basically (we will) shut away the one percent share company in Europe. The financial results have been unacceptable.”
A GM spokesperson said: “The Chevrolet brand has been in decline for a couple of years. This decision has no impact on GM’s focus on Europe and it is 100 per cent behind Opel and Vauxhall.” He further added, “customers in the UK and Europe will be looked after. Parts will be maintained for ten years. Servicing will be in place for the next two years, and during that time we will make arrangements for Vauxhall and Opel dealers to take on servicing responsibilities for Chevrolet.”
GM has close to 1900 dealerships in the whole Europe, many of which are also dual branded with Opel or Vauxhall, allowing them to continue serving existing customers despite the dropping of the Chevrolet brand.
Chevrolet cars will be sold in Europe for the next two years in order to utilize remaining stock and production, after which GM will focus solely on Opel and Vauxhall.
I feel GM should relaunch the Opel brand in India alongside the Chevrolet range – vice versa on the lines what Nissan will do with Datsun. Come on I am sure readers who have driven earlier, the Opel and now the Chevy range of cars vouch for Opel's Quality.