Opel decision imminent: Holden

A decision on the return of Opel cars to Australia is imminent, according to Holden boss Mike Devereux.

He told a media gathering in Melbourne on Friday that Holden was in daily and weekly negotiations with the German-based General Motors brand.

An introduction date has not been set but the Carsales Network understands that Opel cars will be in Australia in 2012.

"There is no secret that we are talking to Opel about bringing to Opel to Austalia," said Devereux, "and we continue to talk to them to make sure that if we end up doing it, we make a smart business decision for GM and for Holden. We will make a decision pretty quickly one way or the other."

He again confirmed that Opel cars would not wear Holden badges -- as they did last time -- and would be priced to take-on other European rivals. The Carsales Network also understands that Opel wants to keep the high performance OPC models for itself, rather than badge them as HSV models, as was the case with the Astra VXR.

"Opel would definitely be positioned above Holden, right smack dab at VW," Devereux said.

The Holden boss would not be drawn on whether Holden dealers or stand-alone dealers would be appointed. "I have no comment on how we would go to market," he said.

Devereux's most recent comments mark a stark turnaround in attitude from Holden towards the Opel brand's re-introduction. When Opel boss Nick Reilly told journalists in October that Australia was part of a global export push for the brand, the announcement was initially met with a lukewarm reception. Holden already has mapped out its small-car future with budget-priced, Korean-made vehicles.

"We're talking with them every week, sometimes every day," Devereux said. "We're trying to figure out what the best course is. If we do this we're going to do it right."

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