Well-known model has to make way for e-cars

The electric age is entering the automotive industry. Opel has long since committed itself to switching to electric cars for the European market. But that doesn’t happen without sacrifice. The formerly popular flagship of the Rüsselsheim company is now being put on the back burner at an early stage.

Flagship off is a done deal: Opel is hiring Insignia

Something is happening at Opel: The Rüsselsheimers are the former flagship Insignia from their portfolio before the end of the year. Production at the main plant is completely discontinued. Business Insider first learned this from circles of automotive suppliers. Opel also officially confirms plans to scrap the formerly successful model.

There are several reasons for the radical end of the Insignia: the sedan is no longer as successful as it was a few years ago. With the planned change to offering only electric cars in Europe from 2028, the line was in sight for Insignia: As the last model from Opel, the Insignia is still on a platform of the former parent company GM. However, this cannot simply be converted to an electric drive.

For many manufacturers, the sedan segment is currently not a priority. The zeitgeist wants to drive SUVs. Despite it there will probably be a successor to the Insignia at Opel. Business Insider has also learned from suppliers that an electric sedan can be expected from 2024 or 2025 at the earliest. Officially, Opel is still keeping a low profile. (Source: Business Insider)

In the Rüsselsheim plant, work is to continue as before, despite the end of the Insignia. With the models Astra, Astra Sports Tourer and the DS4 built there from the sister brand from the Stellantis Group, the plant can be fully utilized. the to be able to build larger quantities of the models that are in high demand theremay also have contributed to the rapid end of the Insignia.

There are good reasons for an electric car, but also some against:

Opel’s new flagship: who will take over the Insignia position?

the The position of the flagship at Opel will therefore soon be vacant. If another model is built to become the new workhorse – or if one develops into one – this could mean a shallow reorientation by the manufacturer. A flagship successor in Insignia style, on the other hand, would have to do more than has been seen so far. Business Insider expects an electrified successor – industry speak for a hybrid solution.

However, that would be the wrong signal from Opel: a new one Flagship should be purely electric today and in the future. It will be exciting to see how Opel’s electric journey continues.