Revival Plan for Opel: EVs and PSA Platforms

PSA Group figures its Opel brand will be able to meet carbon dioxide emission targets in Europe by building new models on lighter platforms and injecting its lineup with electrified cars.

CEO Michael Lohscheller tells Automotive News Europe that PSA is moving as quickly as possible to phase out Opel models that ride on heavier chassis designed by General Motors Co., the brand’s previous owner.

When PSA acquired Opel in 2017, Lohscheller warned that the company would not reach the European Union’s CO₂ targets in time without taking dramatic action. By the end of 2018, the unit’s fleet average was at 126 grams per kilometer, compared with about 105 g/km for PSA’s Peugeot and Citroen brands, according to JATO Dynamics Ltd.

But Opel has been rapidly replacing old platforms or entirely phasing out models that use them. Analysts estimate the marque must slash emissions 25% by 2021 to reach an estimated EU target of 94 g/km. Falling short could cost Opel more than €2 billion in regulatory fines, ANE says.

That won’t happen, Lohscheller insists. “To be very clear,” he tells the newspaper, “We will be compliant as of 2020.”

Reaching its goal will cost Opel nearly €1,300 per car in new technology compared with €740 for its Peugeot/Citroen sister brands, ANE reports. Lohscheller says lightening Opel’s models is having a “massive” impact on CO₂ reduction.

Electrification will deliver the remaining improvement needed, Lohscheller asserts. The brand has said that by 2024 it will be offering a hybrid or full electric version of all models in its lineup.