GM CEO Akerson Interested in Opel Adam and Cascada as Buicks

General MotorsGMUnited States of America, 1998 > present8 models
240 photos
CEO Dan Akerson wants to see more sharing between OpelOpelGermany, 1863 > present85 models
5151 photos
8 videos
and Buick, which could mean new Buick models in the US. Specifically, he thinks the  AdamOpel ADAM Gen.1Germany, 2012 > present25 versions
122 photos
and CascadaOpel Cascada Gen.1Germany, 2013 > present5 versions
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would be good fits for the US market. Like the other shared models, they would get their own styling for their US versions.

"What we're trying to do is bring together the product development teams much more closely so that there will be all sorts of synergies, I believe, between Opel-Vauxhall and Buick," said Akerson.

Opel and Buick already share the Buick RegalBuick Regal Gen.5United States of America, 2011 > present9 versions
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/Opel InsigniaOpel InsigniaGermany, 2003 > present409 versions
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, Buick VeranoBuick Verano Ecotec 2.4L ...United States of America, 2014 > present5 photos
/Opel Astra SedanOpel Astra Sports Sedan 1...Germany, 2012 > present4 photos
and Buick Encore/Opel MokkaOpel Mokka Gen.1Germany, 2012 > present55 versions
81 photos
. The advantage of platform sharing is that Buick and Opel can develop one car and sell it in three major markets - the US, China and Europe.

"We think we can take costs out that way. You've got to change the rules of the game in Europe - we do - because of where we are today," said Akerson.

The next cars that Akerson wants to add to the Buick range are versions of the Adam and Cascada. Opel already plans to sell them in China, but he wants them in the US as well.

Of the two cars, the Cascada is probably the easiest to sell in the US. First, its size is more palatable to American buyers. Second, it uses the same platform as the Buick Verano, which means they could share a production line.

The Adam might be harder to sell in the US because the Buick brand is not known for small cars.

Source: Car Scoop (1,2)