Opel Returns to Russian Market

Opel is reentering the Russian market by introducing three models at certain dealers in the country, including a light commercial vehicle and a multi-purpose van (MPV) that can fit up to nine people.

The German automaker, which is a subsidiary brand of Groupe PSA, will initially reintroduce itself into the market with the Grandland X SUV; the Zafira Life MPV; and the Vivaro light commercial vehicle. The people carrier and the transporter units for the local market will roll off the production line in the Groupe PSA plant in Kaluga, Russia, the automaker said.

Initially, 15 to 20 dealers in the largest cities of the country will be Opel partners, which will more than double in the mid-term, according to Opel. Opel said it wants to gradually increase its commitment in Russia in the coming years and this includes offering a wider range of products.

Opel initially eliminated its presence in Russia at the end of 2015 due to poor sales between late 2014 and early 2015, according to Russian Automotive Market Research.