Domestic Opel sales grew by 36% to 3 700 units last year, compared with 2013, says General Motors South Africa (GMSA) operations VP Ian Nicholls.

“I would expect to at least double our Opel sales in 2015. That’s the step-up you would expect. It’s going to be a big volume player for us.”

Nicholls says it is time for South Africans “to get to know the new Germans [this year]”.

While locals know Opel from the Corsa, Astra and Meriva models in the market, GMSA will this year seek to strengthen the brand’s presence in South Africa, much in line with a global rejuvenation effort.

Opel/Vauxhall is a subsidiary of GMSA’s US parent company, General Motors (GM).

GMSA’s Opel product roll-out follows an investment drive from GM into the German carmaker, which should see Opel unveil 27 new models and 17 new engines over the next few years.

GM’s profitability in Europe hinges largely on Opel’s success in a market that has struggled economically in recent years.

Nicholls says GMSA will follow the introduction of the Adam small city car at the end of last year with the launch of the new Corsa in February, and the Mokka small sports utility vehicle in March.

Following a busy first quarter, the South African market can look forward to another one or two Opel models to be unveiled locally in 2015, promises Nicholls.

He believes the Mokka will be a significant gain for GMSA’s product portfolio, as the company currently offers no model in this popular, fast-growing segment of the domestic market.

Nicholls is confident the Opel brand will not dilute Chevrolet’s market share in South Africa.

He says there is “adequate separation” between GM’s Chevrolet and Opel brands, with each badge securing its own specific customer base.

“The look is different. The model line-up is positioned differently. Opel tends to carry higher specifications and a higher retail price.”

There will also be strong emphasis on Opel’s German heritage: precision and dependability, but overlaid with excitement, he adds.

“South Africans will get to know the new Germans in 2015.”

However, he adds, Opel will not make a play for the premium market. The brand’s peer is more of a Volkswagen than an Audi.

Nicholls describes the Opel engine line-up – current and future – as a boon to GMSA’s port-folio.

Opel’s 17 new engines include a 1 ∙ turbo, already seen in the Adam, with a 1.4 ∙ turbo to enter the local market through the Mocca.

These smaller, but powerful, engines promise performance, twinned with improved fuel consumption.

Nicholls says all Opels will be imported, with GMSA’s local assembly focus to remain on the Spark, the Isuzu KB and the Chevrolet utility.