Opel will stop selling the Ampera in 2015

Opel is about to say goodbye to the Ampera, the rebadged version of the Chevrolet Volt, according to two sources familiar with the German manufacturer’s plans who spoke to Automotive News. The model’s discontinuation at Opel will take place shortly after Chevrolet launches the next generation of the Volt in the second half of next year.

Despite the Ampera having shared awards with its American twin and that Opel cut its price last year, its sales have been far weaker than those of the Volt. The trend has become even worse in 2014 and, after a 40% drop in 2013 (when 3,184 units were sold), sales have plunged by 67% in the first five months of this year, with 332 cars registered.

In addition to announcing the end of the Opel Ampera’s sales, Automotive News has learned from these sources that General Motors intends to do the same with the Chevrolet Volt in the old continent. The second generation of the saloon will not be available in Europe, which is consistent with the fact that the Volt, overall, has trailed the Ampera in sales in this region.

This is nothing more than the materialization of the dissatisfaction expressed at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show by then General Motors vice president Steve Girsky, regarding the cold reception European consumers gave the Ampera after its launch in 2012.

Via | Automotive News