Looks like the folks at Rüsselsheim can finally do what they wanted to do for a long time. This will be their first attempt to build an upscale car a la VW CC since the Senator was phased out in the 90's, so I'm rather interested in how it will turn out. The release date may be years from now, but the report sounds promising. The only think that confuses me is that it doesn't seem to be sure if it's a crossover or a limousine.

Opel may launch new flagship model with fuel cell system
Annual sales of 20,000 seen for image-boosting car as of 2016/17

Automotive News Europe -- July 23, 2011 06:01 CET
FRANKFURT -- Opel/Vauxhall has started work on a new flagship model that will launch at the end of 2016 or early 2017, company sources told Automotive News Europe. The car may come to market with alternative powertrains such as a fuel cell system to help boost Opel's green image.

According to internal plans, Opel's management board sees an annual sales potential of about 20,000 units. The new model will be positioned above the company's Insignia midsized car.

Klaus Franz, Opel deputy chairman and the company's top labor official, said the flagship should be a "technological spearhead" for the brand with hybrid and fuel-cell propulsion systems and lots of other state-of-the-art technologies.

"Already with the our Ampera electric vehicle, we have shown what we are able to do and enjoy an advantage of two to three years compared to the competition," Franz told ANE.

Franz said unions will press for the car to be built in Germany. "The workers representatives will support this project to the fullest. A flagship like this can only be built on the Epsilon 2 architecture with long wheelbase. We will do everything to build this car at our headquarters in Ruesselsheim, rather than Mexico or elsewhere," he said.

Franz sees annual sales of 20,000 for the model as realistic for Opel/Vauxhall in and outside Europe.

He said it is unlikely to be possible to launch the flagship, which is internally called the TOL (top-of-the-line), before 2016 because of other priorities, such as introducing a new minicar codenamed Junior, as well as new Astra-based convertible and coupe models and a small SUV. "The TOL is a luxury," he said.

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