Opel CEO says electrification will modernize the brand

Opel/Vauxhall will develop into a pure complete-electrical manufacturer in Europe by 2028 and by 2024 will only promote hybrid automobiles. Former Renault executive Uwe Hochgeschurtz, who grew to become Opel CEO on Sept. 1, sees electrification as a large possibility for the automaker. Hochgeschurtz spoke with Automotive News Europe’s sister publication Automobilwoche.

With the new Astra, Opel has the probability to elevate recognition of the manufacturer. Is that your mission?

I see it as my job to more elevate the brand’s profile internationally and to emotionalize it. Our new, excellent versions, these kinds of as the Mokka and the Corsa, are particularly critical in this article. The Astra is one more significant phase ahead. We will now be in a position to make much better use of our “created in Germany” high-quality in communications than in the earlier. And of study course, we will also make higher use of the reality that we have dedicated to a specially rapid and broad electrification of our portfolio. From 2024, there will be an electrified edition for each product — not quite a few competitors will manage that.

Opel generally has a much better image overseas than in Germany, for example in Russia, Turkey or in the British isles with Vauxhall.

It’s not accurate to say that our picture is only great abroad. But of program, you can and must constantly perform on strengthening the brand graphic a very little much more is generally achievable. But it is genuine that Opel enjoys an great popularity in numerous countries, and we will of training course use this to broaden our global existence.

There are however a lot of traditionally-minded Opel shoppers. Will they support electrification?

Electrification will make the Opel manufacturer extra modern day and youthful. And as a end result, our clients will also come to be additional fashionable and youthful — not in terms of biological age, but in their mind-set towards mobility. Opel can assistance these clients modify their mobility mentality, rejuvenate it. Because electrified Opel types, like the Corsa-e and Mokka-e, are a thing for the heart. We generally say the “e” does not just stand for electric, but for emotional.

When it will come to mobility solutions, what is up coming for Opel? Stellantis is not regarded robust in this area.

Opel will be part of this advancement. At Stellantis, we have a powerful brand name with Absolutely free2go, which will grow to be even more powerful. The upcoming Rocks-e [Opel’s version of the two-set Citroen Ami microcar] can also surely participate in a part for new mobility companies.

What are your priorities at the second? Are you researching fiscal figures, hunting into the products pipeline, or driving autos on the take a look at keep track of?

The most vital issue is to enter into dialog. I find dialog with employees, with retail companions. On my initially day at function, for case in point, I despatched a online video information to all workers and wrote to our dealers.

How perfectly do you know Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares?

I know Carlos Tavares perfectly and have accomplished for many several years. I would not be right here if I hadn’t spoken to him individually. By the way, he claims he grew up with an Opel Manta. He is aware of the brand incredibly, incredibly properly.

You are not remaining frightened of publicity. Do you relish the process of being Opel’s brand name ambassador?

Becoming a brand ambassador is plainly the to start with process of any CEO. In this promptly altering entire world, you will need crystal clear orientation, crystal clear messages and also a model “confront” to existing to the outside the house entire world. This has never been as crucial as it is these days.