Even Isuzu Wants Out Of Opel

Derek Kreindler
by Derek Kreindler

Opel, the sick man of Europe, just can’t catch a break. Even Isuzu wants out of its current arrangements with the ailing German automaker.

Just-Auto and the Nikkei are reporting that Isuzu will halt engine building activities for Opel (including the Meriva, above), and will end a joint-venture with General Motors. It was unclear how Isuzu would get rid of its 40 percent stake in the Poland-based diesel engine operation. Isuzu denied that it would pull out of the venture, or cut its workforce in Europe.

Derek Kreindler
Derek Kreindler

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  • DAC1991 DAC1991 on Aug 06, 2012

    I think Opel will be pleased. Those 1.7 CDTi diesel engines are horrible. Outdated and one of the worst diesel engines in Europe ('laufkultur', engine noise etc). Luckily, Opel will replace it with a 1.6 CDTi, based on the (Fiat) 2.0 CDTi.

    • See 2 previous
    • DAC1991 DAC1991 on Aug 06, 2012

      @Vojta Dobe I understand. The 2.0 CDTi (in contrast to Fiat's 2.0 JTDm) has a slight turbo lag and still is a bit noisy. It's miles ahead of the 1.7 though. I believe the 2.0 liters are built at GM's Turin, Italy plant instead of Poland.

  • SherbornSean SherbornSean on Aug 06, 2012

    Hold the phone... Isuzu still exists?

  • Sillysaab Sillysaab on Aug 06, 2012

    Isuzu is the world's largest manufacturer of medium to heavy duty trucks. They aren't going anywhere.

  • Roberto Esponja Roberto Esponja on Aug 06, 2012

    Simply astonishing that the Meriva isn't selling. Why, just look at how good-looking it is! Good lord...

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