Save the New Opel GT...

[newman27]

Saw this posted over on the Solstice forum: Save The Kappa. The Willmington, DE plant is closed until approximately the end of February. I thought some here might like to check this out as it affects the new Opel GT.

Matt

[First opel 1981]

I read an article a week or so ago that GM was planning (or at least heavily considering) the complete closure of its Saturn line. I don't know how accurate the article was but it didn't show much hope for the future of Saturn.
I can't recall the origin of the article, nor vouch for its merit as an accurate news source though.

It would be a shame if that happened.

[victrolakid]

If they end the Kappa platform, and stop producing the Solstice, Sky and Gt, do you think that would make them collectible and more expensive, or would it make them even cheaper to buy? Also if they end the Platform would they still make parts for the car? I only ask these questions because I am thinking bout buying a sky.
Sterling

[jordan]

Originally Posted by victrolakid If they end the Kappa platform, and stop producing the Solstice, Sky and Gt, do you think that would make them collectible and more expensive, or would it make them even cheaper to buy? Also if they end the Platform would they still make parts for the car? I only ask these questions because I am thinking bout buying a sky. Sterling

I think that if they pulled the plug right now the car would kind of disappear. It was not in production long enough for most people to remember it a few years after it may be gone. There would be no aftermarket support modification wise. I also strongly feel that the days of collector cars are long gone. There are no car models right now that people will do a frame off restoration on in 30 years. Mostly because cars have become very generic and there are many systems that most amateurs are going to be able to work with or fix especially with the necessity of OBD computers. There are some select models that will be sought after, mostly factory performance editions I think. So in short my speculation is the kappa line will stay at a consistent market price if not dive, they will not get more expensive after the production stops, if they did they wouldn't be forced to drop them from production. Years to come people who do have them may find them quite expensive to keep as there has been some persistent problems with them that have not been fully resolved. This will leave individuals to try to work around the issues without a R&D team and production abilities.

[Phoenix]

You can look at the Lincoln Blackwood and Mercury Murauder as basis of comparison. Both 2 year productions.

[newman27]

Originally Posted by victrolakid If they end the Kappa platform, and stop producing the Solstice, Sky and Gt, do you think that would make them collectible and more expensive, or would it make them even cheaper to buy? Also if they end the Platform would they still make parts for the car? I only ask these questions because I am thinking bout buying a sky. Sterling

I believe there is some legal requirement that GM support the car with spare parts for a certain number of years but after that you would be on your own. I already drive two orphans (Opel and Oldsmobile) and hate to think my Solstice may be next ...

[traytodd]

Don't quote me but I believe the rules are 5-7 yrs domestically and 10 yrs in the EU for support. I know the EU support is required as that is what we have to do for the industrial equipment that we build. Also, think back to post '75. About 7 yrs after Buick stopped importing the German Opels, parts got difficult to get at Buick garages.

I think we would all like to see Opel take over Saturn thus giving it a domestic production arm and dealer outlet. I am not sure that solves the problems that GM is having. They could also merge Saab with Opel domestically so there would be one dealer network.

Terry

[opelnut10]

Originally Posted by traytodd Don't quote me but I believe the rules are 5-7 yrs domestically and 10 yrs in the EU for support. I know the EU support is required as that is what we have to do for the industrial equipment that we build. Also, think back to post '75. About 7 yrs after Buick stopped importing the German Opels, parts got difficult to get at Buick garages. I think we would all like to see Opel take over Saturn thus giving it a domestic production arm and dealer outlet. I am not sure that solves the problems that GM is having. They could also merge Saab with Opel domestically so there would be one dealer network. Terry

GM allowed Buick dealers to return all Opel parts (with current part numbers) for parts cedits after they were 7 years old. Speciality Shops dealing with Opel parts and service bought much of the remaining Opel stock from the dealers at usually lot prices. The sad part about it was the parts that were returned either went to Europe or to the great parts department in the sky, it made the cars almost worthless except to die hard Opel Owners and created problems finding new parts for our cars. People like Gil at OGTS developed contacts and sources in Europe and came up with NOS and after-market parts that were available there, they also went into the reproduction of parts that needed to be replaced when OEM parts trickled out. Importing parts from Europe is not easy unless you can by-pass Customs, have a working knowledge of the language (technical) both spoken and written and are willing to invest in stocking the parts, warehousing them and tieing up your money putting up stock and waiting for someone to buy it. So when you think that something is too expensive take the above factors into consideration and thank your lucky stars that they have the dedications or whatever drives them to keep these cars alive, because it is no easy task and requires a special intrest in the product. Then you have people like RallyBob that have spent countless hours researching and developing parts that can be used as replacements or modifications to keep these cars on the road or at the front of the pack in races, so say a prayer that they still keep the desire to continue what they have been doing because without them we would be in Deep Kimchee.