Vauxhall top boss speaks
November 27th, 2009 by Richard Aucock
VAUXHALL chief Nick Reilly says he is making ‘significant progress’ since taking responsibility for the brand.
Explaining the decision to halt the sale of Vauxhall and Opel to Magna, he said ‘we firmly believe that both companies (are better off) with rather than without each other’.
But the plans can only work if a ‘significant restructuring of the business’ occurs.
‘So we have developed a sustainable plan for the future, including a breakeven target, which we expect to unveil in the middle of December.’
This, he admits, will involve structural cost reduction – the old-shape Astra plant at Antwerp is expected to be a casualty of this.
But he said the plan will also approve spending, for:
• New product commitments
• Investment in research and development
• An aggressive schedule for new model launches
He told Vauxhall car dealers that they must also continue the good work they’ve been undertaking recently. ‘We must build on our current success in product quality, reliability and customer satisfaction – reflected by the enthusiastic reception for the new Astra and Insignia models.
‘When we finalize our viability plan, it will enhance our competitiveness and enable this company to remain a major force in European car making and sales.
‘And I am confident that GM in Europe – led by Opel and Vauxhall – will be capable of delivering sustainable profits in years to come.’
Have any thoughts on the future of Vauxhall? Share them with both Reilly and us – his door is always open, he said, so let’s get the ideas going!
Tags: GM, Magna, nick reilly, Vauxhall