From: Opel Slashes Over $10,000 Off Ampera Price In Germany the innovation leader Opel Ampera is now available from just 38,300 euros, a substantial reduction of 7,600 euros.” Interesting quote from later in the article General Motors says this of the price cut: “Opel is one of the pioneers in trendsetting electric mobility. Since its market launch at the beginning of 2012, Opel has made significant progress with its first electric car. By streamlining series production processes, leveraging savings in components purchasing and maintaining an unwavering commitment to making electric mobility affordable for everyone, Opel is now able to considerably reduce the Ampera’s price.” The last note suggests they may be even turn a profit, and are dropping the price to grow the share but not necessarily losing profits.
Actually, it suggests that cost-reduction efforts have been proceeding well enough to expect them to continue. In other words, the dropping of price below cost is anticipated to be reasonably limited and future improvements will make up the difference. They find the loss in the meantime acceptable. After all, some of that can be offset with less advertising and better inventory control.
Also sounds like product needs to be moved more rapidly off dealers lots to make room for the 2014 models. So, yes, dropping the price (short term) below cost will do that. DBCassidy
what is the ampera all about, is it as good or better than anything we have over here? why don't we import opels?
It's a volt for the European market, sold by Opel not chevrolet. Different aesthetics but basically same car is my understanding. I think it initially had hold mode, the volt didn't until 2013, but now even the volt has hold mode...
The new price of 38,300 euros, or an 8,000 euro reduction, is still a total price of $50,400. Our price cut of $5000 for 2014 made it $35,000 minus the $7500 for $27,500 total price.
Some of it. It could also be that it was priced higher to begin with. There have been plenty of discussions on the price differences between the US and Europe. Our Canadian members have also chimed in wondering why they have to pay more than the US for a car.
taxes make sense in some countries, but therer should be a way to quantify it. shipping would be a part of it i would think.
The initial price of 2012 Ampera last year was 45.000 EUR. That's 58.500 US$. So no wonder Ampera was not selling well over here.
Call me a cynic but this 'discount' just falls in line with many Countries removing their EV incentives. For example, the UK has announced that it's stopping it's £5,000 ($8,000) EV grant. Sounds like GM has been playing tax payers again! http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2411883/5k-electric-car-grants-scrapped-experts-incentive-did-little-help-environment.html
