In Europe, the fast-growing mini car genre will soon have a new entry from Opel / Vauxhall, potentially with an electric counterpart. The development of the new model is, according to Nick Reilly, CEO of the company, a "top priority."

Pointing to a changes in consumer buying trends toward downsizing and super fuel efficiency, Reilly said, "In my view Opel needs a mini in today's market, that will be our top priority." The planned vehicle will compete directly with models like the Ford Ka and the soon-to-be released Volkswagen Up.

In addition to the Opel Ampera plug-in hybrid, the company will also be looking at building other battery-powered electrics. The Ampera, a companion model to the Chevrolet Volt, will be imported to Europe from the United States and will go on sale in 2011. It uses a high-efficiency combustion engine to extend its operating range.

Future plans call for the Ampera to be built in Europe, potentially at the Vauxhall plant in Ellesmere Port, England, which currently assembles the Astra.

Opel showed a concept for a mini car in 2004 at the Geneva auto show. That car, however, never went into production. Currently the smallest car Opel makes is the Agila minivan built in Hungary by Suzuki on the same platform as the Suzuki Splash.