NEW market segments and niche models will account for up to 60% of Vauxhall and Opel models in future, as GM confirmed its major product development programme.

This will see Vauxhall/Opel launch a new car every six months over the next five years amid moves that will fundamentally alter its model mix. Carl-Peter Forster, chairman and managing director of Opel, said 80% of the manufacturer's current sales were traditional types of car such as lower or upper-medium models. However, in future such 'traditional' cars will account for only 40% of the firm's sales, with new segment busters taking 40% of sales, and niche cars a further 20%.

Likewise, the new Concept M mini-MPV (pictured) seems certain to go into production. The car sits between Corsa and Zafira in size. In concept mode it featured a 150bhp, 1.6-litre turbocharged engine powered by compressed natural gas, linked to the manufacturer's Easytronic automated manual transmission.

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