Nick Reilly, Opel CEO, said at the Detroit Auto Show: 'This launch is an important part of our international expansion strategy. With its growing demand for German design and technology, the Australian car market is an excellent opportunity for Opel. Australian drivers have a strong affinity with Opel vehicles.'

Holden chairman and managing director Mike Devereux said: 'Opel will be sold as a stand-alone brand in Australia for the first time in 2012, but Australian drivers have a strong affinity with Opel vehicles like Astra which were previously sold under the Holden brand.

'Opel presents a new opportunity for GM in Australia with a growing demand for German design and technology at affordable prices.'

Australia is the third export market announced by Opel within recent weeks. Opel previously communicated the launch of the brand in Chile and Israel. Other markets that are under consideration include Argentina, the Middle East and an expansion in South-Africa and China.