Is it just me, or does the upcoming word out of the Frankfurt Auto Show look like a bad soap opera?  Seriously–this is nuts.  One of the biggest such tidbits is how Opel is revamping the Astra line to pit it against Volkswagen.

No, seriously–considering that Opel is in the tank anyway because of its GM connections, and the further fact that it’s surviving on a massive loan from the German government, it’s probably not a good idea for it to go after the iconic German automobile that is Volkswagen.

It’s especially worse given the rest of the hurdles that Opel will be operating under.  They can only sell their cars in certain countries, their connection to GM is hampering their local operations, there’s that whole “surviving on a giant loan” thing, the boost from the European version of cash for clunkers is SHOT…frankly, this is just bad for Opel all the way around.

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Okay, we’re all looking for some really big news to bust out of the Frankfurt Auto Show, so let’s sail right into the news we’re expecting to hear:

Mercedes-Benz plans to show a hydrogen-powered fuel cell version of the B-class.  It’s the first such production car to offer this, and the first two hundred will be available for purchase in early 2010.

Toyota is presenting an electric plug-in version of the Prius, as we’ve already mentioned here.

Honda, Nissan, and Mitsubishi are all out of the show, citing cost containment measures.

General Motors / Opel  is showing the new Astra compact..

Renault, a name you don’t hear often, will be showing the Megane and some new electric concept vehicles.

And of course, there’s lots more news afoot, but from the sounds of things, the 2009 Frankfurt Auto Show is going to be a doozy of a show, with plenty to see and do and talk about.

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