MELBOURNE back of jumper partner Opel will not be renewing its partnership with the club beyond 2013. 

Opel announced on Friday that it will cease operations and commence winding down its Australian network immediately citing an unsustainable financial model required for its continuation in Australia.

Chief executive Peter Jackson thanked Opel and said it was unfortunate to see the German automobile company move on.

“Opel have been a great partner of our club and we are disappointed to see them go,” he said.

“It does present the club with an opportunity moving forward to partner with another brand and further optimise our commercial partnerships.”