The GM Chairman and CEO, Dan Akerson, attended an all-employee meeting of the Adam Opel AG at its headquarters in Ruesselsheim (Germany). Several thousand members of staff gathered in the K48 hall to receive first-hand information. In addition, Akerson addressed their questions about the situation of the company and the forward-looking plan “Drive Opel 2022”.
Akerson referred to the continuing and difficult economic climate in Europe. However, at the same time he underscored the need and determination to return Opel to growth as a significant part of GM’s global success. “A company like GM needs a strong presence in Europe, powerful design and product development as well as a strong network of dealerships. Opel fulfills this role.” According to Akerson Opel will again sell more than a million vehicles this year and will continue to play a leading role in GM’s global product development.
“There are several positive signs that demonstrate that our corporate plan is starting to work,” Akerson added. He referred to the reduction of overheads by 300 million dollars in the year to date. “We are relying on our own hard work and are not counting on a tailwind from the markets,” Akerson said. The comprehensive product offensive including appealing, new vehicles like the compact Mokka SUV and the chic, urban ADAM will, according to Akerson, continue to be a key element.
