- Opel/Vauxhall growing much stronger than the overall market
- Biggest growth amongst the top five passenger car brands
Opel/Vauxhall has started 2015 with a considerable increase in sales. The Rüsselsheim-based carmaker posted figures of 72,200 cars sold throughout Europe in January – an increase of 7.4 percent – making Opel the fastest growing brand amongst the top five car brands in Europe. Opel outperformed the overall market that only grew by one percent. Opel’s share on the European vehicle market grew by more than 0.3 percent points to around 5.4 percent in January.
The company delivered notably improved figures in western European markets such as France (increase of around 34 percent), Italy (increase of around 29 percent), Spain (increase of around 23 percent), the UK (increase of around 13 percent) and Germany (increase of around 9 percent). Opel’s biggest growth came in Portugal where sales were up by almost two thirds. In total Opel increased its sales in 15 markets and the market share was up in 13 markets.
Opel’s successful new models helped to fuel the brand growth in Europe. The Corsa achieved sales of almost 22,000 units – an increase of about 45 percent – and the ADAM around 4,500 units – an increase of around one third compared to last year. Elsewhere, sales of the Mokka were up 17 percent and of the Meriva, by almost a quarter.
“The good start to the year despite some difficult circumstances is proof that our product offensive is working,” said Peter Christian Küspert, Vice President Sales & Aftersales Opel Group. “The new Corsa, KARL and the new Astra coming later this year will all help increase sales.”
