The situation regarding GM’s decision on whether to keep Opel or not may by up in the air, but the recent sales figures indicate a steady recovery for the German carmaker. It might not be something to write home about, but the company increased sales by 8.2 percent during the first six months of 2011.
At the same time, market share also grew to 6.4 percent from 6.2 percent in the same period of last year. Between January to June 2011 the company sold around 659,000 vehicles across all its markets, about 50,000 more than it did last year in the same six months. As a result, Opel and Vauxhall together managed to increase their market share in 19 of the 27 European countries where they do business.
For the month of June alone, Opel/Vauxhall achieved a European market share of 6.8% (around 125,000 vehicles), its highest monthly share this year. The second quarter marked the third consecutive quarter of market share increases compared with the respective quarters of one year ago.
“Our new models, led by the Meriva and the Astra Sports Tourer, are extremely popular on the market. The updated Corsa and Antara are a resounding success, and Insignia sales still continue to grow in its third year on the market,” said Alain Visser, Vice President Sales, Marketing and Aftersales. “The new Zafira Tourer and the Astra GTC will be launched in fall. And with the Ampera, the first electric vehicle suitable for everyday use, we will establish a completely new segment in Europe. This is an excellent basis for continued growth.”
Due to the high order levels for the Astra and Insignia, Opel has had to increase diesel engine output in Kaiserslautern from 180,000 to 250,000 per year.
At the same time, market share also grew to 6.4 percent from 6.2 percent in the same period of last year. Between January to June 2011 the company sold around 659,000 vehicles across all its markets, about 50,000 more than it did last year in the same six months. As a result, Opel and Vauxhall together managed to increase their market share in 19 of the 27 European countries where they do business.
For the month of June alone, Opel/Vauxhall achieved a European market share of 6.8% (around 125,000 vehicles), its highest monthly share this year. The second quarter marked the third consecutive quarter of market share increases compared with the respective quarters of one year ago.
“Our new models, led by the Meriva and the Astra Sports Tourer, are extremely popular on the market. The updated Corsa and Antara are a resounding success, and Insignia sales still continue to grow in its third year on the market,” said Alain Visser, Vice President Sales, Marketing and Aftersales. “The new Zafira Tourer and the Astra GTC will be launched in fall. And with the Ampera, the first electric vehicle suitable for everyday use, we will establish a completely new segment in Europe. This is an excellent basis for continued growth.”
Due to the high order levels for the Astra and Insignia, Opel has had to increase diesel engine output in Kaiserslautern from 180,000 to 250,000 per year.