Opel Market Success Continues

*First half-year 2011 considerably increased from 2010
*Market share gains in 19 out of 27 markets
*June results mark new high for 2011

Rüsselsheim. Opel considerably increased sales across in the first half of 2011 compared to the same time period last year. In the first six months of this year, vehicle sales grew by more than 50,000 cars, or 8.2 percent. During this time, market share rose to 6.4 percent from 6.2 percent in the same period last year. In total, from January to June 2011 the company sold around 659,000 vehicles across . Opel and its British sister brand Vauxhall were able to increase their market shares in 19 of 27 European markets.

In June, 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.

The Meriva and Astra Sports Tourer are particularly successful, as both are leading their respective segments. Due to high demand, Opel has been running extra shifts for months. Opel has also shortened the summer break in the Rüsselsheim plant, where the Insignia is built. And due to the high order intake for the Astra and Insignia, Opel has increased diesel engine output in Kaiserslautern from 180,000 to 250,000 per year.

“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.”