GM’s Opel Sales Up 10.4 Percent To 80,000 Units Across Europe In January 2016

General Motors’ subsidiary, Opel, recorded 80,000 new vehicle registrations across the European market in January 2016. The results represent a 10.4 percent (or 7,500-unit) increase in sales compared to January 2015 to make the highest January sales figures and market share since 2011.

That growth rate outpaces the 2.6 percent growth experienced by the overall industry in the European market, enabling Opel to grow its market share by 0.4 percentage points to 5.75 percent.

“Our excellent start to the year once again shows that our product offensive is appealing to the taste of our customers,” said Peter Christian Küspert, Vice President Sales & Aftersales Opel Group. “The new Astra is a resounding success with an increase of over 43 percent in January. The new Astra Sports Tourer and the new Mokka X will continue to drive sales during the course of the year.”

The strong start to the year is explained by high demand for the new Astra. The all-new vehicle is available at dealerships in most European countries during the course of November. It sold more than 17,500 units during the month. Based on GM’s new global D2XX platform, the vehicle is the recipient of six national Golden Steering Wheel and nine Car of the Year awards. It has already been ordered more than 100,000 times across Europe.

Also contributing to the strong January sales performance is the Opel Mokka, which registered an increase of 5.4 percent in January for a total sales tally of around 12,500 units.

On a market basis, Opel registered sales growth in 14 European markets in January, including the three large western European markets:

• Germany (+20.5%)
• France (+16.6%)
• Spain (68.8%)

In Germany, Opel posted its highest January sales and market share since 2008. In Spain, the increase saw the company record its highest sales since 2008 as well as its highest market share since 2001.

Opel’s sister brand, Vauxhall, which is sold exclusively in the United Kingdom, has yet to report is sales for the month. When it does, we will cover it here.