2009 Opel Insignia Kills Competition, Creates New Jobs

Although the company is experiencing extremely difficult times across every European market, Opel says Insignia is incredibly appealing for mid-size segment buyers and, as a result, it managed to surpass every single competitor on the Old Continent. Furthermore, the company has already received more than 100,000 orders for the European Car of the Year 2009, which does nothing more than to emphasize the success this particular model is getting in Europe.

But a more interesting fact is actually Opel's decision to add three extra shifts at the Rüsselsheim plant in May in order to cope with the continuously increasing demand for Insignia.

“The Insignia is showing very good conquest potential, all the way to customers of classic premium brands,” says Alain Visser, Vice President Opel at General Motors Europe. “It is a symbol of our performance and ability – it shows what Opel can do.”

Wondering what's so attractive at the Insignia? Opel says that around 56 percent of the buyers opted for the new-generation Adaptive Forward Lighting (AFL+) with nine functions, while around 80 percent of consumers requested the the DVD navigation system with color display. The most popular engine configuration is the 2.0-liter CDTI unit that develops 160 horsepower, with half of the buyers choosing diesel powerplants.

“In this way, car for car, Opel can achieive higher margins with the Insignia than with its predecessor model. That’s very important for Opel’s future,” Visser adds.

In addition to all these good figures, Opel expects even better sales, with the new Insignia Sports Tourer - also known as the station wagon flavor of the Insignia - currently arriving at dealerships across the continent. Sales are expected to begin this summer.