German Opel Sales Up 31 Percent in 2009

Despite the huge problems it encountered in 2009, Opel's new registrations grew 31 percent in Germany during the current year, which means that GM's unit reached the highest level in four years. Basically, it all happened thanks to government incentives, Reuters wrote, which encouraged buyers to migrate towards fuel efficient and smaller cars.

In Germany, Opel's sales were up 31 percent to 339,000 units in 2009, a market share increase to 8.9 percent.

Meanwhile, Opel is still waiting for the new survival plan that is going to be released in mid-January. Nick Reilly, currently serving as Opel and Vauxhall CEO, said in a statement that 2010 is going to be a difficult year as well but the company plans to rely on several new model launches, including electric and fuel-efficient vehicles.

"In particular, Opel and Vauxhall will be very strong contenders in advanced technologies for the 21st century. In addition to the upcoming Opel Ampera, we intend to launch other electric vehicles with range extenders. And, we’ll add pure battery-electric vehicles as well as hybrids to our portfolio," Reilly said in a statement rolled out earlier this month after several rounds of talks with Opel officials.

"No crystal-ball is necessary to tell you how excited we are to launch the new generation Meriva early 2010. Look, too, for other exciting environmentally friendly launches – like the new Astra ecoFLEX, emitting only 109 g CO2 or the Corsa ecoFLEX with Start/Stop. If you happen to be in Geneva in March, I look forward to seeing you at the motor show."