Opel has significantly increased sales of its light commercial vehicles across Europe in the first 11 months of 2021.
Compared to the same period last year, sales grew by 12.1 percent to around 100,000 units. The results in important markets such as Germany (+12.9 percent ), United Kingdom (+8.1 percent ), France (+25.2 percent ) and Spain (+6.0 percent ) contributed significantly to this development.
In Ireland, Opel has increased its light commercial vehicle market share to 7.4 percent (+101 percent ), November year to date, taking sixth place overall on the sales podium.
Opel's light commercial vehicles are highly regarded by customers and the media. The Opel Combo (2019 ) and the Opel Vivaro-e (2021 ) were named Van of the Year by an international jury of experts.
The growth of the battery-electric Vivaro-e from Opel and its British sister brand Vauxhall between January and October is particularly pleasing.
In Europe, the Vivaro-e leads the D segment with a share of 21 percent. In the overall ranking of all electrified commercial vehicles, the midsize van is in a convincing third place.
"Our light commercial vehicles are holding their own very successfully in the market and have by no means exhausted their full potential.
"Now that all our LCVs - the Opel Combo-e, Vivaro-e and Movano-e - are available for battery-electric, zero-emissions transportation, we will generate further impetus," Opel CEO Uwe Hochgeschurtz, said.
"Our strong growth and sales performance in 2021 demonstrate an increasing appetite in Ireland for Opel light commercial vehicles, from both fleet companies and smaller SMEs alike. We look forward to 2022, with renewed confidence as we embrace the electrification of the entire range.
"Increased interest from Fleet customers in the zero emissions Vivaro-e is notable. Indeed, Opel's sister brand Vauxhall has already signed contracts for 3,000 battery-electric Vivaro-e vehicles with British Gas and for a further 655 vehicles for the service company Mitie.
In addition to the Vivaro midsize van, in Ireland, Opel will also offer the compact Combo and Movano large van with battery-electric powertrains in early 2022.
"As with the Opel Vivaro-e electrified commercial vehicle, the Combo-e and Movano-e will deliver full functionality and unrestricted load volume, compared to conventional variants," James Brooks, Opel Ireland Managing Director, stated.
