Opel Adam sales 'exceeded expectations' in 2013, helped Opel nudge market share

Thu, 09 Jan 2014

Sales funk? What sales funk? When we last touched on the Opel Adam, we noted that after strong early demand, sales were reportedly less than had been hoped for. However, Opel has stepped forward to counter that thought, noting that sales of the stylishly customizable minicar have reportedly exceeded parent General Motors' original projections, with around 21,000 sold in Germany last year alone.

According to Automotive News, along with the Adam, the Opel Mokka subcompact CUV (better known in North America as the Buick Encore) has also performed well, with both models helping Opel improve its market share ever so slightly in Germany and Europe as a whole. Opel's piece of the German pie increased 0.1 percent to an even 7 percent, while the brand's share of European sales grew from 5.59 percent up to 5.61 percent. While gains on both fronts are small, they're steps in the right direction, particularly given Europe's difficult auto market. Scroll down for Opel's brief press release.

Opel is on the up: Market segment in 2013 expands by seven percent

Rüsselsheim. Opel looks back at a successful year 2013. The heritage-based company has not only stabilized its market share in the whole of Europe and in its home market Germany, but it has also slightly increased its market share. In Europe, Opel joined with its sister brand Vauxhall and according to preliminary figures reached a percentage share of some 5.61 percent compared to 5.59 percent the year before. In Germany, Opel increased its market share according to the Kraftfahrtbundesamt (Federal Office for Motor Vehicles) by some 6.9 to some 7.0 percent. "Our model offensive is now beginning to bear fruit. At Opel, the course is set for further growth", said Opel Board director for Sales Peter Christian Küspert.

Momentum was brought into the model portfolio by some new additions. "The ADAM –exceeded our expectations with some 21,000 sales" explained Küspert. Additionally, the Opel Mokka, the only SUV of a German brand in its segment, had some 20,000 buyers in Germany alone in its first year of sales.

The classic cars in the portfolio have also contributed to this success. The Opel Meriva occupies the first place in the segment. The Opel Corsa, Astra and Insignia are in their respective segments each in second place, not including premium competitors.

By Jeffrey N. Ross