6.2..2002
Opel Vivaro Voted "Van of the Year 2002"

The new Opel Vivaro was named "International Van of the Year 2002" at RAI, the commercial vehicle show in Amsterdam. Its modern design, practical functionality and high economy, its service-friendly construction, and passenger-car handling, comfort and safety standards were decisive factors for the Opel Vivaro's victory.

The new Opel Vivaro and its sister-model the Renault Trafic were named "International Van of the Year 2002" at RAI, the commercial vehicle show in Amsterdam. Michael J. Burns, President of General Motors Europe, and Bruno Morange, Senior Vice President Renault Commercial Vehicles, accepted the award together.

This new generation of vans, developed jointly by the two companies, scored a runaway victory with 115 of a total 232 points. A jury of expert journalists from 20 European countries rated ten light commercial vehicle models with a gross weight of up to 3.5 metric tons. Equally gratifying for Opel was the second place for the new compact Combo delivery van.

By winning this competition, the new Opel Vivaro van has added another trophy to its collection. The Vivaro has already been declared "Van of the Year 2002" in Denmark and Ireland. In England it came away with the title "Best New Van" in the "Fleet World Honors 2001" and with the Gold Award as "Best Small Panel Van". Michael J. Burns: "We are very proud of our awards. They give testimony to the competence and good cooperation of both partners and thus to a true European success story. At the same time, the second place for the Combo attests to Opel´s successful return to the market in the 3.5 metric ton light commercial vehicle sector. Here, together with the Vivaro and Movano, we have one of the most modern, functional and economical fleets."

Along with its modern design, practical functionality and high economy, its service-friendly construction, and passenger-car handling, comfort and safety standards were decisive factors for the Opel Vivaro's (trailer load up to 1.2 metric tons) victory.