12.9. 2002
Opel accelerates Vectra production

The production of the Opel Vectra is running in high gear at the new Rüsselsheim plant. After a careful ramping up of production to assure the highest quality standards, output of the mid-size sedan is now running at 700 units a day.

There are already 70,000 orders to fill from all over Europe, which means extra shifts are being negotiated. Due to the increased demand and accelerating production pace, Adam Opel AG forecasts this year for an annual output of 165,000 units, 10% over the original target of 150,000 units.

"Production output was increased step by step to assure maintenance of our high quality standards," explains Ditmar Porth, Member of the Adam Opel AG Management Board in charge of production. Porth is pleased with progress in the Vectra production plan at the world's most modern auto plant. "High tech is an important parameter, but fundamental for success is a motivated team."

After the inevitable dip in sales during the model change, the Vectra's chase to win back market share has begun. The mid-year results in Germany are encouraging – the new Vectra is already outselling two leaders in the hatchback segment: the VW Passat and Ford Mondeo.

"We're encouraged with the results," says Dr. Uhland Burkart, head of distribution and service at Opel. "Especially since we have only introduced the first model in the Vectra family!"

The GTS, with a 3.2-liter V6 engine that pushes the sports model of the Vectra line to almost 250 km/hour, will hit the German markets at the end of September.

England is the first European market where both Vectra models are already in the showroom – and getting rave reviews from enthusiastic customers. . After a comprehensive road test of mid-size automobiles, "What Car" car magazine celebrated the results with a clear headline: "Vectra on Top of the World".