5.11.2002
20 Years of Production at Opel España's Plant in Zaragoza

Today, Opel España looks back at two decades of successful production at its plant in Zaragoza, Spain. Exactly twenty years ago, the King of Spain, Juan Carlos I, inaugurated the new plant, which was a milestone in Opel's expansion in Europe.

Construction of the plant began in 1980, and less than two years later, production of the Opel/Vauxhall Corsa A began. By January 1982, a second shift was introduced, and the high demand for the Corsa led to a third shift in 1988, making the Opel España plant the first production facility in the world to introduce a third shift. As a result of high standards of quality and productivity, Opel España became one of the principal exporters in the Spanish market, with a peak production of approximately 450,000 cars annually. Opel España is now one of the major employers in the region of Aragón, and has played an important role in the growth of the Spanish automotive industry, which has become the third largest in Europe and the sixth largest in the world.

In its twenty years of existence, the plant has produced over 7,300,000 vehicles, with exports to more than 70 countries worldwide. High demand for the popular Corsa and its derivatives has made it General Motors' most global car family – it is assembled in over 10 plants on five continents, and worldwide production of the car has reached over 11 million units.

Opel España today assembles the third-generation Corsa, and as of the beginning of next year, will start the production of the new Opel/Vauxhall Meriva. The five-seat minivan sets new standards of versatility in the compact class with its innovative "FlexSpace" concept, and defines a whole new market segment, building on the success of its big brother, the Opel/Vauxhall Zafira. The Meriva will be launched in Spring 2003.