5.1.2004
For 35th consecutive year Opel voted best loved car in the Netherlands

Opel Netherlands, once again, ended the year in the number 1 position in the local car market for the 35th consecutive year. Never before has a carmaker topped the sales statistics in a non-domestic market for so long. With 55,698 registered cars, Opel Netherlands achieved a market share of 11.4 % in 2003.

In addition to the above, Opel Netherlands has now, for the very first time, reached the very highest rung of the sales ladder for the market as a whole, including commercial vehicles. In 2003, 63,993 cars and commercial vehicles were sold, bringing Opel Netherlands's total market share to 11%.

In 2003, the local car market fell by a 5% in comparison with 2002. However, despite considerable competition, Opel Netherlands was able to take its place at the very top by year's end. The year 2003 will be remembered as an extremely good one for Opel Netherlands, particularly given its success in achieving the number 1 position in the car market as a whole.

Heading the car news
The new Meriva, the Signum and the Vectra Station Wagon marked the year 2003. The Meriva made its presence firmly felt by securing a strong place for itself among the top 10 models sold and by its nomination for the Car of the Year award. The Signum emerged as a distinctive motorcar for the business market, and is in increasing demand. The Vectra Station Wagon is expected to score very well indeed in the business segment in particular.

Growth in commercial vehicle sales
In terms of commercial vehicles, the biggest product news of 2003 was the introduction of the new Movano. This has been completely updated and is now available in a range of new diesel engines and body variations. Besides this, the Vivaro was also proclaimed Van of the Year 2004, with the Combo emerging as the best in its class in the same awards.

A total of 8,295 commercial vehicles were sold in 2003. After doubling its market share in 2002 in comparison with 2001, Opel Netherlands's market share increased again to 9.1%, in 2003.