1.9.2004
Opel España to be Re-named to General Motors España

Today, Fritz Henderson announced during a press conference in Madrid that the group's Spanish subsidiary, Opel España de Automóviles S.L., will be re-named to "General Motors España S.L.". This name change will occur during Q4 of this year, once legal procedures have been completed.

This name change forms part of the reorganization of General Motors' European operations to simplify the company's structure, speed decision-making and support functional excellence within GM. The restructured organization will operate more efficiently, enable its brands to expand their market position and become more customer-focused.

The name General Motors España is not new. In July 1979, when the agreement to start operations in Spain was signed between General Motors Corporation and the Spanish Government, the company was formed under the name of General Motors España. In March 1994, the company changed its name to Opel España.

During its 23 years-presence on the Spanish market, Opel has sold more than two and a half million cars in Spain. The Figueruelas Plant in Zaragoza, with 8,600 employees, currently produces 2,000 units daily. The plant produces the Opel Corsa for export to more than 70 countries worldwide, and it is the only European plant producing the Opel Meriva compact minivan for European as well as for export markets. In addition the plant supplies components for the production of the Corsa, Combo and the new Tigra. More than eight million cars in total have left the Figueruelas production lines.