Opel doubles Irish sales volume in 2021

Opel says it has “significantly” increased sales of its light commercial vehicles in Ireland and across Europe in the first 11 months of 2021.

Here in Ireland, Opel has increased its light commercial vehicle market share to 7.4 per cent (+101%), November year to date, taking 6th place overall on the sales podium.

Compared to the same period last year, sales grew by 12.1 per cent to around 100,000 units. The results in important markets such as Germany (+12.9%), UK (+8.1%), France (+25.2%) and Spain (+6.0%) contributed significantly to this development, the automaker says.

Opel notes the positive growth of the battery-electric Vivaro-e from it and British sister brand Vauxhall between January and October 2021.

In Europe, the Vivaro-e leads the D segment with a share of 21 per cent. In the overall ranking of all electrified commercial vehicles, the midsize van is in a convincing third place.

James Brooks, Opel Ireland managing director, said: “Our strong growth and sales performance in 2021 demonstrate an increasing appetite in Ireland for Opel light commercial vehicles, from both fleet companies and smaller SMEs alike.

“We look forward to 2022, with renewed confidence as we embrace the electrification of the entire range.”

Increased interest from fleet customers in the zero emissions Vivaro-e is notable, according to the brand. Vauxhall has already signed contracts for 3,000 battery-electric Vivaro-e vehicles with British Gas and for a further 655 vehicles for the service company Mitie.

In addition to the Vivaro midsize van, in Ireland, Opel will also offer the compact Combo and Movano large van with battery-electric powertrains in early 2022.

As with the Opel Vivaro-e electrified commercial vehicle, the Combo-e and Movano-e will deliver full functionality and unrestricted load volume, compared to conventional variants.