Opel takes lead in European passenger car market in RP

The Opel brand takes the lead in the European passenger car market in the Philippines with a 31.5-percent segment share or total sales of 392 units for 1999, up by 26 percent against the same period last year. Opel outsold BMW, Volvo and Audi based on figures recently released by the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers Philippines Inc. (CAMPI).

BMW sold 363 for 1999, followed by Audi with 185, and Volvo with 161 units sold. For 1999, the Opel Vectra sold the largest share of Opel vehicles with 151 units, followed by Opel Astra with 126 units sold, Opel Tigra with 59 units sold and the Opel Omega with 56 units sold.

"We couldn't be more delighted by the overwhelming acceptance of the Opel Astra, Omega, Vectra and Tigra," said Harold Koh, president and general manager, General Motors Automobiles Philippines. "In less than three years, Opel has successfully earned the No. 1 position in the very competitive European class segment of the passenger car market. It is evident that there is an increasing demand by consumers in the Philippines for high premium affordable vehicles with German engineering and design."

Seven months ago, GM Philippines successfully launched the Opel Astra, with notchback and wagon variants. "What has made the Opel Astra a success is its innovative technological features like the fully galvanized body and ECOTEC engine technology. These are just some of the key features consumers today look for when buying a car, "said Harold Koh.

On the commercial vehicle segment, the Chevrolet brand, which was launched in August of 1999, sold a total 116 with Suburban accounting for 105 units. General Motors Automobiles Philippines for 1999 sold a total of 508 units; GM grew by 56 percent against its 1998 actual performance. GM is confident that for year 2000 it will grow its presence in the Philippine Automotive market even further.

The success of the Opel and Chevrolet brand in the Philippines can be attributed to General Motors' full commitment to offer exciting quality products with strong aftersales and parts support facilitated by well-trained technicians and professionals at any given time. "At GM Philippines, our aim is to exceed our customers' expectations by offering superior aftersales programs," said Harold Koh.

GM Philippines was established in the Philippines in 1997, and is one of 13 countries General Motors operates in Asia. Over the past four years, GM has invested over $4 billion in its operations in Asia.