Opel almost doubled its light commercial vehicle share this January, to take a phenomenal 13.8% market share, compared to 6.97% in January 2021, an increase of 99%. Official figures from the Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI) show Opel recorded the highest volume increase in the all-important month of January, with the brand now commanding third place overall on the sales podium, up from 6th place in 2021. The significant Opel increase in 2022 follows the doubling of the brand’s van sales in 2021.
Featuring in the top ten best-sellers podium this January, the Opel Combo and the Opel Vivaro range have seen significant increases of +58.6% and +413.6% respectively. Indeed, the all-electric Vivaro-e, International Van of the Year 2021, was Ireland’s best-selling electric van in January, taking 32.8% of the emerging EV market. The Movano held a steady 1.9% overall market share, as the German brand awaits the new model this spring.
James Brooks, Opel Ireland Managing Director, said: “This is a historic performance for Opel. Our national LCV market share has never been so high. Our rapid growth and strong sales performance this January comes on the back of an increasing appetite in Ireland for Opel light commercial vehicles, from both fleet companies and SMEs alike. We look forward to continued success in 2022, buoyed by the impending arrival of new models.”
He continued: “The new Vivaro-e, Ireland’s best-selling all-electric light commercial vehicle this year, will soon be joined by the new Combo-e and the new Movano-e. Armed with this new, fully electrified range, we are confident we will generate even further interest in the marketplace.”
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. Prices and equipment will be announced closer to launch, this spring.
