Press Release
Executive Statements on new Opel Zafira
Carl-Peter Forster, President, General Motors Europe
"The overwhelming interest in our European 'Million Mile Test Drive' program and increasing numbers of customer orders show that buyers are regaining confidence in the Opel brand. We will further strengthen this confidence with innovative, advanced and high-quality products. The new Zafira features all these characteristics and will continue the success story of its predecessor. Following the outstanding start of the new Astra generation, this is further proof of Opel's creativity as the innovative brand at the heart of GM's European business."
Hans H. Demant, Managing Director, Adam Opel AG and Vice President, Engineering, General Motors Europe
"We have equipped the new Zafira with a unique technology package including innovations such as the adaptive IDSPlus chassis with continuous damping control, and steering-linked AFL bi-xenon headlamps, which are available for the first time in this market segment. The panorama glass roof with integrated storage facilities makes its world premiere in a production vehicle in the new Zafira. A further highlight is the wide range of state-of-the-art gasoline and CDTI diesel engines with power outputs from 100 to 240 hp. No other brand offers such a wide variety in this segment."
Reinald Hoben, Executive Director, Manufacturing, Adam Opel AG and General Motors Europe
"Opel has again reached a level of manufacturing quality in new cars which rivals that of its strongest competitors. The highest standards of quality control were also the priority during the production-start of the new Zafira. We thereby continue to follow the same strategy that has proven so successful for the Vectra and the new Astra generation."
Bryan Nesbitt, Executive Director, Design, General Motors Europe
"The new Zafira looks confident, dynamic and clearly related to the Astra, whose form language has been reinterpreted in compact van format. Designing the front of the car was a real challenge, as we needed to merge our image of a progressive and dynamic design with requirements for increased pedestrian protection. We are very proud of the result. For me, the Zafira is the... 'new face' of compact vans."
Alain Visser, Executive Director, European Marketing, Adam Opel AG
"With 1.4 million units sold, the first Zafira-generation was a true bestseller and confidently led its market segment in several European countries for a number of years. In addition to those of its successful predecessor, the new Zafira features a host of new qualities. The Flex7 seating system, which continues to set standards, has been further refined and the new Zafira offers even more room for passengers and luggage. Spaciousness and ingenious versatility - without having to remove the seats... combined with innovative technology make the new Zafira an ideal car for active people and families."
Jean-Marc Gales, Executive Director, Sales, Marketing and Aftersales, Adam Opel AG
"We are very proud of the fact that we can offer the new Zafira at a lower price than its comparably-equipped predecessor. Customers who order now can also take advantage of the attractively priced "First Edition" introductory offer. Our dealers are highly motivated and, as I found out in many personal conversations with them, are really looking forward to the new Zafira. The fact that we offer a particulate filter as standard with all diesel models makes a long-term contribution to the success of the second generation Zafira."
