One millionth Opel Meriva rolls off the line

 One millionth Opel Meriva rolls off the line
One millionth Opel Meriva rolls off the line

Was a 1.3-liter CDTI Meriva ecoFlex

Opel has announced Meriva production has hit the one million unit mark.

The milestone occurred yesterday, as a rather ordinary 1.3-liter CDTI Meriva ecoFlex rolled off the production line in Zaragoza, Spain. Having been in production since 2003, Opel credits the Meriva's success to the innovative FlexSpace system which allows for easy reconfiguration of the interior for maximum cargo capacity.

According to Opel's Vice President, Alain Visser, "(The) Meriva has been beloved by customers - from singles to families to seniors - not only for its practicality, versatility and great looks, but also its reliability. German independent consultants TÜV recognized the Meriva with a "Best Quality."

As we have previously reported, Opel is preparing to launch a redesigned Meriva next year. While details are still limited, the 2010 Meriva will feature a unique rear-hinged FlexDoor system which will allow for improved access to the cabin.

 

Source: Opel

Who is a millionaire? Opel Meriva!

* One millionth Meriva rolls off assembly line
* Europe's best-selling small monocab since 2003
* Innovative FlexSpace seating system offers versatility

A 1.3 liter CDTI Meriva ecoFlex is the one millionth small monocab to roll off the production line in Zaragoza today, highlighting the importance of Meriva to Opel in Europe.

Meriva is sold in more than 25 countries in Europe with Germany, UK, Italy and Spain as its main markets. In addition, the innovative van is offered around the world in places like Hong Kong, South Africa and Singapore.

Opel created a new segment when it launched the Meriva - the world's first small monocab - in 2003. Since then, the Opel Meriva has become a best-seller in western and central Europe alike. Customers praise its technology that offers flexibility and versatility. The FlexSpace system allows optimum freedom for reconfiguring the interior easily and quickly without requiring removal of the seats. With this concept, the five-seat Meriva can be quickly and effortlessly transformed into a spacious four, three, two or one-seater with generous luggage compartment volume.

Opel will expand Meriva's innovative and versatile technology appeal when the next generation debuts next year. The future Meriva will feature the FlexDoors system, which consists of rear-hinged rear door that open independently from the front doors. This innovation makes access to the car interior much easier and also offers a range of safety benefits over conventional car doors.

"Meriva has been beloved by customers - from singles to families to seniors - not only for its practicality, versatility and great looks, but also its reliability. German independent consultants TÜV recognized the Meriva with a "Best Quality" rating, says Alain Visser, Vice President Opel.

The assembly line workers in Zaragoza, Spain cheered when the final touches of this one millionth Meriva, which emits only 134 grams of CO2, rolled off the production line.

The Meriva is exclusively manufactured in Opel's Zaragoza plant, which also builds Corsa and Combo models, making Opel a major contributor to the economy in the Spanish region of Aragón.

 

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 N20_Purge N20_Purge
Cool. 1,000,000 Meriva's have been built. Just one question, are they actually being sold at all?
July 16, 2009 2:24 pm
 astonmartindbrs09 astonmartindbrs09
True. it is a good car but there is better out their. there is nothing really to celebrate.
July 16, 2009 2:26 pm
 astonmartindbrs09 astonmartindbrs09
ooooooooooooo, lets celabrate.
July 16, 2009 2:31 pm
 fatter1 fatter1
Erm...I can't believe this day has finally come?
July 16, 2009 2:31 pm
 MTC MTC
I never seen one on the road
July 16, 2009 2:41 pm
 SkadV8 SkadV8
Where do you live?In Zimbabwe, or on a top of a mudy hill with no electricity
September 15, 2009 6:53 pm
 BabyMilo BabyMilo
Well done Opel, this is a great car for old people. My grandparents are on their 3rd and love it.
July 16, 2009 8:14 pm
 politz politz
In a recent interview, the head of General Motors for Latin America revealed an interesting fact: the Meriva is not actually an Opel. It was developed and designed in Brazil, by brazilian engineers and designers, for Chevrolet Latin America. Yes, Chevrolet. It was sent as a production ready model to Europe, where it was only tuned for continental tastes and received the lightning logo. The Chevrolet Meriva was actually released in Brazil seven months before its european debut. But, according to GM, it had to be marketed as a german-engineered product in Europe, so that the traditional minivan buyer wouldn't be concerned over reliability issues.
July 17, 2009 2:27 am
 politz politz
So... well done, Chevrolet =]
July 17, 2009 2:27 am
 politz politz
By the way, that interview was trying to prove the point that Chevrolet Latin America would not suffer after the whole Chapter 11 thing, since it has been developing its own cars with its own funds for the entire last decade. Now that it has become practically a stand alone company apart from Chevrolet US, we do hope it keeps developing some good, interesting cars like the Meriva to keep them from losing even more market share - not too long ago, Chevrolet had almost a third of the brazilian auto market for itself; now it accounts for 'only' 18% of a huge market, but behind current 2nd place VW and FAR behind the number one auto company in Brazil, Fiat, responsible for over 25% of the cars sold in here. Yeah, this is one crazy market, you know.
July 17, 2009 2:52 am
 Sedaer Sedaer
"Great looks" is how they describe it, "Crap looks" is how I describe it.
July 19, 2009 12:42 pm
 Sacto8780 Sacto8780
I have heard that the second-generation Meriva will be unveiled at the Frankfurt Auto Show in September 2009. This model may be of interest to the USA, because GM's Chevrolet division in the USA desperately needs a vehicle to compete against Ford's new small car offerings. The new Mervia--which will be built on the same all-new platform that will also spawn the next-generation Chevrolet Aveo and Opel Corsa--will fill this need very easily.
July 19, 2009 11:39 pm
 Sedaer Sedaer
But GM are going down the metaphorical toilet. Not my fault.
August 1, 2009 8:21 am