Successful Start of Sales for New Opel / Vauxhall Astra

Press Release

30,000 orders three weeks before market launch

Opel / Vauxhall has already received 30,000 firm orders for the new Astra across Europe. The new compact model's official market launch will start on March 19/20 in Germany and Austria, with other countries following in a staggered approach. The Astra will be available in a total of 27 countries in Western and Central Europe. Opel plans to sell between 450,000 and 500,000 Astras in the first full year when all body-style variants are available. The five-door version will be followed by a wagon this fall, a sporty three-door version in early 2005 and a convertible later that year. Adam Opel AG Chairman and Managing Director Carl-Peter Forster said: "We are extremely confident that the new Astra will be a great success. We set very high market expectations for this car, but the order intake to date exceeds even our most optimistic scenario, and this even though the vehicle is not yet in showrooms and we do not accept orders in all countries yet. We're also very pleased with the positive reception the vehicle has received from industry observers across Europe." In the new Astra, Opel combined expressive design, high-tech solutions typically used in higher vehicle segments, and attractive, affordable prices. A total of 5 petrol and 3 diesel engines as well as numerous options give customers a wide range from which to choose.