High global demand for small SUV creates additional capacity opportunities
Good Decision: Opel CEO Dr Karl-Thomas Neumann announces that the Mokka production is coming to Europe |
Production of the Opel/Vauxhall Mokka is coming to Europe. GM’s plant
in Zaragoza (Spain) will start producing the successful small SUV in
the second half of 2014. GM and Opel/Vauxhall leadership made this joint
decision because of the high demand for the vehicle in Europe. At the
same time, additional capacity for small SUV’s will be created at the
plant in Bupyeong (Korea) that has been the unique source of production
so far.
Meeting in Zaragoza: Opel CEO Dr Karl-Thomas Neumann shaking hands with Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy |
Opel CEO Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann said: “The decision for Zaragoza
follows our company's strategy of building vehicles where we sell them.
The enormous demand for the Mokka underlines the attractiveness of our
vehicles, adds momentum to our product offensive and secures jobs in
Europe. The decision will help address the underutilization of available
production capacity in Europe and therefore is good news for the entire
organization.”
Chairman of the European Employee Forum (EEF) Dr. Wolfgang
Schäfer-Klug stated: “It is not only great news for Zaragoza but for all
plants in view of the improved overall capacity utilization.
Opel/Vauxhall management has now fulfilled a long-standing request from
the EEF to produce our small SUV in Europe. This is really a win-win
situation for everybody in Opel/Vauxhall.”
In the initial phase, US$ 80 million will be invested in Zaragoza for
production. The decision to produce the Mokka in Europe is helping to
safeguard 5,800 jobs in Opel’s Spanish plant, which is currently
producing the Corsa and Meriva.
Since the launch of the Opel/Vauxhall Mokka in the summer of 2012,
the vehicle has been a success. Not only is the stylish SUV popular with
experts, but customers as well. The Mokka is among the three
best-selling SUVs in several European markets.
While the initial European production will be based on CKD-kits (CKD =
Completely Knocked Down), with parts coming from Korea, localization
will gradually increase.
“This is another great day for Opel/Vauxhall,” continued Neumann.
“After the recent decision of GM to invest 4 billion Euros in its
European operations and an additional commitment to invest 230 million
Euros in the Development Center in Ruesselsheim, Germany, this is
further proof that we are on the right path.”
The biggest winners are Opel/Vauxhall customers and employees in
Europe, added Neumann: “With this investment, we will be able to produce
more Mokkas and to more quickly serve our customers.”
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