J.D. Power Award: Top Scores for Opel Flagship Insignia

• Customer satisfaction: Opel Insignia leads in J.D. Power Award
• Additional prize: Opel Insignia Grand Sport is “Auto Test Winner 2019”

Opel Insignia is the winner in the midsize segment of this year’s J.D. Power Vehicle Dependability Study. J.D. Power surveys customers’ satisfaction with their cars every year. Market research firm asks the owners about the quality and durability of their one to three-year-old cars.

Opel Insignia Grand Sport

In addition to customers, Opel flagship is also highly rated by experts. German specialist magazine, Auto Test named the Insignia Grand Sport as “Auto Test Winner 2019” with the best price-performance ratio in its market segment. Opel Insignia Grand Sport already won last year in the same category. Excellent result was completed by the Opel Insignia Sports Tourer, which took a strong second position in its class.

Opel Insignia Sports Tourer

At the joint prize giving in Frankfurt/Germany, Opel’s Director Quality, Arnold Paluch received the trophies for the winning car. “Auto Test Winners” are announced together with the results of the J.D. Power customer satisfaction study since 2008.

“Quality and durability are the key criteria of our cars”, said Arnold Paluch. “We set high standards here and we are pleased that this is recognised by the customers. We also make innovative technology accessible to a wide range of buyers. We are pleased to see how Opel Insignia Grand Sport won the price-performance award in the hard-fought midsize category.”

This year’s J.D. Power survey is based on 12,854 answers received online between November 2018 and January 2019. Questions in the survey are about quality/durability, appeal and running costs. All the ratings result in a ranking which is won by the brand or model with the lowest amount of errors.

!NEW! Top in Customer Satisfaction: Opel ADAM Takes First in J.D. Power

• J.D. Power report: Strong results for Opel ADAM, Mokka and Insignia
• Auto Test Winners 2016: Opel Insignia first in class

Opel ADAM

In the biggest automobile customer satisfaction survey in Germany – the annual J.D. Power Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) – Opel ADAM small car received the highest rating.

Opel Insignia claimed a strong fourth place in the midsize class and the Opel Mokka took the bronze medal in the highly competitive compact SUV class. The J.D. Power survey assesses 24 car manufacturers and 68 car models.

“Our customers and the quality of our vehicles are our highest priority”, said Jürgen Keller, Opel’s Executive Director Sales, Marketing & Aftersales in Germany. “The excellent performance in this year’s J.D. Power Report not only fills us with pride, it also motivates us to aim for better and better results with each new model.”

Opel ADAM takes first in J.D. Power: Jürgen Keller, Opel’s Executive Director Sales, Marketing & Aftersales in German (right), gets the award from Axel Sprenger, Head of European Operations at J.D. Power.

This year 15,453 people were interviewed online about their car by J.D. Power. In order to take part, customers must have been driving the vehicle for at least two years. The survey asks questions about quality/durability, appearance and running costs. The assessments result in a ranking in which the brand or model with the lowest number of errors emerges as the winner.

Second Prize-Giving of the Evening: The Auto-Test Winners 2016

Auto Test Winners 2016: Opel Insignia first in class. Jürgen Keller, Opel’s Executive Director Sales, Marketing & Aftersales in Germany (right), takes the award from Michael Iggena, Editor-in-Chief Auto Test.

During the J.D. Power prize-giving, Auto-Test – Europe’s biggest car-buyer’s guide – held the Auto-Test Winners 2016 awards ceremony. Opel Insignia 1.6 CDTI as the value-for-money winner took first prize in the category for midsize cars (NEDC combined fuel consumption 4.1-3.8 liters per 100 km/109-99 g/km CO2). The Auto-Test Winners and the results of the J.D. Power survey have been announced together since 2008.

!NEW! Buick Sets Third Consecutive Global Sales Record

Momentum continues in advance of new product infusion

Buick will set a global sales record for the third consecutive year in 2015.

In mid-December, annual sales surpassed last year’s record 1,170,115 vehicles driven by record sales in China and record crossover deliveries in the United States. Yearend sales for Buick are expected to surpass 1.2 million vehicles.

“Buick’s momentum is undeniable as new customers worldwide discover Buick’s lineup of beautiful, approachable premium vehicles,” said Duncan Aldred, vice president of Global Buick.

“We think 2016 will be another watershed year for the brand with the global launch of the new 2017 LaCrosse, the North American launch of the Envision, the U.S. launch of the Cascada, and the Chinese launch of a new Verano hatchback. Our products and our customer service have never been better.”

In China, Buick sales have surpassed 100,000 units for two consecutive months and annual sales are expected to reach 1 million units for the first time.  The all-new Excelle GT launched this year is the country’s bestselling model.

The popularity of crossovers has significantly contributed to brand growth in all markets. In the U.S., Encore small crossover sales have grown for 23 consecutive months and are on track to become the best sales in eight years for a single Buick model. Combined with China, Encore sales will top 140,000 vehicles globally.

Crossover sales industrywide have increased 3 percentage points in the U.S. this year, accounting for 40 percent of all new vehicles sold. At Buick, Encore and Enclave crossover sales account for 60 percent of U.S. Buick sales so far this year.

The GL8 and all-new Envision compact crossover ranked first and second respectively in the 2015 J.D. Power China Initial Quality Study (IQS) in the large SUV segment. The Envision, which was also named Motor Trend SUV of the Year in China, will end its first full year in production with more than 130,000 sales. It goes on sale in all North American markets in 2016. 

Buick has topped J.D. Power U.S. Customer Service Index rankings among mass-market brands for two straight years.

The new Cascada, Buick’s first convertible in 25 years, goes on sale in early 2016 in the U.S. The new 2017 LaCrosse – Buick’s most advanced sedan ever – launches globally next summer, and the award-winning Envision crossover arrives at North American dealers next summer. The new Verano hatchback and Verano GS are available for pre-order in China now.

!NEW! The Reliable Opel: Zafira MPV Cruises to 500,000 km

• Zafira A MPV clocks 500,000 km in front of the Adam Opel Haus
• Opel Group CEO Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann welcomes owner

Tough call: Opel Zafira driver Andreas Schild (right) and Opel CEO Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann (left) debate whether he should swap his trusty red Opel Zafira for a New Opel Zafira Tourer.

The timing was perfect, the last stretch planned in every detail: When reaching the forecourt of the Adam Opel Haus the speedometer of the Zafira turned over to 500,000 km. After 12 years of loyal service to its owner Andreas Schild from Frankfurt, both the car and the driver received their just reward. Opel Group CEO Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann welcomed Schild and his Zafira in front of the Adam Opel Haus.

Perfect timing: Opel Zafira owner Andreas Schild timed his visit to the Adam Opel Haus to perfection, reaching 500,000 km in front of the Opel HQ in Rüsselsheim.

Schild’s Zafira is a 2.2 liter DTi built in 2002 with 125 hp with Selection Executive trim. What makes the car special is that despite reaching half a million kilometers only very few parts, apart from the usual wear parts such as brake disks or brake pads, have been have been changed: the rear muffler, two suspension struts (without the shock absorbers) along with the power steering pump. All other parts are still the originals.

Polished appearance: Andreas Schild had the Opel Zafira washed and polished to ensure that it would truly shine on its big day.

“Apart from being used as business vehicle on a daily basis, the flexible van is also frequently seen on trips to southern Europe to buy wines and Mediterranean delicacies,” said Schild. “Once I loaded 495 wine bottles and I never had the feeling that I was asking too much of the car.”

“Mr. Schild’s Opel Zafira is an example of the core values of our brand: German engineering and precision combined with high user value are essential components of our brand DNA. Current studies such as the J.D. Power Study Germany 2014, in which our Meriva had the highest customer satisfaction in its sector, underline this,” said the Opel CEO. “The idea behind the excellent Flex7 seating system swung my decision when I bought the car. This system is a real piece of engineering ingenuity,” added Schild.

“When did you buy it?”: Opel CEO Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann (right) finds is pleasantly surprised by the fact that Andreas Schild (left) has been using his Opel Zafira on a daily basis for twelve years and has amassed 500,000 km.

The owner of a Frankfurt-based event agency has always been a huge fan of the traditional brand. His first car was a 1965 Record 1900 L that his uncle bought him after he passed his driving test in 1978. He also had other Opels such as a Kadett, an Omega and a further Zafira.

Schild is especially amused by the reaction of his friends and family when he continues to roll up in his flexible seven-seater. They always ask the same question. What ? That car still works ?

!NEW! Class-leading Customer Satisfaction: Opel Meriva MPV Wins Again in J.D. Power Survey

Titleholder: As in 2013, Opel’s compact van wins Small MPV category

New Opel Meriva MPV

Winning a title is hard enough; defending it is even tougher. While no football club has successfully defended the European Champions League crown, the Opel Meriva has retained its title as the champion compact van in the prestigious J.D. Power Customer Satisfaction Report, once again scoring the highest rating in its segment.

Opel Vice President Thomas Simon holds the J. D. Power Award for class-leading customer satisfaction  

In the ‘Germany 2014’ J.D. Power VOSS (Vehicle Owner Satisfaction Study), the Meriva has achieved an approval rating of 80.4 percent, placing Opel’s master of ergonomic design well ahead of competitors, including the Nissan Note and Citroën C3 Picasso. The Opel Insignia is also putting a smile on the faces of its owners. Opel’s flagship model achieved a strong sixth place in its keenly-contested, mid-size class with an extremely high 81.7 percent approval rating. Customers are therefore extremely satisfied with the Opel Meriva and the Insignia.

"The J.D. Power VOSS Report is an important indicator in the field of customer satisfaction and these results show that Opel’s strong focus on high quality has a very positive impact on customer satisfaction,” says Thomas Simon, Vice President Quality at Opel. “Owners – the people who buy our cars – are justifiably the toughest critics around if their vehicles show any signs of weakness, so these high approval ratings for the Meriva and Insignia make us at Opel very proud. The results are an incentive for us to continue investing in the quality and excellent real-world capability of our products."

Established institution in USA – and in Germany since 2002

J.D. Power and Associates is one of the best-known market research organizations in the world and its annual satisfaction survey has been carried out among vehicle owners in Germany since 2002. In the 2014 J.D. Power Report, more than 18,000 drivers were asked about their experiences in an online questionnaire. Participants had been driving their vehicles for around two years and a satisfaction rating is only given if at least 50 evaluable responses have been received. Questions in the survey cover four categories: quality/reliability, attractiveness, service standards and maintenance costs.

Premiered in January 2014 – New Opel Meriva MPV now even better

Launched in 2010, the Meriva set the standard in its segment for affordable flexibility, and it still leads its class in the field of ergonomics. Features such as: rear-hinged FlexDoors which make it easier to get in and out; its highly adaptable FlexSpace rear seat concept; excellent ergonomic seats for the driver and front passenger; an elevated seating position for all occupants; the patented, fully integrated FlexFix bicycle carrier system, and numerous intelligent storage options all combine to make the Meriva a true champion of ergonomics.

The new Opel Meriva MPV, premiered at the Brussels Motor Show in January, is now even more attractive, elegant, efficient and functional. It is distinguished by fresh design accents and state-of-the-art technologies which further increase comfort and efficiency. The gasoline and LPG engine portfolio, as well as the new generation 1.6 liter turbo diesel, already fulfills future Euro 6 emissions standards. The new 1.6 CDTI is regarded as the quietest and most efficient diesel engine in its class: the 110 hp version delivers combined cycle fuel consumption of just 3.8 l/100 km, with emissions falling below the 100 gram CO2 barrier at 99 g/km.

Upgraded transmissions also enable more precise and smoother gear shifts. In addition, Opel’s advanced IntelliLink infotainment system is quick and simple to use, integrating smartphone functionality inside the Meriva’s cockpit.

New Opel Meriva MPV - IntelliLink infotainment system

!NEW! Germany’s Best: Opel Meriva MPV Wins TÜV Gold Certificate

• TÜV general inspections prove: No other passenger car has fewer defects
• Good results: Opel Astra, Agila and Insignia also convince TÜV inspectors

Opel Meriva MPV

This Opel means a lot of space and very few defects. When Meriva drivers take their Opel to a TÜV (German Technical Inspection Agency) general inspection, then they can count on their car. No doubt about it. Because the Meriva will pass the inspection with flying colors. This is confirmed in the new TÜV Report 2014, which also announces that its experts have named the Opel Meriva MPV the car with the lowest defect rate (‘defects dwarf’) and awarded it the TÜV Gold Certificate.

Opel Meriva MPV - FlexDoors

With publication of the TÜV Report in tomorrow’s Auto Bild, the trade magazine applauds, “Opel is back. And how ! The Hessians have a real winner with the Meriva MPV.”

With a mini defect rate of 4.2 percent, the compact van is winner in the two to three-year-old cars category, beating strong rivals from Mazda (4.6 percent), Toyota (4.8), Porsche (5.2) and BMW (5.5) tied with Audi (places two to five). This excellent result is not achieved by any other vehicle in the entire TÜV Report and gives the Meriva the overall victory among all inspected passenger cars in Germany.

“The Meriva is a typical Opel. With its extremely flexible and ergonomically perfectly designed interior, it is a real winner. This year it already won in its class in the J.D. Power Customer Satisfaction Survey, and now it adds the TÜV Gold Certificate to its accolades. Our well-known slogan ‘Opel the Reliable’ is once again right on the mark here,” says Thomas Simon, Vice President Quality at Opel, adding, “In January our new Meriva will be available with the economical whisper diesel engine, modern infotainment and lots of chic chrome. Our small van is going to make sure we have many happy and satisfied customers.”

In addition to the Meriva, three more Opel models were named “defects dwarf” and made it into the top 50 of the two and three-year-old cars category: Astra, Agila and Insignia all landed in the top sector of the TÜV evaluation.

Opel Astra five-door hatchback

Ranked 16, the Opel Astra even came in seven places ahead of its arch-rival, the VW Golf (23).

TÜV inspected a total of nearly eight million vehicles within one year.

!NEW! J.D. Power Report: Opel Meriva MPV Owners Most Satisfied Drivers

Opel wins renowned customer satisfaction survey with its compact van

Opel Meriva MPV 

The most satisfied compact van customers drive the Opel Meriva. In the J.D. Power Customer Satisfaction Report 2013, the flexible van from Rüsselsheim reached 80.6 percent in the VOSS Index, leaving all the competition behind. With the VOSS Index (Vehicle Ownership Satisfaction Study), the market research institute J.D. Power and Associates measures the satisfaction of car owners who have been driving a certain model for an average of two years and have the corresponding practical ownership experience.

On stage: Marcus Behrendt, Head of European Operations J. D. Power and Associates with Thomas Simon Vice President Quality at Opel (on right)

For the Meriva, the victory in the J.P. Power Report 2013 and the associated title “Vehicle with the highest customer satisfaction in the compact van segment in the J.D. Power VOSS Germany 2013” is the latest in a list of accolades. The Meriva has also already won the “Golden Steering Wheel” and the “Plus X Award”. And the customer favorite is one of the best-selling vans in Europe. Thomas Simon, Vice President Quality at Opel, sees flexibility as the Meriva’s key factor for success: “To be a winner in the J.D. Power Report, a car has to be convincing across the board, as no one can better judge the qualities of a model than the drivers themselves. So I am particularly delighted with this award, as it underscores that the Meriva leaves nothing to be desired in everyday use.”

Passed practical drivers’ test with flying colors

These report results have been published regularly in the car magazine “Auto Test” since 2008. The largest driver survey in Germany with around 18,000 online interviews examines the categories quality/reliability, vehicle appeal, service and ownership costs. By achieving high satisfaction levels in all categories, the Meriva came out number one in its class. The survey evaluated drivers’ opinions on 25 manufacturers and 106 model lines in ten vehicle segments.

Outstanding ergonomic concept with AGR quality seal and FlexDoors system

In addition to its attractive design, high quality and unique onboard flexibility, the Meriva’s success is also due to its outstanding ergonomics. It is the first and only production car in the world to have been awarded the prestigious AGR seal of quality by the “Aktion Gesunder Rücken e.V.” (Campaign for Healthy Backs) experts for its overall ergonomics concept.

Opel Meriva MPV - AGR Ergonomic Sport Seats 

A key component of the award-winning Meriva ergonomics concept is the revolutionary, patented FlexDoors system with its rear-hinged rear doors. For exceptionally comfortable access to the rear cabin, FlexDoors can open up to 84 degrees – much wider than the usual 68 degrees of conventional doors. 

Opel Meriva MPV - FlexDoors

FlexDoors are particularly convenient for parents who will find it easy to install Isofix child seats on the outer rear seats and to buckle up their children. When the front and rear doors are open at the same time, a safety zone is also created.

The Meriva boasts even more unique features with top ergonomics including the FlexSpace seating concept, the FlexRail center console and the optional, Opel-exclusive FlexFix bicycle carrier that is integrated in the rear bumper like a drawer. Prices begin at 16,670 euros.