Opel sees strong BEV sales growth

German OEM Opel — part of the Stellantis conglomerate — sold around 90,000 BEVs in 2023, an increase of 22pc compared to the previous year. 

The firm's growth puts it roughly on par with German peer VW, which posted 21pc year-on-year growth. Both companies are therefore trailing fellow German automakers BMW and Mercedes, who posted impressive levels of annual growth north of 70pc.

Opel, however, is firm in saying that the gains demonstrate the success of its electrification offensive.

“We have made significant gains, particularly in electric vehicles, across the C-segment and light commercial vehicles,” says Opel CEO Florian Huettl.

Around 17,000 units of the Combo Electric, Vivaro Electric and Movano Electric were sold in the European market in 2023.

Opel currently has 15 electric models, with notable bestsellers being the Corsa-e and Mokka-e, and plans to introduce an eSUV called the Frontera this year. It will also launch a new electric Opel Manta by mid-decade. 

The firm has committed to switch its entire product line-up to pure EVs by 2028. Its two-stage strategy involves initially electrifying its existing ICE range on the Stellantis multi-energy platform, and then developing new BEVs from the bottom up in the second half of the decade.

The 22pc growth in BEV sales compares to a 15pc growth in overall sales in 2023. 

Opel / Vauxhall’s market share in overall vehicle sales in the EU fell from 3.3pc in 2022 to 2.8pc in 2023, according to data from the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA).

Despite this, however, Opel CEO Florian Huettl has lauded that Opel is "one of the few brands in Europe which has higher market share in the BEV market than overall.”

Then brand's strategy has revolved around electrifying existing ICE models, with Huettl saying in September that "By the end of 2024, every Opel will be available in a full BEV version if the customer wants it.”

Opel then aims to develop EVs from the bottom up. Its parent firm Stellantis, however, has received some mixed feedback on its recently announced STLA Large vehicle platform, which allows the OEM to build both EV and ICE on an adaptable skateboard.

Enjoying EV inFocus? Hit follow on Google News to get us in your feed.