Within Europe, Opel and sister brand Vauxhall recorded a percentage share of some 5.61% according to preliminary figures compared to 5.59% the year before.

Meanwhile, in Germany, Opel increased its market share according to the Kraftfahrtbundesamt (Federal Office for Motor Vehicles) by some 6.9 to 7.0%.

‘Our model offensive is now beginning to bear fruit. At Opel, the course is set for further growth,’ said Opel board director for sales Peter Christian Küspert.

The figures were aided by new additions to the model line-up.

‘The ADAM exceeded our expectations with some 21,000 sales,’ explained Mr Küspert. Additionally, the Opel Mokka, the only SUV of a German brand in its segment, had some 20,000 buyers in Germany alone in its first year of sales.

The brand added that its existing models also contributed to the success, with the Opel Meriva occupying the first place in the segment while the Opel Corsa, Astra and Insignia are second place in their respective segments, not including premium competitors.