GM and Disney build on 30-year relationship with new Opel deal

By / 12 years ago / News / No Comments

The relationship between General Motors and Disney began in 1982 when the first alliance was signed with Walt Disney World, showcasing GM car technology in an Epcot attraction.

In November 2011, General Motors France and Euro Disney Associés S.C.A. announced a partnership agreement covering the use of promotional rights for the Disney and Disneyland Paris brands. As a result, Opel became the official automobile partner of Europe’s number one tourist destination for the next two years.

That relationship has now been reinforced further as the Walt Disney Company has signed a three-year vehicle supply deal with Opel/ Vauxhall covering its whole passenger car range.

Disney will take delivery of Vauxhall-badged vehicles in the UK and Opel-badged vehicles across Europe in Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Israel, Italy, Norway, Poland, Sweden, Switzerland and Turkey.

The agreement is expected to feature three key models very strongly – the Insignia, Astra and Zafira Tourer – while the range extended Ampera electric vehicle is also expected to figure in the fleet mix as a part of Disney’s green approach to the future.

‘This new dimension will reinforce our current strong partnership with Opel on a larger scale,’ said Thierry Pedros, vice president corporate alliances, The Walt Disney Company and Disneyland Paris EMEA.

‘The inclusion of low carbon producing ecoFLEX models with reduced fuel consumption on the fleet is a major step forward in supporting The Walt Disney Company green responsibilty policy.’

Juan Manuel Sagardoy, Opel/Vauxhall European corporate sales director, added: ‘We are very much looking forward to working with and supplying Disney with vehicles for all of their European head office operations from our entire passenger car range.’

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Natalie Middleton

Natalie has worked as a fleet journalist for nearly 20 years, previously as assistant editor on the former Company Car magazine before joining Fleet World in 2006. Prior to this, she worked on a range of B2B titles, including Insurance Age and Insurance Day. Natalie edits all the Fleet World websites and newsletters, and loves to hear about any latest industry news - or gossip.

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