Orbán acknowledged the importance of the new facility for the Hungarian economy, while Sedran emphasised that the investment is an important part of Opel/Vauxhall’s product offensive.

‘We are investing billions of euros in 23 new models and 13 new engines by 2016,’ said Sedran. ‘Many of these engines will be built right here in Szentgotthárd,’ he added.

The €500m flex-plant features world-class flexibility and efficiency. It will produce highly fuel-efficient gasoline and diesel engines. It will have the ability to swiftly adapt production in response to changing market demand. The plant will have more than 800 employees and manufacture half-a-million engines per year at full capacity.

The first 1.6-litre mid-size gasoline engines that roll off the line will power the face-lifted Opel/Vauxhall Astra range with its new four-door saloon. It had its world premiere last month at the Moscow International Motor Show. The engines provide extraordinarily high maximum torque along with significantly reduced fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. All of the new generation Opel/Vauxhall engines built in Szentgotthárd will meet the strict future EURO 6 emissions standard.

As one of the most sophisticated engine plants in the world, the Szentgotthárd facility will play a key role within the European Opel/Vauxhall manufacturing network. It will also deepen Opel’s business relationship with Hungarian suppliers and enhance the role of Opel in the local economy and job market.