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Opel Germany has set up a subsidiary, Opel South Africa, and invested more than R700-million into parts, warranty and service plans for customers in Southern Africa.
In addition to the German investment, Opel's South African dealership network has announced a R20-million investment in corporate identity facility upgrades to bring the new dealerships in line with the brand’s international ‘look and feel’.
Local listed giant Unitrans, elected to employ local signage contractors to roll out the new brand identity and improved customer experience centres.
Stimulating the market
Brian Hunter, General Manager of Unitrans Opel SA, said: "Opel wants to stimulate additional local job creation and support local business, and our local suppliers met the German required standards."
READ: Here’s how much Opel’s compact Grandland X SUV costs in SA
"We are delighted that investment in the Opel brand in SA has now exceeded R1.5-billion when one combines the investment of Opel International, the Unitrans Opel distributor and the group of dealers. We estimate that this investment now employs over 1000 people."
GM, who traditionally handled the distribution for Opel, withdrew from various right-hand drive markets around the globe in 2017, and Opel used the opportunity to re-focus its dealership network in SA.
'SA an important market'
There are currently 35 fully operational dealerships, with more expected to open over the next 60 months as the brand regains its traction locally. Bill Mott, Opel’s director of international sales operations in Germany, indicated that Opel is focused on growth in SA and has clear objectives to achieve this.
"We view SA as a very important market. It is a strategic investment for Opel and our aim is to take the brand from strength to strength in the country and other key markets," Mott stated.
Having been in SA for over 80 years, Opel is one of the oldest car brands operating in the country and the brand has built a solid reputation over the years.
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