Opel has been named as a finalist for Europe’s top automotive award for the third year in a row. This time, the Opel Meriva, with its unconventional doors and innovative ergonomics, has been shortlisted for the prestigious Car of the Year 2011 Award.
“Customers and specialists alike have noticed that Opel is producing winning cars with dynamic design and innovative technology,” said Alain Visser, vice president sales, marketing and aftersales for Opel/Vauxhall. “This proves that Opel has a great line-up of cars.”
Seven COTY finalists were chosen from a field of 41 cars new to the market this year. A jury of 59 top automotive journalists from 23 European countries will announce this year’s winner on November 29. The Car of the Year award is special because it crowns a single winner. The Insignia won the top honour in 2009; last year, the Astra was shortlisted.
Jurors vote on criteria like design, comfort, safety, economy, handling, performance, functionality, environmental requirements, driver satisfaction, and price. Eligible cars must be essentially new models, not simply changed cosmetically or by the installation of a new engine or transmission. They are considered irrespective of their country of origin but they must be available in at least five European countries at the time of voting and have expected sales volume of 5,000 a year.
Opel has won the COTY title three times since the 1964, when the polling began. The second generation Kadett won in 1985; the Omega in 1987 and the Insignia in 2009.
The New Opel Meriva follows in the Insignia’s footsteps by hallmarking Opel’s philosophy of combining German precision with sassy design. The flexibility champion mates innovative technologies with ergonomic design. The Meriva is the first vehicle ever to receive a Seal of Approval from an organisation of back and spinal specialist, called Aktion Gesunder Rücken (AGR). Highlights are the FlexDoors and the FlexSpace seating concept for the backseats as well as the ergonomic seats and FlexFix bicycle carrier.
Opel is represented in Malta by United Automobile Limited, a subsidiary of the United Group Limited. Established in 1926, United Group Limited is a diversified group of companies operating in various sectors, namely automotive, retail and real estate.