Insignia Car of the Year 2009
In his last post, Carl-Peter Forster mentioned the Opel/Vauxhall Insignia being named Car of the Year 2009. I wanted to follow-up on that because with all the commentary about the global economic crisis it’s important to remind ourselves that the best way to weather the storm is to stay focused on producing cars that people want. Cars that offer that magic mix of quality, expressive design, safety features, innovative technology and driving experience - all at an affordable price.
So that brings me round to the Opel/Vauxhall Insignia. This week it was named Car of the Year 2009. I’m really excited about this win, not just because I’ve been involved from the very first sketch, but it’s confirmation of the hard work and vision of our designers and engineers—not to mention the hard work and focus on quality by our entire work force. The Insignia really is the car that can proudly be the true flagship for Opel and Vauxhall.
Think about this: 59 senior motoring correspondents from 23 European countries chose the Insignia from a tough field of 37 contenders in this year’s competition. A full 20 of the car journalists named the Insignia as their top choice.
This quote from COTY makes me particularly proud: “Many jury members appreciated the looks and visual quality of this model but the new mid-sized car from Rüsselsheim is much more than style.”
It recognizes the real collaboration that went into making this car. The design team came up with premium styling. Our powertrain team developed a wide variety of efficient engines that meet tough Euro 5 norms. On top of that is the technology – Opel Eye, FlexRide suspension and nine-mode Adaptive Forward Lighting – that are really leading innovations. Finally, I want to recognize the manufacturing and quality team for its relentless focus on quality and manufacturing excellence.
To be named the best car of 2009, the journalists consider criteria such as design, comfort, safety, handling and performance. But technical innovation and value-for-money are particularly important factors. The Insignia truly surpasses these criteria.
Here’s a last thought: When we say the Insignia is a great car it’s natural that some people could say we are somewhat biased; but when so many independent motoring experts endorse our claim it’s the finest acknowledgment we can receive.
Hans Demant
GM Europe Vice President, Engineering and Managing Director of Opel
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- Posted in Vehicles |
- Comments (3)
Comments (3)
Jean-Charles Jacquemin said:
Thanks Mr Demant,
We have to remain optimist.
What I was looking for in your post (it is not but Mr Forster said it in another post) is the news that more compact new cars from Opel will receive the same attention that the Insignia got.
With the economic crisis developing, I'm not sure that there will be as many consumers for the Insignia who will be able to afford such a car as before for the Vectra .
I know the prices for the Insignia are interesting and competitive compared to those for BMWs or Mercedes or ...but what I think is that the middle income class of European citizens will suffer in the next months or years and I suggest that the new Astra be given the same attention and that the European customer will have the possibility to buy an E-REV version of it (or of an comparable vehicle).
Thanks for your attention.
Christian said:
Hello Mr. Demant
It is a great thing for Opel and for the Insignia winning the COTY 2009.
Insignia for now is an absolute success in terms of design and aspect both interior and exterior.
Now I expect more feedback from the auto magazines about the engines performance and the abilities of the car.
In my opinion, you miss an engine, to be more specific a gasoline engine, between the 1.8 VVT and the 1.6 turbo there is a large gap. The 1.6 turbo is a sharp and good well around engine but it is a little expensive.
What about the 2.2 Direct, why it is not on your gasoline engine list?
Jean-Charles, I’m sure Opel doesn’t want to challenge BMW (5er) with Insignia. Although when you look at the Insignia you surely can see a premium car, BMW is another story.
The most appropriate “enemies” for Insignia still are Passas CC, Accord, Mazda 6, and maybe Mondeo and Laguna.
Look again at all prices
Jean-Charles Jacquemin said:
Thanks Christian,
I accept your remarks about BMW and the competitors of the Insignia you suggest but here in Belgium it seems to me (given the remarks I heard around me) that the upper middle class buyer and the little business owner could well consider the Insignia with its technological content as a challenge to the BMW. The prices in those times of economic problems may favor the Insignia.
However I may be wrong.