Opel Ireland recorded a 33 percent year on year increase in sales of its vehicles in 2014.

A total of 7,126 passenger and commercial vehicles were delivered to Opel customers in Ireland compared to 5,364 in 2013. This trend was reflected in Europe with Adam Opel AG delivering 1.076 million vehicles, recording an overall increase in sales across Europe of three percent. Ireland was also the second highest performing market in terms of growth in Europe last year.

In the passenger car segment an increase of 29 percent was recorded in Ireland with 6,356 units sold compared to 4,914 in 2013. On the commercial vehicles side a total of 770 vehicles were sold, an increase of 71 percent despite the company's best-selling Vivaro in its run out year.

The Insignia was Opel's best performing model accounting for 30 percent (1,925 units) of sales, followed by the Astra (1,726 units) and Corsa (1,293 units), despite it also being in a run-out year. This year sees a brand new Corsa on the road and is expected to become the company's best-selling car for 2015, with its sophisticated design and class leading innovations.

Dave Sheeran, Managing Director, Opel Ireland said: "The range of vehicles Opel offers today is outstanding. We have a unique offering for our customers, quality German engineering, stunning design and value, including generous standard specifications on our cars, a five year warranty and competitive service offers.

The increase in sales is not just a reflection of the growth in the market but is a testament to our strong dealer network with 30 dealers nationwide and staff that have worked tirelessly in 2014."

2015 will see Opel continue its model offensive with the stunning new Corsa, a new entry-level model called KARL scheduled for the summer and other new models that will arrive at the end of the year.

Opel's large-scale product offensive will see 27 new models and 17 new engines brought to market by 2018 and the company wants to increase its sales figures further in the years to come. The carmaker has targeted a market share of eight percent in Europe by 2022.