"Golden Steering Wheel 2002": Coveted Auto Trophy Comes To Russelsheim

FOR RELEASE: November 7, 2002

"Golden Steering Wheel 2002": Coveted Auto Trophy Comes To Russelsheim

Opel Vectra Named Best Mid-Sized Car

Berlin/Rüsselsheim - The "Golden Steering Wheel" for the best mid-sized car in the 2002 model year goes to the Opel Vectra. A 28-member jury took the candidates through two days of trials at the Pirelli proving grounds in Vizzola near Milan, Italy, for the competition organized by the weekly newspaper "Bild am Sonntag". The test driver jury was comprised not only of automotive specialists and motor sport enthusiasts, but also of prominent "everyday drivers".

One significant factor contributing to the Opel Vectra's victory was the Interactive Driving System (IDS) with the improved electronic stability program ESPPlus which, unlike conventional systems, selectively activates the brakes on up to three wheels. The very sensitive application of ESPPlus and the agile handling of the Vectra, combined with high safety reserves, was especially convincing for the motor sport experts who were assigned the task of evaluating chassis and brakes. Among the many strengths of the new Vectra the jury especially highlighted its seating and acoustic-comfort and the top quality interior.

"We intend to return to the top of Europe's mid-sized car segment with the new Vectra. I'm very pleased that we've won the Golden Steering Wheel, especially in view of the fact that this recognition proves we're on the right track to reaching our goal. But this is only the beginning. The Opel Vectra has been leading the combined midsize sedan/hatchback segment in Western Europe since July. The success story will continue next year with the unique Opel Signum and the Vectra station wagon. We expect both of these new launches to generate a great deal of excitement in the mid-size segment," said Adam Opel AG Chairman and Managing Director, Carl-Peter Forster, during the automobile gala in Berlin sponsored by the German television station ZDF.