Opel has started 2026 with strong momentum, reporting significant global sales growth during the first quarter of the year. The brand, along with its British sister company Vauxhall, delivered more than 157,000 vehicles worldwide between January and March, representing an increase of nearly 8 percent compared to the same period in 2025.

One of the biggest drivers behind Opel’s success has been the continued popularity of its SUV lineup. The Opel Mokka, Frontera, and Grandland all recorded double digit growth during the quarter following their recent updates and launches. The all new Frontera has been especially successful in the electric vehicle segment, becoming one of the top selling all electric B SUV models in several European markets.

Europe remained a major bright spot for Opel during the first quarter. Passenger car sales across the EU29 region climbed by nearly 18 percent year over year, while market share increased to 3.3 percent. Germany delivered particularly strong results for the company, where Opel registrations increased by 39 percent during the quarter.

The Opel Corsa also continues to be one of the brand’s strongest performers. The popular compact car maintained its position as the best selling small car in Germany and the United Kingdom. Demand for the Corsa remained strong throughout the quarter, with sales in Germany alone increasing by 25 percent in March.

Florian Huettl, CEO of Opel and Vauxhall, praised the company’s performance and expressed confidence about the remainder of the year. He also highlighted the production launch of the new Opel Astra at the company’s main plant in Rüsselsheim as another important milestone for the brand moving forward.

Opel’s performance also contributed to Stellantis’ overall growth across Europe. Stellantis reported a 5 percent increase in EU30 vehicle sales during the first quarter, with Opel and Vauxhall among the group’s strongest growing brands.

Across automotive communities and online discussions, many enthusiasts have pointed to Opel’s competitive pricing, updated designs, and strong warranty offerings as key reasons behind the brand’s recent growth. Several discussions on Reddit also highlighted the value offered by vehicles like the Astra and Corsa compared to competitors in the European market.

As Stellantis continues investing heavily in future products, electrification, and global expansion, Opel appears to be gaining momentum at an important time for the automotive industry. The strong first quarter results suggest the brand is continuing to strengthen its position across Europe and beyond.