Opel plans to build on its brand in the South African market with the launch of a new Opel Crossland X in the second half of 2017 and the Opel Grandland X in 2018.

The vehicle manufacturer has been in South Africa since the 1930s, and has launched 13 new vehicles in the local market over the last five years.

Some of the brands comprising the current Opel lineup include the ADAM, Corsa, Astra and Mokka.

Bill Mott, international sales operations director, said Opel has had great success in the South African market, with many of its cars receiving popularity among customers.

“Just this year, the Opel Astra was the winner of the South African Car of the Year competition – a great indication of the brand’s ongoing success in this market,” Mott said.

He added that the company was committed to ensuring that its customers receive “outstanding sales and aftersales support as we continue to further grow in the South African market”.

Mott also said Opel viewed South Africa “as an import market”.

“We are confident that the brand will continue to grow from strength to strength globally, and here in South Africa, because of the solid foundation that has been built in the 80-plus years Opel has been here,” he said.

Over the past two years, Opel sales in South Africa grew 9.6%, compared to an overall market decline of 15.5%.

Opel has also made a mark in the European market and is said to soon become the number two car brand in the country by 2022.

In 2016, Opel sales in Europe increased approximately 4% with over 1.6 million vehicles sold, representing the company’s best year in terms of sales since 2011. Opel’s market share grew in 12 markets, while sales grew in 18 markets.

Opel said 2017 will be its most active year in the history with the introduction of the “7 in 17” model offensive. Never before has Opel launched that many new cars in a single year.