Opel with New Business Model in Finland and the Baltic States

• LänsiAuto Oy appointed as import partner
• More agility and flexibility will foster growth
• Another important step in the implementation of PACE! plan

Rüsselsheim. Opel is further developing its business strategy in selected European markets to become more agile, flexible and efficient as outlined in the PACE! strategic plan. In a further step to foster growth, the company will run the business in Finland and the Baltic States (Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania) through the highly recognised and successful Opel partner LänsiAuto, who will become the independent import partner, in the future.

A corresponding contract has now been signed. Upon the closing of the transaction, LänsiAuto Oy will become the wholesale importer for above markets by acquiring the national sales company of Opel in Finland. The current Opel employees in Finland and in the Baltics will be employed by Opel Finland Oy at the date the transaction is completed.

This transaction (and the launch of the new business model) is primarily subject to the official approval of the respective competition authorities.

“In line with the goals of our PACE! strategic plan, this is another decision which will make our sales set-up in certain European countries more agile, efficient and therefore competitive,” said Xavier Duchemin, Opel/Vauxhall Managing Director Sales, Aftersales and Marketing. “LänsiAuto is a very important Opel partner with over 40% of total Opel volume in Finland and holds a growing and significant position in the country. We are confident that our brand will perform even better in Finland with the new set-up and that we will also further develop our business in the Baltic markets.”

LänsiAuto is one of the largest car dealers in Finland with sales of more than €300 million and some 600 employees. The company has doubled its total sales during the last five years. The co-operation between LänsiAuto and Opel started in 1981 and has grown successfully during the decades.

Opel sold 10,700 vehicles in Finland and the Baltic States in 2017. Thanks to the new organisational set-up, the tradition-rich German brand wants to grow profitably in the region in the coming years.

Contact:

Nico Schmidt
Assistant Manager Corporate Communications
Tel.: +49 6142/7-78 325
Mobile: +49 151 21 54 53 87
nico.schmidt@opel.com