The Opel Corsa celebrates its 25^th birthday on August 30. Production first began on the Opel Corsa in 1982 at General Motors España's plant in Figueruelas (Zaragoza). This anniversary coincides with the production of the eight millionth Corsa model at the Figueruelas plant: a Corsa OPC in magma red. With a 1.6-liter ECOTEC turbo engine (141 kW/192 hp), the OPC variant is the most powerful series production Corsa ever built. Combining the number of Corsa models produced in Spain with those built at Opel’s plant in Eisenach, Germany – from parts manufactured in Zaragoza –, the total number of Corsas produced in Europe is nearly ten million.

The plant in Figueruelas, which also opened in 1982, is GM’s largest in Europe and also produces the Opel Meriva and Combo models. The plant’s history has undergone numerous improvements to ensure the facilities remain at the cutting edge of technology. This has included changes to production processes, designs and quality requirements, as well as adjustments to working methods and market demands.

The Corsa’s success story in Europe began in 1982 when the supermini debuted in a segment that it would shape for years to come. The Corsa was the best-selling car in its class in Germany from 1995 to 2001, and also topped its segment in the United Kingdom in 2004 and 2005, achieving a market share of almost 16 percent.

Over one million Corsa models have been sold in Spain since production began.

However it is not just record sales figures that have dominated the Corsa’s 25-year career. Its great looks, state-of-the-art technology and sport successes are also very important factors, as are the more then 20 international design awards the Corsa has won over the years.

The fourth-generation Corsa, which had its market launch at the end of 2006, plays a key role in revitalizing and rejuvenating the brand. The new Opel Corsa boasts a vibrant, attractive design, high levels of technology and quality, excellent safety standards and a range of cleaner, more economical engines. The best example of this is the new Corsa 1.3 CDTI, which produces just 119 g/CO₂ per kilometer.