Opel Meriva wins the Golden Steering Wheel 2010

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The Opel Meriva has won the Golden Steering Wheel Award 2010, continuing in the footsteps of Opel vehicles in internationally renowned automotive competitions. Last year, the Astra drove the Golden Steering Wheel home to Rüsselsheim, just after the Insignia was named Car of the Year 2009. This is the 14th time Opel has won the Golden Steering Wheel in the prize’s 35-year history.

Europe-wide 40 million readers of Auto Bild, Bild am Sonntag and 26 partner magazines ranked the Meriva among the top 20 out of 42 candidates. Then, 40 jurors put the nominee vehicles through tough tests on the Pirelli Tracks in Balocco, Italy. The Meriva won decisively in more than half the 32 criteria. The Meriva was flat out the favorite among the jurors. It won in three of the four groups (technicians, editors and VIPs). The race drivers placed it second. In the final ratings, the Meriva ranked significantly ahead of the competition.

“It is an honor to accept this prize – especially for our colleagues. This is just one more proof that our cars rate among the best,” said Opel CEO Nick Reilly as he accepted the trophy at the event in the Berlin Axel-Springer Haus.

So far, the Meriva has won three international prizes. AutoBild Germany presented it with a design award. Allianz awarded it with the Plux X for technology. And, Autoweek in The Netherlands honored the Meriva for its innovation. The Meriva has also been short-listed for Car of the Year. Customers, too, have voted the Meriva a winner. More than 80,000 orders have come in so far for the flexible minivan.

Source: Opel (press release/media site)