GME Chief Designer Mark Adams Receives Designbest Award

RÜSSELSHEIM/ISTANBUL – January 30, 2009: Mark Adams, Vice-President GM Europe Design, was recognized by an international panel for his work on the design of the new Opel/Vauxhall Insignia with the “DESIGNBEST 2009” award from AUTOBEST, organizers of the event. Turkey’s jury member Okan Altan presented the trophy Thursday night in a ceremony in Istanbul.

The jury, comprising 15 members from as many countries, gave special kudos to Adams and his Rüsselsheim-based team for the design language “sculptural artistry meets German precision” introduced with the new Insignia. This dynamic design language will be used going forward as the brand introduces new models starting later this year with the next generation Astra.

AUTOBEST is the only international independent jury focusing on best-buy choice for mainstream customers. AUTOBEST jury members hail from central and eastern Europe, representing a virtual market with more than 300 million people.

“I am very proud to accept this award on behalf of the whole team at GM Europe Design,” says Adams. “It is further confirmation that Opel is on the right track, offering high quality, bold, dynamic design that is also affordable.”

With its breathtaking design and leading technology, the new Opel Insignia, is available on the market as a sedan, hatchback and station wagon. The Insignia’s elegant design mixes the perfect blend of flowing sculptural shapes with contrasting crisp dynamic lines. The cabin’s dominate wing-motif creates an embracing environment that exudes quality and warmth. On the exterior, the car is instantly recognizable by its signature wing-shaped lighting and the blade carved into the body’s side.

The coupe-like sweeping roofline proves to be particularly efficient aerodynamically with a segment-leading Cd of 0.27 which positively influences the dynamic and acoustic qualities of the car and helps lead to improved fuel economy.

Adams has been Vice President, GM Europe Design since June 1, 2007 and prior to this was head of all exterior design from 2002. He is responsible for the design of GM’s European brands Opel, Vauxhall and Saab.