– What assessment can be made of the last fiscal year 2003 for Opel Spain?
Last year was very positive for the Opel Spain plant. We broke production records, reaching 461.000 vehicles, the highest figure ever to roll off our production line. This was due to the fact that, at the beginning of the year, we started manufacturing a new product, the Opel Meriva.
After an internal struggle with other factories across Europe, we managed to bring the product to Zaragoza. This marked a turning point, because in 2001 and 2002, the industry crisis also affected us, and we had to implement workforce reductions. Furthermore, around that time, the German market, a market of three and a half million vehicles annually, did not react as expected, which also hurt us considerably. We even had to close the plant for 15 days, something that fortunately did not happen again in 2003. Now we enjoy a degree of stability.
-What arguments worked in favor of the Figueruelas plant to obtain the production of the Opel Meriva?
We managed to convince our North American bosses that the Zaragoza plant was competitive and that we were ready to accept the new product. From Zaragoza, we export around 90% of our production to more than 70 markets worldwide.
Year after year, we have managed to improve our competitiveness, since in 2002-2003, with practically the same workforce, we manufactured approximately 80.000 more vehicles. This is very important for a company like ours, to prevent the Figueruelas plant from closing or relocating to Poland or Hungary, to name just a couple of emerging markets.
-What is the current situation of the Spanish factory compared to European ones?
To give you some background, three years ago the media gave us a scare by saying they were going to close the Zaragoza plant. But in the end, it wasn't as drastic as they predicted. The so-called Olympia Plan has benefited us. Production has increased, and we've used 100% of the facilities, while other European plants can't say the same.
For example, at the German plant in Bochum, production has fallen from 350.000 to 270.000 vehicles. Similarly, at the Antwerp plant, production has dropped from 330.000 to 260.000 vehicles annually. In both cases, they had two production lines, which have been reduced to one, significantly impacting them. Therefore, when comparing with other plants, I believe that at Opel Spain we can be pleased that the cost-cutting measures implemented in Europe have not affected our factory.
– How do you think the dreaded offshoring will affect the automotive sector in Spain?
I believe this is a phenomenon we'll begin to see affecting in the coming years. I'm talking about 5 or 10 years. However, I think it depends a lot on the plants and their structural costs.
A factory doesn't simply disappear overnight. But what can happen, and it's not such a visible relocation, is that investments in a plant that isn't competitive and has high structural costs are gradually reduced. Then, the facilities slowly become obsolete, a technological gap develops, and consequently, productivity and competitiveness are lost, ultimately leading to the plant's closure. And there's no need to suddenly move the factory.
– How do you survive in a globalized market like today's?
Manufacturing quality products that are well-received by consumers. I personally agree with the saying, "Quality isn't everything, but without quality, there's nothing." In this sense, it's crucial to stay up-to-date with technological innovation. Furthermore, we must also optimize structural costs and productivity, something we can still improve in Spain.
-If you had to choose a market that could overtake Spain in car manufacturing, which one would you choose?
From a production standpoint, Spain's biggest competitors now come from Eastern Europe. For example, Poland is a country that shouldn't be overlooked. It was one of the candidates to manufacture the Meriva. It has around 40 million inhabitants, a relatively low per capita income, and a now highly skilled workforce. I believe it has the same profile that Spain had before joining the European Union. Moreover, the Polish government is supporting foreign investment with incentives, and if that weren't enough, Brussels will also be supporting it.
– Regarding the Chinese market, what expectations does the automotive sector have in this country?
China is a country with enormous growth potential. In the coming years, it will undoubtedly be one of the fastest-growing industrialized nations. The automotive sector is growing at a rate of 10% annually. Most manufacturers are turning their attention to China and exploring the possibility of establishing operations there. Currently, it's not easy, due to numerous limitations, which I assume will gradually be eliminated to allow investors to locate their industries there.
– What projects will Opel Spain carry out in 2004 and in the following years?
Currently, our goal is to maintain our leadership in the sector at the European level. It's a challenge that I believe is challenging enough on its own, but naturally we have future projects.
Throughout this year, we plan to invest in the Figueruelas plant, with smaller investments than in recent years. However, we will focus on modernizing the plant to bring it up to date with the latest technology. This is something that must be done continuously to ensure product quality and enhance competitiveness.
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