Budapest, July 6 (MTI) – German carmaker Opel plans to turn out 650,000 engines at its base in Szentgotthárd, in western Hungary, this year, the CEO of the local unit said in Budapest on Wednesday.

The plant is operating near full capacity and production could still rise next year, Grzegorz Buchal told a press conference.

Last year, 511,000 engines were made at the plant.

The plant supplies 60-70 percent of Opel engines for the European market.

Buchal said headcount at the plant could rise from 1,600 at present.

The number includes about 300 contract workers.

Opel sales in Hungary came to 5,266 in the first half of the year, giving the brand a 9.4 percent market share to put it in the number-two position. However, in terms of non-corporate sales, it had a 35 percent market share, making it a market leader.

This year, Opel sales in Hungary could reach 11,000, said Gábor Koncz, Opel Hungary’s managing director.

Last year sales at Opel brand dealers in Hungary came to 10,200.

Source: MTI