The 40 kW/55 hp three-cylinder power unit with four-valve technology is used in the Opel Corsa. With a fuel consumption of 5.7 liters (MVEG) per 100 kilometers, it makes the Corsa one of the most fuel-efficient petrol cars in its class. Furthermore, it already meets the Euro 4 exhaust-emission standard that will become mandatory in 2005. The 1.0 12V is the best-selling engine variant of that model line-up, with a share of some 65 percent.

Aspern also builds the 1.2 16V ECOTEC engine with 48 kW/65 hp, which gives the Corsa and the Astra excellent fuel-consumption and performance levels. Slightly modified versions of both powerplants will also be available for the Agila microvan.

At the occasion of the production milestone, Chief Engineer Dr. Joachim Quarg, who developed that ECOTEC engine generation together with his team at the Adam Opel AG International Technical Development Center in Rüsselsheim, said in Vienna: "Of course, we are proud of the fact that our work is so popular with customers. The numerous awards from consumer and environmental organizations also show that we have chosen the right approach. It is thus only logical that the essential design features, such as the roller-finger valve followers with hydrolifters, are also used in new Opel engine generations like the 2.2-liter aluminum power units."

The Austrian plant went into operation in 1982, with the start of production of the Corsa A. In February 1997, it was expanded for the flexible manufacturing of the new ECOTEC Compact engine generation. The advantage of the facility, in which the company invested some DM 700 million: Both engine variants are built on one assembly line. At maximum capacity utilization and in three-shift operation, Aspern has an annual output of 500,000 three- and four-cylinder powerplants. Due to the additional engine production for the Opel Agila, capacity will be increased by 70,000 unites in the course of this year. Opel is investing another DM 110 million for that purpose.