The carmaker said these clients were mainly big leasing companies who had ordered the Ampera as part of a car plan. 

Big names included are Leaseplan, ALD Automotive and Europcar, while a number of large global brands had placed orders to showcase their environmental commitment, Opel claimed.

Key markets are listed as the United Kingdom, Germany and the United Kingdom, with the latter due to receive its first Vauxhall-branded models in May. The carmaker said a large number of the initial drivers have moved from premium brands to try the Ampera's new technology.

Enno Fuchs, Opel’s e-mobility launch director, said: ‘Our first deliveries are running smoothly and I’m pleased to confirm that our sales target of 10,000 units for 2012 is on track. We’re very happy that our European customers can now drive our revolutionary Ampera.’