Opel celebrates ‘60 Years of Opel in Kaiserslautern’ on June 20

• June 3, 1966: Official opening of the Opel plant in Kaiserslautern
• Ongoing success story: Site today as an important parts supplier in the group
• June 20, 2026: Open day with employees, families and the public
• Attractive anniversary programme: Live music, activities for young and old as well as guided tours in the press shop and component production
• Tradition with a future: Exhibition of Opel vintage cars and current models including test drive opportunity plus high-performance concept car Opel Corsa GSE Vision Gran Turismo

On June 3, 1966, the Opel plant in Kaiserslautern was officially opened. In the years and decades that followed, the site first developed into an important powertrain plant and then to a key component plant in the group. Today, it supplies more than 20 Stellantis sites all over the world. Currently, more than 30 models from seven Stellantis brands contain components from Kaiserslautern.

 The successful history and development of the plant into a state-of-the-art production site is a reason to celebrate. On June 20, 2026, Opel will open the gates to the public for the big anniversary of ‘60 years of Opel in Kaiserslautern’. At the open day, employees, their families and friends as well as all Opel fans can get to know the site from a completely different perspective and take a look behind the scenes.

“Opel and Kaiserslautern have been inextricably linked for 60 years now and we want to celebrate this anniversary! Visitors can expect hours full of surprises, various experiences and new insights. I would like to thank our employees in particular, without whom this success in Kaiserslautern would not have been possible. Come by and experience what Opel stands for in Kaiserslautern,” said plant manager Bilyana Stern.

The anniversary programme on June 20 starts in the morning at 10.00 CEST. Throughout the day, visitors will gain an insight into everyday production and tasks on site as well as into the current Opel and further Stellantis models. They can experience the processes in the press shop and component production on an interesting tour. After all, around 400 different components are manufactured in Kaiserslautern. More than 350,000 parts produced here leave the plant every day in all directions of Europe, where they are then installed in a wide variety of Opel and Stellantis models – the top-of-the-line SUV Opel Grandland alone contains over 100 parts that are manufactured in Kaiserslautern.

 

 From classic cars to high-performance studies: Opel models in all their facets

On the open day, visitors can get to know various vehicles better and experience them for themselves during a test drive, for example – first and foremost, the new Opel Astra and the new Opel Astra Sports Tourer. The latest variants of the compact class bestseller were designed and developed at the headquarters in Rüsselsheim and are also built there. The top-of-the-range SUV Opel Grandland – produced at the Eisenach site and thus also ‘made in Germany’ – will be available to Opel fans in Kaiserslautern on the anniversary day, too.

Furthermore, the stunning Opel Corsa GSE Vision Gran Turismo will certainly be an eye-catcher. With a system output of 588 kW (800 hp), 800 Newton metres of torque, acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 2.0 seconds and a top speed of 320 km/h, the concept car stands for pure electric high performance. At the same time, the Corsa GSE Vision Gran Turismo is the brand's first concept car to merge the digital and real worlds. Visitors can also experience this live at the factory party – by driving the electric car themselves in the Gran Turismo 7 racing simulator.

If guests prefer to reminisce about their own childhood, they can visit the vintage car exhibition. Especially for the event, Opel Classic is bringing some special treasures from the Rüsselsheim collection to Kaiserslautern. Here, too, everything is under the motto ‘pure high performance’. The exhibits include rarities such as the Grand Prix racing car from 1913 as the oldest vehicle as well as an Opel Rekord B, which the former German national football coach Sepp Herberger bought in 1966, the year the Opel plant in Kaiserslautern officially opened. The Group 5 special touring car based on the Rekord C, known to fans as the ‘Black Widow’, completes the range – as does the legendary 500 hp 2.5-litre V6 ‘Cliff’ Calibra, with which Manuel Reuter and Opel secured victory in the International Touring Car Championship ITC in 1996, as well as the prototype Astra OPC X-Treme V8 with 444 hp and gull-wing doors from 2001. Other Opel classics from private hands round off the exhibition offer.

Already in the late morning, following the official speeches, there will be an autograph session with a 1. FC Kaiserslautern legend. Who this will be remains a surprise until the day of the event. And for all early risers, the first highlight of the day will take place at around 8.30 CEST when the 4th ADAC Trifels Oldtimerwanderung of the Sportfahrer Union Kaiserslautern starts at the factory premises.

Elsewhere, a varied children's and family programme will be provided throughout the anniversary day. Whether it is a bouncy castle, go-kart and obstacle courses, a mini-kart track, painting cars, goal wall shooting or different games of skill – there will be plenty on offer for young and old alike. The programme is rounded off by the chance to visit the factory locomotive and the factory fire brigade’s fleet of vehicles. A variety of culinary delights and live music with the band ‘Roof Rabbits’ will further get everyone in the right mood. Exciting information about Opel as an employer is also provided by the Opel vocational training team. And if guests want to take home a souvenir of this special day, they will find a large selection at the Opel merchandising booth. The factory will close its doors again at 16.00 CEST, giving visitors plenty of opportunity to experience Opel in many facets at the Kaiserslautern site.

Opel Becomes Strategic Partner of the German Women's and Men's Handball National Teams and Title Sponsor of the Handball Bundesliga

• Opel electrifies German handball: New sponsor of the German women's and men's national teams from July 1, 2026
• Double deal: Opel also becomes the new title sponsor of the men's Handball Bundesliga
• Opel commitment to professional sport: Handball contracts run for three seasons
• Made in Germany: New Opel Astra and Opel Grandland designed, developed and built in Germany

German manufacturer Opel will become a key partner of German handball after signing two significant sponsorship agreements. Opel will become a strategic partner of the German national handball teams – both women's and men's – from July 1, 2026. The commitment runs for three years. At the same time, Opel will be the new title sponsor of the strongest handball league in the world, which will be officially named ‘Opel Handball-Bundesliga’. For three seasons, the Rüsselsheim-based manufacturer will electrify all 18 Bundesliga clubs, all games and, above all, fans across Germany and beyond. With a holistic strategy of comprehensive activation and financial support, Opel is becoming a strategic partner of German handball. The partnerships with the association and the league were brokered by the sports rights and marketing agency SPORTFIVE.

 With these new partnerships, Opel is continuing its commitment to sport, which has a history spanning more than 130 years. At the same time, the brand with Blitz aims to further sharpen its sporting profile and further establish the hugely popular and growing sport of handball in the heart of society.

 “Opel and handball are a perfect match. Both stand for team spirit, motivation and dynamism," said Patrick Dinger, Head of Opel Germany. “Like Opel, the handball fan base sits firmly at the centre of society and is family-oriented, down-to-earth, approachable and authentic. And: Both brands were created and grew in Germany and have always stood for 'Made in Germany'. Together with our retail partners, we are looking forward to an exciting, energetic and successful cooperation with the national teams and the league."

Mark Schober, CEO of the German Handball Federation (DHB), said: “Opel and German handball move people. The DHB, HBL, and Opel are bringing energy and values to the partnership in such a way that we can grow together in a strong handball alliance. We already have a shared history, and we are now contributing our talents for a successful future with the ‘Made in Germany’ quality seal. The partnership with Opel opens up great opportunities for German handball.”

 Uwe Schwenker, HBL President and member of the board of the German Handball Federation said: “We are delighted to welcome Opel as the new naming rights partner. The Opel brand stands for performance, innovation, and high reliability, as well as outstanding technical expertise. This is an excellent fit for handball. The fact that this globally active automotive manufacturer has chosen us demonstrates the significant national and international appeal of our league.”

Frank Bohmann, Managing Director of HBL GmbH added: “On every match day, the HBL demonstrates passion, courage, innovative strength, and an unwavering commitment to performance and success. These values also apply to Opel, a manufacturer which we perceive as approachable, attainable, and innovative. We are therefore thrilled that the HBL and Opel, two iconic German brands with a strong presence, are joining forces to create innovative concepts that make handball and mobility a modern and attractive experience for fans and customers.”

Opel's strategic measures include the targeted promotion of handball and the sharpening of the brand profile. At the same time, the long-term sponsorship supports Opel's identification in the field of high-performance sports. Furthermore, Opel will become the mobility partner of German handball. Opel has always built sporty and modern vehicles and today, this claim is embodied in particular by the new high-performance GSE models. It is also emphasised by the new Astra and Astra Sports Tourer, designed, engineered and built at the Opel headquarters in Rüsselsheim, and the top-of-the-line SUV Grandland produced in Eisenach. These models stand for German engineering.

 Speed, closeness and electrifying tension: Opel with a strong handball message

With the world's first all-electric rally one-make cup, Opel has been underlining its pioneering role and competence in exciting locally emissions-free motorsport that inspires customers and fans for five years now. The entry into Formula E reinforces this claim. At the same time, Opel is proving how electric sporty driving pleasure arouses pure emotions and works for the middle of society with its hot new ‘everyday sports cars’ such as the battery-electric Opel Mokka GSE and the recently unveiled Opel Corsa GSE.

Like Opel's new high-performance GSE models, fast-paced ball sports such as handball are characterised by dynamism, excitement and emotions. The strategic partnership with the German women's and men's national handball teams as well as the strongest handball league in the world is therefore a perfect fit. Handball has become the second most popular sport in Germany. In addition, handball is one of the team sports with the widest reach on German TV. In addition, thousands of fans flock to the arenas for every game. Both partners – handball and Opel – clearly embody the ‘Made in and made for Germany’ idea: both originated and grew in Germany with a clear focus on the enthusiasm of the ever-growing fan base.

Strengthening of brands: With national teams and the ‘Opel Handball-Bundesliga’

At the appearances of the national teams, the Opel wordmark and Blitz emblem will feature prominently on the jerseys of the players and other officials. The same applies to all teams of the Handball Bundesliga. In addition, the ‘Opel HBL’ composite logo will underline and emphasise the ‘Opel Handball-Bundesliga’ across all arenas and channels for the next three seasons. With banner ads, spots, advertisements and social media activities, Opel will increase awareness among viewers – at the games and appearances of the women's and men's national teams as well as in the context of the Handball Bundesliga.

What's more, Opel will develop targeted formats that actively appeal to the audience and in particular to young and digital target groups. Activities such as special media days, behind-the-scenes access, ticket raffles, further competitions and much more are planned. Of course, the retail partners always act as the central interface between Opel as a manufacturer and the handball community.

Opel has a proud tradition of being a partner of sports in general and dynamic ball sports in particular. With all the measures mentioned, Opel is now returning to handball with a bang. As early as the 1980s and 1990s, the manufacturer was the jersey sponsor of the national handball team and partner of the seven-time German champion TV Großwallstadt. With the comprehensive new commitment to the national teams and the Handball Bundesliga, Opel will continue to increase the popularity of handball and at the same time, the partners can look forward to an exciting future.

New Opel Corsa GSE: Electrifying Resurrection of the Hot Hatch

• Power aplenty: 207 kW (281 hp) and 345 Nm of torque
• No other production Opel accelerates faster: From 0 to 100 km/h in 5.5 seconds
• Hot, hotter, hot hatch design: GSE-specific front and rear, 18-inch wheels, Alcon high-performance brake system, performance seats, yellow seatbelts, digital displays with performance data and much more
• Back to the future: Opel Corsa GSE revives the tradition of sporty Corsa models

The new all-electric Opel Mokka GSE Rally competition vehicle, the Opel Mokka GSE rally car for the road and the breathtaking high-performance Opel Corsa GSE Vision Gran Turismo concept: 2025 marked the resurrection of the highly dynamic GSE models. In 2026, Opel will once again expand the electrifying driving pleasure for everyone – with the new Opel Corsa GSE 1. The new high-performance variant of Germany's best-selling small car takes the sporty GSi genes of the first Corsa generation into the future – pulsating, exciting and fully electric. The most powerful production Corsa of all time to date will be released this year and will celebrate its exhibition premiere at the Paris Motor Show in October. However, Opel has already removed the covers today by publishing the first official pictures of the new ‘hot hatch’.

Electrifying Opel Corsa GSE: Small car, exhilarating performance

The Opel Corsa GSE brings the sporty genes of previous Corsa generations back to life. As a GSi, the Corsa A already thrilled fans of highly dynamic small cars who wanted to experience driving pleasure and performance. With the new Opel Corsa GSE, Opel returns to the market of real ‘hot hatches’ and charges it with even more emotion, excitement, performance and all-electric driving pleasure. Because that's exactly what GSE stands for: Grand Sport Electric!

Opel has already shown that battery-electric peak performance should not only be reserved for customers in the luxury segment with the introduction of the Opel Mokka GSE last year. And in the same way, the new Opel Corsa GSE makes a clear statement with its performance figures. With 207 kW (281 hp) and 345 Newton metres, the newcomer will offer just as much electric power as the current ‘Golden Steering Wheel’ [3] title holder Mokka GSE. At the same time, however, the Corsa GSE becomes even more dynamic. With an acceleration of just 5.5 seconds from 0 to 100 km/h1, the high-performance Corsa pushes its driver into the GSE performance seat more vehemently than any other current Opel production model. It reaches its top speed at 180 km/h 1.

Opel Corsa GSE drivers can choose from three different driving modes: In ‘Sport’ mode, the electric car is tuned for pure performance and calls up full power with its special ‘racetrack’-optimised calibration; in ‘Normal’ mode it delivers 170 kW (231 hp) and a sporty set-up design, the top speed of up to 180 km/h1 is also possible, and in ‘Eco’ all settings are trimmed for the greatest possible efficiency; here the top speed is 150 km/h1. The new Opel Corsa GSE stores its energy in a 54 kWh lithium-ion battery (51 kWh usable capacity). In order to ensure long-term, reliable sporty driving pleasure, the engineers have also adapted the temperature management system for the battery to the high GSE requirements.

Sophisticated technology also contributes to the exceptional performance, handling stability and direct feedback: the Corsa GSE has front-wheel drive with Torsen-multi-plate limited-slip differential and a lowered sports chassis with specifically designed axles, stabilisers and hydraulic shock absorbers. GSE-optimised steering and pedal tuning underlines the highly dynamic driving experience. And if necessary, four-piston performance brakes ensure immediate deceleration from high speeds.

Opel Corsa GSE design with wow effect: Hot everyday athlete at first glance

The new Opel Corsa GSE confidently displays its performance. While the well-known variants of the current Corsa generation already have a dynamic design, the ‘hot hatch’ also visually emphasises its high-performance claim down to the last detail with the GSE-specific front apron immediately catching the eye. Just like the rear, it is even sharper than in the other model variants. This is ensured, among other things, by visual ‘air intakes’ as well as the black trim in the lower part of the vehicle and on the wide wheel arches, which contrasts with the contour white shimmering paintwork. The black roof and the black rear spoiler reinforce this effect.

With sporty 18-inch rims and Michelin Pilot Sport 4S 215/40 R18 tyres the new Corsa GSE boasts an uncompromising stance. Under the striking rims in a three-spoke design, the Alcon brake calipers with clearly visible GSE lettering are eye-catchers. This high-performance look is also underlined by the specific GSE abbreviation on the sides of the vehicle.

Opel Corsa GSE interior: Modern interpretation of the classic Opel hot hatch style

The bold GSE design is also reflected in the interior. Here, the ‘hot hatch’ idea comes back to life – as a reminiscence of the sporty models of the Opel Corsa A generation and at the same time interpreted in a modern and forward-looking way. The driver and front passenger sit on performance seats with Alcantara applications and integrated head restraints, which evoke memories with covers in a black, grey and yellow chequered pattern. Bright yellow seatbelts form a strong contrast. The highest quality is also conveyed by the Alcantara-covered steering wheel and door inserts, the armrests with yellow stitching and the instrument panel with GSE logo against a silver-grey background. Acceleration and braking commands are given via the aluminium sports pedals. Further specific interior trim options complete the offer for the Opel Corsa GSE.

The necessary information is transmitted to the driver by the digital driver information display, which can be personalised in many ways, and the central 10-inch colour touchscreen. This contains GSE performance data, G-force display, acceleration values, battery management data and much more. The displays were also designed in the typical GSE style. The new Opel Corsa GSE is characterised by a technically high-quality and highly dynamic design down to the smallest detail, both inside and out.

In addition, the Opel Corsa GSE is equipped with numerous technology and comfort details that are as high-quality as they are practical. The repertoire includes features ranging from heated seats and steering wheel to the 180-degree reversing camera and the Keyless Entry & Start system to the bidirectional onboard charger (V2L), which not only allows the everyday athlete to be charged, but can also be used to supply external devices from e-bikes to electric grills with energy directly from the vehicle's battery.

All this shows that the new Opel Corsa GSE is not a car that simply takes fans from A to B. It is a fully electric and at the same time practical ‘hot hatch’ that touches the soul and delivers a real OMG! GSE feeling. More information about the new Opel Corsa GSE will follow shortly.

[1] All data are provisional. Vehicle not yet homologated and not yet available.

[2] The values of a vehicle depend not only on the efficient use of fuel by the vehicle, but are also influenced by driving behavior and other non-technical factors.

[3] AUTO BILD issue 47/2025 and BILD am SONNTAG issue 47/2025, category ‘Small Cars’.