!NEW! No fear of the cold: You are safe with Opel in ice and snow

• Winter weather no problem for Opel Ampera, Mokka & Co.
• Wealth of Opel driver assistance systems and comfort features for a stress free drive
• All wheel drive system for plenty of grip, AFL+ lighting for great visibility

Opel Mokka 4x4 SUV with AFL Bi-Xenon lights

The first frosty nights are already behind us, snow has fallen in some regions. It is high time for drivers to prepare themselves for winter weather and road conditions. This is no problem for Opel vehicles: modern technologies and assistance systems including adaptive all wheel drive, the AFL+ Adaptive Forward Lighting system,  heated steering wheel and cabin heating ensure that the driver experiences a safer and more comfortable drive in poor visibility, darkness, ice and snow. So in that sense all the vehicles made by the Rüsselsheim manufacturer are well equipped for the next few months ahead, including of course the electric Opel Ampera – “Car of the Year 2012”.

Drive with electricity: Winter travel in the Opel Ampera

Opel Ampera EV

Electric vehicles are especially put to test by winter weather conditions. Temperature fluctuations can greatly influence battery output. For this reason, the Ampera’s battery pack is temperature controlled via an advanced liquid cooling system which continually monitors and maintains temperature for optimum performance and durability. Circulating coolant passes through a series of internal cooling fins in the battery modules. In cold weather, the battery is preheated during charging to provide a full power capability. In addition there is a significant comfort bonus: The cabin heating which is electrically powered and comes as standard ensures that the car is always acclimatized for the driver. Thus driver and car can operate independently from the weather and without restrictions.

Drive safely: All Wheel Drive, ESP^Plus and Traction Control

Opel Mokka 4x4 SUV

In icy road conditions, chassis and powertrain technology play a central role. The active on demand All Wheel Drive (AWD) is especially effective in ice and snow conditions. It ensures for example that the new sub-compact Mokka SUV can grip wintry road surfaces. In normal conditions such as when travelling on dry road surfaces, all front wheels drive the car, ensuring low fuel consumption. Torque is always seamlessly and automatically shifted and can vary from 100-0 (front: rear) to 50-50, for example in the snow. When traction requires it, the electronically controlled torque transfer device automatically and seamlessly distributes torque between the front and rear axle. It thus optimizes the AWD system according to the prevailing road conditions. The system activates itself automatically in a fraction of a second as soon as there is wheel spin on the front axle, thus providing maximum grip. It also deactivates itself to save fuel when no additional support for the rear wheels is required.

Just as important, especially on wet and slippery roads, is the Electronic Stability Program (ESP^®Plus). In the Mokka it includes state-of-the art Traction Control (TC) as standard which decelerates the engine and applies the brakes to wheels to prevent wheel spin.

Drive with good visibility: AFL+, rain sensor and “intelligent” rear view mirror

Opel Insignia 4x4 with AFL Bi-Xenon lights, rain sensor

Dark mornings and early sunsets are part of the daily routine for many commuters during this cold period of the year. When snow and heavy rain fall onto the windshield, good visibility becomes even more important. The latest generation of the Adaptive Forward Lighting system AFL+ which is optionally available for the Mokka and other models comes complete with Bi-Xenon headlamps and comprises up to 9 intelligent lighting functions. They include country light, motorway light, town light, pedestrian light, adverse weather light, increased high beam, static bending light, dynamic bending light, daytime running light with LED and High Beam Assist. AFL+ thus increases the safety of all those involved in road traffic and makes driving at night or in adverse weather conditions a more relaxing affair.

An electrochromatic anti-dazzle rearview mirror safeguards the driver against being dazzled by traffic that is behind his vehicle. A rain sensor function for the windscreen wipers ensures good visibility to the front. In sub-zero temperatures, electrically heated wing mirrors provide a clear view to the rear.

Drive in comfort: Heated steering wheel and seating plus cabin heating

Opel Insignia 4x4 - Heated steering wheel button

For more comfort during cold weather driving, the optionally available heated steering wheel can be ordered by customers. The steering wheel warms hands within one minute. The highlight of the system: when activated, the whole rim of the steering wheel is heated, but heat is distributed more quickly in the main grip areas around the lateral spokes. The wellbeing of the driver and his co-pilot is further supported by the optional seat heating that is available for all Opel models. Depending on personal heating requirements, the seat shell and the backrests can be heated in several levels. 

Opel Mokka 4x4 - Climate control, Heated seats and steering wheel

The cabin heating that is available in almost all Opel models offers a comprehensive, care-free package: it can be easily and directly activated by remote control and allows the user to pre-program it with a timer function. Thus the driver will always enter a perfectly acclimatized car. Extra effort and time normally spent on scraping off ice is now no longer necessary and visibility out of the windows always remains high. Neither winter coats nor bulky puffer jackets are needed which would otherwise reduce the effectiveness of the safety belts. The engine benefits from pleasant cabin temperatures thus speeding up cold starts.

Smart driving: Tips before taking off

Numerous Opel kit options ensure that the drive experience during the coldest time of the year is as pleasant and safe as possible. However, in addition drivers should take great care to personally prepare themselves and their vehicle for the challenges that harsh winter weather poses. For those who have not changed to winter tires yet, it is now high time to do so. Such tires provide better grip and shorten the braking distance, not only in snow but also in low temperatures. And don’t forget: regularly top up the windscreen washer reservoir with anti-freeze. This prevents water pipes and washer nozzles from freezing. This way the view to the front and the rear stays clear, especially in critical situations.

Before the early morning drive, a few minutes should always be set aside. In the case of snow overnight, the car has to be completely cleared of all snow and ice for better personal safety and that of others on the roads. This protects any vehicles at the rear from being hit by stray remains of snow. It also makes sure that one is not “blinded” by snow rests that fall of the roof when brakes are applied suddenly. The driving style should generally be adapted to the prevailing conditions: in other words with more foresight and greater safety distances. Abrupt steering manoeuvers should be avoided when the car is travelling on slippery surfaces. When snow covered roads turn into ice rinks even with winter tires, snow chains become the last resort. The fitting of the chains needs to be well rehearsed in order to avoid for example being stranded at the foot of hill.

!NEW! Opel Mokka got Maximum Five Stars in Euro NCAP

• New sub-compact SUV meets highest safety standards
• One of only a handful of cars to achieve 100 percent on safety assist
• Excellent child safety performance

Opel Mokka SUV in Euro NCAP crash test

The Opel Mokka SUV has been awarded five stars by the independent consumer organization Euro NCAP (European New Car Assessment Program). With this, yet another car made by Opel has achieved the highest score from Euro NCAP. The Mokka now joins the ranks of the Ampera, Astra, Corsa, Insignia, Meriva and Zafira which all scored the top rating of five stars in the Euro NCAP program.

“It has been a longstanding tradition at Opel to offer the highest possible safety standards to our customers, and the Mokka impressively strengthens our leading role in safety technology. As always, Opel brings cutting edge technologies to a wider segment of customers. We are extremely proud of this,” says Opel Vice President Engineering, Michael F. Ableson.

At the top of the class: Euro NCAP results in detail

Overall, the Opel Mokka achieved impressive results in all five safety categories tested by Euro NCAP. The new Opel SUV scored maximum points or 100 percent in the safety assist category, making it one of only a handful of cars in the European market to be given such a strong test rating. For example, Euro NCAP gave a positive rating to the Mokka’s electronic stability control ESP^®Plus and also for its seatbelt reminder function as well as its speed limitation assistance. These are all standard features in the Mokka.

In the adult occupant category, the Mokka achieved 96 out of 100 percent. This excellent result was helped by frontal, side head and side body curtain air bags as well as double belt pre-tensioners with load limiters. Adjustable head restraints on the front seats help to provide protection against whiplash injury in the event of a rear end collision. In addition, the Mokka benefits from collapsible pedal assembly PRS (Pedal Release System) for lower leg protection in a frontal impact.

In child occupant safety, Euro NCAP noted: “The Mokka scored maximum points based on the readings from the 3-year-old child dummy in the dynamics test.” This first class score in this category is the result of Opel child safety seats that come standard with rear outer ISOFIX child seat mountings and fasteners for an additional top tether belt.

In the pedestrian safety category, the Mokka’s bumper scored maximum points. Euro NCAP highlighted its “good protection to pedestrians’ legs”.

On the active safety side, which goes beyond Euro NCAP requirements, the Mokka contains many safety assist features.  The SUV offers many innovative technologies that help the driver to avoid collisions like the second generation Opel Eye front camera with its functions Forward Collision Alert (FCA), Following Distance Indicator (FDI), Lane Departure Warning (LDW) and Traffic Sign Recognition (TSR). In addition, its rear view camera and the Adaptive Forward Lighting (AFL+) raise the safety standards of the Opel Mokka.

Opel Mokka SUV with front camera and AFL Bi-Xenon lights

Since its market launch in June, the all-new Mokka has been given a lot of positive media and customer feedback. This is reflected in more than 50,000 orders that have been received since its sales launch. With the Mokka, Opel is the first German manufacturer to enter the rapidly growing segment of sub-compact Sports Utility Vehicles (SUV-B segment). The Mokka introduces ergonomic seating for the first time to the sub-compact SUV market as well as the integrated FlexFix bike carrier.

!NEW! Opel more than doubles Ampera fleet customer base

• 180 percent increase of Ampera electric vehicle fleet customers
• Rising number of Ampera included in company car policies
• Many companies choose Ampera for usability and green credentials

Opel Ampera as Trigion Airport Security car (NL)

Opel has more than doubled its Ampera fleet customer base in the space of just six months, from around 700 in March to almost 2,000 in October across Europe. This is an increase of more than 180 percent. In Germany, the Ampera’s fleet customer base increased dramatically by more than 50 percent, while in the Netherlands it even grew by 200 percent. The figures include a number of companies that have ordered up to 20 Ampera vehicles. Opel has also noticed an increasing trend that more and more fleet customers include the revolutionary electric vehicle in their company car policies, so that they sit alongside conventional diesel or gasoline powered vehicles as fully usable electric alternatives.

“Not only is the Ampera Europe’s best selling passenger electric vehicle. We now have proof that it is attracting a rapidly growing number of fleet customers,” says Opel Vice President Sales, Marketing and Aftersales, Alfred Rieck. “We are confident that this development will continue because fleet customers understand that the Ampera is one of the very few electric vehicles that is truly suitable for everyday use. Additionally, it is has significantly lower operating costs than equivalent internal combustion engine cars.”

In contrast to many of its rivals, the Ampera is a range extending vehicle. This is extremely important for fleet customers such as Trigion, the subsidiary of the Western European facilities company, Facilicom. Trigion provides security services including video camera monitoring, static guards and mobile patrols.

"Trigion Security is one of the first companies in the Netherlands who deployed the Ampera. We are attracted to its very low fuel consumption,” says Martine Geurts, Vice-President and Director of Facilicom Service Group. “The Ampera is currently being piloted at our Trigion subsidiary and this pilot is being rolled out across the whole group as the next logical step.”

Facilicom is not alone in this view. In early November the Ampera was honoured as Green Vehicle of the Year in the United Kingdom by fleet decision makers at the prestigious 2012 Association of Car Fleet Operators (ACFO) Awards. The awards, which are voted for online exclusively by the ACFO membership, are highly prized because unlike many other awards they reflect the day-to-day operational experience and expertise of fleet decision makers. This prize is the latest in a long line of over 50 accolades for the ground breaking Ampera, which include the current European Car of the Year 2012.

A 16 kWh lithium ion battery powers the 111kW/150 hp electric motor of the Ampera. Depending on the style of driving and road conditions, distances of between 40 and 80 kilometers can be covered in the purely battery operated mode, free of emissions. In extended range mode, which activates whenever the battery has reached its minimum state of charge, power is then seamlessly supplied to the electric drive unit from a generator driven by a 1.4 liter, 63 kW/86 hp gasoline engine. Extended range mode enables a total driving range of more than 500 kilometers without refueling.

!NEW! Opel returns to Motorsport

• Customer sport and new talent development with circuit and rally track
• Internationally focused rally program with new Opel ADAM Cup
• Circuit program focused on Germany with new Opel Astra OPC Cup

Dr. Thomas Sedran, Deputy CEO of the Adam Opel AG and Michael F. Meyer, Executive Director, Product Marketing & Motorsport Opel / Vauxhall

Opel is returning to motor racing in the form of an internationally oriented rally program with the new Opel ADAM and a circuit for the new Astra OPC that focusses on Germany. "These new motorsports activities play an important role in the strategic realignment of the company; they are a fundamental element of our brand profile," says Dr. Thomas Sedran, Opel’s Deputy CEO. Especially in grassroots, popular sports, the Ruesselsheim carmaker can look back on a long and successful tradition. The aim of the company is to create a new competition that appeals to customers which is both technically sophisticated and reasonably priced, while at the same time providing a platform for young ambitious drivers to continuously develop their talent.

Dr. Thomas Sedran, Opel’s Deputy CEO in the new Opel ADAM Cup

Rally: Professional talent development in cooperation with the ADAC

With its commitment to rally sports, Opel has the European stage now in its sights. After all, beyond the core market of Germany, there is a strong interest in rallying in all of the key European markets of the brand. Moreover, the World Motor Sport Authority FIA also has fixed regulations that provide entry points and advancement opportunities for young drivers. A rally cup version of the new Opel ADAM, which has been closely specified to FIA R2 standards, will be used in the 2013 season. As part of the "ADAC Rally Masters” race series these customer cars will compete in a branded cup (" ADAC Opel Rally Cup "). The allure of the competition is also increased by the fact that the most successful drivers can expect to win cash prizes. In addition, there is a special "junior rally" points system for drivers younger than 27 years. The overall winner of a set of final trials will get special coaching in the next season.

New Opel ADAM “Cup“ for amateur/customer sport enthusiasts will take part in the 2013 season of the “ADAC rally masters” competition as part of the branded “ADAC Opel Rally Cup” trophy.

As a strong partner Opel was able to gain an ally in the ADAC that shares an almost identical vision for new talent development. Above all, the ADAC uses its organizational and motorsport infrastructure for the common project. Opel's strategy has been devised to last initially until 2016. After that a modular development program has been envisaged where talented rally drivers can graduate from the “ADAC Opel Rally Cup” to an international level. In the first two of four stages, the ADAM will be employed. In stages three and four the next generation Opel Corsa is expected to be the rally vehicle.

Circuit: “Opel Astra OPC Cup” part of the VLN endurance championships

The automotive element of Opel’s involvement on the circuit is the new Astra OPC. It is being made available from the 2013 season onwards as a racing version for customer sports. The Cup cars are engineered to match the "VLN Endurance Championship" standards which are the most popular grass roots racing series in Europe. The cars will also compete in a brand trophy in their own class ("Astra OPC Cup"). 

New Opel Astra OPC “Cup” designed for amateur/customer grass roots sports will take part in the 2013 season as part of the VLN endurance championships on the Nuerburgring

 

Armed with a rear spoiler: New Opel Astra OPC “Cup” is geared towards maximum aerodynamics and will take part in the 2013 season of the VLN endurance championship on the Nuerburgring track.

The highlight of the season is expected to be a 24-hour race on the Nuerburgring race track.

An especially attractive benefits package is being offered for private competitors, which is not limited to top performance and affordable cutting edge racing technology. In addition to the rally project, there is a pot of money with attractive cash prizes. Additionally, customers benefit from competitively priced spare parts as well as technical and organizational support on and off the race track.

Motor sports history: Opel creates milestones

The most succesful era of the company’s rally history began in the mid-seventies. It was quite literally “driven” by the German driver, Walter Roehrl, one of the all-time top rally pilots. During his time with Opel, he and his Ascona A won the European championship title in 1974 and again in with the Ascona B in 1979. 

Opel Ascona A Rally – 1974 version. At the wheel of the Ascona A Walter Roehrl and his co-pilot Jochen Berger win six out ouf nine races and win the 1974 European championships.

Bulgaria rally 1974: „Beyond good and evil“ This is how the “Rally Racing“ magazine describes the young Opel team and is confident “to witnessed the new European champions in action“.

The crowning glory of the Regensburg man’s era was his world championship title in 1982. He achieved this with his legendary Ascona 400. 

Opel Ascona B 400, here with the rally World champion, Walter Roehrl, in the driver’s seat in 1982.

  

Rally World championships 1982: The Bandana on the Ivory Coast delivers the decisive win Opel is looking for in the 1982 World championship. It’s the second titel for Walter Roehrl and Christian Geistdoerfer in the Opel Ascona B 400 since 1980.

Opel is just as at home on the racing circuit. In grass root touring cars competitions, the brand with the famous lightening logo achieved countless successes on its home turf, the northern loop of the Nuerburgring race track. From 1993 onwards Manuel Reuter became a favorite with the fan community thanks to his Calibra V6 that competed professionally. He first drove it in the DTM competition and eventually won a title in the subsequent ITC series. 

Opel motor sport ITC Joest team with Manuel Reuter and his Opel Calibra (1996)

Further highlights included the car makers’ championship of the DTM/ITC in 1998 in the STW series with the help of his Vectra. 

Uwe Alzen pictured in 1998 inside his 300 hp Vectra. Uwe Alzen was the top Opel company driver in terms of points, both in 1998 and the year before.

Overall victory in the 24-hour Nuerburgring race 2003 was achieved with an Opel Astra V8 coupé.

 24-Hour Race at the Nuerburgring 2003: Opel Astra Coupé V8 (later the overall winner), the drivers: Manuel Reuter, Timo Scheider, Marcel Tiemann and Volker Strycek

!NEW! Double win for Opel: ADAM and Ampera awarded “Auto Trophy”

• Auto Zeitung readers in Germany vote for Opel ADAM as the number one city car
• Hattrick for the Ampera: Third successive victory in electric vehicle category
• Opel Mokka takes third place in affordable SUV segment

Opel has scored a resounding victory in the 25^th Auto Zeitung readers’ choice awards. The new chic, urban ADAM conquered their hearts and won the popular “Auto Trophy” in the city car segment. At the same time, the Opel Ampera has now completed a hattrick after the revolutionary sedan emerged as the winner in the electric vehicle category. The Opel Mokka was also voted a runner-up (third place) in the class of affordable SUVs under 30,000 euro. More than 110,000 participants who took part in this competition open to the general public chose their favorites in thirty different categories. Four hundred vehicle models could be selected by the voters.

Double Win for Opel: ADAM and Ampera awarded “Auto Trophy”

The charming ADAM has taken the automotive scene by storm and won by a wide margin against its main competitors in the newly created city car category. With 30 percent of the votes cast, ADAM consigned the VW Up and the Skoda Citigo to second and third place (26.3 and 8.9 percent respectively). The Ampera, which has established itself as a serial winner, also scored a convincing victory. It beat premium segment competitors such as the Mercedes SLS AMG electric drive (15.2 percent) and the Audi R8 e-tron (14.9) with a margin of at least four percent.

Vice President Strategy, Dr. Thomas Sedran accepted the awards on behalf of Opel in the presence of 250 guests at the Duesseldorf Classic Remise. Sedran was delighted by the Opel’s best performance at the Auto Trophy award for a decade.

Vice President Strategy, Dr. Thomas Sedran accepted the awards on behalf of Opel in the presence of 250 guests at the Duesseldorf Classic Remise.

“Our winning cars, ADAM, Ampera and the Mokka, represent three strong personalities that really stand out from the crowd. All the three are of strategic importance for Opel because they are representative of forward-looking mobility which is not just environmentally sound but is fun and makes innovative technologies affordable.”

Opel ADAM: Urban customization champion

With ADAM that has been available to order since October, Opel is opening up the growing A-segment with a chic, urban city car. The ADAM which measures just 3.70 meters and is a nimble three-door car offers more than 30,000 exterior customization options. This makes him a true champion of customization. Inside the car four people enjoy a relatively generous cabin space. The interior can be personalized according to individual tastes with a large array of colors, decors and stylish headliners and lighting effects. Furthermore, ADAM offers premium technologies that are usually only to be found in upper vehicle segments. These include the all new IntelliLink onboard infotainment system that makes ADAM the best-connected small car. Additionally, ADAM is the only vehicle in its segment which not only has been developed in Germany but is also being built there (at the Eisenach plant).

Opel Ampera: Only electric vehicle that can drive anywhere, anytime

The Opel Ampera is by far the top selling electric vehicle in Germany and across Europe.

A 16 kWh lithium-ion battery powers the 111kW/150 hp electric motor inside the “Car of the Year 2012”. Depending on the style of driving and road conditions, distance of between 40 and 80 kilometers can be covered in the purely battery-operated mode, completely free of emissions. The wheels of the Ampera are always powered electrically. In extended range mode, which activates whenever the battery has reached its minimum state of charge, the 1.4 liter gasoline engine with 63 kW/86 hp drives a generator that supplies the electric drive unit. The range extender enables an operating radius of 500 kilometers, without the need to stop for a battery re-charge.

!NEW! GM Chairman Dan Akerson strengthens commitment to Opel

• Company chief visits Rüsselsheim and engages with employees
• Clear commitment to corporate plan “Drive Opel 2022”

The GM Chairman and CEO, Dan Akerson, attended an all employee meeting of the Adam Opel AG at its headquarters in Ruesselsheim (Germany). Several thousand members of staff gathered in the K48 hall to receive first-hand information. In addition, Akerson addressed their questions about the situation of the company and the forward looking plan “Drive Opel 2022”.

Akerson referred to the continuing and difficult economic climate in Europe. However, at the same time he underscored the need and determination to return Opel to growth as a significant part of GM’s global success. “A company like GM needs a strong presence in Europe, powerful design and product development as well as a strong network of dealerships. Opel fulfills this role.” According to Akerson Opel will again sell more than a million vehicles this year and will continue to play a leading role in GM’s global product development.

Opel ADAM

“There are several positive signs that demonstrate that our corporate plan is starting to work,” Akerson added. He referred to the reduction of overheads by 300 million dollars in the year to date. “We are relying on our own hard work and are not counting on a tailwind from the markets,” Akerson said. The comprehensive product offensive including appealing, new vehicles like the compact Mokka SUV and the chic, urban ADAM will, according to Akerson, continue to be a key element.

Opel Mokka SUV

!NEW! Opel ADAM: The most individualized urban car

• First Opel in lifestyle A-segment continues brand’s product offensive
• ADAM offers virtually unlimited individualization potential
• Best connected small car with IntelliLink infotainment system
• Up-level technologies make urban mobility cool and easy
• Only car in its segment developed and built exclusively in Germany

The countdown is on: in early 2013 the all-new Opel ADAM will be available in dealerships and start making an impression on our roads. Opel’s chic, urban small car and champion of individualization will turn heads in our cities just as it did at its world premiere at the Paris Motor Show in early September. Its modern, bold and colorful look ensures this, as does its almost unlimited potential for customization that makes virtually each and every ADAM unique. 

With the all new ADAM, Opel is entering the growing lifestyle A-segment. Short and strong backed, ADAM is almost 3.70 meters long and 1.72 meters wide (excl. mirrors). A funky three-door hatchback, it is perfect for urban environments. Its driving dynamics, however, also shine outside the city thanks to chassis and steering settings that focus on fun and agility. Inside its cabin, ADAM offers seating for four people who benefit from a premium-inspired atmosphere; front passengers enjoy a high degree of roominess unusual for a small car. ADAM’s cockpit too can be individualized according to its owner’s taste with a wide choice of colors, decors, stylish headliners and light effects.

Opel ADAM JAM IntelliLink

Opel ADAM JAM Electronic Climate Control

The Opel ADAM also provides premium technologies from upper segments. The new IntelliLink onboard infotainment system which integrates the owner’s smartphone in the car (Android and Apple iOS) makes it the best connected small car. Other features ideal for ADAM’s natural urban environment are a new generation Park Assist that automatically parks the car, a Side Blind Spot Alert and a power steering system including a “light touch” CITY mode.

Opel ADAM SLAM heated steering wheel and CITY mode button

Opel ADAM SLAM headliner 64 LEDs Starlight

ADAM does not only provide more individuality than its competitors: with a high level of standard equipment, it also offers more car for the money. The entry price for the ADAM with the 51 kW/70 hp 1.2 liter gasoline engine is 11,500 euros (RRP incl. VAT in Germany). Even premium technologies and vast individualization options are affordable. For example the IntelliLink infotainment system is available for just 300 euros extra, and the starlight headliner illuminated by 64 LED lights that create the impression of a starry night sky for only 380 euros.

Lively wheels: ADAM, the newcomer in the small lifestyle car segment

Opel ADAM JAM headliner Clouds & 64 LEDs Starlight

Opel ADAM personalized car key

Opel ADAM headliner Checker Board

ADAM comes at a key moment in Opel’s product offensive. Since 2008, Opel has completely reshaped its model line-up, starting with the flagship Insignia, continuing with its high volume models, and now entering or opening new segments of the market: Ampera (electric car with range extender), Mokka (small SUV), ADAM (fashionable small car) and the future Cascada (mid-size convertible) all are part of the third wave of this vast growth program and contribute to extend Opel’s portfolio.

Currently Opel is particularly strengthening its presence in the A and B segments, which now includes the 3.70 meter long ADAM, the 3.74 meter long Agila, the 4.00 meter long core model Corsa, the 4.28 meter long new Mokka SUV and the 4.29 meter long Meriva. With the introduction of the fashionable ADAM, Opel also rounds off its A-segment offer alongside the 5door Agila. While the Agila convinces with its high level of functionality and its practical strengths, ADAM stands out with its unparalleled individualization potential, muscular design and superior technology. 

Opel ADAM SLAM with OPC Line Pack

Opel expects almost 80 percent of ADAM customers to be private buyers, with more than half of those being new customers. But ADAM will also make a statement as a signature vehicle for companies and businesses: around 20 percent of sales are expected to be in the fleet and commercial sector. Generally, ADAM should attract young and young-at-heart customers of both genders with attitude: they want their car to reflect their individual personality. They place great value on fashion consciousness and individuality; they don’t just follow trends, they also actively create them and so are opinion leaders.

Opel ADAM luggage compartment 50:50 tiltable rear seat backs

Experts predict the lifestyle-orientated sub-segment in which the ADAM is a new contender will continue to grow steadily over the next years. Since 2000, sales of stylish cars of the A-segment (around 3.70 m length) have risen by around 30 percent and of B-segment luxury-oriented cars (around 4.00 m length) by over 110 percent. In 2011 nearly 630,000 units of these trendy cars were registered in Europe, versus 450,000 in 2008. Opel now wants to conquer this growth market with the ADAM. There is an especially high demand for small cars in Italy, which might become ADAM’s largest market. Other main markets for Opel’s new lifestyle small car will be Germany, the United Kingdom, France and the Netherlands.

Made in Germany: From Eisenach to Europe’s roads

The order books for the Opel ADAM have been open since September, and it will arrive at dealerships in early 2013. Noteworthy is the fact that ADAM has not only been developed in Germany – at the International Technical Development Center in Rüsselsheim – but also that it will be produced in Germany. Opel is the only automaker to have made such a decision for a small car, and the Eisenach plant’s high efficiency made it possible. Opel continuously updates the Eisenach facilities to meet the latest standards. A total of 190 million euros were invested in the start of production of the ADAM, 120 million of which went into the plant itself. This included new buildings and new, state-of-the-art production facilities. So soon not only the Corsa, but also the Opel ADAM will roll off the assembly line “Made in Germany” – exclusively in Eisenach.

Opel ADAM assembly in Eisenach

!NEW! Opel Zafira Tourer wins “Golden Steering Wheel 2012” award

The “Lounge on wheels” is the no. 1 reader’s choice in popular van segment

Six models entered the “van” competition category but only the Opel Zafira Tourer emerged as the winner of its class in the “Golden Steering Wheel 2012” award. This important European car prize is just the latest in a long string of successes for the Rüsselsheim car maker: both of its predecessors won this accolade in 1999 and then again in 2005. This year marks the 37^th time that the “Golden Steering Wheel” award was handed out. So far Opel has won the award 15 times. At the same time, the Zafira Tourer rounds off the long list of Opel awards in the year 2012, including the “Car of the Year Award” for the electric Ampera.

The German publications “Auto Bild”, “Bild am Sonntag” and 26 European partner magazines host the annual competition. Forty four different vehicle models competed in six different categories. The readers, not expert judges determine, which vans and convertibles/coupes win. In that sense, the “Golden Steering Wheel” award reflects the high regard in which customers hold the Opel monocab.

“We are extremely pleased with an award in this category. It’s proof that the Zafira Tourer has met the taste of the readers, many of whom are our customers,” said Steve Girsky, Chairman of the Opel Supervisory Board and GM Vice Chairman. Girsky was speaking on Wednesday at the “Golden Steering Wheel” prize-giving ceremony in Berlin. “Our concept simply works as it consists of a mix of a lounge on wheels and an all-round master of flexibility suitable for everyday use. At the same time, this year’s award is renewed confirmation that we can score points with our family friendly offer. Already in 2010 the Meriva was awarded the Golden Steering Wheel.”

The Opel Zafira Tourer offers a perfect blend of functionality, comfort and premium quality With an extensively redesigned Flex7 seating system, the Zafira Tourer sets new standards in interior flexibility and atmosphere. Cutting edge assistance systems like the second generation Opel Eye front camera, the Adaptive Cruise Control with Collision Imminent Braking (CIB), Following Distance Indication (FDI) and Forward Collision Alert (FCA) support the driver and increase safety. The Zafira Tourer is available with engines that use gasoline, diesel, CNG and LPG. Prices start at 23,350 euro (Germany rrp. including VAT).