Thursday, 28 February 2013

!NEW! “Deutschlandplan” - Negotiations Successfully Concluded

  • Milestone on road to profitability and future security
  • Clear commitment to Germany and its plants
  • Opel wants to remain in Bochum: plant can be converted into components site
  • Eisenach plant continues to produce two models after 2015
  • Second model for Rüsselsheim plant from 2015 in addition to Insignia flagship
  • Compulsory separations excluded to end of 2016
The management of Adam Opel AG, IG Metall and the Opel works council today successfully concluded negotiations on the company’s “Deutschlandplan” (Germany wide plan). Main points of the agreement are measures to secure growth and cost efficiency as well as a clear commitment to Germany with its four Opel plants and the successful exclusion of compulsory separations to the end of 2016.


“General Motors fully supports Opel and is securing the necessary financing for the coming years, until we once again return to profitability,” says General Motors Vice Chairman and Opel Supervisory Board Chairman Steve Girsky. In return, tariff-bound pay increases will be deferred. Salary components above the general pay scale – such as Christmas bonuses above the general pay scale – will be excluded.

The most important changes for the German plants are as follows:

Opel is making the offer to not stop the production of complete vehicles in the Bochum plant at the beginning of 2015. Production of the Zafira Tourer can remain there until the model’s phase out. This is expected to be at the end of 2016. “Opel wants to stay in Bochum. We want to keep our warehouse in Bochum. We want to secure a total of around 1,200 tariff-bound Opel jobs in Bochum – and convert the location into a components plant,” says Girsky. Around 600 jobs can stay in the warehouse area, about 600 more in high-quality component production yet to be determined.

Regarding the F13 gearbox in Bochum, Opel is offering to continue production instead of ceasing it at the end of this year as planned. From the second quarter of 2013, production in Bochum will be adjusted from three to two-shift operation. Opel is offering attractive severance packages and partial retirement programs for the 700 affected employees.

Opel GM Bochum plant

With the development agency “Bochum Perspektive 2022” Opel is making every effort to settle new companies and technologies in Bochum and the region. Opel is expecting a four-digit number of high-quality, new industrial jobs.

Negotiations also took place regarding the future of the Eisenach, Kaiserslautern and Rüsselsheim locations:

Opel GM Eisenach plant
Opel GM Kaiserslautern plant
  • Eisenach: Opel will continue producing two models after 2015 at the manufacturing site of the small cars Corsa and the ADAM.
  • Kaiserslautern: The components plant is also secured beyond 2016. Opel is also planning with around 1,800 Opel employees in Kaiserslautern.
  • Rüsselsheim: Opel will produce a second model in its main Rüsselsheim plant also after 2015. The next generation of our award winning flagship Insignia will also be exclusively built in Rüsselsheim. In addition, production of the F40 gearbox remains exclusively in Rüsselsheim.

Opel GM Rüsselsheim plant
The Rüsselsheim development center remains an integral part of the international GM development group. A strategic concept for the future will be developed for the Manufacturing Engineering area by the end of June 2013.

“Today is a good day for Opel and a good day for GM. Opel is and remains a key part of our global GM business. This “Deutschlandplan” is an important milestone for Opel to return to profitability by the middle of the decade. We will get our costs under control with it. The key to sustainable employment is growth. The key to growth is investment. We will support the Deutschlandplan with a multi-billion euro model offensive. 

Opel will enter new segments and markets. This is an important switch point for securing our long-term success and leading the Opel brand to new strength,” says Girsky.  In 2012 Opel was the third largest passenger car brand in Europe – and wants to grow further. More than half of Opel’s 37,000 employees in Europe work in Germany.

!NEW! Opel Cascada Official Start of Production: Glamour from Gliwice

  • Supervisory board chairman Steve Girsky drives first cabrio off assembly line
  • Polish Deputy Prime Minister Janusz Piechocinski, many VIP guests in attendance
  • Modern production facilities, motivated team, highest quality
  • Mid-size class convertible offers many premium extras

Steve Girsky, Opel Supervisory Board Chairman welcomed the Polish Deputy Prime Minister Janusz Piechocinski
It’s a big day for the Opel plant in Gliwice, Poland. Today the very first Cascada, Opel’s elegant mid-size class convertible, leaves the assembly line. The debut model is a seashell color and features a 1.6 turbo gasoline engine. The newcomer makes its world premiere at the Geneva Motor Show in early March.


Many special guests came to celebrate the official start of production. “Today is a really special day, not only for the Gliwice plant, but also for Opel. The Cascada is the next building block in our product offensive. Following the ADAM and the Mokka, with the Cascada we are now also reaching customers in segments where we have not yet been present,” says Steve Girsky, Opel Supervisory Board Chairman, GM Vice Chairman and President GM Europe.

Polish Deputy Prime Minister Janusz Piechocinski in new Opel Cascada
Girsky welcomed the Polish Deputy Prime Minister and guest of honor, Janusz Piechocinski, who said, “Gliwice is city rich in tradition in the Upper Silesia industrial area. Its importance for the Polish economy is immense. The fact that another Opel model will be produced here once again spotlights the good work the region and the plant itself deliver.”

Steve Girsky, Opel Supervisory Board Chairman with Opel employees in Gliwice, Poland

Since its groundbreaking in 1996, the Gliwice plant has been a pillar of GM manufacturing. The Cascada is already the sixth Opel model the team in Poland is building - at highest quality and in state-of-the-art production facilities. “We are especially proud that we were chosen to build the first convertible developed by Opel. It is a complex undertaking that our highly motivated team mastered with brilliance. So today is a very special day for us,” added Plant Manager Andrzej Korpak.

Big day for the employees of the Opel plant in Gliwice, Poland. The very first Cascada, Opel’s elegant mid-size class convertible, was driven off left the assembly line.


Elegance and tradition
With the Cascada Opel returns to the mid-size class convertible segment in a new, refreshing look and with the best of modern technologies. The elegant newcomer carries on the long tradition of timeless, classic Opel cabrios from the fifties and sixties. It is the first convertible engineered and built by Opel. The Cascada promises a return to the roots of pure, unadulterated driving fun.


Opel’s new convertible is a classic four seater with an elongated silhouette and a high-quality soft top. Heading to the top of Opel’s line-up, the new open-air model is a mid-size convertible not only by its size (length: almost 4.7 meters; width 1.84 meters excl. mirrors) but also by its allure and the premium technologies and features it offers.

Individualization with huge selection of extras
At market launch ten exterior colors are available, and they can be combined with three roof colors. In addition, wheels are available in nine different designs and sizes from 17 to 20 inches. In the interior, the Cascada offers four elegant equipment and trim options, including two top-quality leather variants, an extraordinary degree of elegance. Cascada owners can choose between three optional infotainment and navigation systems that can be combined with Digital Audio Broadcast (DAB+) and can integrate mobile telephone functions.

Highest levels of safety and driving fun are ensured by driver assistance, protection and comfort systems such as the adaptive chassis system FlexRide for 980 euros, the second generation Opel Eye front camera with many new functions (800 euros) and the premium ergonomic AGR certified seat for driver and front passenger (685 euros). Further comfort extras are also optionally available, including electric seat adjustment and ventilation, a heated steering wheel and electrical auxiliary heater that can be activated by remote control.

Opel Cascada comes with a broad and efficient powertrain line-up. On the gasoline side next to the 1.4 liter Turbo unit with 88 kW/120 hp or 103 kW/140 hp, the completely newly constructed 125 kW/170 hp 1.6 liter SIDI Turbo with direct injection is available. On the diesel side the 121 kW/165 hp 2.0 CDTI ecoFLEX ensures optimum power delivery and high economy. With six-speed manual transmission and Start/Stop, it consumes just 5.2 liters per 100 km and emits only 138 g/km CO2. Just like the 1.6 SIDI Turbo, the 2.0-liter Turbo diesel can also be combined with six-speed automatic transmission. The portfolio will soon be completed by the efficient and powerful 2.0 BiTurbo CDTI ecoFLEX with 143 kW/195 hp, maximum torque of 400 Nm, six-speed manual transmission and Start/Stop technology.

The Cascada is part of Opel’s multi-billion euro model offensive introducing 23 new vehicles and 13 new powertrains from 2012 through 2016. The elegant convertible makes its premiere at the Geneva Motor Show from March 7 – 17, 2013 and will be available at dealerships beginning in April.

Wednesday, 27 February 2013

!NEW! Opel Mokka wins Design Trophy in the SUV category


The new Opel Mokka is the best designed SUV. The more than 24,200 readers of the magazine "Auto Zeitung" as well as users of the online service have decided. Voted it the Mocha ten competitors to their favorite design. With 27.9 percent of the votes went to the over 80,000 orders in Europe highly successful SUV competitors of these, including the Range Rover (22.0 percent) and the Ford Kuga (20.2 percent). Opel Marketing Director Andreas Marx: "The victory of Mokka shows that we meet with a muscular, dynamic design, the tastes of customers and set standards."

Opel ADAM in the Small Car category / City Cars


The new Opel ADAM ended with 29.1 percent of the vote in second place in the category small car / city car. The lifestyle supermini had an exciting head-to-head races with the Audi A1 Sportback (30.8 percent), the mini roadster model is by far (13.9 percent). About 60 launched during the past year were in five categories on the list of candidates for the "Design Trophy", which was awarded this year for the fourth time.

!NEW! Opel bets on Rüsselsheim location

  • Dr. Thomas Sedran welcomes commercial real estate developer in Rüsselsheim
  • Commitment to the site and for the joint development of the old Opel plant
  • Acquisition of the Adam Opel house as a sign of solidarity with the city


Dr. Thomas Sedran, Deputy Managing Director, Adam Opel AG, welcomed yesterday the room A1 at the historic former Opel factory premises around 100 participants of the 5th German Commercial Real Estate Summit, currently taking place in Wiesbaden. The evening event in Rüsselsheim was dominated by the historic site, which aims to develop the project developer acrest to "Opel Forum" as an attractive new center of Rüsselsheim downtown.


"Our planned brand and Classical World in the Opel forum will be more than a museum. We show our rich vintage and classic collection, and let 150 years of history to life, "said Dr. Thomas Sedran. "The Opel brand and classical music world is embedded in the proposed shopping center by a private investor with a vintage center" Auto ", a research campus and a lot more. A promising symbiosis, "said Dr. Thomas Sedran further.

The union of Adam Opel AG had to Rüsselsheim, said Dr. Thomas Sedran, a concrete investment result. The house at the Adam Opel Rüsselsheim Rugby ring since the beginning of completely passed into the possession of Adam Opel AG. The company made an early exercise its option to purchase the previously leased buildings. "The acquisition is a clear commitment to Rüsselsheim. For over 150 years, is the heart of the brand, "says Dr. Thomas Sedran.

The Adam Opel Haus is located since 1998 the headquarters of Opel. Besides the board here the central areas have their offices. These include the departments of sales and marketing, HR, finance and logistics.

The building was designed by the renowned London architects Building Design Partnership in close proximity to the International Technical Development Center (ITDC). It was created on a land area of ​​30,000 square meters. Distributed over five floors usable office space is 21,000 square meters.

!NEW! Two Amperas for Efficiency House Plus in Berlin

Two Electric cars from Opel as everyday solution for CO2-neutral housing

Two Amperas brings emission-free mobility for inhabitants of the Efficiency House Plus in Berlin

In Berlin model project "Efficiency House Plus," can people moves now with new Opel Ampera. To guarantee the mobility of the inhabitants of the CO2 neutral house emissions, Opel presents two vehicles available. The test family that lives in the house plus efficiency drives, now for three months, the "Car of the Year 2012". Rainer Bomba, State Secretary in the Federal Ministry of Transport, Building and Urban Affairs (BMVBS), and Gerrit Riemer, Director Future Mobility at Opel, presented now, the two vehicles. 

Gerrit Riemer (Opel) and Rainer Bomba (BMVBS) passes for the residents of the Efficiency House Plus the keys from two new Amperas.
"Opel is participating in the pilot project to demonstrate that electric mobility is perfect for everyday use. Thanks to the self-generated current from the house goes to the Ampera.
 
100 percent organic. With the innovative concept of the Ampera, the best-selling electric car in Europe, Opel is a pioneer and trendsetter in the field of sustainable mobility. For living in the future will increase the efficiency of building a similar pioneering role as the Ampera for sustainable mobility, "said Gerrit Riemer.

The Ampera is the first fully electric vehicle for everyday use by a European manufacturer. A large 16 kWh lithium-ion battery powers the 111 kW/150 hp electric motor with energy. Depending on driving style, road profile and outside temperature can thus distances from 40 to 80 kilometers to cover purely battery powered and completely emission-free. For longer distances, a gasoline engine serves as a generator to the vehicle continues to be driven electrically. This makes traveling more than 500 miles without stopping.
 
From left: Gerrit Riemer, Director Future Mobility at Opel, test family, Rainer Bomba, State Secretary in the Federal Ministry of Transport, Building and Urban Affairs (BMVBS)

The "Efficiency House Plus with Electromobility", Fasanenstraße 87a in Berlin, was in 2012 opened by German Chancellor Angela Merkel, Federal Transport Minister Peter Ramsauer, is a project of the Federal Ministry of Transport, Building and Urban Development. The energy-plus house produces twice as much electricity as it consumes - enough to fill up in addition to electric cars.

Monday, 25 February 2013

!NEW! Opel launches a New Lineup in the United Arab Emirates

  • Export offensive continues; the brand strengthens its presence in the U.A.E.
  • GM partner Liberty Automobiles to offer Opel products in new Dubai showroom
  • Available models are Corsa, Meriva, Astra, Insignia and Zafira Tourer 

From left: Rajesh Krishnan, GM Sales & Marketing at Liberty Automobiles, Gilbert Nassar, Opel Brand Manager at Liberty Automobiles; Sheikh Khalid Abdul Aziz Al Qasimi’s son; Jürgen Keller, Director, Opel International Operations; Sheikh Khalid Abdul Aziz Al Qasimi, Chairman of Liberty Group; Andrew Dunstan, Executive Director, Opel Sales - Central & Eastern Europe and International Operations; Duncan Peat, Managing Director of Liberty Automobiles; Joerg Herrera Deputy Consul General of the German Consulate in Dubai.

As part of the company’s growth plan, Opel continues to strengthen export outside of Europe. Opel partner Liberty Automobiles, the award winning GM dealership, now officially unveiled the 2013 Opel lineup to a large crowd of enthusiastic car lovers in its Dubai Showroom.


Andrew Dunstan, Executive Director, Opel Sales Central & Eastern Europe and International Operations said on the opening ceremony: “Opel has started an ambitious product offensive with 23 new models and 13 powertrains until 2016. I am pleased to be here today to launch our latest and highly competitive model lineup in the U.A.E., a key market for Opel here in the Middle East.”

Sheikh Khalid Bin Abdul Aziz Al Qasimi, Chairman of Liberty Group, attended the launch, alongside the Deputy Consul General of the German Consulate in Dubai, Joerg Herrera. Commenting on the launch, Duncan Peat, Managing Director of Liberty Automobiles said: “Opel is a brand that needs no introduction. 

Having recently celebrated its 150th anniversary, Opel is now the third largest brand in the European passenger car market. Customers in the U.A.E. appreciate quality German engineering, combined with passion and performance, whilst delivering value for money.”

From left: Gilbert Nassar, Opel Brand Manager at Liberty Automobiles, Andrew Dunstan, Executive Director, Opel Sales - Central & Eastern Europe and International Operations, Jürgen Keller, Director, Opel International Operations.
The distributor will be offering the Corsa, Astra, Insignia, Meriva and the Zafira Tourer along with all Opel Performance Center (OPC) models.

Friday, 22 February 2013

!NEW! Opel Zafira Tourer BiTurbo: The fastest diesel in the compact seven seater MPVs

  • Powerful BiTurbo diesel engine with 143 kW/195 hp and 400 Nm of torque
  • Unique technology to increase safety and comfort features
  • Flagship diesel broadens Opel Zafira Tourer engine portfolio
    
New Opel Zafira Tourer BiTurbo with AFL lights


Opel Zafira Tourer is now the fastest seven seat compact MPV Diesel in the program. As an engine for the Zafira Tourer is the ultra modern 2.0 BiTurbo CDTI ecoFLEX with Start / Stop and sequential, two stage turbocharging. With the 143 kW/195 hp top diesel engine reaches a maximum speed of the compact MPV 218 km/h It requires only 5.6 liters of diesel per 100 km - the new BiTurbo model is not only strong, but also provides efficient and economical fuel consumption at an impressive power delivery.


Features of the progressive, sequential BiTurbo technology of the Zafira Tourer are high power output, immediate responsiveness and exemplary torque with a wide usable rev range. In just 8.9 seconds the compact van sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in fifth gear he needs from 80 to 120 km/h just 8.5 seconds.


The award winning Opel Zafira Tourer, which recently at the European readers of Auto Bild and Bild am Sonntag won the Golden Steering Wheel 2012 combines premium look inside with technologies, some of which are unique to the segment and to increase safety and comfort. The technical highlights include the FlexRide mechatronic chassis system, the Opel front camera of the second generation, the adaptive security lighting system AFL + and the panoramic windscreen, which makes for a light filled interior. The extra degree of flexibility that Flex7 seating system ensures a unique lounge design. Thus, the passengers in the second row as much space as never before.


The new two liter BiTurbo engine broadens the comprehensive portfolio of Opel Zafira Tourer further: Now, four gasoline and diesel engines and a LPG and CNG are on offer - for every purpose and claim the appropriate aggregate. "Opel Zafira Tourer makes successful with sophisticated German engineering more attractive. We are the only brand to equip a van with such a refined BiTurbo engine", says Opel Strategy Officer Dr. Thomas Sedran. "With the new Zafira Tourer BiTurbo we offer the perfect blend of high performance, frugal fuel consumption and premium qualities in a compact MPV with seven seats."

With 143 kW/195 hp and an average consumption of just 5.6 liters of diesel per 100 kilometers, the new Opel Zafira Tourer BiTurbo not only powerful, but also more efficient

The new Opel Zafira BiTurbo is now available with the superior equipment lines Sport and Innovation can be ordered at a starting price of 35,405 euros (recommended retail price in Germany including VAT). To the dealers rolls high performance diesel this spring .

Wednesday, 20 February 2013

!NEW! Valentino Rossi is new brand ambassador for Opel ADAM

  • Perfect team: multiple world motorcycle champion with fashionable lifestyle car
  • Common traits: bold driving fun and highest precision
  • Campaign across all channels with Opel ADAM & Vale: TV, press, social media, PR

Valentino “Vale” Rossi is the new brand ambassador for the chic urban small car Opel ADAM in Italy. The world famous multiple MotoGP World Champion is the star of a wide ranging communications campaign focusing on the common traits of ADAM & Valentino: personality, creativity, energy and at the same time highest precision. With it bold, unconventional and absolutely unique look, the ADAM shares the same characteristics as the Italian motorcycle champion. The campaign takes place on traditional and digital media channels ranging from TV commercials to press, promotions and social media.



“Valentino Rossi is the perfect ADAM ambassador: easy going, fun and slightly irreverent, always on the move – just like our Opel ADAM. At the same time, he is extremely rigorous, careful, requires and acts with maximum precision, the same as the German engineering which is the core value of all our cars,” says Roberto Matteucci, Managing Director of Opel Italia. “Choosing Valentino Rossi for ADAM is a clear sign of our desire and commitment to draft a new personality for our cars, while keeping our focus on German engineering precision,” said Matteucci.

Valentino Rossi fell for the small lifestyle car and individualization champion right away: “I was immediately convinced by the Opel ADAM, and not just because of its design, accessories and technology. I think its individualization potential with thousands of variations is just fantastic. I don’t know the exact number of all of them, but there are certainly more than enough for everyone to create their perfect ADAM.”

Opel ADAM: Individualization champion and best connected small car
The Opel ADAM offers more than 61,000 exterior variations and nearly 82,000 for the interior, more than any other car in this class. The chic lifestyle car is an agile three door car perfect for urban environments. Its driving dynamics also shine outside the city thanks to chassis and steering settings that focus on fun and agility.

Inside its cabin, Opel ADAM offers seating for four people who benefit from a premium inspired atmosphere and premium technologies from upper segments. The new IntelliLink onboard infotainment system, for example, which integrates the owner’s smartphone in the car (Android, Apple iOS), makes it the best connected small car. Innovative SIRI Eyes Free voice recognition software by Apple will soon be available. Other features ideal for Opel ADAM’s natural urban environment are a new generation Park Assist that automatically parks the car, a Side Blind Spot Alert (SBSA), a power steering system including a “light touch” CITY mode and Opel’s exclusive FlexFix bicycle carrier, fully integrated in the rear bumper.

Opel ADAM IntelliLink infotainment system
ADAM introduces Opel’s award winning design philosophy of “sculptural artistry meets German precision” to the fashion led A-segment. It stands out with its muscular, original look that bucks the trend of retro based design, as well as with bold, powerful proportions. Experts forecast that the lifestyle A-segment, to which ADAM belongs, will continue to grow steadily in the next few years. Since 2000, sales of trendy cars in the A segment (around 3.70 m length) in Europe have increased by approximately 30 percent and those of luxury cars in the B segment (around 4.00 m length) by over 110 per cent. Opel intends to conquer this growing market with the ADAM.

Monday, 18 February 2013

!NEW! Four Opel World Premieres at Geneva Motor Show 2013

  • New elegant midsize Opel Cascada convertible makes its world debut
  • Urban crossover concept Opel ADAM ROCKS shows freedom in its most individual form
  • Opel ADAM R2 Concept bound for rallyeing this year
  • Super efficient all-new 1.6 liter Turbo Diesel premieres in Opel Zafira Tourer
  • Opel ADAM best connected small car, with IntelliLink and Siri Eyes Free voice recognition


Opel presents four world premieres at this year’s Geneva Motor Show (public visitor days March 7 – 17, 2013). The new mid-size class Cascada convertible, the urban crossover concept ADAM ROCKS, the rallye concept ADAM R2 and the Zafira Tourer 1.6 CDTI will all be revealed at the Opel press conference on March 5 at 9:00 a.m. in Geneva Palexpo, Hall 2, Stand 2231.

With the elegant four seat Cascada convertible, Opel now offers an attractive and affordable alternative in a segment dominated by higher priced midsize cabrios. With muscular proportions and an open-air feeling, the crossover concept ADAM ROCKS previews possible design routes to an absolutely unique and even more individual car, while the ADAM R2 variant, bound for international customer rallyeing this year, also joins the small car’s star cast. A key part of the comprehensive update to Opel’s engine portfolio is the launch of a new family of mid-size diesel engines. The new generation 1.6 CDTI ECOTEC makes its debut in Geneva in the compact Zafira Tourer van. The urban lifestyle ADAM, Opel’s individualization champion and best connected small car, made waves before and during its market launch. Now it is sure to turn more heads at Geneva as the ADAM continues to increase its technological advantage with new IntelliLink functions, such as Siri Eyes Free voice recognition and apps like TuneIn for global radio streaming.

World premiere: New Opel Cascada – Glamorous all season midsize convertible
The new Opel Cascada is a classy four seater with an elongated silhouette and a sophisticated, high quality soft-top. Positioned at the top of Opel’s product line-up, the Cascada is a mid-size convertible that’s distinguished not only by its size (length: almost 4.70 meters), but also by its allure and the many premium technologies and features it offers.


It delivers a sharp driving experience with a super rigid body, advanced HiPerStrut front suspension and adaptive mechatronic FlexRide chassis system. All occupants can enjoy the pleasures of open-air driving thanks to the premium quality soft-top which opens at the touch of a button in 17 seconds while driving at speeds of up to 50 km/h. It can also be activated by remote control when the car is stationary.


With its outstanding load capacity of up to 380 liters (top closed), the all-season convertible shows that glamour and everyday practicality are perfectly compatible. To increase load volume, the Opel Cascada benefits from the FlexFold system which electrically releases and folds down the 50:50 split rear seat-back rests – a feature that cannot be offered in hard-top convertibles.


True premium equipment such as automatic seatbelt presenters, exclusive Nappa leather upholstery and ventilated ergonomic seats, as well as a host of safety systems, enhance interior comfort and provide greater safety for relaxed driving pleasure. Even with a very rich standard equipment, Cascada prices are highly attractive and start at 25,945 euros (RRP incl. VAT in Germany). The new Opel Cascada will arrive at dealerships in April.

World premiere: Opel ADAM ROCKS Concept – Freedom in its most individual form
The lifestyle Opel ADAM is the true champion of individualization – and the best connected small car around. But that is not enough for Opel. At the Geneva Motor Show, the automaker reveals it is exploring new ways of further enhancing ADAM’s individualization with a three door, urban mini-crossover study called ADAM ROCKS. With its muscular proportions, fierce design and an open-air capability, the 3.7 meter long ADAM ROCKS opens the door to a new market segment.

The ADAM ROCKS concept has been created for those seeking personal freedom “off the beaten track”. Inspired by parkour athletes, it features a higher and wider stance as well as an especially powerful, compact appearance. Its assertive looks, with a prominent grille structure and LED headlamps, show this car means business. Boomerang shaped turn indicators make the ADAM ROCKS’ styling even more individual, and the clips on the concept’s large, 18 inch wheels get a particularly expressive design.

The ADAM ROCKS’ special feeling of personal freedom is further emphasized by its cabrio looks and a fabric roof that offers a clear view of the sky above. The fabric extends across the entire width of the roof right back to the C pillars. The ‘networked’ roof’s special appeal is its intelligence: a special weather app, displayed on the color touch screen of the IntelliLink driver-information-center, knows when a weather front is imminent and automatically initiates closing of the roof. This ADAM rocks!

World premiere: Opel ADAM Rallye R2 – ADAM UNCHAINED
Opel officially returned to motorsport with the ADAM “Cup” in November 2012. At this year’s Geneva Motor Show the brand now presents a new Rallye Cup variant of its small lifestyle car, built based on FIA R2 regulations. Special body components from the sporty Opel OPC product line and quick release catches on the hood and tailgate, as well as under ride guards front and rear, emphasize the sporty format of this rallye specialist.

Its unique shell also harbors pure high-tech. The ADAM R2 is powered by a 1.6 liter ECOTEC 16V engine with variable camshaft phasing that develops around 136 kW/185 hp and maximum torque of about 190 Nm in its competitive configuration. The adjustable chassis set-up with asphalt and gravel settings guarantees maximum traction and dynamic handling. And excellent stopping power is provided by a braking system with a hydraulic ‘fly-off’ handbrake, Brembo 4 piston front brake calipers and braking pressure regulation for the rear axle.

The R2’s cabin features all the attributes of a professional competition vehicle. Equipment includes an integrated safety structure, HANS-compatible SPARCO Competition racing seats, a cockpit with an LCD gear indicator, control light and MONIT trip computer, a central control panel, a map reading light and an electric fire extinguisher. After its homologation, the ADAM R2 will be a top-class vehicle for international customer rallyeing, eligible for every national championship in Europe.

World premiere: New Opel Zafira Tourer 1.6 CDTI – Highest turbo diesel efficiency


Opel introduces the 1.6 CDTI ECOTEC, the cleanest diesel engine in the company’s history, in the Zafira Tourer at the Geneva Motor Show. Equipped with Opel BlueInjection SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction) technology, this new generation four cylinder turbo diesel already meets future stringent Euro 6 emissions limits.


In the Opel Zafira Tourer, the new generation 1.6 CDTI ECOTEC unit delivers 100 kW/136 hp and 320 Nm of torque, together with outstanding combined cycle fuel efficiency of just 4.1 l/100 km and very low emission levels of only 109 g/km CO2. No other compact monocab on the market place offers such a great combination of high torque and performance (with a maximum speed of 193 km/h) and fuel economy. 

The new 1.6 CDTI ECOTEC does not only set benchmarks for performance with its high power and torque density but also for refinement with an outstandingly low level of noise, vibration and harshness. This new generation engine and its innovative engine control unit have been entirely developed in-house by a global team of engineers in Turin, Rüsselsheim and the USA.

Infotainment premiere: Opel ADAM IntelliLink – Now with Siri Eyes Free voice recognition
Opel’s individualization champion ADAM is the best connected small car on the market. Its IntelliLink infotainment system is compatible with both iPhones iOS and Android smartphones and integrates many of their functions into the car. With Siri Eyes Free voice recognition (for iPhone smartphones that run on Apple iOS 6) and apps like TuneIn for global radio streaming, the ADAM continues to extend its technological leadership with additional IntelliLink features.

Opel ADAM IntelliLink with BringGo navigation
Siri Eyes Free voice recognition makes driving safer as well as more comfortable. TuneIn brings the world of international radio to drivers and passengers: app users can tune in to 70,000 stations and over two million on-demand programs. Many other apps are also available for ADAM’s IntelliLink system, including Stitcher global podcast internet radio and BringGo navigation for Western and Eastern Europe. Everything is clearly displayed in the car via IntelliLink’s seven inch color touch screen display.

Wednesday, 13 February 2013

!NEW! Opel Zafira Tourer 1.6 CDTI: Seven seater MPV with top efficiency

  • New generation 1.6 CDTI ECOTEC is cleanest diesel in Opel’s history
  • Strong and frugal: 320 Nm of torque but only 4.1 liter/100 km (109 g/km CO2 )
  • Compliant with Euro 6 standards thanks to Selective Catalytic Reduction technology
  • World premiere in Geneva, already available in 2013


New Generation Opel Diesel Euro 6 Engine World Premiere in Geneva
At the Geneva Motorshow (March 7-17, 2013) Opel will introduce its all-new generation diesel engine, the 1.6 CDTI ECOTEC, in the Zafira Tourer. This new powertrain is the cleanest diesel engine in Opel’s history. Equipped with Opel’s “BlueInjectionSCR technology (Selective Catalytic Reduction), it already meets the strict Euro 6 emissions limits. The new generation 1.6 CDTI ECOTEC unit delivers 100 kW/136 hp and 320 Nm of torque for outstanding fuel efficiency in the Zafira Tourer of just 4.1 l/100 km consumption and 109 g/km CO2. No other compact monocab on the market place offers such a great combination of high torque, performance (with a maximum speed of 193 km/h) and fuel economy. The new Opel four cylinder 1.6 liter diesel engine does not only set benchmarks for performance with its high power and torque density but also for refinement with an outstandingly low level of noise, vibration and harshness.

The new 1.6 CDTI ECOTEC diesel and its innovative engine control unit have been entirely developed in-house by a global team of engineers in Turin, Rüsselsheim and the USA. It further expands the Zafira Tourer’s broad powertrain offer. This comprises five diesel – including a new high performance 2.0 BiTurbo CDTI engine with 143 kW/195 hp - and four gasoline engines, as well as an LPG and a CNG Turbo variant. The extensive choice ensures that a wide range of customer needs and tastes are met. “Opel continues to spice up its already successful Zafira Tourer with new and exciting German-engineered technology,” says Mike Ableson, Opel Board Member and GM Europe Vice President, Engineering. “Our new generation 1.6 CDTI ECOTEC unit is not only the cleanest diesel engine in Opel’s history. It just makes our Zafira Tourer stand out once again: There simply is no other car that offers such a perfect blend of high performance, impressive fuel economy, excellent refinement and top class quality in a seven seat layout.”

New Opel Zafira Tourer 1.6 CDTI with AFL lights and front camera
The award-winning Opel Zafira Tourer – most recently a recipient of the 2012 ‘Golden Steering Wheel’ from readers of European car magazines – combines premium class ambience and leading flexibility inside the cabin with cutting-edge technologies, some of which are unique in the segment and enhance safety and comfort. Technical highlights include the mechatronic FlexRide chassis system, the second generation Opel Eye front camera, the AFL+ adaptive forward lighting system and a panoramic windshield which floods the cabin with natural light. Extra flexibility inside the Zafira Tourer is provided by the new generation Flex7 system, including the unique lounge seating function which gives passengers an unprecedented amount of space in the second row.

1.6 CDTI ECOTEC has class leading refinement, performance and environmental compatibility  
Featuring closed loop combustion control and an aluminum block, the all-new 1.6 CDTI ECOTEC diesel engine starting in the Zafira Tourer at the Geneva Motor Show will replace existing 1.7 liter engines and certain lower powered versions of the 2.0 liter range. Class leading attenuation of noise, vibration and harshness, high power/torque density and low fuel consumption were the main development objectives. Initially maximum power and torque have been set at 100 kW/136 hp and 320 Newton meters respectively; compared to the 1.7 liter engine of the older generation, these are increases of respectively 4.6 and 6.6 per cent. Compared to similarly powerful 2.0 liter diesels in the Zafira Tourer, the fuel consumption of new generation 1.6 CDTI has been reduced by up to 10 percent.

Opel 1.6 CDTI ECOTEC Euro 6 Turbo Diesel engine

The Zafira Tourer 1.6 CDTI’s moderate fuel consumption and extremely low emissions – comparable to those of the gasoline engine version – are made possible by the use of Opel’s “BlueInjectionSelective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) system.


In this environmentally friendly exhaust after treatment process a harmless diesel exhaust fluid named AdBlue®, consisting of urea and water, is injected into the exhaust gas. The solution decomposes into ammonia, which is then stored on a catalyst substrate. Nitrogen oxide (NOx) enters the catalyst in the exhaust gas, and is then selectively reduced to nitrogen and water.

Outstanding balance between performance and fuel economy
The new Opel Zafira Tourer 1.6 CDTI which will be launched in 2013 is expected to be particularly popular in many markets where its super-low CO2 emission level of only 109 g/km will make it benefit from a favorable taxation system, e.g. in France, Belgium and the Netherlands. Its outstanding balance of fuel economy and performance should also make it very successful in further major diesel markets like Portugal, Spain.


Tuesday, 12 February 2013

!NEW! Opel engine plant in Szentgotthárd to be expanded

  • Additional 130 million euro investment in modern engine plant in Hungary
  • Annual production to increase by 100,000 engines
  • Series production of new-generation Opel engines already started

Plans to expand the newly built, flexible Opel engine plant in Hungary were announced today by Opel Vice President Government Relations Joachim Koschnicke (left) and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán (right).

Plans to expand the newly built, flexible Opel engine plant in Hungary were announced by Opel Vice President Government Relations Joachim Koschnicke and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán. Opel will invest an additional 130 million euros in its new facility, where series production of the new generation 1.6 liter, four cylinder, SIDI (Spark Ignition Direct Injection) ECOTEC Turbo engines started last week.

New Opel 1.6 SIDI ECOTEC Turbo petrol engine

“Opel is in the midst of a product offensive: 23 new models and 13 new engines will be launched by 2016 and many of these engines will be built in Hungary.” said Joachim Koschnicke.

With this additional investment, the plant will be enlarged by 1,600 square meters, over 80 new machines will be installed and the new facility’s annual production will be increased by 100,000 engines. Including this expansion, total Opel investment in Hungary will be approximately 1.4 billion euros and the new engine plant’s annual production capacity will increase to 600,000 engines.

Koschnicke said: “Opel continues to be a strategic player in the Hungarian economy. We were the first automotive company to invest in this country back in 1991 and our latest investments underline our partnership and commitments here. We are proud of our history and of our success: Opel is the number one brand on the Hungarian car market and the strength of the brand is also supported by our strong manufacturing presence.”

New Opel 1.6 CDTI ECOTEC Turbo Diesel Euro 6 engine

The manufacturing portfolio in the new Opel engine plant will consist of a family of small gasoline engines, a family of medium-sized gasoline engines and a family of medium sized diesel engines. The new engine families will meet future Euro 6 emission standards, add direct injection to gasoline powertrains, secure a low power/weight ratio, provide smooth running and substantially reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. Series production of the 1.6 liter gasoline engines has already started, and the new 1.6 liter diesel units which already meet future Euro 6 emission standards will follow by the end of this month.