!NEW! Tests of Opel and TÜV Rheinland confirm refrigerant safety

• Safety of R1234yf in air conditioners confirmed under realistic conditions
• Opel Mokka SUV meets EU directive for climate-friendly refrigerant
• GWP lower by 99 percent compared with predecessor

Sure thing: The new climate-friendly refrigerant R1234yf can be safely used in air conditioning systems of automobiles. The photo was taken at a realistic crash test, Opel has carried out jointly with TÜV Rheinland. The violent collision with subsequent loss of water vapor and caused much damage to the climate system that led to the escape of refrigerant near the hot exhaust manifold. Nevertheless, it did not cause inflammation of the refrigerant. Test object was awarded five Euro NCAP stars Opel Mokka

The new climate-friendly refrigerant R1234yf can be safely used in air conditioning systems of automobiles. This now live crash tests have confirmed that Opel has performed together with renowned technical service corporation TÜV Rheinland. Test object was the award-winning and awarded five Euro NCAP stars SUV Opel Mokka.

Conditioners all Mokka produced since January 2013, to fill with the new, strict requirements of the EU Directive 2006/40/EC with a climate-friendly refrigerant. The rule states that all new type-approved vehicles must be equipped with a refrigerant, the global warming potential (GWP = Global Warming Potential) is below 150. While the conventional refrigerant R134a has a GWP of 1430, has the new R1234yf only a GWP of 4, and thus has a lower 99 percent greenhouse effect. R134a builds up in the Earth's atmosphere also be delayed by 30 years - R1234yf already after eleven days.

The Opel and TÜV Rheinland conducted under realistic conditions Crash tests have confirmed the safety of the new refrigerant in Opel cars. This conclusion is supported by studies of other organizations, including SAE International, the U.S. EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) as well as European, North American and Asian car manufacturers.

Opel and TÜV Rheinland have the Opel Mokka 1.4 Turbo subjected to a dynamic crash test under extreme conditions at 50 km / h against a moving deformable barrier. These test parameters correspond to an accident on the highway, where a fully loaded vehicle, previously moved with speed ascends, the traffic jam on a stationary vehicle.

The violent collision caused the crash test at Opel Mokka damage the climate system, leading to a leak and thus the escape of refrigerant near the hot exhaust manifold. Nevertheless, it did not cause inflammation of the refrigerant.

"The safety of our vehicles and our customers is a top priority for Opel. And environmental performance in our company has a long tradition. The Mokka strengthens with the new refrigerant our leading role in linking mobility, environmental protection and safety. We are proud to introduce an equally safe, effective and environmentally friendly climate system, "said Michael F. Ableson, Opel Chief Development Officer and GM Europe Vice President, Engineering.

The automobile industry dominated the safe use of potentially flammable liquids such as gasoline, antifreeze, grease, brake fluid and windshield washer. Compared to gasoline requires 5000 times more energy to ignite the new refrigerant. "In the near future there is no way to R1234yf. Possible alternatives as refrigerant CO2-based are still in development and so years away from the market", said Ableson.

Since its launch in June 2012, the new Opel Mokka learns much praise from press and public alike. Accordingly, there are currently more than 90,000 orders for the new mocha, with which Opel became the first German car manufacturer, the fast growing subcompact SUV enters (SUV B-segment).