Friday 29 November 2013

!NEW! Sport Stars and Visionaries: Opel with ADAM R2, Monza Concept & Co.

Opel at the Essen Motor Show
  • Essen head-turner: Public premiere for ADAM R2 rallye car
  • Sport for the road: Public debuts for Astra GTC and Corsa OPC in motorsport guise
  • Trendsetter: Monza Concept showcases future Opel technologies and design
  • At the limit: Top athlete Insignia OPC and adventurer Insignia Country Tourer
  • Best connectivity: ADAM Black Link special edition with IntelliLink and Siri Eyes Free
  • First hand experiences: Opel partners from football and motorsports on site
New Opel ADAM R2  - Rallye car
In 2014, Opel will be racing full speed ahead into its second season of motorsport activities. Visual proof of this at the Essen Motor Show (Nov 30 – Dec 8) is the premiere of the Rallye ADAM R2, together with the Astra GTC and the Corsa OPC in typical motorsport guises. Another attention-grabbing highlight on the Opel stand (A120 in Hall 3.0) is the visionary Monza Concept.

Opel Monza Concept 
Opel also shows how it is moving into the future with a series of new production cars which demonstrate the brand’s commitment to sportiness and connectivity. Visitors can get a close-up look at top Insignia OPC and Insignia Country Tourer models, as well as the elegant mid-size Cascada convertible, the dynamic and compact Mokka SUV and the stylish ADAM Black Link. The Astra Sports Tourer, with BiTurbo diesel power, also brings ultra-modern, high-torque engine technology to Essen.

In addition, fans can see their sports idols up close as many Opel partners from the world of soccer and motorsport will be appearing on the Opel stand. At the interview followed by an hour’s signing of autographs, the goal scorers from Fortuna Düsseldorf (30.11., 14-15.00), Bayer 04 Leverkusen (1.12, 14-15.00) and Borussia Dortmund (08.12, 13-14.00) are ready to answer the questions that come their way. Already on several days, Joachim  “Jockel” Winkelhock together with the successful young ADAM-Rallye-pilot Marijan Griebel and Fabian Kreim tell of the exciting atmosphere in the cockpit (30.11, 11-12 and 15-16 hours; 1.12, 11-12 and 15-16 hours.) Visitors of the Essen Motor Show will be able to meet the two high flyers on site also on the 7.12 from 11-12 and from 14-15 hours.

On track and on road: ADAM R2, Astra GTC and Corsa OPC in motorsport guise

New Opel ADAM R2  
Opel’s comeback to motorsport created lots of excitement among fans and media alike during the 2013 season. The launch of the ADAC Opel Rallye Cup, with 24 identical ADAM Cup cars, attracted numerous followers, as did the Astra OPC Cup on the legendary Nürburgring Nordschleife within the framework of the VLN Endurance Championship. With the arrival of the ADAM R2 Rallye car, carrying Opel’s signature yellow-black-white colors, the brand now makes its next big splash in motorsport. This small but swift powerhouse, with about 190 hp on tap, makes its public debut in Essen and will appear on the national and European rallying stage from the beginning of next year.

Opel Corsa OPC Nürburgring Edition in special motorsport trim
Opel Astra GTC and Opel Corsa OPC in special motorsport trim are now ready to go into series production. They bring sporty performance onto the road. The Astra GTC in motorsport guise, for example, features a 1.6 liter ECOTEC SIDI (Direct Injection) Turbo engine from Opel’s new powertrain generation which delivers 147 kW/200 hp and 280 Nm maximum torque, while the Corsa OPC Nürburgring Edition packs a 155 kW/210 hp engine, also with 280 Nm maximum torque. Show visitors will be left in no doubt about the level of power under the hood of these cars: they share cool, racing car looks, with an all-white exterior emblazoned by crisp yellow-black-grey motorsport decals. The Corsa OPC with motorsport package is already available to order at its premiere at Essen, while its Astra GTC counterpart will follow next spring.

Opel Astra GTC 1.6 SIDI Turbo (147 kW/200 hp) in motorsport guise


Opel Monza Concept: Infotainment and connectivity for tomorrow

Opel Monza Concept - unique LED projection technology
Sporty and efficient with all-round connectivity – that is what the automotive future looks like. And in all these areas, the Opel Monza Concept is both a visionary and pioneer. With its captivating exterior styling and innovative modular powertrain system design, the Monza Concept embodies stylish and ultra-modern efficiency on four wheels and takes this into the interior. Here Opel’s latest concept car impresses with unique LED projection technology and versatile connectivity possibilities. Although it may all seem like a quantum leap for today’s drivers in Essen, this level of technology will soon be a normal part of everyday life. By showcasing what lies in store, the Monza Concept is an impressive role-model for the next generation of Opel cars.

Insignia OPC and Insignia Country Tourer: Opel’s top series production models

New Opel Insignia OPC Sports Tourer
In every way and in every variant, the new Opel Insignia range is simply captivating. With 239 kW/325 hp and 435 Nm maximum torque, the Insignia OPC is Opel’s top-of-the-line performer. This all-wheel drive model features new, refreshed looks and a modified chassis which shows its abilities on winding country roads as well as fast, open stretches of autobahn. With a six-speed manual transmission and all-wheel drive, the Insignia OPC sprints from zero to 100 km/h in 6.0 seconds. The cabin welcomes drivers with a pure motorsport ambience. Recaro performance seats, the OPC gearshift knob, and a new main instrument panel giving driver-specific information all exude premium flair.

New Opel Insignia Country Tourer 4x4
The new Insignia Country Tourer is the adventurer of the Insignia family. This athletic all-rounder features under-ride décor elements front and rear, combined with prominent wheel-arch and lower body cladding, all complemented by dual exhaust tailpipes. The Country Tourer is equipped for the rigors of uneven terrain by the addition of a standard protective guard under the engine compartment which is made from high-strength steel and specially-coated for durability. State-of-the-art all-wheel drive ensures grip and sure-footed handling in all driving conditions. It is teamed with powerful turbo engines such as the 184 kW/250 hp, 2.0-liter ECOTEC Direct Injection Turbo gasoline unit or a 143 kW/195 hp high-performance 2.0 BiTurbo CDTI – both generating impressive maximum torque of 400 Nm.

Opel Astra Sports Tourer BiTurbo CDTI 
Essen Motor Show visitors can take a close look at Opel’s ultra-modern BiTurbo technology in the Astra Sports Tourer. With sequential BiTurbo power, this compact station wagon accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in just 8.9 seconds. Maximum speed is 224 km/h – faster than any other Astra Sports Tourer. While ensuring strong performance and lots of driving fun, twin-turbo technology is also ultra-efficient and exceptionally frugal.

Opel Astra Sports Tourer BiTurbo CDTI 

Mid-size Opel Cascada convertible: Timeless, elegant open-air enjoyment

Opel Cascada - Mid-size convertible
The Opel Cascada sets new standards for mid-size convertibles. This classy four-seat drop-top offers year-round comfort and is defined by its elegant, elongated silhouette. The high-quality soft-top can be deployed within 17 seconds at driving speeds up to 50 km/h, making it one of the fastest and best on the market. The Cascada also delivers a sharp driving experience with its super-rigid body and advanced HiPerStrut front suspension – initially developed for the high performance Insignia OPC – together with FlexRide adaptive damping and newest-generation, high-performance engines. Premium equipment and features otherwise found only in high-end convertibles all contribute to enhanced levels of comfort.

Opel Cascada - Elegant four-seat convertible



Compact SUV Opel Mokka: Impressive ‘All-wheel Drive Car of the Year 2013’

Opel Mokka SUV
‘All-wheel drive Car of the Year 2013’, ‘Best SUV in its class’, ‘Design Trophy winner’ – these are just some of the many awards the Opel Mokka has received, causing quite a sensation in its segment. To date, 145,000 orders have come in for the Mokka from all over Europe. In all respects, the compact, dynamic Opel SUV makes a convincing case. At 4.28 meters long, it provides generous accommodation with high seating positions for five occupants. Available with front or all-wheel drive, the chassis is also suitable for use beyond the limits of paved roads. Mokka customers can now choose high-torque and economical gasoline, diesel or LPG engines. Technologies and comfort details, such as the ultra-modern IntelliLink infotainment system, Adaptive Forward Lighting (AFL+) and ergonomic seats with the AGR (Campaign for Healthy Backs) seal of approval, make the Mokka even more attractive.

Opel ADAM Black Link: Optimal connectivity and stylish travel

Opel ADAM Black Link
The chic Opel ADAM has been turning heads since its market launch at the beginning of 2013. Its unconventional, colorful appearance and its limitless personalization possibilities all ensure it remains an attention-getter. Practically every ADAM is a unique vehicle. This small urban car now once again proves its role as the innovative individualization champion with the launch of the ADAM Black Link variant. This special model is like a sophisticated smartphone on wheels. Opel offers the ADAM Black Link not only with the award-winning, clever IntelliLink infotainment system and Siri Eyes Free voice control fitted as standard, but also in a very special black-white smartphone design with brushed aluminum accents. It thus embodies a perfect blend of ultra-modern infotainment and connectivity technology with clear, technically-inspired design.

The Essen Motor Show takes place from November 30 to December 8 and is open on weekdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and from 9 a.m. at weekends.

!NEW! Opel Corsa OPC Rallye Cup 2014

  • Registration period runs until the end of the year
  • Attractive Cup Package
  • Specifications for the Opel Corsa OPC Rallye

Opel Corsa OPC Rallye
With the Waldviertel Rallye in early November, the second season of the Opel Corsa OPC Rally Cup came to an end . Daniel Wollinger could with his co Bernhard Holzer, winning by his constant good performance the Cup already in the fifth round in bodying forth for themselves. Nevertheless, it remained in the cup until the last race exciting - in the Waldviertel fought Rene Rieder, Christoph Leitgeb and Alois Scheid hammer for second place. Christoph Leitgeb went under these three emerged as winners. For Rene Rieder it was this year the first season and it has already been decided: " In the next season, we are definitely back again. This year we have learned and have shown that we are fast a lot. For 2014, we will definitely try to help us continue to improve and launch an attack on the Opel Corsa OPC Cup victory. "

Team magnification in Opel Corsa OPC Rallye Cup - registration period runs until the end of the year

Willi Stengg , organizer of the Opel Corsa OPC Rally Cup, and Opel Austria have decided to increase the Cup again. "I am impressed with how well the Cup has evolved within only two years and am very pleased , which appeal we could find in the rally scene. The Opel Corsa OPC Rallye Cup we wanted to rally teams offer the opportunity to retract a good placement in the 2WD score in a safe vehicle and in particular allow for the participation in the Austrian rallies with a small budget. This is very well done, "says Mag. Alexander Struckl, managing director of General Motors Austria GmbH.

Interested teams can until the end of the year at Willi Stengg (willi@stengg.at, 0664 22 18 007) report.

Opel Corsa OPC Rallye Cup Package

Opel Corsa OPC Rallye Cup will participate again in 2014 to six rallies in Austria. Moreover, the organizers adapted the prize money due to the greater number of teams: instead of the eight top finishers there is now for the first ten teams a prize of fabulous 61,200,- Euro. In addition, there are other benefits that brings the Cup with him:

  • Opel Corsa OPC rally car at a price of 39.900, - Euro (incl. VAT)
  • Service bus with all the necessary spare parts at every rally 
  • Hospitality and catering for driver and front passenger at every rally
  • Service inspection discount for Opel vehicles
  • Uniform optical and organizational performance at every rally
     
Specifications for the Opel Corsa OPC Rally

The Cup car is a Opel Corsa OPC, 3-door, which was rebuilt by Stengg Motorsport and includes a welded WRC cage with protection cage, a fire extinguisher, a fire extinguisher, seats with 6- point harnesses from Sparco , a Beifahrerfußstütze, a flocked dashboard, a rally steering wheel, a power switch, a reading lamp, a modified engine control unit, a restrictor, a complete exhaust system and an underbody protection, a differential lock and a Bilstein rally suspension.

" The Opel Corsa OPC Rally has always been developed during the last two seasons. Also for 2014 subtleties were adapted, the new teams can look forward to an even better rally car therefore, "said Willi Stengg.

Engine: 1.6 Turbo ECOTEC ®, 4 cylinders in line, 16 valves

Power: 157 kW/213PS at 5,500 min-1

Torque : 305 Nm at 2500-5500 min-1

Transmission: six-speed manual M32 gearbox, limited slip differential

Chassis: Bilstein rally suspension -  Height adjustable, asphalt and gravel specification

Steering: electro-hydraulic power steering

Braking system: hydraulic hand brake, balance beam, Brembo 4- piston caliper

Body: safety cell , underride protection

Interior: SPARCO Seats (HANS compatible), electrically triggering fire extinguishing system

Exterior: Quick fasteners for hood and trunk lid, tow loops

Electrical: modified control unit 29 mm R- restriction

Dimensions: length 4040 mm, width 1924 mm, Height 1,448 mm (ride height asphalt), Wheelbase 2511 mm, Weight 1145 kg
                                

Thursday 28 November 2013

!NEW! Four decades of top design: Opel Monza GSE meets Opel Monza Concept

  • Style icons in comparison: Dream coupé of the seventies meets the IAA study 2013
  • Designers from back then and now in dialogue: George Gallion and Friedhelm Engler
  • Fascinating double interview: The Opel design language of yesterday and today

Four decades of top design: The Monza GSE meets the Monza Concept. Opel is continuing the tradition of beautiful Gran Turismo models coming out of Rüsselsheim.

A beautiful autumnal day at the river Main: Riding on a yellow truck, the Opel Monza Concept rolls up in front of the Adam Opel Building. The namesake of the brand-new concept vehicle, Opel Monza GSE, is already set. George Gallion, who designed the original 1977 Monza, and Friedhelm Engler, Director of Advanced Design of the Opel Monza Concept, follow spellbound, as the two cars are placed side by side – a moment worthy of goose bumps. Dozens of employees gather immediately, pulling out their smartphones as they walk around the racers. Even the two designers cannot be persuaded to pose for the photographers as planned. While the Opel Monza Concept is still assuming its position, Gallion opens the tailgate of the GSE. “That was a tricky thing,” he says, stroking the delicate trimming of the rear window. “It ensures the extremely slender structure is rigid enough, and we wanted this structure at all costs,” he explains. “When designing the Opel Monza Concept,” says Engler, “we were inspired by the tailgate’s glass.” And the car is now finally good to go. With a stroke of his finger over the rear fender, Engler opens the huge gull-wing door. Silently. Gallion takes his seat. Using a touchpad, Engler raises the LED projection. The curved cockpit, stretching from door to door, springs to life. Virtual buttons and control dials appear on the cockpit surface. “Everything can be shown here. A CD cover, the navigational map, a Facebook app, whatever you want, when you want it,” explains Engler.

Two designers and their works. Friedhelm Engler (on left) with his Opel Monza Concept with George Gallion in front of his Opel Monza GSE.

Ten questions for Opel designers George Gallion and Friedhelm Engler:

Mr. Gallion, you made history with the Opel Monza A2 in 1983. It was the first car with a digital display. What do you think of this new kind of instrument panel ?

GALLION: Some newspapers called our display a ‘mouse screen’ back then. I liked that. This is like, how should I call it, “Mickey Mouse meets Star Wars.” I am even slightly envious when I see what’s possible today. How beautiful this car has become.

ENGLER: Hey, George, you’ve got goose bumps. This interface between human and machine is crazy, right? The infotainment and instrument panel was originally intended to be a lot smaller, more reduced. Then we realized that it works really well. We can place the multifunctional, customizable dash panel across the entire width of the dashboard. It’s state of the art.

Opel Monza GSE: A luxury of the late seventies and early eighties. A coupé for daily driving with a six cylinder in-line engine that runs with silky smoothness.

Two generations: George Gallion (on left) and Friedhelm Engler under the large wing door of the Opel Monza Concept.

Mr. Gallion and Mr. Engler, your paths coincided at Opel in 1992. Did you ever run into each other ?

GALLION: But of course. I actually interviewed Friedhelm for the job.

ENGLER: I still remember it well. After the interview, George showed me around the studio and let me look under all the car covers. That was actually against the rules. But that’s typical of the fascination with Opel / Vauxhall. It’s approachable, both then and now.

How has the work of designers changed ?

ENGLER: The early stages always involve the vision, the idea and then pencils, and quality paper. That hasn’t changed. Right, George?

GALLION: Yes. It’s the old cliché – the designer sits in a café and sketches with pencil and paper in front of them. That’s true. Even in meetings, while designers are listening, well, most of the time, they are drawing while they’re at it.

ENGLER: What has changed, of course, are the tools – computer development and 3D programs, shaping machines and simulations.

48 years ago, Opel was the world’s first car manufacturer to present a concept car at the IAA, the Experimental Opel GT. This year it’s the Opel Monza Concept. How important are concept cars for the evolution of design ?

GALLION: The show cars are there in order to showcase new design ideas. They don’t necessarily have to result in a product. Rather, they aim to illustrate a trend. At that time, Opel had the first design department that was only allowed to research without regard to a particular product line.

48 years of Opel concept cars: The Experimental GT was in 1965 the first concept car made by a European manufacturer. Just like the Monza Concept, the GT celebrated its premiere at the IAA in Frankfurt.
ENGLER: The Monza Concept is the vision of the Opel brand, and for us, too, for designers, employees, and colleagues. It is incredibly motivating to see a vision take shape. Indeed, we have just seen what happened in front of the Adam Opel Building. Before the car is even in position, colleagues gather in droves to see the car and take photos.

How was the idea of the Opel Monza Concept born?

ENGLER: It began with a vision of the brand. We wanted to visualize efficiency that could also be realized from the point of view of engineering. The idea was for it not to convey heaviness but also not fragility. That is how the original sketch of the lady and the dog was born. (Engler pulls out a poster showing the car next to a lady and a greyhound.) This greyhound is just skin and bone, is incredibly agile, and at the same time looks elegant. That is perfect. Also, this woman, she’s got a 70s, 80s look on the one hand, but is also modern and cool. That was it, that was a full story. Together we developed the idea for another two years. A show car is not the work of just one person. It is a team effort, involving 70 or 80 people.

Dream car: The Monza Concept will sustainably influence the design of upcoming Opel models.

Getting back to the greyhound, over and again we read that animals are the inspiration for car designs. Do designers visit the zoo regularly in their free time ?

ENGLER: I don’t think that our people hang out at the zoo. Although, George, there is that story about the manta ray …

GALLION: That was in 1969. In response to the Ford Capri, we designed a prototype for a coupé in the space of four weeks. Predator names were ‘in’ at the time. We wanted to name it manta and use the shape of the fish as the emblem. But nobody could tell us what this fish looked like at all. Nobody but Jacques Cousteau, the marine biologist. So I went to see him in Paris to get photos of the manta ray. And well, the fish wasn’t all that beautiful in the end. So then we gave it a more elegant look in the design.

ENGLER: Examples from the animal world are appreciated simply because they mean something to everyone. When I talk about a cheetah or a greyhound in conversation, everyone has an image in their mind straight away.

Elegant design paired with ultra-modern efficiency on four wheels: The visionary Monza Concept shows what Opel drivers can expect in future. Its formal tension and lightness remind of a beautiful greyhound.

Opel Monza: that means, a sports coupé with a lot of space inside. What parallels can be drawn between the Opel Monza A and the Opel Monza Concept ?

ENGLER: Opel Monza Concept stands on its own. However, there are certain intentional references to the Opel Monza A, for example, the implied air ducts of the C pillar. The duct along the roofline reflects functionality which is what Opel stands for. This makes it a high-value four seater that makes no compromises. That’s why we call it a sports break and not a sports coupé. The generous sculpted glass – another reference – brings lightness and also gives it a more slender appearance. Otherwise, Opel Monza A is just a namesake, a reference. While we had it with us in the studio, we didn’t do a retro design, and we didn’t cook or rehash any old ideas. George and his team never looked back either.

How much of the Opel Monza Concept’s design will be incorporated into new Opel models ?

ENGLER: Like all Opels, the Monza Concept vehicle is the embodiment of our basic messages – sculpted design and German engineering skill. But it develops the topic, the design philosophy further, pushes it to the next level – by placing the emphasis on extremely strong proportions. Simple lines are therefore sufficient in other areas. Just like a beautifully grown Christmas tree. That’s sculpted design. And it’s evident in the Astra GTC: The lateral, fully pulled sheet metal completes the stage performance.

Is it often the case that you have to sacrifice a brilliant design idea for functional or technical specifications ?

ENGLER: No, not if you develop the idea from the beginning together with colleagues from the engineering and marketing departments.

GALLION: I’ve never tried to do anything that wasn’t technically feasible. But if the engineers said to me, “no, we cannot tilt this component another degree,” then I’d say, “Ok, then just try half a degree more.”

By the way, what cars do you have in your private garage ? 
Mr. Gallion, you arrived today in Opel Meriva …

GALLION: Yes, that’s my fourth already! The door design of the Opel Meriva B is very practical, particularly when I have my five-year-old grandchild with me. And the blue Opel Aero GT, at Opel Classic, that’s mine also.

ENGLER: I’m pursuing a special project at the moment. My son and I are turning an Opel GT into a rally vehicle, which we want to use for racing. When it’s finished, I’ll come over to your place and we can do some laps.

GALLION: It’s a deal! 

In brief: The designers and their concept cars

Friedhelm Engler

Born in 1963, the Director of Advanced Design at GM Europe studied design at the University of Pforzheim for three years, before moving to Tokyo to work as a product designer. At Opel, he began as a transport designer, was later head designer on the Meriva A and the Astra H, then Director of Design for Global Compact Car Architecture. Until 2010, he managed the design department of the PATAC development center in Shanghai. As Director, he was responsible for show cars and studies, including RAK e, RAD e, and the Monza Concept.




George Gallion

Born in the U.S. in 1937, he joined GM in Detroit after having studied industrial design in Atlanta, Georgia. In 1969, he moved to Opel and became Deputy Design Director. Many Opel / Vauxhalls carry his signature, from the Manta A to Monza to his latest projects, the Signum and Movano. He retired in 2002 and lives with his wife in the Taunus mountain range in Germany.






Opel Monza A1/A2

First Sketch: The design for the Opel Monza A. The large coupé celebrates in 1977 its world premiere at the IAA in Frankfurt.

Opel Monza A1 was presented at the Frankfurt Motor Show (IAA) in 1977. The three-door coupé of the new top model, Senator, was ideal for everyday use with its four seats. The Monza was powered by six-cylinder engines with 2.5- to 3.0-liter cubic capacity. The Monza A2 replaced it at the end of 1982. In 1983, the top GSE line featured digital display instruments for the first time. Production of the coupé ended in 1986, but today it is fast becoming a cult classic.



Opel Monza Concept


  The visionary Monza Concept shows what Opel drivers can expect in future.

It combines the silhouette of a sports break with the line of a coupé, and gull-wing doors with functionality. Highly modern instruments and infotainment displays using LED projection technology are indicative of O / V’s plan for sweeping integration. As for the drive system, the modular design ensures the highest degree of flexibility. A 1.0 turbo engine is connected to the electric drive system of the design study, with more combinations possible.

Wednesday 27 November 2013

!NEW! Second victory in a row: Opel ADAM wins the ‘AutoTrophy 2013’

  • Trendy urban model Opel ADAM wins by a mile in the category ‘Citycars’
  • The Opel Cascada is amongst‚ Cabrios of up to 30.000 euros in front of premium competitors in second place

Opel ADAM wins in the category ‘Citycars’
The new Opel models inspire right across the board. With the ‘Auto Trophy 2013’ organized by Auto Zeitung, the stylish urban model the Opel ADAM not only wins twice in a row in the category ‘Citycars’ but also leaves the nearest competitor far behind. The elegant Opel Cascada also makes it to second position in the category ‘Cabrios to 30,000 euros’ and leaves even premium competitors well behind. And the Opel Ampera too does not fail to electrify the public: Amongst 17 rival electric cars it makes it to third place.

Opel Cascada on second place in the category ‘Cabrios of up to 30.000 euros’

“It is a first class result that this year too we are able to take home ‘Auto Trophy’ awards”, Opel Chairman of the Board Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann explains delightedly about the success in the Auto Zeitung Reader Survey. “It shows that our new models, above all the Opel ADAM and the Opel Cascada, strike a chord with the public and in this way, we are able to meet the taste of our car drivers. We will continue along this path in future without compromises: We will build inspiring cars with innovative technologies which are also affordable.”


Opel ADAM wins in the category ‘Citycars’

Opel CEO Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann with the price Auto Trophy for Opel ADAM

With 35.8 percent of votes, the Opel ADAM is the preeminent victor amongst the 22 competing ‘Citycars’. It not only leaves behind the VW Up and VW XL1 (each with 19.6 percent and 9.2 percent respectively) but instead achieves a head start significantly greater than that of the previous year. Opel’s individualization champion has since its market launch at the beginning of the year developed into a constant amongst the small Lifestyle models. At the same time, the Opel ADAM achieves the second best individual result with this year’s ‘Auto Trophy’.


Opel Cascada - Elegant mid-size cabrio

Just as convincing is the appearance of the new mid-sized cabrio, the Opel Cascada. Once selected for the vote, the readers of Auto Zeitung place it in the category of the premium cabrios. The athletic Opel Cascada beat BMW to second place. In the category ‘Cabrios up to 30.000 euros’, a total of 15 vehicles were entered into the category.

Editor-in-chief Volker Koerdt (on left) hands Opel CEO Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann the Auto Trophy for Opel ADAM.
The award for the Opel ADAM victory was received by Dr. Neumann last night in the Classic Remise in Düsseldorf. Around 300 invited guests travelled to the official ‘Auto Trophy’ gala.

Award Ceremony: Opel CEO Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann thanks his audience for the Auto Trophy 2013 - between Editor-in-Chief Volker Koerdt and moderator Judith Rakers. 
More than 100,000 readers of Auto Zeitung had taken part in the 26th ‘Auto Trophy’ selections. A total of 400 different models could be assessed in a total of 29 categories.

Tuesday 26 November 2013

!NEW! Opel Mokka LPG: Great driving fun at Low fuel cost and Emission values

  • 103 kW/140 hp Opel Mokka 1.4 Turbo LPG now available for 23.870 Euros
  • Bivalent drive on LPG and petrol makes particularly high range
  • Costs fall by around 50 percent, CO2 emissions by 13 percent compared to gasoline
  • Full luggage capacity thanks to the space-saving built-in auto gas tanks

New Opel Mokka 1.4 Turbo LPG ecoFLEX
The Opel Mokka can be driven not only by gasoline or diesel fuel, it can also convert LPG in advance: the successful Opel compact SUV is now available as an LPG variant (Liquefied Petroleum Gas) with prices starting at 23,870 euros (SRP including VAT ordered in Germany). The new Opel Mokka 1.4 LPG connects with its bivalent drive the best of two worlds. Optimized for the LPG mode, it can also run on petrol, what distance should increase considerably until the next fuel stop. The Mokka pilot selects just what fuels he wants to keep his car immediately.

Opel Mokka SUV - LPG mode button
The 103 kW/140 hp Opel Mokka 1.4 LPG Autogas needed in the operation 7.7 liters of fuel per 100 kilometers and abuts exemplary 124 grams of CO2 per kilometer on the combined cycle. The environmentally friendly LPG Mokka also satisfies already the strict requirements of the future Euro 6 emissions standard . And not only that: compared to a petrol engine, the fuel expenses decline with LPG by about half.


Low fuel consumption and emission values ​​- therefore carries the mocha LPG Autogas as well as all variants of Opel ecoFLEX range. The LPG supply thus now comprises a total of eleven Opel models. The remaining ten are Insignia four-and five-door hatchback and Sports Tourer, the Astra five-door hatchback and Sports Tourer, Corsa three-and five-door hatchback, ADAM, Meriva and Zafira Tourer.

The compact SUV Opel Mokka is a bestseller in Europe: In Finland and Norway he leads his segment, he is in Germany, Great Britain, Ireland, Italy, Belgium, Austria and Switzerland in second place. To date, 145,000 orders for the Opel Mokka already received - reason enough to expand its production capacity. From the second half of 2014, the Mokka is therefore made ​​in the Spanish Opel plant in Zaragoza.

Range advantage: With bivalent drive up to 1,300 kilometers

The 103 kW/140 hp 1.4 Turbo LPG engine is designed for dual-mode operation , the driver can easily switch by pressing a button between LPG and petrol mode . The LPG tank has 34 liters, the petrol tank is 53 liters. In this way route are possible up to 1300 km without refueling. Another advantage: The LPG tank is space- saving manner in the spare wheel well in the rear of the Opel Mokka, making the full boot capacity remains unchanged.

Compact: The LPG tank is space- saving manner in the spare wheel well in the rear of the Opel Mokka, bringing the full boot capacity remains unchanged.

Power with responsibility : Portfolio of powerful yet economical engines

For the Opel Mokka so now four powerful yet efficient engines at the start: the 1.6 liter gasoline engine with 85 kW/115 hp, 103 kW/140 hp, the 1.4 Turbo, the 1.7 liter turbo-diesel with 96 kW/130 hp and the new 1.4 LPG with 103 kW/140 hp. The units combine sporty performance with low fuel consumption values, which are among the best in the SUV B- segment.

Low fuel costs, low emissions : LPG is becoming increasingly popular

By far the greatest demand for LPG models is in Italy, followed by high-volume markets such as Germany . LPG is used as a drive solution with customers becoming more popular throughout Europe - and for good reason : the fuel is a practical and cost-effective alternative to conventional petrol and diesel models. With LPG in the tank can be not only the consumption costs by about 50 percent, also benefit the environment . City consumption emits Mocha 1.4 LPG 158 grams of CO2 per kilometer - eleven percent less than its gasoline-powered counterpart with 177 grams . In the combined cycle, there are even a whopping 13 percent less CO2: With LPG the mocha encounters as just 124 grams per kilometer than petrol 139 grams. 

To LPG drivers have to worry about finding a suitable petrol station. In Europe, an extensive network of more than 35,000 service stations for LPG supply provides , in Germany the fuel to more than 6,500 gas stations and so on almost every second is available.

Tuesday 19 November 2013

Two Years of Opel Ampera: The Uncompromising Electric Car

  • 100 million kilometers covered on pure electric power since market launch
  • 7,700 enthusiastic owners and over 50 international awards
  • First car from European manufacturer with range extender technology

Opel Ampera EV 
The Opel Ampera is unique. The first electric vehicle suitable for everyday use has been on sale for almost two years and at a current price of 38,300 euros, the customer gets a car today that is equipped with the technology of tomorrow. Owners across Europe have now driven a total of 100 million kilometers on pure electric power, so it’s time to review real-life electric mobility.


The number of electric vehicles in the European market in 2013 is still too low. While their market share has increased slightly over last year, from 0.15 to 0.19 percent, this is still far behind the forecasts of numerous experts.


Opel is doing its utmost to support electric mobility. CEO Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann says: “The Opel Ampera was the first electric vehicle on the market from a European manufacturer. Two years later, we remain committed to our strategy of providing sustainable mobility. We will continue investing in electric propulsion and believe in an emission-free automotive future – not only tomorrow, but also today.”


A total of 7,700 customers have already chosen the trendsetting Opel Ampera. In 2012, it was the best-selling e-car in Europe and was voted Car of the Year by a jury of trade experts. Currently the Opel Ampera is in third place among European e-car registrations with a market share of almost ten percent. In the Netherlands – Europe’s largest and most important market for electric cars – the Ampera is the undisputed leader with an impressive market share of 40 percent. In Germany – the only major market for electric vehicles in Europe without incentive programs – its market share has grown to a remarkable ten percent, and this upward trend is continuing: since its price was reduced in September 2013 to 38,300 euros, orders have almost doubled – a clear indication of how price-sensitive the electric vehicle market remains.



Customers who opt for an electric car quickly become fans. Owners in Europe have reassessed their approach and the Ampera is increasingly being driven in pure battery-powered mode. This is reflected in fuel consumption figures. In a study in the Netherlands, drivers achieved figures substantially lower than the EU standard fuel consumption level (1.2 liters fuel per 100 km, 27 g/km CO2).


Dutchman Benny van Wijngaarden, for example, covers over 25,000 km annually with his Ampera and uses just 0.9 liters of gasoline per 100 km. However, the Belgian fuel-saving champion is clearly Franky Van Liedekerke, who needs only 0.5 liters per 100 km while covering almost 15,000 km annually. These frugal Ampera owners drive more than three-quarters of their total mileage on pure battery electricity without requiring assistance from the Opel Ampera’s range extender.



With their environmentally aware driving, European Ampera drivers have been able to prevent 13,000 tons of local CO2 emissions entering the atmosphere over the past two years, compared to emissions from conventional cars – a blessing for the environment. Ampera owner and mountaineering icon Reinhold Messner shares this view: He is able to roll along emission-free through the small towns of his native South Tyrol which are often overrun with traffic.


While environmental friendliness is one of the Ampera’s strengths, fuel economy is another benefit. Herbert Hans Grüntker, Managing Director of the Frankfurter Sparkasse (Frankfurt Savings Bank), highlights: “We use the Opel Ampera as a company car because for us it is the perfect combination of economic and ecological efficiency. We can recharge the Ampera at our own charging station. And our employees and business partners enjoy the comfort and wonderful quietness of this elegant electric car.”


The German business world is currently discovering the attractions of the Opel Ampera in a car-sharing project, RUHRAUTOe, led by Prof. Dr. Ferdinand Dudenhöffer of the CAR Institute. The Ampera is the most popular choice among the pool of various electric cars. From a total of 80,000 km driven, RUHRAUTOe users covered more than 50,000 km with the Ampera in almost 700 drives.

“The Opel Ampera is extremely well received by the business customers in RUHRAUTOe,* says Dudenhȍffer. “The ability to drive electrically without range restrictions is very important for companies and can easily be realized with the Opel Ampera.”

Something Peter Meyer, president of the German automobile club ADAC, underlines: "Since spring 2012 an Opel Ampera is being intensively used by our employees of the ADAC Technical Forum in Landsberg am Lech both for testing and interim analyses as well as for drives to appointments or film- and photo shoots. Thanks to the easy range extension technology, the Ampera enjoys great popularity and within the first test year already covered over 32,000 kilometers without any problem, some 45 percent of which were powered by pure battery electricity."

Monday 18 November 2013

!NEW! Opel Astra GTC Launched in China Price Starts at RMB 239,000

GM’s Opel brand today announced the launch of the new Astra GTC in China. Two variants of the stylish urban coupe imported from Germany are being offered. Opel Astra GTC Enjoy is priced at RMB 239,000 and Opel Astra GTC Sport is priced at RMB 289,000.

New Opel Astra GTC with Panoramic Windscreen
The profile of the new Opel Astra GTC follows German aesthetic design principles. It has a distinct dynamic and graceful feel that is accentuated by its dramatic proportions and clean, sweeping body lines. Another prominent feature of the new model is its panoramic windshield, which melts into the A-pillar and extends seamlessly from the instrument panel to the roof and back to the middle of the car. With no cross-member to spoil the view, it offers the driver and passengers a completely new sense of space and visibility with an almost unlimited field of vision. Five exterior colors are available.

New Opel Astra GTC interior
Inside the new Opel Astra GTC, the center console extends from the middle outward to the two sides. The stylish center stack, which adds a luxurious yet streamlined feel, is easy to operate. Amenities such as a three-spoke sports steering wheel, wing-like door panels and a tube-shaped dashboard, together with refined chrome-plated accents, create a stylish and dynamic atmosphere. A storage compartment on the left side of the steering wheel and a multifunctional center console with adjustable armrests and a closed storage compartment deliver a high degree of utility for day-to-day use. Two black interior trims, in cloth or perforated leather, are offered.

New Opel Astra GTC - Ergonomic sports seats (AGR)
The new Opel Astra GTC takes care of the driver and passengers. The front seats have the highest degree of flexibility in the segment. The ergonomic sports seats with four-way lumbar support and an adjustable seat cushion extension can be adjusted to eight different positions. The seats carry a quality seal from the AGR, a German Medical Association that sets Orthopedic requirements for car seats. The Air Quality System (AQS) turns on and off automatically to improve the quality of air introduced to the vehicle based on the surrounding air quality.

New Opel Astra GTC - ECOTEC 1.4 Turbo Engine 
The new Opel Astra GTC has an efficient 1.4L turbocharged engine mated to a second-generation six-speed automatic transmission. The engine produces maximum power of 103 kW at 4,900-6,000 rpm. The HiPerStrut front suspension in the new Opel Astra GTC delivers flexible and precise ride and handling as well as more direct steering response, allowing owners to fully enjoy the high performance of the vehicle under hard acceleration and when overtaking.


!NEW! Employee representatives and management agree on corner points of social collective labor contract for Opel Bochum


IG Metall, the Bochum works council and the management of Adam Opel AG have agreed on major, binding corner points of a social collective labor contract for the Opel plant in Bochum:

       Car production will end, as announced, on December 31, 2014.
       Opel to remain in Bochum: the company will invest 60 million euros in the warehouse and increase its workforce in the coming years with a further 265 positions, totaling 700 jobs.
       At least 200 employees will have the chance to move to other Opel plants.
       Attractive, individual compensation packages will be offered - including a two-year transfer company.
       Training continues: 171 apprentices will have the chance to get their degrees over the course of the next years. A further 40 apprentices will start as of 2014.


Ulrich Schumacher, HR Director of Adam Opel AG: "In this difficult situation it has been our goal to come to responsible and socially-acceptable solutions for our Bochum employees.  We have achieved this together - in intense but constructive discussions with the works council and IG Metall. We have reached an agreement concerning the most important cornerstones of a social collective labor contract. I am very happy that we can now provide clarity to our staff. "

Vehicle production at the Bochum site is secure for the whole year 2014 and will end as announced on December 31, 2014.

The existing contract for the warehouse which is currently operated by the logistics company Neovia, will be renewed. In the coming years, Opel will invest 60 million euros in this area. This means the existing 430 jobs can be secured in the long term. In addition, 265 more jobs will be created.

Opel will offer individual packages to the employees affected by the discontinuation of vehicle production. These offers are based on individual needs and will support a reorientation of employees. Attractive compensation, a two-year transfer company and special programs for older employees will create prospects for individuals. A minimum of 200 Bochum employees will have the possibility of moving to other Opel plants.

Particular emphasis will be on the placement and qualification of employees in other fields of activity in the greater region of Bochum. This will be pursued in particular by the ‘Bochum 2022 perspective’. Cooperation with other reputable companies should lead to attractive employment opportunities.

The company will make sure that the training of the current 171 Opel apprentices can be finalized properly in cooperation with TÜV Nord Bildung Opel GmbH. In 2014, 40 additional young people will get the chance to start their apprenticeship.

Together with the ‘Bochum Perspektive 2022’ initiative and the ‘Lernfabrik’ project, we will create the prerequisites to make today's training an integral part of a joint training system equipped for the challenges of the future.