!NEW! Trendsetter in Lighting Technology: Opel AFL+ and LED Matrix Light

• Safety for all: High-tech lighting system AFL+ in Opel models from Insignia to Mokka 
• Illuminating: New LED light generation makes glare-free high beams the standard
• Brightening: First electric car headlamps went into series production 100 years ago 

The visionary Monza Concept with its characteristic silhouette and countless different LED technologies shows what the motorist can expect from Opel in future.

100 years of electric headlamps

To see and be seen is absolutely vital – especially now, when daylight hours have become shorter and drivers spend more time on the road in the dark. Advanced lighting technology dramatically increases road traffic safety and Opel is a trendsetter in this area, with state-of-the-art headlamp systems such its highly praised AFL+ (Adaptive Forward Lighting). The Rüsselsheim automaker also makes these systems available in smaller vehicle classes and thus affordable for all drivers.

It’s not only the visionary Monza Concept car, with its characteristic silhouette and numerous different LED technologies, that shows what drivers can expect from Opel in the future. Opel engineers are already going a step further: they are now developing and preparing for the introduction of what is called LED Matrix light. This Opel automotive lighting system of the future turns night into day for drivers without dazzling other road users. It enables drivers to react more quickly and thus prevent impending accidents.

The road to such advanced safety lighting has been a long one. 100 years ago, Bosch first shed light on the darkness of road traffic with the introduction of electric headlamps. Since then, GM and Opel have been at the forefront of the development of trendsetting headlamp systems, actively contributing to ever-increasing safety in road traffic.

Achieving more together: AFL+ and the Opel Eye front camera

The newest generation of AFL+, together with the further developed, higher performance Opel Eye front camera, features up to ten lighting functions and is available in a wide range of Opel vehicles. The sub-compact Mokka SUV and the Astra family boast this highly-praised modern safety lighting, as does the mid-size Cascada convertible, the Zafira Tourer compact van and the new Insignia. This innovative system dramatically increases active safety while reducing night-time driving stress. The variable xenon headlamp beam automatically adapts to diverse driving situations, road and weather conditions with variable light distribution provided for city driving, pedestrian areas, country roads, highways and adverse weather. In addition, AFL+ includes functions such as dynamic curve light, cornering light and energy-saving LED daytime running lights. The direction and intensity of the light beam is adjusted according to the steering angle and vehicle speed. Also part of AFL+, high beam light assistant automatically switches the headlamps to low beam when the forward-facing camera, integrated in the interior mirror mounting, recognizes the headlamps or tail lights of other vehicles. Furthermore, a special Light and Visibility Pack includes automatic low beam lighting with tunnel recognition and a rain sensor.

Bright as day: The LED Matrix light system

One step ahead: With Opel’s LED matrix light system glare-free lighting is standard and adjusts automatically and continuously to every traffic situation. 

Engineers at Opel’s International Technical Development Center in Rüsselsheim are now working on their next-generation lighting system for upcoming Opel vehicles. This is again a feature that has hitherto been reserved for vehicles in the luxury class. LED matrix light provides glare-free, high beam lighting which is automatically and constantly adapted for varying traffic situations. In this way, the LED matrix light functions like AFL+ with the Opel Eye front camera. When light sources are detected from oncoming or preceding traffic, individual LEDs in the relevant zone are deactivated, while the rest of the road remains brightly illuminated.

“Right now we are intensively testing this new system in our prototypes,” says Ingolf Schneider, Supervisor Lighting Technology at Opel. Its distinct advantages have also been confirmed in a study conducted by the Department of Lighting Technology at the Technical University of Darmstadt. The study shows that at driving speeds of 80 km/h, objects at the side of the road can be detected around 1.3 seconds faster with the matrix light than with conventional xenon low beam lighting. “This is a good 30 meter difference,” says Schneider. “That almost equals the braking distance required to come to a standstill from 100 km/h.” The matrix light concept will be gradually rolled out across Opel’s car lines in the next few years.

Shedding light on darkness: From Carbide lamps to Adaptive driving light

Dim lighting: With the first cars, just like the Opel patent motorcar, the Lutzmann System, the main objective was not to light up the street, but rather to be able to be seen by other drivers.

But the road to achieving optimal night vision for car drivers was a long one for engineers. What is today taken for granted in road traffic was simply unimaginable over 100 years ago, when lanterns with candles were carried in front of cars. The intention was not to illuminate the road, but rather to be seen by other road users. Later acetylene and carbide lamps cast their dim light on often unpaved roads. It wasn’t until 1913, when Bosch invented the electric headlamp, that light was truly brought into the darkness of road traffic. The Bosch automotive lighting system comprised headlamps, a generator, a battery and a regulator, replacing high-maintenance and dangerous gas lights. The concept used a generator to produce electricity which was stored in the battery and then transmitted to the headlamps. This system laid the foundation on which lighting technology continued to be developed over the coming decades.

For many years, Opel has been a trailblazer in offering state-of-the-art technologies which provide real value for a large customer base. So it was no surprise when Opel became the first automaker to introduce dynamic curve light and 90-degree cornering light with the innovative AFL system in the mid-size class in 2003. The following year 2004, the Opel Astra became the first compact car with adaptive Bi-Xenon lights (include curve light and cornering light), and in 2006 the brand further democratized safety technology when it made Bi-Halogen curve and cornering light available in the minivan and small car segments for the first time in the Meriva and Corsa.

In 2008, the next lighting system generation, AFL+, made its debut with the launch of the Insignia, setting a new standard in the automotive industry. The variable Xenon headlamp light beam distribution adjusts to the road profile, driving speed and prevailing road conditions. The system upgrades offer numerous automatic lighting functions and include LED daytime running lights which require considerably less electrical power, reducing vehicle fuel consumption compared to the use of conventional low beam headlamps. Opel has won the Allianz Deutschland AG “Genius 2010” award as well as the Euro NCAP Advanced Award from the independent consumer organization Euro NCAP (European New Car Assessment Programme) for its safety lighting system.

Overview of Opel safety lighting system AFL+ functions:
In addition to signature Opel wing-shaped LED daytime running lights for optimal “be seen” lighting, AFL+ offers the following functions so nothing is left in the dark:

·         Pedestrian Area Light is activated automatically at driving speeds between five and 30 km/h. The function adjusts the cone of light for both headlamps by eight degrees toward each roadside. With this light, pedestrians and children playing next to the road – who often cannot properly judge the speed of an approaching vehicle – can be seen earlier.

·         At speeds under 50 km/h, Town Light provides a wider, symmetrical beam with reduced range, helping drivers see pedestrians at the roadside better. The Town Light’s beam intensity is less than the normal low beam because of the presence of additional light sources such as street lamps.

·         Country Road Light provides a brighter and wider light cone to both sides of the road than a conventional low beam. This helps drivers see potential hazards, such as animals, at the sides of the road earlier. It is activated between 50 and 100 km/h, projecting the light beam 70 meters ahead.

·         Highway Light intensifies and slightly raises the headlamp beam when there is no risk of blinding oncoming traffic and the smoother road surface causes fewer vehicle body movements. Its light cone creates a 140 meter long beam, improving illumination of the left-hand roadside while increasing lighting power from 35 to 38 watts to noticeably improve visibility. Highway Light activates automatically above 100 km/h, but only when the steering angle sensor indicates that the road’s curve radii do not match those of a country road.

·         Adverse Weather Light is activated when the rain sensor detects a certain amount of moisture on the windshield, or the wipers are switched on and off in rapid succession. The light output is then distributed asymmetrically: The right headlamp beam intensity increases from 35 to 38 watts so the driver can see lane markings better. The left headlamp beam decreases from 35 to 32 watts and is shortened slightly to reduce the risk of blinding oncoming drivers, which often happens on wet, reflective road surfaces.

·         High Beam Light provides maximum headlamp beam output and range. It does not activate asymmetrically, but rather optimally illuminates the full width of the road. The headlamps brighten from 35 to 38 watts.

·         High Beam Light Assistant offers a considerable safety advantage when driving at night. The Assistant automatically activates the High Beam Light for better road illumination and improved visibility. The Opel Eye camera recognizes the headlamps or tail lights of other vehicles and automatically switches the headlamps to low beam to prevent blinding other road users.  

·         Dynamic Curve Light ensures improved illumination around bends by swiveling the bi-xenon headlamps up to 15 degrees right and left of the vehicle into the oncoming curve. The Curve Light angle is determined by the car’s speed and steering angle. When combined with the adaptive FlexRide chassis’ Sport mode, AFL+ responds even more quickly.

·         Static Cornering Light is activated at speeds below 40 km/h, or when reverse gear is engaged. It illuminates an area to the right or left of the vehicle up to a 90 degree angle, improving visibility when maneuvering in poorly lit areas, such as dark driveways.

·         Intelligent Light Ranging (ILR) uses the front camera to seamlessly adjust the headlamp low beam distance up to 350 meters for glare-free illumination. 

!NEW! Top Stars: Accolades for Opel Brand Ambassadors from Music Scene

• Dutch DJ Hardwell voted best disc jockey in the world
• Austrian singer GuGabriel wins European pop music prize 2014
• Trendy and cool Opel ADAM city car mirrors young people’s lifestyle

Successful Opel and ADAM brand ambassador: Dutch DJ Hardwell is ‘World’s Number One DJ’ in DJ Mag’s Top 100 list.

Opel and ADAM brand ambassadors are top international performers in music as well as sport. Just as Italian motorcycle world champion Valentino “Vale“ Rossi and Borussia Dortmund coach Jürgen Klopp advance from one success to the next, Dutch DJ Hardwell and Austrian singer GuGabriel are taking the dance and pop music worlds by storm. Only a few days ago, Robbert van de Corput, aka DJ Hardwell, was named the best disc jockey in the world. And solo artist GuGabriel, who wrote an ode to love and the Opel ADAM with her powerful ballad “ADAM & Eve”, is to be awarded the European pop music prize 2014 in January.  

“Our brand ambassadors are quite simply the best at what they do,” says Tina Müller, Opel Chief Marketing Officer, commenting on the latest successes for DJ Hardwell and GuGabriel. “With their open, friendly and unconventional characters, our ambassadors bring a breath of fresh air to the music scene and sport. That’s why they perfectly reflect the appeal of both the Opel brand and the ADAM. These star performers personify and live the values that make our small, stylish urban car so special and unique.”

For DJ Hardwell, a lifelong dream came true when he was voted “World’s Number One DJ” in the Top 100 list of the well-known music scene magazine DJ Mag. Long-established as number one among his legion of fans – with over 2.2 million on Facebook alone, and almost one million friends on both Twitter and YouTube – the 25-year-old Dutchman is now officially at the top of the dance world. He is even giving his name to a limited-edition ADAM. Why? “Because the sound quality in the Opel ADAM is just awesome and the car can be completely personalized,” says DJ Hardwell. “That’s what life today is all about. The ADAM is just a perfect fit for me.”

Austrian singer GuGabriel – real name Gudrun Gabriele Liemberger – is buoyed by a similar wave of success. The annual “European Border Breakers Awards” from the European Commission and the European Broadcasting Union go to up-and-coming pop acts enjoying chart success across national borders.

“I am thrilled to be getting this award,” says the Opel Austria brand ambassador. “It shows I’m headed in the right direction and I’d like to thank all my fans for their great support – they will be hearing a lot more from me in the near future.” The singer/songwriter won the award for her impressive singles, ‘Salvation’ and ‘ADAM & Eve’ during the 2012/2013 season. In the video clip for the latter, a yellow and black Opel ADAM brings a dash of bright color into the love story.

Opel ADAM gets the heartbeat racing and brings color into life

The ADAM also makes road traffic much more colorful. With countless exterior and interior equipment variants, Opel‘s trendy city car offers more personalization possibilities than any other vehicle in this class. These range from different body-roof color combinations to wheel variants with unique clips and details like headliner options inlaid with LED stars.

The ADAM’s cabin also excels with high-tech innovations like its IntelliLink infotainment system which is compatible with both iPhones and Android smartphones. IntelliLink makes the ADAM the best connected small car on the market and also supports Siri Eyes Free voice control for the iPhone. This lifestyle car features equipment and technology options which have only been available in higher vehicle classes, if at all. These include a fully automatic park assistant, a heated steering wheel, blind spot alert and the integrated FlexFix rear bicycle carrier.

!NEW! Stars at the Essen Motor Show: Opel ADAM R2 and Monza Concept

• Trade show motto “For Drivers and Dreams“: Opel makes drivers‘ dreams come true
• ADAM R2 public debut: Opel ignites next rocket in Rallye sport

New Opel ADAM R2

From November 30 to December 8 Opel will make drivers’ dreams come true at the Essen Motor Show in line with the motto, “For Drivers and Dreams“. Exciting highlights on Stand A120 in Hall 3.0 include the Opel Monza Concept and – seen for the first time at a German show – the Rallye ADAM R2 and two further sporty Germany-premieres.

New Opel Monza Concept 

“The Essen Motor Show gets all horsepower lovers emotional – just like the Opel brand,” says Opel Chief Marketing Officer Tina Müller. “And with our Monza Concept and the Rallye ADAM R2 we are showing what we have to offer. We are in direct contact with our fans here, which is why the motorsport and tuning trade show is so important for us.”

New Opel Monza Concept at the Essen Motor Show 2013

Opel fires off the next salvo in its motorsport activities with the characteristic ADAM Rallye R2 version. This small, around 190 hp powerhouse will compete on the international stage from the beginning of next year, building on Opel’s extremely successful first rallye season. Outside motorsport, the Monza Concept represents the future of the brand by conveying lots of emotion. This visionary study is now given its second public showing following its IAA premiere. With athletic lightness, high-tech projection technology and pure efficiency, it shows what drivers can expect from Opel in the coming years.

Much to see: Opel presents sensational highlights of the motorsport and series-program at the Essen Motor Show 2013.

In addition, car, tuning and motorsport fans can get all the latest information on the newest Opel series production models by visiting the stand. Different versions of the ADAM individualization champion will be on display, together with the dynamic, compact Mokka SUV and the new Insignia Country Tourer adventurer. Top-of-the-line, high performance models are OPC versions of the Corsa, Astra and Insignia. Fans can get right up close to their sports idols in Essen: Numerous Opel partners from the worlds of football and motor sport will visit the Opel stand on those days on which it is open to the public.

Sporty peak performance: New Opel Insignia OPC with reworked chassis.

The Essen Motor Show is held from November 30 to December 8 and is open on weekdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. On weekends, the motorsport show opens at 9 a.m.

!NEW! Season Results: Opel Celebrates Successful Return to Motorsport

Big sporting event: New Opel ADAM R2 impresses at ADAC Three Cities Rally

Fast youngster: Marijan Griebel and Fabian Kreim win young talent competition

Best prospects: ADAC Opel Rallye Cup 2014 with 14 more ADAMs in starting line-up

Green Hell: Opel Astra OPC Cup successful on the Nürburgring Nordschleif

Mario Merten and the Bonk Motorsport team bring home a victory in the Opel Astra OPC Cup. Merten finished the season alongside Jürgen Nett, following the passing away of his original partner, Wolf Silvester (photo) during the course of the season.

What an exciting first season in Opel's comeback to motorsport! With two brand trophies up for grabs in 2013, the German carmaker returned to the national stage. It continued its great touring car tradition with the 300 hp Opel Astra OPC, for which there were nine rounds of the Astra OPC Cup on the legendary Nürburgring Nordschleife within the framework of the VLN Endurance Championship. Two drivers shared an Astra for these marathon races through the "Green Hell". At the season’s final last weekend, Mario Merten and Jürgen Nett were ultimately victorious in winning the Astra OPC Cup from their toughest rivals Jannik Olivo and Elmar Jurek by a wafer-thin margin of 29 points.

Opel Astra OPC Cup: On average, in the first season of the Opel Astra OPC Cup, 18 Cup-Astras started out on the Nürnburgring. Four teams shared the wins of the nine races and Mario Merten was the most successful driver with five victories

For Jörg Schrott, Director Opel Motorsport, the racing was excellent: "Congratulations to Bonk Motorsport and Mario Merten on the championship win in the Opel Astra OPC Cup! We have experienced an incredibly exciting and toughly-contested first season. Plans for the 2014 season are already underway: “We will continue to build on our involvement in the coming year. We would like to make the Cup even more attractive with a further six vehicles.”

The little Opel ADAM shows big form

The ADAC Opel Rallye Cup season ended with three key outcomes. At the Three Cities Rallye, the ADAM pack had an overall Cup victor, Markus Fahrner, there was a junior driver award winner, Marijan Griebel, and a free starting place in a brand-new Opel ADAM R2 for next season.

A junior-evaluation: Opel motorsport director Jörg Schrott (left) and ADAC Sportspresident Hermann Tomczyk with the fastest of the young talent team: Griebel/Rath (middle). Kreim/Engel and Allkofer/Götzenberger (right).

Of the five youngsters – Christian Allkofer, Timo Broda, Dominik Dinkel, Marijan Griebel and Fabian Kreim – Griebel and Kreim were ultimately able to assert themselves. The young driver will thus receive an ADAM R2 especially prepared by Holzer Rennsport in Augsburg for the brand Cup next year. This latest, 185-hp rallye version caused a sensation as a course car at the Three Cities Rallye with ADAC Sport President Hermann Tomcsyk at the wheel. This second prototype (number one had its world premiere at the Deutschland Rallye in August) has been further enhanced, and now roughly approximates the status Opel will homologate on January 1 with the international motorsports federation FIA. This means that the foundations have already been laid for the 2014 season.

Rallye-champions: Opel motorsport director Jörg Schrott (left) and ADAC Sportspresident Hermann Tomczyk with the three fastest of the rallye-team 2013: Griebel/Rath (middle). Kreim/Engel and Allkofer/Götzenberger (right).

Stronger engagement in the Opel Rallye Cup 2014

In collaboration with the ADAC, Opel will be intensifying its promotion of young drivers in rallying. The current R1 vehicles, with upgrades and slight modifications, will remain in the competition and will be joined by 14 brand-new R2s. The highly attractive price of the ADAM Cup variant remains unchanged at 24,900 euros. Like this year, participants will take delivery of their cars directly at the Eisenach plant, where the Opel ADAM is built. It is, in fact, the only small car from a German manufacturer that is actually made in Germany.

The flying Rallye-ADAM: After damage to the axle driving shaft, the team Fahrner/Wenzel put all their eggs in one basket. A record time in the last time trial was decisive in the win of the ADAC Opel Rallye Cup.

The Opel Rallye Cup will consist of eight races within the framework of the ADAC Rallye Masters 2014. Young drivers up to 27 years old are eligible to take part. Older drivers can take part outside of the brand trophy and will be assessed in a joint division in the ADAC Rallye Masters. This is well worth winning, given that the senior winner will receive a new series production ADAM as a prize at the end of the season. For the Opel Rallye Cup itself, the prize money is increased: first place receives 30,000 euros, second place 20,000 euros and third place 10,000 euros. A junior rating winner who qualifies for a free ride in 2015 rounds off the package. Motorsport could hardly be more attractive for young drivers.

Rallye-champion Fahrner: after eight races of the season with a total of 91 time trials, it was in the end a single second in the very last time trial of the year that was decisive in settling the duel of titles between Markus Fahrner/Michael Wenzel and Marijan Griebel/Alexander Rath.

Opel Chief Marketing Officer Tina Müller agrees: "The young, committed drivers in our trendy, quick Rallye ADAM are a perfect fit to Opel. This is hands-on motorsport. It’s gripping for the spectators and exciting for the participants. So it is a highly emotional experience for all involved and all takes place on a very high technical level."

!NEW! Buick Celebrates Four Decades of Regal

2014 Buick Regal

The addition of the Regal nameplate to the Buick family goes back more than 40 years, but even today, the Regal’s heritage as a sporty, mid-size luxury vehicle is strong as ever.  

The 1973 Buick Regal featured unique rear opera windows

Introduced in late 1972 as a 1973 model, the Century Regal, as it was originally called, served as an upmarket model in the Century line and one of GM's first “personal luxury” cars. Designed with sporty suspension characteristics and luxuries aimed primarily at the driver, the ‘73 Regal coupe sold 91,557 units helping Buick surpass its 1955 all-time sales record.

Launched with a standard 350 cu. in. V-8 engine, the Regal would soon carve a niche as a powertrain innovator. Among one of the first to react to the initial Arab oil embargo, the 1975 Buick Regal was the only mid-size vehicle in the United States to forego a standard V-8 engine in favor of a V-6.

The 1975 Buick Regal was the only mid-size car to offer a more fuel-efficient V-6 engine.

“The Buick team was on the leading edge and reacted to the need of more fuel-efficient engines,” said General Motors Heritage Center manager Greg Wallace. “Engineers worked around the clock to get the V-6 program up and running in a fraction of the time it typically took, while making sure to retain Buick’s reputation for reliability.”

Just a few years later, beginning with the 1978 Regal, Buick would lead a vanguard on turbocharging for better fuel economy. This expertise would later be used in creating Regals that would be recognized as some of the most powerful and significant cars of the 1980s.

Throughout four decades, and now in its fifth generation, the Regal carries on its sweeping design, dynamic driving experience and powertrain leadership. Today’s Regal is equipped with its most-powerful standard engine, a 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder producing 259 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of toque. To help make the most of traction in all driving conditions, it is also available with advanced all-wheel-drive system that incorporates an electronic limited-slip differential and HiPer Strut front suspension.

A 2.4L engine with eAssist light electrification technology is also available, delivering EPA-estimated ratings of 25 mpg city and 36 mpg highway.

With today’s focus on all-passenger comfort, safety and technology, the latest Regal comes standard with an eight-inch color touch display featuring IntelliLink in-vehicle connectivity. Leather-appointed seating surfaces, heated front seats and dual-zone automatic climate control are all standard. A host of new radar- and camera-based safety features are available, including Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Lane Change Alert, Side Blind Zone Alert, Lane Departure Warning, Forward Collision Alert and Collision Mitigation Braking.

Generation 1 – 1973-1977

Large swooping body lines and opera windows were among Regal’s fashion cues at the start of the personal luxury era. The 1975 Regal was the only mid-size car in the United States to come standard with an efficient V-6 engine while maintaining comparable V8 performance.

1975 Buick Regal Coupe

Generation 2 – 1978-1987

Downsized from the previous generation, the 1978 Regal offered a 3.8-liter turbocharged V6, making Buick the first mainstream brand to offer a turbocharged engine. This ingenuity would pave the way for iconic Buick’s of the 80s including the highly desired Grand National and legendary GNX.

Key to the Buick Grand National’s success was its sophisticated 3.8-liter turbocharged V6, producing 245 horsepower for 1987.

Generation 3 – 1988-1996

Continuing the trend of scaled down cars in the U.S., the Regal’s third generation was again smaller and would usher in front wheel drive. Power would come from an all six-cylinder engine lineup including the award-winning 3800 V6 engine.

1992 Buick Regal Gran Sport Sedan and Custom Sedan

1992 Buick Regal Gran Sport Coupe

Generation 4 – 1997-2004

Back to its roots, the 1997 Regal again became an upmarket version of the Buick Century. The ‘97 Buick Regal GS debuted with the brand’s first supercharged V6, rated at 240 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque.

2004 Buick Regal

Generation 5 – 2008-2014

After a brief hiatus, the Regal would first return to the Chinese market for 2008. A high-output, dynamically optimized GS model would return for 2012. Introduced in 2013, the 2014 model is the first Regal to offer all-wheel-drive. Combining sport sedan handling with some of the most power-dense and technically advanced engines in the brand’s history, the Regal is helping to attract younger, new buyers to Buick.

2014 Buick Regal GS

!NEW! Opel Antara SUV Achieves Best Fuel Economy of 6.5 L/100 km during GM China Consumer Fuel-Saving Challenge

Opel Antara SUV - Test Drive

The Opel Antara SUV made its first appearance in the 2013 GM China Consumer Fuel-Saving Challenge, which visited Shenyang on October 26. The 10 front-wheel-drive Antara owners who participated averaged fuel consumption of 7.3 liters per 100 kilometers over 104 kilometers. The winning driver, Mr. Wang Shoulian, had fuel economy of 6.5 liters per 100 kilometers.

Participants drove their Antaras on urban expressways, along rural roads and at the Qipanshan off-road test-drive venue. This complex route seriously tested the fuel efficiency, performance and overall capability of the Antara.

Opel Antara SUV - Off-road Test Drive

"I was originally attracted to the Antara by its dynamic appearance, refined interior and excellent handling,” said Mr. Wang Shoulian. “It also provides excellent safety, even on Shenyang’s snow-covered roads. The Antara’s outstanding fuel economy for an SUV is a real bonus that is enabling me to explore the city limits and beyond.”

Opel Antara SUV - Track Experience

The imported Antara is Opel’s best-selling model in China. It has a sporty exterior with chrome accents as well as a roomy interior that makes it ideal for business and family use. It also comes with a range of advanced safety features such as an upgraded ABS system and Hill Start Assist (HSA). Its electronically controlled All-Wheel-Drive (AWD system combines the advantages of Front-Wheel Drive (FWD), such as low fuel consumption, with the traction benefits of all-wheel drive. While the engine normally powers the front wheels, the system seamlessly redistributes power to both front and rear axles if inadequate traction is detected.

Opel Antara SUV - Consumers Group Photo

The annual GM China Consumer Fuel-Saving Challenge began in 2011. It was created to demonstrate how GM is addressing demand for high fuel efficiency through the products it builds and sells across China. The 2013 GM China Consumer Fuel-Saving Challenge Series kicked off on June 15 in Kunming. Shenyang was the fourth of six stops. Under the theme of “Drive Smarter, Drive Further,” this year’s activity is showcasing the fuel economy of products from the Buick, Chevrolet, Cadillac, Baojun and Opel brands. More information can be found on the Official Event Site and the 2013 GM China Consumer Fuel-Saving Challenge Weibo App.

General Motors traces its roots back to 1908. GM has 12 joint ventures, two wholly owned foreign enterprises and more than 58,000 employees in China. GM and its joint ventures offer the broadest lineup of vehicles and brands among automakers in China. Passenger cars and commercial vehicles are sold under the Baojun, Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Jiefang, Opel and Wuling brands. In 2012, GM sold more than 2.8 million vehicles in China. It has been the sales leader among global automakers in the market for eight consecutive years.

!NEW! Opel Wins Red Dot Award for Communication Design

Innovative ADAM&YOU app awarded coveted Best of the Best prize

Best of the Best: Red Dot Award for the Opel ADAM&YOU app

The trendy Opel ADAM is the individualization champion among chic small cars and it is also a real communication star. With its Siri Eyes Free voice-controlled infotainment system IntelliLink, the ADAM is the best connected small car on the market. An excellent complement to that is the configuration app for the iPad called ADAM&YOU.

Designed like a computer game, the app is an impressive experience in high-quality 3D visualization that enables a virtual test drive and includes a direct link to the Opel online configurator. This allows the user to experience the car during the configuration process in a completely new and dynamic way. ADAM&YOU supported the market introduction of the Opel ADAM in around 35 European countries. For the Red Dot Design Award jury, this was perfectly implemented and therefore deserving of the prize.

The renowned design prize is also awarded for design in communication. In the category Mobile & App, Opel and its system partners RTT and Sevenval crossed the finish line as Best of the Best. A beaming Annette Elberskirch accepted the Red Dot Design Award at the awards ceremony in Berlin. The Opel Manager for Digital Marketing Communication was thrilled with the accolade: “Opel stands for modern, intelligent communication – in the dialog between the brand and customers as well as in the connectivity of our cars with the digital world. So this prize for the ADAM app is wonderful acknowledgment of that and motivates our team even more. We at Opel are on the right track towards an increasingly communicative automotive future.”

Annette Elberskirch, Opel Manager for Digital Marketing Communication, celebrating the Red Dot Award with representatives of Opel's system partners RTT and Sevenval.

Explaining their decision, the jury also said: “The Opel ADAM app is fascinating, as it goes to the performance limits of a comparative configurator. The customer can virtually test drive the model by using the iPad as a steering wheel. The design is absolutely convincing with its clear layout and high attractiveness.”

The Opel ADAM&YOU app can be downloaded free of charge from the iTunes Store.

!NEW! 24-Hour Record Drive: Opel Astra is Fastest Series Diesel in the World

Two Astras attempt to clinch a total of 18 new records on high speed route

Driver teams with international journalists in record run at Millbrook

World record attempt for a series passenger car with two liter diesel engine

All results subject to confirmation from motorsport governing body the FIA

Fabulous 201 km/h average speed for Opel/Vauxhall Astra along Millbrook’s steeply banked curves

24 hours at full throttle on the Millbrook Proving Ground’s High Speed Bowl with its spectacular, steeply banked curves. Twelve pilots take it in turns to alternate driving of two series model Astra 2.0 CDTIs. A 4800 km journey with just 22 minutes downtime for both cars in 24 hours. All this produced a stunning average speed of 201 km/h, in the attempt to achieve the world record for diesel passenger cars in the FIA’s 1600-2000cc forced-induction diesel production car class.

Red thunderbolt: Astra 2.0 CDTI on Millbrook Proving Ground's High Speed Bowl

In total, Opel’s and its sister brand Vauxhall’s test team attempted twelve world records and six British National Speed Endurance Records. The 24-hour sprint included the obligatory fitting of roll cages, Corbeau race seats and Luke harnesses, then the sealing and locking in a secure compound under supervision of the sports authorities right up until the attempt. Opel/Vauxhall is still awaiting FIA confirmation that its attempts have been successful.

Teamwork: Pitstop crew gathers around the Opel racer - time for a short refueling stop

The two Astra CDTIs started out on the High Speed Bowl in Millbrook near Milton Keynes on October 5, 2013 at 16.00. Nine journalists shared the cars with three Opel/Vauxhall specialists. Volker Strycek, former DTM race driver and Director Opel Performance Cars & Motorsport acted as team captain. The previous touring car expert and race director was happy at the end of the 24-hour-marathon about the 18 new records attempted: “The two Astras were absolutely convincing at full throttle. The combination of performance and efficiency made the 24 hour benchmark possible. Furthermore, the cars didn’t need a single drop of oil”.

Weighing of Astra: Technical approval procedure underway ahead of the start of the race

Michelin was tire partner, providing Pilot Super Sports tires from the Astra’s original fittings – the same set that an Opel customer receives with a new Astra. Rig tests were carried out as well as 500 miles of testing at Millbrook during the summer in order to test their durability. Volker Strycek remarked: “We did a tire change once on each car just to be absolutely on the safe side: the stress on the suspension and tires can be intense, due to the forces exerted by the track’s banking.”

Records make you happy: A smiling team captain Volker Strycek meets his pit crew at the end of the race

Volker Strycek not only brought his motorsport expertise to the project, but he also took a four-strong pit crew to England, that serviced the Astras as if at a 24-hour run in Le Mans or at the Nürburgring. The crew undertook quick and efficient re-fuelling and driver changes throughout the day and night and it was thanks to them that the very short downtime of 22 minutes was possible.

Which is fastest?! The two winning Astras make it over the finishing line

“This is real testament to the durability, safety and performance of the Astra in extreme conditions that a normal motorist would never experience,” said Duncan Aldred, Acting Vice President Sales and Aftersales Opel/Vauxhall and Chairman & Managing Director of Vauxhall. ‘Sometimes too much focus is put on the final one per cent of a car’s handling, or its 0-60mph time, but for most buyers exceptional reliability and secure, safe handling are paramount. Above all, this test sets out to prove these virtues.’

24 hours of speed and endurance: The group has met the challenge

!NEW! General Motors China “MPV Experience Tour” Concludes

Showcases flexibility of MPVs for business and family use

Buick GL8, Opel Zafira Tourer and Wuling Hongguang S

The two-day 2013 General Motors "MPV Experience Tour" concluded yesterday in China’s capital. The activity showcased the flexibility of GM’s growing lineup of MPVs offered in China, including the Buick GL8, Opel Zafira Tourer and Wuling Hongguang S.

General Motors "MPV Experience Tour"

30 automotive journalists and their family members drove the MPVs nearly 200 kilometers between downtown Beijing and Beijing's suburban Pinggu District. The vehicles were driven on urban roads, expressways and rural streets. By including family members, the tour highlighted how the MPVs meet the needs of active families.

“GM's mainstream MPVs are perfect for both business and family use. They feature spacious and flexible interiors, and outstanding handling and comfort,” said GM China Senior Product Communications Manager Jia You. "They also deliver good fuel economy and a spirit of freedom that no other vehicles can match."

Buick GL8 MPV on General Motors "MPV Experience Tour"

During the test drive journalists and their families drove in Buick GL8, Opel Zafira Tourer and Wuling Hongguang S vehicles. Along the way they stopped to enjoy some fishing, shooting scenic photos, camping, and watching a movie. The event’s relaxing atmosphere was a welcome departure for this group of busy urban families.

Opel Zafira Tourer MPV on General Motors "MPV Experience Tour"

"I was very excited to join this trip," said Wang Tonghua, a senior journalist from AutoFan Magazine. "I have tested the Buick GL8, the Opel Zafira Tourer, and the Wuling Hongguang S and was pleased with their performance, space and comfort features. With the help of these outstanding products from General Motors, I was able to enjoy some quality time with my family."

Buick GL8 MPV on General Motors "MPV Experience Tour"

Opel Zafira Tourer MPV on General Motors "MPV Experience Tour"

General Motors traces its roots back to 1908. GM has 12 joint ventures, two wholly owned foreign enterprises and more than 58,000 employees in China. GM and its joint ventures offer the broadest lineup of vehicles and brands among automakers in China. Passenger cars and commercial vehicles are sold under the Baojun, Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Jiefang, Opel and Wuling brands. In 2012, GM sold more than 2.8 million vehicles in China. It has been the sales leader among global automakers in the market for eight consecutive years.

General Motors "MPV Experience Tour"