Opel shows hot Astra OPC EXTREME as race-bred variant for public roads and track
Super sports car: This OPC EXTREME will be the fastest street-legal Opel Astra ever.
Opel will reveal a true super sports car at the 84th Geneva Motor Show (March 6 – 16). The study follows the tradition of the Astra OPC X-treme Concept shown in 2002. Then, as now, a real race car found its way from the racetrack to public roads. While the red OPC X-treme from 12 years ago remained a single specimen, the new EXTREME in typical Opel motorsport colors is to be the foundation for a low-volume production run. This OPC EXTREME will be the fastest street-legal Astra ever, true to the Opel Performance Center motto: “OPC. Pure Passion”.
Opel Astra OPC X-Treme Concept (2002)
The Opel Astra OPC EXTREME is a direct derivative of the Astra OPC Cup racecar from the Nürburgring Endurance Championship (VLN) – and street-legal ! High quality, carbon components reduce its weight compared to the 280 hp Astra OPC launched in 2012. An integrated safety structure, racing seats and six-point seatbelts means it comes equipped for the racetrack.
Opel Astra OPC Cup - Racecar
Opel Astra OPC EXTREME sports coupé features uncompromised racing technology for use on public roads – including the occasional detour to the Nürburgring Nordschleife. That’s where the idea for the Astra OPC EXTREME was born, at the Opel Performance Center which is based right next to the legendary track. Be it the Corsa OPC, Astra OPC or Insignia OPC – all Opel sports stars must successfully complete extensive, full-throttle test drives and a grueling 10,000 kilometer endurance program under the toughest conditions on the Nordschleife.
More information about the Opel Astra OPC EXTREME will follow next month.
115,285 readers of trade magazine auto motor und sport voted
Opel ADAM wins overall ranking in mini car category
CEO Karl-Thomas Neumann accepts the award in Stuttgart
Awards ceremony: auto motor und sport editor Birgit Priemer, Opel CEO Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann, editor-in-chief Jens Katemann.
The Opel ADAM is a real winner, and its list of accolades just got longer. In the 38th Readers’ Choice Award of the respected trade magazine auto motor und sport, the lifestyle car won the overall ranking with 24.2 percent of the votes in the mini car category, edging out the VW Up (23.9 percent) and the Mini (16.6 percent).
Opel ADAM with OPC Line Pack
“We at Opel are especially delighted with this prize, because a large number of well-informed readers voted for our ADAM. This victory over strong competitors shows that we hit the mark with our individualization champion. Since its launch, we have received over 62,000 orders. This is a success story that is just beginning. On behalf of Opel, I would like to thank all the auto motor und sport readers – obviously you are real car aficionados,” said Opel CEO Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann at the awards ceremony in Stuttgart.
And the Winner is: Opel ADAM. Opel CEO Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann with editor-in-chief Jens Katemann at the awards ceremony.
According to the publisher Motor Presse Stuttgart, exactly 115,285 readers participated in Best Cars. They voted in ten categories in both overall and import brands ranking, choosing from a total of 384 models – eleven more than last year.
Reinforces GM’s commitment to Opel and additional model for Rüsselsheim
Joined by new GM President, Dan Ammann, nominated as chairman of the Opel Supervisory Board
GM President Dan Ammann, GM CEO Mary Barra and Opel CEO Karl-Thomas Neumann
Mary Barra made her first overseas trip as GM’s new CEO to Opel headquarters here, where she met with employees, toured the assembly plant and visited the International Technical Development Center (ITDC).
Barra was joined by GM’s new President, Dan Ammann, whom she also announced has been nominated to succeed Steve Girsky as chairman of the Opel Supervisory Board.
“I’m very pleased to have the chance to meet with our employees here,” said Barra, who became GM’s CEO on Jan. 15 this year. “I thought it was very important to reinforce in person GM’s commitment to Opel, its importance to the company and the need to accelerate our progress going forward. I am also pleased to confirm that we will add another model to our Rüsselsheim plant.” For competitive reasons, the company is not in a position to reveal any details at this point of time.
“With Dan Ammann nominated to succeed Steve Girsky as chairman of the Opel Supervisory Board and with KT Neumann leading the Opel team, I’m confident that we can achieve our goal to break-even in Europe by mid-decade,” she added.
Opel CEO Karl-Thomas Neumann, GM CEO Mary Barra and GM President Dan Ammann in front of the new Opel Insignia Country Tourer.
Barra noted that GM is investing €4 billion in Germany and Europe through 2016, which will help bring 23 new products and 13 new engines to market: “We must remain focused on the customer and delivering great, innovative products to the market on a consistent and sustained basis,” she said. “That is how we will win here and all around the world.”
During her visit, Barra toured the Rüsselsheim plant, home to 3,300 employees and where the award-winning Opel Insignia and Astra models are built. She also visited the ITDC, GM’s second largest development center in the world, where more than 6,000 engineers, technicians and designers are working on the latest technologies for future GM vehicles.
GM President Dan Ammann, Opel CEO Karl-Thomas Neumann and GM CEO Mary Barra (from right to left) at the Rüsselsheim assembly plant.
Opel CEO Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann said the Opel team was thrilled to have hosted Barra and Ammann: “We are honored that Mary and Dan chose Opel as the first GM location to visit outside the company’s Detroit headquarters. It reinforced for all of us the importance of Opel to GM and the support we will continue to receive as we drive to return Opel and its products to greatness.”
GM President Daniel Ammann, 41, has been nominated to succeed GM Board of Directors member Steve Girsky as Chairman of the Opel Supervisory Board (OSB), subject to election by the OSB at a meeting to be scheduled shortly, it was announced today.
Girsky, 51, was named Chairman of the OSB in November 2011. GM CEO Mary Barra praised Steve Girsky for his dedicated and outstanding work: "Steve led GM’s turnaround plan for Europe that has put that region’s operations back on a path to profitability. Dan Ammann will keep up this course – with the clear goal to break-even by mid-decade.”
GM President Daniel Ammann
Ammann said he welcomed the opportunity: “I am looking forward to building on the strong foundation that Steve Girsky helped to establish as Chairman of the Opel Supervisory Board. Opel/Vauxhall is a key factor in GM’s strategy to win globally and we will work together to grow Opel/Vauxhall further.”
Girsky offered similar words of encouragement: “I am proud of what GM and Opel/Vauxhall have accomplished. This team is united in its commitment to build on the foundation that we have established.” Girsky, formerly Vice Chairman, Corporate Strategy, Business Development and Global Product Planning, moved to a senior advisor role with GM last December. He will remain on the GM Board of Directors.
Vernissage with the artist and prominent guests in Munich
World premiere for the Opel ADAM Camouflage designed by Bryan Adams
International Calendar Award 2014 success for the ADAM restaged by Adams
Three celebrities: Opel ADAM Camouflage, Chief Marketing Officer Tina Müller and Bryan Adams.
Opel and Bryan Adams rocked Munich yesterday, where the Canadian rock singer, composer and photographer opened the “The ADAM by Bryan Adams” exhibit with Tina Müller, Chief Marketing Officer at Opel. The artist will show the photographs in his homonymous calendar that showcases the Opel lifestyle car in the ‘Haus der Kunst’ (House of Art) until January 26.
“The pictures show the many different faces of the Opel ADAM from the perspective of a great artist. Every customer can design our individualization champion exactly as they like down to the last detail. This makes every ADAM unique and the customer’s very own work of art,” says Tina Müller.
Great Artist: The Canadian rock singer, composer and photographer opened the “The ADAM by Bryan Adams” exhibit.
Bryan Adams praised the collaboration with the German automaker: “Opel gave me full artistic freedom for the look, which was extremely appealing to me. And I was asked to design my own car! The result is the black Camouflage ADAM.”
Opel ADAM Camouflage designed by Bryan Adams.
This Opel ADAM Camouflage also made its world premiere at the vernissage, lauded by 250 guests from television and film, fashion and media, sport and society – including international stars like top model Eva Padberg or Olympic champion André Lange.
The Camouflage ADAM will be launched as an exclusive limited edition series of ten cars. Proceeds will go to the “Bryan Adams Foundation“ that is committed to helping people in need, for instance by running centers for HIV carriers, caring for drug addicts, working for better education in Afghanistan and Pakistan and supporting environmental projects.
Lady in black: Chief Marketing Officer Tina Müller presenting the Opel ADAM Camouflage.
Chief Marketing Officer Tina Müller also already accepted the first awards for the “The ADAM by Bryan Adams” calendar. The Gregor International Calendar Award 2014 is bestowed by the Graphical Club Stuttgart. The ADAM Calendar got the title ”Excellent Calendar” in the categorie Photo Award and won a bronze medal in the Gregor Award.
World Premiere: Opel ADAM black Camouflage designed by Bryan Adams.
“These prizes are well-deserved recognition of a gutsy concept, of fresh ideas and superb realization. I’d like to especially thank Bryan Adams for his fantastic pictures,” says Tina Müller.
Road to success: Flex7 launched with first Zafira in January 1999
Market success: Zafira evolves from trendsetter to “lounge on wheels”
Recipe for success: More Flex concepts inspired by Flex7 in other Opel models
Technology that inspires: The Opel Zafira Tourer offers ultra-modern engine technology and maximum versatility with the Flex7 Plus seating system.
In 1999, the Zafira monocab set the standard for fully integrated on-board flexibility with the launch of Opel’s unique Flex7 formula. The sophisticated seating concept began its path to success from the start of Zafira production, and was given detailed enhancements when the next generation model arrived in 2005. Success came quickly. The trendsetting Zafira was awarded the “Golden Steering Wheel” in its first year of sales. More than 2.2 million first and second generation Zafiras were sold before the Zafira Tourer, the “lounge on wheels”, was introduced in 2011, offering a perfect blend of functionality and comfort.
Opel Zafira – The seven-seat compact van pioneer
Opel Zafira (1999) - First Opel MPV with Flex7
The successful Flex7 formula is essentially the same today as it was back in 1999: maximum on-board flexibility without seat removal. Starting with the first-generation Zafira, the third row of seats could be folded down, individually or together, flush with the luggage compartment floor. To enable an impressive maximum load volume of 1,700 liters, the driver then just had to fold down the seat cushions and backs of the middle row before pushing them up against the first row seatbacks. In just 15 seconds, the Zafira could be transformed from a seven to a two-seater. “We wanted everything to be as easy and effortless as possible,” says Frank Leopold, Engineering Group Manager Innovation, Show Cars & Advanced Packaging, the ‘father’ of the Flex7 concept. “As a typical customer, we imagined a mother holding her child and then having to change the seating configuration. No competitor was able to offer comparable flexibility. Suddenly even major shopping trips could be a relaxed experience, because you didn’t have to worry about everything fitting in the car.” And thanks to the high seating position and generous seating space, driving the Zafira was just as relaxing.
Flex7 seating system for the Opel Zafira (MY 1999).
With the arrival of Flex7, the era of having to remove and carry heavy seats around to provide more space was over at Opel – although even today, 15 years later, similar systems are not commonly provided by competitors.
Opel Zafira Family and Opel Zafira Tourer – The successful duo for all needs
For the second generation Zafira in 2005, Opel engineers optimized the handling of the second row seats so they could be folded down in a 40:20:40 split, enabling comfortable seating for adults in the individual outer seats. Then, in 2011, the introduction of Flex7 Plus made the new Zafira Tourer the ultimate master of versatility. While the third row seats could still be folded down flush with the floor of the luggage compartment, the second row was completely re-designed. No longer a bench layout, it now consisted of three individual seats which could all be folded down, thus creating an even larger, completely flat floor. The three seats were also designed to slide longitudinally by up to 210 mm independently of each other. With the second row seats folded down, the maximum load volume was now increased to 1,860 liters. “With this flexible interior, the Zafira Tourer is also ideal for business travel, making it much more than a family van,” says Leopold.
First-class traveling in the “lounge on wheels”
Opel Zafira Tourer - Lounge Seating system
The highlight of the Opel Zafira Tourer is still its optional Lounge Seating system, which gives second-row passengers generous seating space comparable to an upper-class sedan. A clever and easy-to-operate folding/rotating mechanism transforms the back of the middle seat into comfortable armrests for passengers in the outer seats, which can slide up to 280 mm backwards – giving a best-in-class value for lots of extra legroom. The seats can also slide 50 mm towards the center of the cabin, a true novelty in the segment enabling generous shoulder space.
Flex series: Recipe for success for other Opel models
Since Flex7’s arrival in 1999, a series of flexible interior concepts has also been integrated in other Opel models. The FlexSpace seating concept, FlexDoors and the FlexRail center console in the Opel Meriva, as well as the FlexFix bicycle carrier and the FlexFold rear seat backrest in the Astra Sports Tourer, all have their roots in the Flex7 system of the first Opel Zafira. “Our goal was to offer innovations that fit each model – be they back-friendly, family-friendly or an upgrade to the vehicle,” says Leopold.
Overview: Opel Flex Innovations
1999
Production and market launch of first Zafira. The new Flex7 seating system sets the standard for the first generation of fully-integrated onboard flexibility.
2003
With its world-first FlexSpace,
the Opel Signum offers more room and comfort than ever before. The rear
bench seat consists of two individually adjustable single seats giving
exceptionally generous legroom. The center element of the rear bench can
also be transformed into an armrest or storage console.
2003
The Meriva establishes the small monocab segment. Thanks to the FlexSpace concept, the Meriva can be quickly transformed between five, four, three or two-seater layouts, without removing any seats.
2005
Enhancement of Flex7 system with the second generation Zafira. The second row seats can be folded down in a 40:20:40 split.
2006
Opel is the first and only automaker to offer the bicycle carrier FlexFix in the new Corsa. It is fully integrated in the rear bumper and can be pulled out like a drawer to transport two bicycles.
2009
A creative idea from Opel engineers and designers, FlexFloor isintroduced in the compact class. Itallows
easy-to-use stowage for a wide variety of cargo, increasing the new
Astra’s loading flexibility. The trunk floor is moveable and can be
positioned at three levels. When fixed at the lowest level, up to 370
liters of space is available.
2010
The second generation Meriva’s FlexDoors is an innovative rear-hinged rear door system that makes it easier to enter and exit the vehicle. The highly flexible FlexSpace rear seating system and Opel’s patented, integrated FlexFix bicycle
carrier combine to make the Meriva a real flexibility champion. It is
the only vehicle to have received a seal of approval from the Campaign
for Healthy Backs (AGR) in recognition of its overall ergonomic concept
system features. The Meriva also includes the FlexRail console system.
2010
The Astra Sports Tourer is the first compact wagon outside the premium segment to offer a remote seat-folding function with FlexFold
– a system which folds the rear seatbacks at the touch of a button. It
is complemented by other smart, upscale features. Space-efficient trunk
design enables a load volume from 500 to 1,550 liters.
2011
The new “Master of Versatility” is the Zafira Tourer. Interior highlights include the Flex7 Plus seating system and the optional “Lounge Seating System”.
2013
Opel offers the patented FlexFix bicycle carrierfor
almost all models from A to Z: Antara, Astra, Corsa, Meriva and Zafira
Tourer. The newest members in the FlexFix club are the sub-compact SUV
Mokka and the lifestyle ADAM. With the second generation of the FlexFix
carrier, the Astra Sports Tourer and Zafira Tourer can carry up to four,
and the Mokka up to three bicycles.
2014
An improved FlexRail center
console is premiered in the new Meriva. With the same versatility and
practicality, it now enables more legroom in the rear.
Night driving always has the potential to generate stress. 82% of all car accidents happen at night. Opel Meriva´s advanced halogen AFL system projects the headlamp beam into bends, with extra side illumination in tight corners. The result ? Less stress, more safety and driving fun. New Opel Meriva makes new automatic lighting functions and LED daytime running lights for optimum visibility in any environment and driving situation.
New Opel Meriva MPV - Adaptive Forward Lighting (AFL) with LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL)
- Depending on speed and steering input, the headlights swivel up to 15˚ in bends in either direction
- Additional projectors are automatically activated, providing 90˚ side illumination on corners and tight bends
- To assist the driver's orientation when parking, the static cornering light goes on to illuminate the parking area when reversing
German car maker continues supporting European top football clubs
New partners: Opel and Romanian top football club F.C. Petrolul Ploieşti
Opel Romania and F.C. Petrolul Ploieşti have signed a partnership deal which sees the German car-maker become the main sponsor of the team. The famous Blitz logo will now be featured on all club kit as part of an extensive agreement involving local marketing and communications programs.
Opel sponsors F.C. Petrolul Ploieşti: Thunderbolt and star player Adrian Mutu
F.C. Petrolul Ploieşti is currenly placed second in Liga I, the Romanian first division, and has qualified for the semi-finals of the Romania Cup, which it already holds. Opel will become the club’s main sponsor when the Romanian football season resumes after its mid-winter break.
Petrolul Ploieşti with Opel Astra OPC
"The Opel brand and Petrolul Ploieşti are both fine examples of professionalism and determination,” says Cristian Milea, Director of Opel Romania. "They have both shown a great capacity to overcome obstacles in making powerful comebacks.”
Opel in German football
Opel is no stranger to football collaborations. In the German Bundesliga, it is partner to champions Borussia Dortmund, as well as Bayer 04 Leverkusen, 1. FSV Mainz 05, FC Freiburg and Fortuna Düsseldorf. Dortmund coach, Juergen Klopp, is also an Opel brand embassador. In Holland, the company has a long-term partnership with Feyenoord Rotterdam and also sponsors Turkey’s most successful football club, Galatasaray Istanbul. In the UK, Opel sister brand Vauxhall is the lead partner of the England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland national football teams.
Eco angel: 170 Opel ADAM components are recyclates
Climate savers: Recycled materials account for 30 percent lower CO2 emissions
Trendsetter: Since 1990 – committed to recycling; today – an industry leader
Eco angel: 170 Opel ADAM components are recyclates.
85 percent of every new vehicle must be recyclable, according to the EU End of Vehicle Life Directive. And this guideline will become even more stringent: from 2015, 95 percent of all new vehicles’ overall weight must be recyclable. Opel is ideally equipped to meet this strict directive, as the Rüsselsheim automaker has been working with recyclate components since 1990. Initially four approved recyclate types were used in the Opel Calibra – today 200 are used across the model portfolio. This enables Opel to use a total of 45,000 tons of recyclates in new vehicles every year.
1990- Recycled materials on Opel Calibra
In the stylish Opel ADAM, a potentially record-breaking170 components made of recycled materials are used. This is in perfect harmony with the urban lifestyle car that saves resources thanks to its small size, low fuel consumption and high number of recyclate components. This also means that the eco angel’s environmental footprint is already reduced during its production, which takes place in Opel’s Eisenach plant. And that is another special ADAM characteristic – it is the only small car from a German manufacturer that is also built in Germany. The pressures and temperatures required for processing pellets made from recycled materials are lower than when using new materials. The energy this saves leads to 30 percent lower CO2 emissions.
Easy assembly: Recyclates may even be superior to new plastic products, as they are less prone to warp and expand or contract.
The raw materials for the headlight housings, bumper mounts and water deflector between the engine compartment and splash wall are all made from recycled plastics. Plastic bottle tops are the basis for such unmixed, pure pellets. High-tech components are then created from these black pellets, for example in a plastic injection molding process. Recyclates may even be superior to new plastic products, as they are less prone to warp and expand or contract. In the Opel ADAM, even the inlet manifold is a recyclate. It is extremely durable, holding up under temperatures ranging from -40° up to +200° C during exhaust gas recirculation. Further benefits of recycled materials include their vibration behavior (low risk of breakage), their UV resistance and the fitting accuracy of the components created from them.
Trendsetter: Uwe Ruster, Opel Lead Engineer Recycled/Sustainable Materials, presents a water deflector made from recycled plastics.
"Today Opel is an industry leader in the development and use of recyclates that are produced by suppliers who meticulously follow our guidelines. We use recycled plastic where it makes technical sense. In this way we save raw materials and energy, and reduce our environmental footprint without the slightest technical disadvantage," says Michael Ableson, Vice President Engineering, explaining Opel's sustainability concept
Antonio Cobo, GM Spain Managing Director, drove the first new Opel Meriva off the assembly line in the Figueruelas plant
First Opel Meriva for Switzerland: GM Spain Managing Director Antonio Cobo drove the first Casablanca White Opel Meriva Excellence off the assembly line.
Yesterday was a great day for the Opel Plant in Zaragoza, Spain, when the first new Meriva for sale – upgraded, more efficient, more attractive and more functional than ever – rolled off the assembly line in the Figueruelas plant. Accompanied by the two employees with the longest and shortest company tenure at the plant, GM Spain Managing Director Antonio Cobo, drove the first new Opel flexibility champion off the assembly line. This was a Casablanca White Meriva Excellence, featuring the innovative new generation 1.6 CDTI engine with 136 hp, destined for Switzerland.
In addition to its unique flexibility, Opel’s small monocab now also stands out with a refreshed, crisper design, and with an array of state-of-the-art technologies that further enhance its comfort and efficiency. A complete range of Euro 6 certified engines (gasoline, LPG and diesel powertrains) are on offer, including a new generation 1.6 CDTI that is the quietest and most efficient in its class. The new generation Opel IntelliLink infotainment system with enhanced speed and functionality perfectly integrates smartphone functionality into the cockpit.
GM Spain Managing Director Antonio Cobo with employees
“The Opel Meriva MPV has set the standard in the segment for ergonomics, affordable flexibility and quality,” said Antonio Cobo. “Driving a new model off the assembly line for the first time is one of the most special honors to be had at a facility like ours. This moment is the culmination of many hours of work, effort, shared talent search for the best solutions and, ultimately, of the work of many men and women doing a great job as a team and striving each day to give the best of themselves, to achieve a goal: to be the best. And the new Opel Meriva MPV is better than ever.”
A great day for the Opel plant in Spain: The first new Meriva for sale rolled off the assembly line in the Figueruelas plant.
Refreshed, crisper design for the star amongst the small monocabs
Full Euro 6 certified powertrain range including new generation 1.6 CDTI
First diesel monocab below 100g CO2 with only 3.8 liter/100 km
Perfect Smartphone Integration with Opel’s new IntelliLink infotainment system
Undisputed flexibility and ergonomics is the Meriva’s key to success
New Opel Meriva MPV - Now with new generation 1.6 CDTI
The new Opel Meriva MPV – upgraded, more efficient, more attractive and more functional than ever – celebrates its world premiere at the Brussels’ International Motor Show (16.-26. January 2014). In addition to its unique flexibility, Opel’s small monocab now also stands out with a refreshed, crisper design, and with an array of state-of-the-art technologies that further enhance its comfort and efficiency. A complete range of Euro 6-certified engines make their appearance, including a new generation 1.6 CDTI that is the quietest and most efficient in its class; one of its versions will enable fuel consumption as low as 3.8 liters per 100 kilometers. Furthermore, for the first time in a gasoline or diesel monocab, emissions will go under 100g – with just 99g/km CO2 emissions. New gearboxes enable softer and more precise shift operation, and a new generation Opel IntelliLink infotainment system with enhanced speed and functionality perfectly integrates smartphone functionality into the cockpit.
When it was launched in 2003, the first generation Opel Meriva created the segment of the small monocabs, and set the standard for flexibility made accessible to a wide public. The second generation in 2010 raised the standard in a spectacular way with innovative features that do not only further enhance flexibility but also ergonomics – such as rear-hinged FlexDoors making ingress and egress much easier, the highly variable rear seating system FlexSpace, exquisite ergonomic front seats, many clever storage solutions, and Opel’s unique FlexFix fully integrated rear-end bicycle carrier system. These trailblazing features make the current Meriva the Ergonomics Champion, as has been concluded by independent health experts and, together with its elevated seating position, are key to its success.
Opel Meriva MPV is also impressively setting a benchmark in quality and customer satisfaction. The new TÜV Report 2014 published December 2013 after nearly 8 million used cars of all kinds and brands were inspected reveals that the Opel Meriva is the car with the lowest defect rate. In the ‘two to three-year old cars’ category – basically featuring all Merivas of the second generation inspected by the TÜV -, it has beaten all models from Mazda, Toyota, Porsche, BMW and Audi, and stands out as the overall ’best in quality’ of all inspected passenger cars in Germany. It has therefore been awarded the TÜV Gold Certificate. Not only TÜV professionals and experts praise the Meriva, its users also do: In the Vehicle Ownership Satisfaction Study (VOSS) Index from the J.D. Power Satisfaction Survey, the Meriva also left all competition behind and finished first in ranking, with an astounding 80.6 percent mark. This is particularly relevant, as the market research institute J.D. Power and Associates measures the satisfaction of car owners who have been driving a model for an average of two years and have the corresponding practical ownership experience.
“The new Meriva is better-than-ever”, says Peter Christian Küspert, Vice President Sales & Aftersales of Opel. “The Opel Meriva has set the standard in the segment – if not in the industry – for ergonomics, affordable flexibility and quality. Now it offers an even more comfortable overall driving experience thanks to state-of-the-art technologies – a new range of Euro 6 certified engines including a last generation 1.6 CDTI that is the most silent in its class; new transmissions that offer smoother and crisper shifting; and a new generation Opel IntelliLink infotainment system that integrates smartphone functionalities into the vehicles. And as we have also made sure to offer the new Meriva at even better prices than before, it is more attractive than ever for customers who want to combine superior comfort, superior functionality, and superior value for money”.
Fresh, upgraded design with crisp details and sparkling chrome accents
New Opel Meriva MPV - LED technology is now available for the Daytime Running Lights (DRL)
Opel’s design philosophy – sculptural artistry meets German precision – fits perfectly with its small, highly flexible monocab. New Opel Meriva MPV benefits from many improvements that enhance the precise looks of key features and give it a more refined appearance. A new grille with higher chrome content, as well as chrome accents embracing the fog lamps now defines the front fascia. The newly designed sparkling front headlights with an eagle eye graphic frame the grille. LED technology is now available for the Daytime Running Lights (DRL), resulting in a crisp, high-tech look. On the side, the new elegant chrome beltline effectively highlights the waved design that accentuates the rear window and offers additional visibility to small children sitting in the rear seats. This feature and the centrally located door handles are part-and-parcel of the innovative FlexDoors, rear-hinged rear doors that allow for easy entry into the vehicle. The dynamic and elegant character of the rear gets a new touch of class thanks to energy-saving LED lights with new, accentuated high quality graphics.
The dynamic and elegant character of the rear gets a new touch of class thanks to energy-saving LED lights with new, accentuated high quality graphics.
New Euro 6-certified powertrain offer with state-of-the-art, efficient 1.6 CDTI
The new Opel Meriva MPV comes with a new range of gasoline, LPG and diesel powertrains that already comply with the future emissions regulation Euro 6 which will come into force in September 2015.
New Euro 6 turbo-diesel engine Opel ECOTEC 1.6 CDTI - Power and Torque
The highlight is the new generation 1.6 CDTI turbo-diesel engine that had its debut in the Opel Zafira Tourer. It convinces with low consumption and environmental friendliness, as well as with outstanding running smoothness and exceptionally low noise and vibrations. This whisper-diesel is simply the most silent in its class. A highly sophisticated all-aluminum power unit with Common-Rail direct injection, it will replace both the 1.3 CDTI and 1.7 CDTI that used to power the Meriva.
The first version of the 1.6 CDTI available in the new Meriva develops 100kW/136hp and consumes just 4.4l/100km while emitting 116g/km CO2. This is a 10% improvement in efficiency compared to the previous 96 kW/130 hp 1.7 CDTI (which required 4.9 liter and produced 129 grams). It has been made possible, amongst others, thanks to engineering measures allowing the 1.6 CDTI to feature the lowest frictions of its engine class between 1,500 and 2,500 rpm. In addition, the new 1.6 CDTI also delivers 320 Nm of maximum torque (+ 7% vs the previous 1.7 CDTI) at 2,000 rpm.
Further versions of the engine will be launched in the close future, including two executions with 81 kW/110 hp output. One of them will particularly stand out, with a fuel consumption of a mere 3.8 liters per 100km and CO2 emissions of just 99 grams per kilometer, making the Opel Meriva MPV the first gasoline or diesel monocab under 100g.
Transmissions in the new Meriva MPV have also been improved thanks to Opel’s 50 million euro investment into the optimization of its five- and six-speed gearboxes. Numerous changes to their components and the gear-change mechanisms, as well as to their integration into the vehicle have ensured a substantial enhancement in the smoothness and precision of gear shifting. The new low-friction manual units offer a new level of gear-change comfort in combination with all gasoline, LPG and diesel engines. In addition, a six-speed low friction transmission is now available with both 88 kW/120 hp and 103 kW/140 hp versions of the 1.4 Turbo gasoline engine. This combination of automatic transmission and gasoline power will fulfill expectations amongst Meriva customers.
New generation IntelliLink infotainment system
New Opel Meriva MPV - interior with IntelliLink infotainment system
The new Opel Meriva MPV boasts a new generation IntelliLink infotainment system enabling seamless smartphone integration into the vehicle. The large, high-definition, seven-inch color monitor offers a new interface with IntelliLink graphics that make the system easier to read and operation faster and more fluid. The system features Bluetooth hand-free phone connectivity and audio streaming, and additional connectivity via USB.
New Opel Meriva MPV - High-definition, 7-inch color monitor with new IntelliLink graphics
IntelliLink in the new Meriva has a standard CD player and DAB+ – Digital Audio Broadcast – is offered as an option that raises the bar in terms of range of radio stations reached, reliable reception and sound quality. Navigation is an inherent part of the system, through both the Navi 650 and the Navi 950 IntelliLink. It is extremely precise and fast in calculating itineraries and zooming in and out, and destinations can be entered easily via voice recognition using rapid ‘one shot entry’ (request navigation and just speak out the address in a single phrase) as is possible in the Insignia’s system.
Meriva’s comprehensive flexibility and ergonomic concept is key to its success
Despite new arrivals in the segment, the Opel Meriva MPV remains unrivalled in its first-class-offering of prime flexibility and ergonomic comfort. Indeed, customers expressly choose it for these attributes and a high seating position. Meriva’s customer base including young families, young mothers and retired grandparents have all stated that easy-to-use flexibility and superior comfort for the money are a prime consideration for them.
New Opel Meriva MPV - FlexDoors system
Opel Meriva MPV is the first and only automobile in the world that has been certified for its overall ergonomic concept. In 2010, independent health experts from the AGR (Aktion Gesunder Rücken e.V.), the ‘Campaign for healthy backs’ awarded the Meriva with their sought-after-quality seal for guaranteeing superior ergonomics and back protection. The certification is based on the Meriva’s four core and exclusive innovations: The highly flexible FlexSpace rear seating concept; the FlexDoors system that widely opens all doors at 84° and which, with its rear-hinged rear doors and solid handles on the B-pillars, makes ingress and egress much easier and comfortable; the ergonomic front seats with their multiple adjustment possibilities; and the unique FlexFix integrated bicycle carrier that always remains in the car and can be simply deployed anytime like a drawer. All these continue to make the Meriva the leader in flexibility and ergonomics.
Bold off-road design combined with low consumption at attractive prices
Premiere at Brussels International Motor Show (January 16th to 26th)
Customers benefit from an attractive entry-level price for the Opel Insignia Country Tourer – around 3,000 euros less than with the 4x4 system.
The new Opel Insignia Country Tourer, the model family’s adventurer with bold, dynamic design and top driving performance, is now also available with front-wheel drive. The robust mid-size station wagon can be teamed with the new-generation 125 kW/170 hp 1.6 ECOTEC Direct Injection Turbo engine or with the 2-liter turbo diesel with 120 kW/163 hp. So Insignia fans who prefer characteristic off-road styling with under-body guards, prominent wheel-arch and lower body cladding together with dual exhaust tailpipes (with the 1.6 ECOTEC Direct Injection Turbo) but don’t necessarily need the 4x4 drive can choose front-wheel drive, thus lowering fuel consumption and CO2 emissions compared to the all-wheel drive version. Customers also benefit from an especially attractive entry-level price of 34,100 euros for the Insignia Country Tourer in Belgium – around 3,000 euros less than with the 4x4 system.
Opel Insignia Country Tourer now also with new 1.6 ECOTEC Direct Injection Turbo engine (125 kW/170 hp)
“With the front-wheel drive Opel Insignia Country Tourer we make our mid-size model even more attractive for customers,” says Peter Christian Küspert, Opel Board Member for Sales. “Our adventurer leaves a lasting impression with its purposeful looks, and with front-wheel drive it now also appeals to Insignia buyers who want typical Country Tourer styling even if most of their driving is in cities and on the autobahn.”
With front-wheel drive, six-speed manual transmission and Start/Stop, Opel Insignia Country Tourer 2.0 CDTI consumes just 4.5 liters diesel per 100 km – around 20 percent less than the comparable all-wheel drive version. This not only has a positive impact on fuel costs, it also benefits the environment. CO2 emissions are just 119 g/km, earning the Insignia Country Tourer 2.0 CDTI the best German A+ energy efficiency label.
General Motors Co. (GM) dealers delivered 9,714,652 vehicles around the world in the 2013, up 4 percent compared with 2012. Among GM’s top five global markets by volume, China and the United Kingdom posted the largest year-over-year sales increases on a percentage basis, with each up 11 percent. GM’s China sales set a new full-year record. Sales in the United States increased 7 percent.
“A healthy auto market in the United States and China, and very successful product launches at all of our brands worldwide drove GM’s growth in 2013 and helped us navigate difficult conditions in Europe and parts of South America and Asia,” said Dan Ammann, GM executive vice president and chief financial officer.
Ammann, who has been named president of General Motors, will discuss the company’s outlook and strategy at the 2014 Global Auto Industry Conference hosted by Deutsche Bank on Wednesday, January 15, in Detroit. GM’s presentation will begin at approximately 7:30 a.m. EST followed by a Q&A session.
A live webcast of the presentation will be available here. Presentation materials will be posted in the Investor section of gm.com shortly before the webcast.
Going forward, GM plans to announce its global sales on a quarterly basis using this new template as part of the company’s effort to provide insightful and easily accessible information about its global growth strategy.
Highlights (vs. 2012)
Chevrolet sold a record 4,984,126 vehicles in 2013, an increase of
19,304 from the previous record set in 2012. Key product launches
included the Silverado, named the 2014 North American Truck of the Year,
and the Corvette Stingray, named the 2014 North American Car of the
Year.
Cadillac’s global sales were up 28 percent. The brand ended 2013 as
the fastest-growing full-line luxury brand in the United States, with
sales up 22 percent following the introductions of the all-new XTS and
ATS. In China, Cadillac’s sales grew 67 percent to a record 50,005
vehicles. Cadillac broke ground on a new assembly plant in China last
year and plans to add one new model per year in the country through
2016.
Buick’s global sales were up 15 percent as it introduced redesigns
of the LaCrosse and Regal in all of its major markets and added new
models in North America, including the Encore crossover. Dealers
delivered 1,032,331 vehicles for the best year in the brand’s 110-year
history. The previous record of 1,003,345 vehicles sold was set in 1984,
before the brand entered the China market.
Opel / Vauxhall sold more than 1 million vehicles globally and
delivered a slight increase in European market share to the mid-5
percent range, its first in 14 years, following the successful launches
of the Mokka and ADAM.
General Motors Co. (NYSE:GM, TSX: GMM) and its partners produce vehicles in 30 countries, and the company has leadership positions in the world's largest and fastest-growing automotive markets. GM, its subsidiaries and joint venture entities sell vehicles under the Chevrolet, Cadillac, Baojun, Buick, GMC, Holden, Jiefang, Opel, Vauxhall and Wuling brands.
Manufacturer continues as third-strongest passenger car brand in Europe
European market share improved for the first time in many years
Bestseller: Opel Mokka small SUV entered the market strongly and conquered the second place in its segment for the full year 2013.
General Motors today published its global sales figures for 2013 and Opel is among the winners. The Rüsselsheim based manufacturer continues to be the second largest brand of General Motors and strengthened its position as the third-strongest passenger car brand in Europe according to preliminary figures.
In a difficult market environment Opel sold 1.064 million vehicles (+ 0%). Opel and its sister brand Vauxhall in the United Kingdom achieved a market share of 5.61 percent in the European total vehicle market compared to 5.59 percent the year before. This is the first year-on-year growth in market share for the brand in 14 years.
Opel ADAM
“Our new models ADAM, Cascada and Mokka in particular contributed to this improvement, in spite of an overall difficult market environment. We have already received 62,000 orders for the ADAM and 177,000 for the Mokka”, said Peter Christian Küspert, Member of the Management Board, Sales and Aftersales.
Opel Cascada
The result is broad-based. Opel/Vauxhall was able to increase its market share in eleven countries year-on-year, among them core markets like Germany, the UK and Spain, as well as the growth markets Turkey and Russia. In the German passenger car market, Opel increased its market share according to the Kraftfahrtbundesamt (Federal Office for Motor Vehicles) to 7.0 percent, compared to 6.9 percent one year ago.
Opel Mokka SUV
Opel top sellers Astra and Corsa again were among the ten best-selling models across Europe in 2013, reaching positions seven and eight. The Mokka small SUV entered the market strongly and conquered the second place in its segment for the full year, while the new Insignia was the number two in its segment, not including premium competitors.
New Opel Insignia
In the UK, Opel/Vauxhall’s single largest market, the Insignia and Zafira finished number one and Corsa, Astra and Mokka number two in their respective segments.
New Opel Meriva MPV
In Opel’s home market Germany, the Meriva MPV stood out as the bestseller in its segment. The Corsa and Astra beat their direct competitors to second place in their respective segments.
Opel Corsa
Opel continued to be successful in Hungary where the brand led the passenger car market for the third year in a row. Opel reached the number three position in Austria and Greece and registered the highest market share of the last six years in Spain, reaching 6.98 percent in the total vehicle market.
