Strong showing: Opel ADAM R2 impresses with top performance
Great results: 12 class wins to date from 15 starts
High interest: Customer inquiries from many European countries
Shooting Star: The 190 hp Opel ADAM R2 has already racked up 12 class wins from 15 starts in national championship rounds in Germany, Spain, France and Austria.
The Opel ADAM R2 has made a huge impact on the European rallye scene in the seven months since it was homologated for competition by the international motorsports federation FIA (Fédération internationale de l’Automobile). The 190 hp ADAM R2 has already racked up no less than 12 class wins from 15 starts in national championship rounds in Germany, Spain, France and Austria.
In Spain, Esteban Vallin and co-driver Borja Odriozola are leading the R2 class in an ADAM R2 entered by the Spanish importer, while Yoann Bonato and Thierry Michaud in an Opel Motorsport Team France car are also top of their rankings in France. And after a false start on their debut event, Daniel Wollinger and Bernhard Holzer have got into their stride in the Austrian Rallye Championship, claiming two class victories in the last two rounds. Not to be outdone, the ADAM R2 prepared by German customer team Audex Motorsport from Extertal and driven by Dutchman Timo van der Marel has also secured a class win on its debut event in the Netherlands. The German-Luxembourgian duo Julius Tannert and Jennifer Thielen, one of the leading teams in this season’s ADAC Opel Rallye Cup, finished a strong second in the Rallye Luxembourg in a highly competitive field of 19 R2 vehicles.
ADAC Opel Rallye Junior Team drivers are providing even more reasons to be cheerful. Marijan Griebel/Alexander Rath and Fabian Kreim/Josefine C. Beinke have taken clear victories in every Division 5 round of the ADAC Rallye Masters to date, failing just once to take a double win. These young Opel works drivers have reached the second stage of Opel and ADAC’s talent promotion pyramid after finishing as the best placed junior drivers in the 2013 ADAC Opel Rallye Cup and achieving selection from a driver screening session. The goal of the Opel/ADAC program is to bring a young German driver to the pinnacle of European rallying in the mid-term – at the wheel of an Opel, of course.
Further proof of the Opel ADAM R2’s competitiveness has come from the GEKP Ypres Rallye in Belgium, held on June 20-21. In a starting field of 44 R2 vehicles, representing all brands who have such a fast car in their portfolio – including all 15 teams from the FIA Junior European Championship – Marijan Griebel/Alexander Rath were battling for a podium finish on one of the most demanding asphalt rallies in Europe when they were halted by drivetrain trouble at the beginning of the 20th and final stage as they were in third place. Former European champion Bruno Thiry was also having an excellent rallye on his debut in an ADAM R2 when he hit a rock and had to retire. Fabian Kreim/Josefine C. Beinke met with a similar fate on the last stage but still managed to finish ninth in the R2 category after stopping to change a wheel.
“The ADAM R2 has completely fulfilled our high expectations to now,” says Opel Motorsport Director Jörg Schrott. “The car is quick and reliable. And our teams praise its driving characteristics and how well it responds to changes in set-up. The ADAM R2’s strong performance is already sparking interest from many customer teams across Europe and we are, of course, delighted about that.”
High-end midsize SUV goes on sale across China later this year
Shanghai GM yesterday offered a preview of the all-new Buick Envision, announcing its Chinese name as “Ang Ke Wei” (昂科威), showing its specifications and the first official photos. The new high-end midsize SUV will go on sale across China later this year.
Shanghai GM Offers Preview of New Buick Envision SUV
The Envision is a completely new model that represents a convergence of Buick's latest global design philosophy and cutting-edge technologies. It will set a new benchmark in its segment in China for styling, space, safety, performance and technology.
Elegant and Dynamic Exterior
The model carries forward the design essence of the Buick Envision concept vehicle, which made its global debut at Auto Shanghai 2011.
Buick Envision concept (2011)
The exterior blends artistic elegance with dynamic lines. Its front end is highlighted by Buick’s signature waterfall grille along with wing-style intelligent Xenon headlamps, boomerang-shaped LED daytime running lights and sleek outside rearview mirrors. The windshield with a one-piece chrome-plated frame gives the Envision an aggressive stance. Class-leading 19-inch aluminum alloy wheels and a luggage rack echo the stylish design.
Headlights in wing-style with intelligent Xenon headlamps, boomerang-shaped LED DRLS
The Envision measures 4,667 mm in length, 1,839 mm in width and 1,696 mm in height. It has a wheelbase of 2,750 mm, which contributes to its spacious interior.
Powerful Turbocharged Engine
Another highlight of the Buick Envision SUV is its 2.0T Direct Injection Turbocharged engine, which was named one of Ward's 10 Best Engines in 2013. The engine generates maximum output power of 191 kW and peak torque of 353 Nm. It includes stop/start technology, for better fuel economy.
A new-generation six-speed transmission offers smooth gear shifting while significantly reducing fuel consumption in city driving. Its all-wheel-drive technology ensures solid handling on all surfaces.
The Envision will complement the Encore and new Enclave in Buick’s domestic SUV portfolio, providing a range of choices for SUV buyers across China.
General Motors traces its roots back to 1908. GM has 10 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 2013, GM sold nearly 3.2 million vehicles in China.
Newly-established Opel Group reflects widened scope of European activities
From now on, Opel’s leadership team steers General Motor’s European business including Russia from the Opel Group
Opel Group assumes economic responsibility for all GM brands in Europe
Adam Opel AG enjoys more solid financial basis
No effects on quarterly reporting in Europe
Employees’ rights of co-determination contractually guaranteed
Opel improves its organizational structure: effective 1 July 2014, the newly-established Opel Group assumes full responsibility for General Motor’s business in Europe. Through this new entity, the company aggregates the responsibilities for Opel/Vauxhall as well as all other operations of GM in Europe – including Russia. Led by Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann, the management board of the Opel Group, which is almost identical to the so-far existing management board of the Adam Opel AG, will steer GM’s European business. The new entity, similar to the Adam Opel AG, will be based in Rüsselsheim.
With this organizational change, the Opel Group will also take over economic responsibility for all GM brands in Europe. Consequently, the Adam Opel AG will be able to strengthen its financial basis. The operative business of the Adam Opel AG remains unaffected by this reorganization.
Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann, CEO of the management board of Opel Group GmbH: “Today, we are more than just Opel/Vauxhall. With the Opel Group, we align our organizational and legal entity structure in Europe with the business operations. We streamline our decision making processes and increase our efficiency. In brief: this reorganization is an important step in implementing our business plan DRIVE! 2022 and another sign of confidence of our parent company GM.” By 2022, the company aims to gain market share of 8 percent in Europe, increase the profit margin to 5 percent and further improve product quality as well as customer and employee satisfaction.
The employees’ rights of co-determination are contractually guaranteed in the new organizational structure. Dr. Wolfgang Schäfer-Klug, Chairman of the General Works Council: “We ensured that the right of co-determination is safeguarded to the same extent despite the organizational changes.” In reference to the foundation of the Opel Group with its about 100 employees, Dr. Schäfer-Klug said: “We are happy that Opel’s position has been further strengthened. From Opel’s perspective, the reorganization of the European business offers more opportunities for growth and employment.”
The new Opel Group is a testimony of how important Opel has become for General Motors. The Opel leadership has taken over numerous GM responsibilities in Europe over the past two years. Among these are full responsibility for Russia’s growing market and the planned manufacture of selected cars for Buick in the US and Holden in Australia and New Zealand.
General Motors Co. (NYSE: GM) sold 2,505,889 vehicles around the world in the second quarter of 2014, with year-over-year sales in the United States and China up 7 percent and 8 percent, respectively. Total sales were up one-half percent in the second quarter. In the first half, GM sold 4,921,928 vehicles, up 1.4 percent.
“GM did well in the world’s two largest and most profitable vehicle markets and that helped us grow despite very challenging market conditions in parts of South America, Asia and Eastern Europe,” said GM CEO Mary Barra. “We are investing in our brands around the world to keep our momentum going, and that includes growing Cadillac in China, launching a total of 27 new Opel models between 2014 and 2018 and entering new segments in North America with vehicles like the Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon.”
Highlights (vs. 2013)
Chevrolet had record sales in China in the first half of 2014 and
the strong performance of the brand’s new full-size pickups and large
SUVs in North America helped GM achieve record average transaction
prices in both the second quarter and first half.
Buick, which celebrated the best sales year in the brand’s 110-year
history in 2013, posted an 11 percent increase in the quarter and it is
up 12 percent year to date. Buick global sales in the first six months
of 2014 are 152 percent higher than they were just six years ago, growth
that has outpaced all major American, European, Japanese and Korean
makes.
Cadillac’s global sales were up 14 percent in the quarter, including
a 51 percent increase in China. Calendar year to date, deliveries were
up 12 percent, driven by a 72 percent increase in China sales.
Opel/Vauxhall sales increased 3 percent in the second quarter. Sales
were up 4 percent in the first half and Opel gained share in 11
European markets. In addition, the Mokka was the best-selling SUV in the
first six months of the year in Germany.
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. More information on the company and
its subsidiaries, including OnStar, a global leader in vehicle safety,
security and information services.
Vauxhall has supplied HSS Hire Service Group Limited with a fleet of its award-winning Corsavans, helping to reduce average CO2 emissions and total running costs of the company’s fleet.
The Corsavans are powered by Vauxhall’s efficient 1.3 CDTi 95PS engine with ecoFLEX technology, returning an impressive combined fuel economy of 83.1mpg. The ecoFLEX engine features Start/Stop technology and benefits from CO2 emissions as low as 88g/km – making Corsavan one of the cleanest vans on the market.
Despite its compact dimensions and sleek design, the Corsavan – which will be used by HSS Hire’s Branch Managers to visit local customers and suppliers – boasts a class-leading payload of 550kg and a Group 1E insurance rating.
Aaron Powell, Fleet Manager at HSS Hire, said: “We’re really pleased with the Corsavans – they’re the perfect size for our needs and they’re already proving really efficient too.”
National Commercial Vehicle and B2B Sales Manager at Vauxhall, Richard Collier, said: “With a best-in-class payload and outstanding fuel economy, these Corsavans will allow HSS Hire’s Branch Managers to travel as effectively and efficiently as possible.”
HSS Hire is a national supplier of tool and equipment hire and related services. Focused on delivering safety, value, availability and support, it works with big businesses, trade and DIY customers throughout the UK and Ireland.
New 1.0 ECOTEC Direct Injection Turbo now available for Opel ADAM and Opel ADAM ROCKS
Prices start at 16,150 euros for well-equipped Opel ADAM JAM (RRP incl. VAT in Germany)
Pocket powerhouse: New 1.0 ECOTEC Direct Injection Turbo now available for Opel ADAM
Opel is in the middle of the largest engine offensive in its history: between 2014 and 2018, 17 new engines will be introduced. A top highlight is the ultra-modern, 1.0‑liter three-cylinder gasoline unit complete with turbocharging and the very finest manners – giving a clean, smooth and quiet operation. This direct-injection engine makes its debut in the Opel ADAM and ADAM ROCKS with a newly developed, six-speed manual transmission and sets new standards for three-cylinder engine refinement. It is not only economical and climate-friendly, but also silky smooth to drive, with noise and vibration characteristics superior to many four-cylinder engines.
Strong power at low rpm: Opel ADAM’s new 1.0 ECOTEC Direct Injection Turbo offers substantially improved driving performance.
This pocket powerhouse comes in two configurations, giving 66 kW/90 hp or 85 kW/115 hp. Both deliver strong, low-end torque of 170 Nm from just 1,800 rpm across a wide engine speed plateau. As a result, it enables better acceleration at low rpm than larger engines with similar horsepower, together with much lower fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.
Compared to Opel’s current 1.4 liter naturally-aspirated unit (74 kW/100 hp), the ADAM’s new 1.0 ECOTEC Direct Injection Turbo offers substantially improved driving performance. Particularly during acceleration from 80 to 120 km/h, an exceptionally important speed range for overtaking, the turbo delivers strong power at low rpm. With 90 hp the 1.0 turbo covers this sprint in 13.2 seconds, while the 115 hp version requires just 10.9 seconds.
Despite its fiery performance, the 1.0 ECOTEC Direct Injection Turbo consumes just 4.2 (90 hp) and 4.9 liters (115 hp) of fuel per 100 km in the combined cycle. Braking-energy recuperation and low-rolling-resistance tires (15 and 16-inch on the Opel ADAM) further contribute to saving fuel. This new three-cylinder unit already complies with the future Euro 6 emission standards.
Driving performance in the new Opel ADAM ROCKS with the 1.0 turbo unit is on a par with the regular ADAM: maximum speed is 180 (90 hp) and 196 (115 hp) km/h, while acceleration from zero to 100 km/h takes just 11.9 and 9.9 seconds respectively.
Driving performance in the new Opel ADAM ROCKS with the 1.0 Direct Injection Turbo unit is on a par with the regular ADAM: maximum speed is 180 (90 hp) and 196 (115 hp) km/h, while acceleration from zero to 100 km/h takes just 11.9 and 9.9 seconds respectively. Despite its 15 mm higher ground clearance and wider wheel-arches, ADAM ROCKS’ combined fuel consumption is only slightly higher at 4.5 and 5.1 l/100 km – in the 115 hp version this is a plus of merely four percent.
State-of-the-art technologies include high-pressure direct fuel injection, an ultra-compact turbocharging system, continuously variable valve timing and a lightweight aluminum construction with a cylinder head-integrated exhaust manifold. Numerous ‘sound engineering’ measures which contribute to the engine’s benchmark refinement include an acoustically-developed cylinder block; a sump-mounted balancer shaft – universally unique for a three-cylinder engine; structural isolation of the fuel injection system and crankshaft; drive chains with inverted teeth and engine covers designed for acoustic attenuation.
New engine include high-pressure direct fuel injection, an ultra-compact turbocharging system, continuously variable valve timing and a lightweight aluminum construction with a cylinder head-integrated exhaust manifold.
Prices for the new 1.0 ECOTEC Direct Injection Turbo start at 16,150 euros for the 90 hp version in ADAM JAM. And with 115 hp, the ADAM costs a mere 300 euros more. The differential is exactly the same for the new adventure-loving ADAM ROCKS, which costs just 18,490 euros (90 hp) or 18,790 euros (115 hp) (all prices RRP incl. VAT in Germany). It offers higher ground clearance and loads of off-road appeal, in addition to a leather steering wheel, air conditioning, 17-inch alloy wheels, CD-radio with seven speakers, USB port and a hands-free kit, as well as an electric Swing Top canvas roof – all fitted as standard.
·High
performance, low emission engines for the new Opel Corsa and OpelADAM ROCKS
·Opel
Vice President Joachim Koschnicke unveiled the engine with Hungarian Deputy
Minister of Foreign Economy Peter Szijjarto in Szentgotthárd
·The
most modern Opel engine plant now builds three engine families on the same line
Unveiling the newest Opel SGE engine family: Opel Vice President Joachim Koschnicke , Deputy Minister Foreign economic relation, Peter Szijjarto and plant manager Tamas Solt (from left to the right).
The serial production of the new Small Gasoline Engine (SGE) family (1.0 ECOTEC Direct Injection Turbo) ceremonially started at the newest and most flexible Opel engine plant in Szentgotthárd, Western Hungary in the presence of Joachim Koschnicke, Opel Vice President Government Relations and Public Policy and Hungarian Deputy Minister of Foreign Economy Peter Szijjarto. With this addition, the new engine plant builds three different engine families on the same line offering a wide range of powertrain for the new Opel models.
Unveiling the newest Opel ECOTEC engine family: Opel Vice President Joachim Koschnicke , Deputy Minister Foreign economic relation, Peter Szijjarto and plant manager Tamas Solt (from left to the right)
“The Szentgotthárd Flex plant plays an important role in our product strategy. Between this year and 2018, 27 new Opel models and 17 new engines will hit the market and many of these engine novelties will be built here”, said Joachim Koschnicke, Vice President Government Relations and Public Policy. “We show very clearly that Opel is back. Opel is on the attack. Our model offensive is in full swing, and engines are a very important part of this offensive.”
New Opel ECOTEC 1.0 Direct Injection Turbo
Koschnicke also spoke about the longer term strategy of the company: “We are setting clear targets that stretch all the way to the year 2022. Our first target is to go from being third in the European passenger car market to being second. We aim to achieve this with a market share of 8 percent in Europe and 10 percent in Germany in 2022.”
Hungary is one of the 11 countries where Opel increased market share in the first half of 2014. Opel has not only been the number one brand in three consecutive years on the Hungarian passenger car market but in the first half of this year, the brand could grow its sales in the country by 68 percent. That is more than twice of the average growth of the market and secures an over 13 percent market share and clear number one overall position for Opel in Hungary.
Tamás Solt, Plant Manager and Launch Director of the Flex plant said: “Last year, in our old facility building mainly 1.6 115 hp engines and Flex Plants, we manufactured 354,000 engines and only 15,000 of them were Flex products. In comparison, this year 100,000 of the 400,000 engines will already be Flex engines. Next year, more than the half of the 500,000 engines will be Flex products.”
The new Szentgotthard Flex plant is a 700 million Euro investment with a capacity to build 600,000 engines a year. The technology implemented there makes the plant one of the most flexible automotive manufacturing facilities in the world capable of producing three different engine families on the same line. Opel’s new 1.6 gasoline turbo, 1.6 CDTI turbo diesel and now the new small gasoline engines are built there. All of these engines are characterized by high performance and low emissions, plus outstanding smoothness and very low noise levels.
The one liter turbo engine with 90 and 115 horsepower is just the first member of the small gasoline engine family, which will include many different applications between 1 and 1.4 liter displacement. The three-cylinder engine will have its debut in the ADAM and new ADAM ROCKS – the mini Opel crossover – and it will also be introduced in the Fifth Generation Corsa coming to the markets at the end of this year.
European cooperative mobility project with 47 partners successfully completed
Car2X communication as a key tool of future traffic management
Opel leads testing of interoperability of individual systems
Opel and DRIVE C2X: Together with 46 consortium partners, Opel has been testing the functionality, practicality and effectiveness of car2X under real conditions in DRIVE C2X, a cooperative mobility project co-funded by the European Commission.
An increase in road safety and traffic efficiency through vehicle communications (car2X) is one of the main aims of automobile manufacturers and politics. Together with 46 consortium partners, Opel has been testing the functionality, practicality and effectiveness of car2X under real conditions in DRIVE C2X, a cooperative mobility project co-funded by the European Commission. The consortium presented the results of the successfully completed project today, at its closing event in Berlin.
Opel and DRIVE C2X: Together with 46 consortium partners, Opel has been testing the functionality, practicality and effectiveness of car2X under real conditions in DRIVE C2X, a cooperative mobility project co-funded by the European Commission.
Opel has been carrying out R&D into intelligent systems for improving road safety and efficiency for several years. The communication between connected cars and the traffic infrastructure is one of the main areas of research. Car2X is a model of the future for intelligently controlled road management. In the last 42 months, DRIVE C2X has performed field tests in seven countries (Finland, France, Germany, Netherlands, Italy, Spain and Sweden). The goals were to demonstrate the advantages of the cooperative systems of each project partner, to avoid risks in traffic or prevent them from happening at all, and thus to achieve an effective improvement of traffic flow.
The systems tested included not only warnings of construction sites and traffic jams, approaching emergency vehicles, weather and road conditions, but also traffic sign information and systems that optimize traffic flow at traffic lights, or give early warning of hidden dangers and obstacles. Opel not only supplied a specially equipped Insignia with weather warning; the company also led the testing of the interoperability of the individual systems supplied by the participating manufacturers.
“It was important to find out whether the various cars could even communicate with each other, since each manufacturer uses different hard and software”, explains Opel electronics development engineer, Bernd Büchs. “Field tests in Helmond, Netherlands, demonstrated that the communication between vehicles functioned very well”.
Avoiding accidents near schools: Additional warning signs can be transmitted to the vehicle via car2X technology.
The consortium tested the weather warning developed by Opel in Tampere, Finland. Sensors gathered data on along roads most affected by temperature, fog, rain or snow and informed the vehicles via car2X technology. During this testing Opel assessed the suitability of vehicle electronics systems for gathering data on risky conditions such as ice, and communicating this information to other car2X-vehicles as a localized warning.
Opel and DRIVE C2X: The systems tested included not only warnings of construction sites and traffic jams, approaching emergency vehicles, weather and road conditions, but also traffic sign information and systems that optimize traffic flow at traffic lights, or give early warning of hidden dangers and obstacles.
Seemingly trivial details occasionally delivered the biggest learnings. For example, on country roads in Germany, signs that warn of wild animals crossing the road show a deer, while in Scandinavia the signs show a moose. The electronics in each vehicle must be adapted to such differences, so that the car reacts the same way in every country. In Finland and Sweden, the authorities also place great importance on avoiding accidents near schools with special warning signs and speed limits; these additional warning signs were transmitted to the vehicle via car2X. Car2X also had to respect the various legal requirements in the participating countries. Bernd Büchs: “In France, for example, the speed on motorways is 130 km/h, when it rains it is 110 km/h. The systems must consider differences such as this, as well as the corresponding laws in other countries”.
Opel and DRIVE C2X: Sensors of the weather warning developed by Opel gather data on along roads most affected by temperature, fog, rain or snow and inform the vehicles via car2X technology.
The automobile industry predicts that car2X will be market-ready in between two and five years’ time. The priorities are standardization, vehicle integration and ease of use. In addition, the technology must be affordable for the customer, since road users will only benefit from the advantages when as many drivers as possible use the systems. The reaction of the test drivers to the technology was very positive; the majority would use the systems and would be willing to pay an additional price for them.
About DRIVE C2X:
The DRIVE C2X consortium consists of 34 partner und 13 support members. The project costs amount to 18.6 million euros; the European Union contributed 12.4 million euros. The consortium includes of automobile manufacturers, the supplier industry, software developers, research institutes, traffic engineers, and road network operators. The participants were: Adam Opel AG, Audi, BMW Forschung und Technik, Centro Ricerche Fiat, Daimler AG, Ford Forschungszentrum Aachen, Honda Research Institute Europe, Peugeot Citroën Automobiles, Renault, Volvo Personenvagnar, Yamaha Motor, Continental, Delphi Deutschland, Denso Automotive Deutschland, Hitachi Europe SAS, Neavia Technologies, NEC Europe, Renesas Electronics Europe, Robert Bosch, Testing Technologies, Vector Informatik, YGOMI, PTV Planung Transport Verkehr, Bundesanstalt für Straßenwesen, Centro Tecnológico de Automoción de Galicia, Chalmers University, Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt, Facit Research, Fraunhofer Institute FOKUS, Hochschule für Technik und Wirtschaft Saarland, Institut Français des Sciences et Technologies des Transports, de l'Aménagement et des Réseaux, Institut Nationale de Recherche en Informatique et en Automatique, Interuniversity Microelectronics Centre, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Lindholmen Science Park, Technische Universität Graz, Nederlandse Organisatie voor Toegepast Natuurwetenschappelijk Onderzoek, Universitatea Tehnica Cluj-Napoca, University of Surrey, Technical Research Centre of Finland, Autostrada del Brennero, City of Tampere, Hessen Mobil – Road and Traffic Management, Rijkswaterstaat, Trafikverket, EICT, ERTICO – ITS Europe, ETSI Centre for Testing and Interoperability, Nokian Renkaat.
Automaker investing 210 million euros in Rüsselsheim
State-of-the-art facilities to develop and test clean engines
43 modern performance test benches available by 2017
Hesse’s Minister for Economic Affairs Tarek Al-Wazir at groundbreaking ceremony
Opel starts major construction project at its Rüsselsheim headquarters: The company continues its investment offensive, allocating 210 million euros to the construction of a complex of buildings – the tallest seven stories high – on the south-west sector of the International Technical Development Center (ITDC) premises. On a total building surface area of around 36,000 square meters, from 2017 engineers and technicians will develop the powertrains of the future. The new center will also house 43 newest-generation performance test benches.
The groundbreaking ceremony for the major project took place on Monday. Manning the shovels were CEO Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann, Head of Opel Works Council Dr. Wolfgang Schäfer-Klug, Vice President of the GM Powertrain Division Steven Kiefer, Opel Board Member for Engineering Michael Ableson, and two high-ranking political guests: Hesse’s Minister for Economic Affairs Tarek Al-Wazir and Rüsselsheim’s mayor Patrick Burghardt.
“With this investment we very clearly show: Opel is back. Opel is on the attack,” said Karl-Thomas Neumann. “Our model offensive is in full swing – and engines are a very important part of this offensive.”
The construction project is part of the investment announced last year that earmarks 230 million euros for new testing and engineering facilities at the ITDC and at the Test Center Rodgau-Dudenhofen. The lion’s share of that, 210 million euros, is being invested in the Rüsselsheim site. The complex will cover an area of around 13,000 square meters south of the railroad tracks and west of Portal 45 in Rüsselsheim, parallel to the Rugbyring. This is the largest building investment in Rüsselsheim since the opening of the new production plant in 2002.
The site is embedded in the engineering network of the GM Powertrain Organization. Due to internationally synchronized test methods and software, findings can be optimally analyzed and implemented. Steven Kiefer, Head of GM Powertrain, said, “For us, Rüsselsheim is the center for the development of small and mid-size gasoline engines. We rely on internationally-networked German engineering and with the construction of this new site, we create optimum working conditions for our experts.” Kiefer continued, “Important new engine generations will be created in Rüsselsheim, including their applications for all markets where GM is present. The new facilities meet globally uniform technical standards and increase the flexibility, development speed and efficiency of the entire group.”
A new building as symbol for the engine offensive
The construction project in Rüsselsheim is a visible sign of the Opel engine offensive. To 2018, Opel will introduce 27 new models and 17 new, economical engines to the market. With the refreshed product portfolio, market share in Europe is to be substantially increased to 8 percent by 2022. Board Member for Engineering Michael Ableson, said, “We are looking at the whole diverse variety of future propulsion technologies that are more economical and environmentally friendly. The combustion engine maintains an important role, as it still has a lot of potential. As one of the pioneers of clean propulsion, it is Opel’s goal to not only undercut the future stringent CO2 barriers, but to also ensure driving fun and best performance at the same time.”
Head of Works Council Schäfer-Klug said: “As employee representatives, from the very beginning we advocated investment in, preservation and expansion of engineering jobs. So I am delighted that we are laying this foundation stone today. It is more proof of growth and job security at Opel.”
Hesse’s Minister of Economic Affairs Tarek Al-Wazir praised Opel‘s commitment to the region: “I am sure that fuel consumption and CO2 emissions of engines will always be important to customers. Therefore the new development center for efficient engines is a smart, climate-friendly investment. I am pleased that Opel invests a three-figure million amount in these future technologies here in the Rhine-Main area”.
And Rüsselheim’s mayor Patrick Burghardt also sees the engine building complex as a sign of a new start for the city: “A new site of this size has not been built here in a long time. Rüsselsheim and Opel – this is not only a long, rich tradition, it is also a clear prospect for the future.”
The journey to becoming a multi-million bestseller: 12.3 million Corsas sold in 32 years
32 years of success: Opel Corsa A, B, C, D and E
In the beginning there was the Opel Kadett. Introduced by Opel in 1936, it was a fully-fledged car at an affordable price, and was designed to bring mobility to more people at a time when driving a car was still real luxury. The Opel brand then really took off in the era of Germany’s ‘economic miracle’ during the 1960s and early 1970s with the arrival of the Kadett A and B. In the process, customers quickly became more discerning as their prosperity increased and the small Kadett became larger and more powerful, moving closer to the mid-size class with the arrival of each version. This created a slot below what had become Rüsselsheim’s classic entry-level model. So the time was right to fill the gap with a new, genuine small car – enter the Opel Corsa.
Act One: 1982 to 1993 - Corsa A
Opel Corsa A Luxus, 1982.
The Corsa A featured close-coupled proportions within a short length of just 3.62 meters. It had bold, flared wheel-arches like a rallye car and an exceptionally low 0.36 drag coefficient which was possibly record-breaking for its class. Chief designer Erhard Schnell had created a sporty small car with crisp, chiseled lines, intended to particularly appeal to ‘the man of the house’. The highlight was the 100 hp Corsa GSi, and diesel power was also introduced. The two-door hatch- and notchback line-up was expanded in 1985 with the addition of the popular five-door model. The Corsa A became a highly-acclaimed, top seller with 3.1 million units built.
Opel Corsa A GSi, 1987.
Opel Corsa A Swing, 1988.
Act Two: 1993 to 2000 - Corsa B
Opel Corsa B Joy, 1993.
Despite the success of Corsa A, the decision was taken in Rüsselsheim to position its successor as a real ‘ladies’ darling’. Opel design legend Hideo Kodama set to work and created a much rounder, softer Corsa, with appealing ‘saucer-eye’ headlamps which perfectly fit with cute, child-like looks. The Corsa B was ten centimeter longer and much more spacious inside. It also introduced higher safety standards to its segment, including ABS cadence braking, side-impact protection and front airbags. For special markets, next to the hatchback Opel again offered a notchback as well as station wagon and pick-up variants. Gasoline engines already had fuel-injection technology and catalytic converters, while the GSi featured 16 valves and diesel power was now turbo-charged. The second Corsa was successful around the world, and sales topped the four million mark.
Opel Corsa B GSi 16V, 1993.
Opel Corsa B Swing, 1997.
Act Three:2000 to 2006 - Corsa C
Opel Corsa C 3-door, 2000.
In the spirit of never changing a winning team, Hideo Kodama was again asked to design the shape of the Corsa C. The styling was consciously oriented towards its successful predecessor. The new Corsa grew again by ten centimeter in length and had a wide stance with a longer wheelbase, which greatly increased interior space. For the first time, the body was fully galvanized. Sophisticated four-valve ECOTEC gasoline and new direct-injection turbo diesel engines ensured strong power, low fuel consumption and lowest emission values – all variants already complied to the stringent Euro 4 emission standards. The Corsa C also became a star performer and sold 2.5 million units.
Opel Corsa C 5-door, 2001.
Act Four: 2006 to 2014 - Corsa D
Opel Corsa D 3-door, 2006.
From now on, the three and five-door versions go their separate ways: the three-door Corsa has unique, coupé-like styling aimed at sporty customers, just like the original Corsa A. The five-door variant becomes a spacious, fully-fledged family car. The current Corsa D is still less than four meters in length, having grown to exactly 3.999 meters. With Opel’s ecoFLEX technology, the Corsa has fuel-saving Start/Stop systems and highly efficient engines. The 1.3 CDTI ecoFLEX version consumes just 3.3 l/100 km over the combined cycle and emits only 88 g/km CO2. The fourth generation Corsa is now coming to the end of its production run, having sold 2.8 million units to date. Through four model generations, a total of 12.3 million Opel Corsas have been sold, with 11.7 million of them in Europe alone.
Opel Corsa D OPC, 2007.
Opel Corsa D 5-door, 2011.
Opel Corsa D OPC Nürburgring Edition
, 2011.
Act Five: From 2014 - Corsa E
Opel Corsa E 3-door, 2014.
Before the end of the year, customers will be enjoying the new Corsa E. The fifth generation will also be built in the Opel plant in Zaragoza and in Eisenach as three-door and five-door variants. Eisenach is also home to production of the Opel ADAM, which is now the Corsa’s little brother – just like the Corsa once was to the Kadett. So time passes by for cars, just like for people, and children grow up to be adults.
New drive: New chassis, new generation engine and transmission technology
New standard: High quality interior with IntelliLink and host of assistance systems
World premiere: Opel’s bestseller to debut in October at Paris Motor Show
New Opel Corsa offers plenty of room for up to five occupants – in both family-friendly, five-door (left) and dynamic, sporty three-door (right) body formats
Opel today reveals the new, fifth generation of the Corsa. Opel’s bestseller aims to offer a new driving experience in the small-car market segment by raising the bar for chassis, engine and gearbox performance. The new, refined and efficient 1.0-liter three-cylinder turbo engines, smooth-shifting transmissions, the new suspension and optimized steering deliver class-leading levels of comfort and precision.
New Opel Corsa comes with a totally new interior that enhances the perception of high quality and spaciousness, including best-connected IntelliLink infotainment technology
The new Corsa also comes with a totally new interior that enhances the perception of high quality and spaciousness, including best-connected IntelliLink infotainment technology and ultra-modern driver assistance systems. Opel’s designers have also given the new Corsa a dynamic shape in line with the brand’s design philosophy, introducing flowing, sculptural forms and precise detailing. The new Corsa is equipped with everything required to ensure continuation of 32 years of success in a highly competitive market segment. The fifth generation of Opel’s bestseller will make its world premiere at the “Mondial de l’Automobile 2014” in Paris (October 4 to 19), rolling off the assembly lines in Zaragoza and Eisenach before the end of the year.
Family-friendly five-door body format: Opel’s designers have given the new Corsa a dynamic shape in line with the brand’s design philosophy, introducing flowing, sculptural forms and precise detailing
“The Opel Corsa has always been widely praised, particularly for its appealing looks and an efficient use of space within compact dimensions,” says Opel CEO Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann. “This has been a decisive factor in the model’s enduring popularity, and we are, of course, carrying this core appeal forward in the new generation. Thanks to many new technologies, we are also offering a fantastic driving experience, which raises the standard in this vehicle class. The fifth Corsa generation will be full of surprises.”
Sporty three-door Corsa: The fifth generation of Opel’s bestseller will make its world premiere at the “Mondial de l’Automobile 2014” in Paris (October 4 to 19)
Recipe for success: Youthful design and generous space in compact dimensions
Five generations at a glance: Opel Corsa B, D, E, C and A (from left)
Across four generations spanning 32 years, almost 12 million Corsas have been sold in Europe, including 2.8 million from the current fourth generation. With average yearly sales of 370,000 units, the Opel Corsa is one of the most enduringly popular models in its segment. A key to its success is outstanding space efficiency: within a compact length of 4 meters, Opel’s bestseller offers plenty of room for up to five occupants – in both family-friendly, five-door and dynamic, sporty three-door body formats. At the same time, the Corsa’s exterior design conveys practicality and strong, stand-out appeal with its youthful, dynamic looks. The new Corsa generation now seamlessly carries forward this recipe for success – while being radically different. Its exterior design is fresher, more sophisticated and has even more character.
Opel Corsa E: The bold face is characterized by the wing shaped headlights incorporating Opel’s signature wing LED daytime running lights
The bold face is characterized by the “wing” shaped headlights incorporating Opel’s signature “wing” LED daytime running lights and the low sporty trapezoidal grille, with its dynamic bar supporting the Opel emblem. The sculptured body sides feature Opel’s typical dynamic “blade” body signature. At the rear end the wide horizontal split tail lights help to visually widen the car and flow through to the rear shoulders, giving it an even better stance. But it’s when you sit in the new Corsa and drive it that the change is the most apparent. The completely new cabin featuring clear, elongated shapes and a mix of sophisticated materials, together with the substantially more comfortable chassis, sharper steering, all-new powertrains and significantly lower noise levels all combine to ensure a completely new driving experience.
Sporty three-door Opel Corsa E
Absolute precision: New chassis and new steering for highest driving stability
New chassis and steering systems: For driving experience comparable to larger, more expensive cars in terms of comfort and precision.
The top priority for the Opel engineering development team was to provide Corsa customers with a driving experience comparable to larger, more expensive cars in terms of comfort and precision. New chassis and steering systems provide the foundation. The chassis does not inherit a single component from the current Corsa. Straight line and cornering stability is increased thanks to a 5 millimeter lower center of gravity, a stiffer sub-frame, a new suspension geometry including a new front knuckle. Roll behavior, steering response and understeer characteristics are all improved. New damping characteristics also give the fifth-generation Corsa better filtration of disturbances from potholes and uneven road surfaces, providing exemplary comfort in a small car.
New damping characteristics also give the fifth-generation Corsa better filtration of disturbances from potholes and uneven road surfaces, providing exemplary comfort in a small car.
The development of a completely new electrical architecture for the fifth generation Corsa enables a more sophisticated level of interaction between its various systems. Together with a new steering geometry and steering software calibration, this enhanced system benefits the new, speed-sensitive electric power steering: it has a more precise response and improves both driving pleasure and comfort. A new standard feature in all Corsa E models that allows reducing steering effort at low speeds, the City mode is easily activated at the press of a button.
Opel Corsa E: City mode button
As for the current Corsa, customers can choose between two chassis set-ups, Comfort and Sport. The Sport chassis has stiffer springs and shock absorbers as well as a specific steering geometry and calibration for a more direct response.
Engine highlight: Latest generation 1.0 ECOTEC Direct Injection Turbo
Powerful: New, refined and efficient 1.0 liter three-cylinder turbo engines
The highlight under the hood of the new so-called “Corsa E” of the fifth generation is the installation of Opel’s newly-developed three-cylinder, 1.0 ECOTEC Direct Injection Turbo, part of the brand’s major powertrain offensive. This ultra-modern pocket powerhouse is the only 1,0 liter three-cylinder production engine with a balance shaft, which enables it set a new class benchmark for exceptionally low noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) characteristics, as well as high driving comfort. The compact, all-aluminum 1.0 ECOTEC Direct Injection Turbo, which of course already meets Euro 6 emission standards, is available in two output configurations, giving 66 kW/90 hp or 85 kW/115 hp. Both shine with excellent responsiveness and strong low-end torque, pumping out 170 Nm from just 1,800 rpm. Opel’s new, small-displacement three-cylinder engine is fitted with Start/Stop technology as standard.
Opel Corsa E: The new, refined and efficient 1.0-liter three-cylinder turbo engines, smooth-shifting transmissions, the new suspension and optimized steering deliver class-leading levels of comfort and precision
The new Corsa’s gasoline powertrain line-up is also extended with the introduction of a new 74 kW/100 hp 1.4-liter turbo engine with 200 Nm maximum torque, as well as further developed, Euro 6 compliant 1.2 and 1.4-liter naturally-aspirated units. In addition, completely revised, more refined and now also Euro 6 compliant 1.3 CDTI engines with 55 kW/75 hp and 70 kW/95 hp expand the Corsa offer on the diesel side. At launch, the most frugal Corsa version – with 70 kW/95 hp, 5-speed manual transmission and Start/Stop – emits just 89 g/km CO2. Additional low emission variants will follow as soon as next spring.
But it is not just completely new and further developed engines that make driving the new Corsa even more fun and comfortable. The introduction of new transmissions also contributes to the enhanced driving experience and improvement in efficiency. Both versions of the 1.0 ECOTEC Direct Injection Turbo are mated to an all-new, compact six-speed manual gearbox. Highlights include greater efficiency, thanks to low friction design and a precise shift feel. Changing gears in the new Corsa is comfortable and smooth, as well as fast and precise. With the launch of the new Corsa, Opel also offers its newest-generation six-speed automatic transmission, as well as the completely new Easytronic 3.0 automated manual transmission giving enhanced, smoother responsiveness – the perfect way to affordably combine the comfort of an automatic with the efficiency of a manual.
Best connectivity with top safety: IntelliLink and Driver Assistance Systems
Eye-catching: The new Corsa comes with a totally new interior that enhances the perception of high quality and spaciousness, including best-connected IntelliLink infotainment technology and ultra-modern driver assistance systems
Cleanly designed, the cabin of the new Corsa is organized around an eye-catching driver control center whose instrument panel fascia is designed around horizontal lines that optically enhance the generous interior spaciousness. The IntelliLink system’s 7-inch color touchscreen is ideally located on the center stack, close to the gear shift. This allows the driver’s hand to swiftly and naturally move between the transmission control and the touchscreen. The new Corsa’s state-of-the-art infotainment system offers best connectivity opportunities, is compatible with Apple and Android devices and can be operated by voice command. Bluetooth and Siri Eyes Free can also be used. Several apps are available such as BringGo for navigation, as well as Stitcher and TuneIn for internet radio and podcasts, and there is a practical FlexDock parking and charging station for smartphones.
Smart: state-of-the-art infotainment system offers best connectivity opportunities, is compatible with Apple and Android devices and can be operated by voice command.
The new Corsa introduces a host of driver assistance systems, many of which are unrivalled in its vehicle class. Safety is increased thanks to new systems that are all available in the Corsa for the first time – such as Bi-Xenon headlamps with cornering light (AFL), the Side Blind Spot Alert (SBSA) and the Opel Eye front camera with Road Sign Recognition (RSR), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), High Beam Assist (HBA), Following Distance Indication (FDI) and Forward Collision Warning (FCW). To provide maximum safety, Forward Collision Alert uses a red, head-up warning that is projected into the windscreen. In addition, the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) display warns the driver in the event of excessive pressure loss in one of the tires.
New Instrument panel with large graphic info display
Driving comfort is also improved by the Advanced Park Assist (APA 2) that automatically steers during parking maneuvers, as well as by the Rear View Camera and the Hill Start Assist (HSA). The steering wheel, front seats and now the windshield can all be heated to provide cozy warmth in the cabin and good visibility on cold days. The high-class interior features finely sculpted front seats boasting superb workmanship, a large panorama roof, and pleasant ambient lighting, which lends the cabin a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
New Bi-Xenon headlamps with cornering light and with LED DRL
And for active sportsmen and women, the new Corsa’s characteristic rear end optionally integrates the practical FlexFix bicycle carrier, which is exclusively offered by Opel.
