!NEW! Opel Starts Production of MOKKA X in Zaragoza

• Opel CEO Dr. Neumann drives first MOKKA X off production line
• More than 600,000 orders for the successful sub-compact SUV since 2012

In Spain: Opel celebrated the official start of production of the new MOKKA X in its Zaragoza plant.

Today, Opel celebrated the official start of production of the new MOKKA X in Zaragoza, Spain. Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann, Chairman of the Management Board of Opel Group, drove the first new Opel MOKKA X off the production line. After the ceremony Dr. Neumann took the opportunity to meet union representatives and talk to the workforce during a townhall meeting. In his speech he highlighted the competitiveness of the plant.

 Vice President Manufacturing, Antonio Cobo, Managing Director GM Spain and Plant-Chief Zaragoza, and Opel CEO Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann (from left).

Following the start of production Dr. Neumann had a private meeting with Javier Lambán, President of the Government of Aragon. He thanked him for the support of the Aragonese administration and informed him about the company’s medium-term plans.

"The adaptation of the Spanish plant for the launch of the Opel Mokka and now the new MOKKA X has been executed perfectly. This was achieved in a record time thanks to excellent planning, good coordination between all parties involved and thanks to the commitment of all employees", Dr. Neumann said.

“Opel is a vital part of the Spanish automotive industry and the region. We are happy that Opel, the number one private employer in Aragon, continues to invest here in the production of one of its most important models”, said Lambán.

The Opel Mokka is a real success story. With more than 600,000 orders across Europe it is one of the most popular sport utility vehicles (SUV) in its segment. The new Opel MOKKA X displays a bold attitude with its new exterior design. Inside, the highlights of the functional and neatly arranged instrument panel are the state-of-the-art IntelliLink infotainment systems. Together with the personal connectivity and mobility assistant Opel OnStar, they make the MOKKA X the best-connected compact SUV in Europe.

The MOKKA X represents a further important step in the biggest product offensive in the history of Opel/Vauxhall. From 2016 through 2020 the company will introduce 29 new models.

Opel has established itself as the leader of the Spanish passenger car market. With around 62,000 passenger cars sold through July 2016 (+21.8 percent), Opel increased its market share by 0.74 percentage points to 8.46 percent.

!NEW! Start of Production for New Opel Zafira in Rüsselsheim Plant

Opel CEO Dr. Neumann, VP Manufacturing Kienle and Plant Manager Lewald in attendance

 

Great start: The first new Opel Zafira has driven off the production line in Opel’s Rüsselsheim plant with Opel CEO Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann, Vice President Manufacturing Phil Kienle and Plant Manager Michael Lewald in attendance.

The first new Opel Zafira has driven off the production line in Opel’s Rüsselsheim plant with Opel CEO Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann, Vice President Manufacturing Phil Kienle and Plant Manager Michael Lewald in attendance. A Magma Red Zafira with OPC line package, equipped with AFL LED technology (AFL = Adaptive Forward Lighting) and radar-based adaptive cruise control was the first of its kind to leave the production line.

The new Zafira is the latest model in Opel’s product offensive, which will see 29 new models brought to market from 2016 through 2020.

“We have once again had a great start. I am proud to work with a team that is so passionate about our products, thus making such successes possible,” said Plant Manager, Michael Lewald.

The Opel Zafira has been synonymous with exceptional versatility and high comfort ever since 1999, when Opel introduced the revolutionary integrated Flex7^® seating system in the compact van segment. To date, 2.7 million Zafiras have been sold. It is especially popular with families and professionals looking for a spacious and versatile vehicle for long-distance travel.

The new Opel Zafira not only retains the qualities of its predecessor such as the AGR-certified ergonomic front seats (Aktion Gesunder Rücken e.V.), the FlexFix^® bicycle carrier and the adaptive FlexRide chassis. It also comes with an equally expressive exterior design, newly designed cockpit and outstanding connectivity. The latest generation IntelliLink infotainment systems are compatible with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while the new personal connectivity and service assistant Opel OnStar turns the new Zafira into a mobile 4G/LTE Wi-Fi hotspot¹ for all occupants, thus making it a perfectly connected lounge on wheels. 

¹ Wi-Fi, when it becomes available, will require OnStar to be activated. Wi-Fi data connection will not be supplied by OnStar. Mobile network operator terms and conditions will apply. Charges will apply after applicable free trial period. Coverage and availability vary by location and conditions.

!NEW! “e” for Electrifying: Opel Ampera-e World Premiere in Paris

• e-Premiere: revolutionary electric car at Paris motor show
• e-fun to drive: acceleration and overtaking ability like a sportscar
• e-connectivity: always online with IntelliLink infotainment and Opel OnStar

Electrifying: Opel will revolutionize electromobility with the new Ampera-e.

Opel will revolutionize electromobility at the up-coming “Mondial de l’Automobile” in Paris. From October 1-16 the Opel Ampera-e – an electric car that electrifies in every way – makes its world premiere (hall 5-2, booth 501). The car with the lightning flash logo combines pioneering battery technology and localized emissions-free operation with a fun-to-drive experience, as the maximum torque of 360 Nm provides impressive acceleration figures and overtaking ability.

“The Opel Ampera-e makes electromobility fully feasible for everyday use and ready for the future” says Opel CEO, Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann. “The Ampera-e demonstrates impressively how well sustainability and driving pleasure can form a unity. And with its strong-as-an-ox electric motor, it delivers pure fun-to-drive.”

The maximum torque of 360 Nm is responsible for the electrifying temperament of the new Opel. The power output of the electric motor is 150 kW/204 hp (PS). Standing starts at traffic lights and entering the motorway belong to the Opel Ampera-e’s favorite disciplines. The compact car sprints to 50 km/h in only 3.2 seconds, acceleration from 80 to 120 km/h for overtaking is accomplished in just 4.5 seconds (provisional figures). The Ampera-e thus performs at the same level as OPC models, the sporty spearheads of Opel.

Fun-to-drive with the Opel Ampera-e also means swift cruising at up to 150 km/h. At the same time, the Ampera-e also offers a significantly longer range than most other electric cars. The unique, compact proportions of the Ampera-e are driven by the battery pack being mounted flat, under the vehicle floor. The efficient packaging of the battery also enables a roomy interior providing comfortable seating for five passengers and trunk space comparable with that of a car in the compact class.

Best entertainment: download your favorite films and music

Driving pleasure for the passengers over long distances is provided. In addition to the excellent feeling of roominess, there comes the best in digital connectivity, in typical Opel fashion. The Ampera-e has the newest generation of IntelliLink infotainment as well as Opel OnStar onboard. Subject to availability, the award-winning connectivity and service assistant simultaneously offers up to seven mobile devices access to its powerful Wi-Fi hotspot. The Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatible IntelliLink systems bring the world of smartphones into the Ampera-e, so that passengers have full access to their favorite music or can download at will their preferred films – just a few examples of the many functions of the multifaceted entertainment.

!NEW! 2017 Buick Cascada Sport Touring Makes Scenic Drives Even More Captivating

New special edition convertible revealed during thousand-mile road rally

2017 Buick Cascada Sport Touring - Unique paint color, new wheel design, and other custom content

Buick Cascada convertible delivers the freedom of open-air motoring through a driving experience with unexpected luxuries such as UV-reflective leather-appointed seats and a quiet, triple-insulated top. The Cascada’s attainable luxury will now include the reward of a uniquely bold style statement with an all-new Sport Touring edition.

In the 2017 Buick Cascada Sport Touring, customers will have the chance to make an even more stylish statement with a unique paint color, new wheel design, and other custom content that enhances the Cascada’s balanced proportions.

2017 Buick Cascada Sport Touring - True Blue Metallic color

Road-trippers participating in the fifth annual Mille Mitten rally got a first look at the Cascada ST this past weekend on a 1,000-mile drive through the forests and lakefronts of northern Michigan. The Cascada was designed with road rally-like adventures and road trips in mind, and its convertible top retracts in 17 seconds at speeds up to 31 miles per hour so customers can breathe in every second of sunshine and scenery.

2017 Buick Cascada Sport Touring - Five-spoke, 20-inch wheels

The 2017 Cascada ST is only available in True Blue Metallic, a paint color not offered on other Cascada models. The unique paint is complemented by a black cloth top that includes three layers of fabric structure for signature Buick quietness and insulation. Five-spoke, 20-inch wheels are new for the Cascada ST, as are Black Magic interior trim components, sport pedals and a flat-bottom sport steering wheel.

2017 Buick Cascada Sport Touring - Black Magic interior trim components and a flat-bottom sport steering wheel.

2017 Buick Cascada Sport Touring will be priced at $37,885

When it arrives at dealers this fall, the Cascada Sport Touring will be priced at $37,885 including destination. Priced and packaged for a simple buying experience, it features all the content offered on other Cascada models.

“The Mille Mitten celebrates the unique combination of features Michigan has to offer, from the deep blue of the Great Lakes to stunning star-filled nights deep in the forest,” said Ben Bator, Mille Mitten founder. “The Cascada is the perfect companion for this memorable experience, and the new Sport Touring builds off the same color palette that makes nature so inspiring.”

Customer response to the Cascada has been strong since launch, with 2016 sales outpacing expectations. Through the first half of the year, Cascada has outsold the Audi A3 convertible and Audi A5 convertible combined. Cascada offers a base price lower than the A3, but with space on par with the A5.

Cascada continues Buick’s safety leadership with a five-star crash test rating from NHTSA. Buick was the first brand to receive five-star ratings for every model in the lineup.

!NEW! AVD Oldtimer Grand Prix: Opel Celebrates 1996 International Touring Car Championship Victory with Calibra V6

• International Touring Car Championship 1996: Opel wins with Calibra V6
• Nürburgring 24 Hours 2003: Opel wins with Astra V8 Coupé
• Oldtimer GP 2016: Opel touring cars from Manta A to Astra TCR take to the track
• On display in the paddock: Opel rally cars driven by Walter Röhrl

International Touring Car Championship 1996: Opel wins with Calibra V6.

The AVD Oldtimer Grand Prix at the legendary Nürburgring (August 12 to 14) is the highlight of the season for classic fans. This year Opel celebrates its successful motorsports tradition with famous touring cars. On pole-position is the Opel Calibra V6 which won the 1996 International Touring Car Championship. The black “Cliff” Calibra driven by Manuel Reuter claimed the last ITC-title despite strong competition from Alfa Romeo and Mercedes. At the Nürburgring the all-wheel drive Calibra will be driven by former DTM driver and Opel brand ambassador, Jockel Winkelhock.

World Champion 1996: The black “Cliff” Calibra claimed the last ITC-title despite strong competition from Alfa Romeo and Mercedes.

Opel Calibra V6 will not be alone on the starting grid. The ITC-champion will be joined by the Irmscher Manta A (which rally-legends Walter Röhrl and Rauno Aaltonen drove to victory in the 1975 Spa 24 Hours), the group 4 Gerent Opel GT and a 300 hp Steinmetz Commodore from 1971. Additional crowd-favorites include the group 5 Opel Rekord C also known as the “Black Widow” and a group H Opel Manta which since its debut has never missed a 24-hour race at the Ring. Equally at home in the Eifel is the 500 hp Astra V8 Coupe which won the 24 hour race at the “Green Hell” in 2003, driven by Manuel Reuter, Timo Scheider, Marcel Tiemann and Volker Strycek.

Nürburgring 24 Hours 2003: Opel wins with Astra V8 Coupé.

The Astra-racer almost went into production as the OPC X-Treme, and the car displayed at the 2001 Geneva Motor Show will be on stage again at the Oldtimer Grand Prix. Specially for rally fans, the OPC X-Treme will be accompanied on the Opel Classic stand in the paddock by three rally cars driven by former World and European Rally Champion, Walter Röhrl – the Ascona A and Kadett C GT/E from the legendary Röhrl/Berger era and the Opel Ascona 400, with which Röhrl and co-driver Christian Geistdörfer drifted to the 1982 World Rally Championship crown.

Apart from the historic oldtimers, the current generation will be represented by a touring car from the TCR series. The brand new Opel Astra TCR will make its first appearance at an Oldtimer GP and join the Calibra V6 and co. on the track. The Opel Astra TCR combines a production car with state-of-the-art race technology, enabling customer teams to take part in sprint and long-distance races under strictly limited regulations. The five-door Astra is powered by a highly efficient 2.0 liter turbocharged engine which the rulebook restricts to a maximum 330 hp and 410 Nm of torque. With a dry weight of only 1200 kg, more than enough performance for highly spectacular – affordable – motorsport.