First details of Holden’s next-generation Commodore revealed, redefining a four decade legacy
First imported Commodore lives up to the legend; V6 flagship boasts
230 kW and 370 Nm, cutting-edge AWD system and 9-speed transmission
Packed with advanced technology: Active Fuel Management, adaptive
suspension, torque-vectoring AWD, Matrix lighting system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
Extensive Holden Australian engineering development ensures
next-generation Commodore lives up to the legendary nameplate with
outstanding driving dynamics
Next-generation Holden Commodore on sale in 2018
Next-Generation Holden Commodore
Holden has today revealed first details of the all-new, next-generation Commodore ahead of its Australian launch in early 2018.
Next-Generation Holden Commodore - Matrix LED lighting system
Australia’s first look under the bonnet of the cutting-edge new Commodore reveals a car that will set new benchmarks in its segment for technology, style, practicality and driving dynamics.
Next-Generation Holden Commodore - Flagship AWD model with 3.6 V6 engine
Headlined by the V6 flagship model, the first ever imported Commodore will honour the legendary nameplate by being the most technologically-advanced Holden ever. With a cutting-edge all-wheel-drive system channeling 230 kilowatts and 370 Newton metres to the road, combined with adaptive suspension technology, a company-first nine-speed automatic transmission and torque-vectoring all-wheel drive, the next-generation Commodore is set to cement the iconic nameplate’s reputation for class-leading driving dynamics and on-road refinement.
Based on General Motor’s new ‘E2’ global architecture, engineered in Germany and shared with the Opel Insignia, the new Commodore has also been co-developed under the expert and watchful eye of Holden’s Australian engineers to ensure the all-new Commodore continues a four-decade tradition of setting new benchmarks.
“Holden has been engaged in this program from the outset to ensure the next-generation Commodore lives up to its legendary nameplate,” said Jeremy Tassone, Holden’s Engineering Group Manager for Vehicle Development.
“We know the first imported Commodore will come under a lot of scrutiny and we know we have a lot to live up to – this car delivers in spades”
“Although we are remain in the early stages of the Holden development process, this is an absolutely world-class car. We’ve taken a precision-engineered German car and endowed it with Holden DNA. It drives like a Commodore should.
“We’ve had our Holden engineers engaged in this global program from the outset and we’re continuing to do extensive tuning and development, racking up thousands of kilometers, at our Lang Lang proving ground in Victoria to ensure it’s got that Holden magic.
“Of course, it helps that the underlying platform is absolutely world class! This global vehicle program, led by Opel in Germany, has produced a phenomenal base for us to work from. The genuinely cutting-edge all-wheel-drive system using active torque vectoring provides incredible traction and handling finesse. The key is what is dubbed the ‘Twinster’ rear drive module. Essentially, the traditional rear differential has been replaced with two individual clutches that not only save weight and improve packaging but provides virtually instantaneous active distribution of torque to the required wheel.
“The overall system monitors inputs from vehicle sensors 100 times per second and constantly adjusts accordingly, it’s extraordinary.”
The V6 engine with the all-wheel-drive system is a combination that the Holden team drove into the global vehicle program because we know our customers and this performance option is important to them. While it may not be built here, we’ll deliver a Commodore that our customers will love in 2018,” said Mr Tassone.
Commodore’s evolution reflects the transformation of the Holden brand and company as it moves to full-line importer of vehicles. But just like Commodore, Holden will remain a powerhouse of the industry and of the local motoring landscape.
“The next-generation Commodore will reset benchmarks in its class, as has every Commodore since 1978,” said Holden’s Executive Director of Sales, Peter Keley.
“What Commodore will also continue to do is carry the family in space and comfort. Commodore will also race in Supercars from 2018 and continue to be on the road as police cars.
“This next-generation vehicle is changing and bringing incredible technology and refinement with it but will continue to offer customers that quintessential Commodore experience they have loved for nearly four decades.
“With the first-ever imported Commodore, we’re delivering our customers an absolutely world-beating vehicle, with the space, practicality, technology and driving pleasure that Commodore has always provided. This is a different kind of Commodore to what has come before but lives up to the nameplate in every respect and will carry our heritage with pride.”
NEXT-GENERATION HOLDEN COMMODORE KEY HIGHLIGHTS:
Next-generation Commodore built in Germany on all-new, global E2 architecture shared with Opel Insignia
Lightweight construction methods result in 200kg - 300kg weight savings compared to current Commodore
Flagship model offers V6 AWD drivetrain with Holden-first 9-speed transmission
V6 engine delivers 230kW / 370 Nm while being incredibly efficient thanks to Stop-Start technology and Active Fuel Management
2.0T petrol and 2.0T diesel front-wheel drive models also coming to Australia
Liftback and Sportwagon body-styles
Cutting-edge, adaptive all-wheel-drive system with torque vectoring and twin-clutch (‘Twinster’) rear differential system
Adaptive suspension
Next-generation Matrix lighting system
Infotainment includes:
Apple Car Play and Android Auto
8-inch configurable LCD instrument display,
Next-gen Head-Up display
Pricing, specification, full details of driver, safety and additional infotainment technology to be confirmed closer to launch
Future: Opel flagship with all-new architecture and top technologies
In March: World premiere at Geneva Motor Show 2017
Final development phase: Opel Insignia Grand Sport is still heavily camouflaged. Opel’s new flagship will celebrate its world premiere at the 2017 Geneva Motor Show.
All-new Opel Insignia Grand Sport is currently completing its final development phase. Even though the next generation of Opel’s flagship still hides its elegance from inquisitive eyes with extensive camouflage, the five-door sedan’s new grandeur is clearly distinguishable. The Opel Insignia Grand Sport is based on a completely new architecture and has a considerably longer wheelbase (over nine centimeters longer). But thanks to markedly shorter front and rear overhangs, it is only 5.5 centimeters longer than its predecessor. The one-centimeter wider track and three-centimeter lower roofline emphasize the Insignia Grand Sport’s dashing presence.
Longer wheelbase, shorter overhangs: Reworked proportions give new Opel flagship, Insignia Grand Sport, a more athletic presence than ever before.
These altered proportions give the next generation of Opel’s flagship a look that is more athletic and striking than ever before. But the Insignia Grand Sport doesn’t simply look more athletic – it delivers on this sportiness too. Space efficiency and weight-savings were at the top of engineers’ specifications: by using lightweight materials, they were able to shave up to 175 kilograms off of the new model generation. Optimized packaging allows for a roomier interior and of course a great range of top technologies is on board.
New presence: Elegant and athletic silhouette of Opel’s future flagship, the Insignia Grand Sport, is clearly visible despite the camouflage.
“The name Opel Insignia Grand Sport says it all. It reflects the efficient dynamics of a Monza Concept as much as it does our pride in the magnificent Opel classics Kapitän, Admiral and Diplomat,” says Opel Group CEO Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann.
“Our future flagship represents a new dimension – elegance, lightness and sportiness blend to create an extremely attractive combination.”
Lightweight athleticism: New Insignia Grand Sport shows true grandeur – despite being up to 175 kilograms lighter that the outgoing model.
With the new Opel Insignia Grand Sport, the company is starting the next chapter in the history of its top-of-the-line models. In 2008, the predecessor founded a new Opel era in terms of development and design – and was a huge hit with the public: to date, over 900,000 Insignia cars have been sold and it was named “Car of the Year” in 2009.
At the 2013 IAA, Opel gave a glimpse into the future of the automobile with the visionary Monza Concept Study: light, athletic, efficient and with top connectivity – this is what defines future Opel cars.
The new Astra, which was promptly named “Car of the Year 2016”, follows this philosophy. With the Insignia Grand Sport, Opel now launches another potential successful model that consistently realizes these standards.
The Insignia Grand Sport consistently continues the approach, which Opel began in the compact class with the youngest Astra generation and now takes to the next level. The newcomer is slightly larger than the current Insignia on the outside but this leads to a noticeable increase in spaciousness on the inside, putting it in a higher league in terms of size, roominess and comfort. Even as innovative technologies underline the future top-of-the-line Opel model’s ambitious standards, the company remains true to its philosophy: mobility and trend-setting developments must remain affordable and accessible for a broad audience. The Insignia Grand Sport thus represents the chic alternative to considerably more expensive cars.
The official world premiere of the Opel Insignia Grand Sport takes place in March 2017 at the Geneva Motor Show.
Opel Kadett launched as innovative small car with an integral body and frame
Over 24 million Opel Kadett and Astra have been sold to date
Current generation Opel Astra continuing the success story of its ancestors
Opel led the way in the 1930s, especially with the innovative and revolutionary all-steel unitary body construction.
The first Opel Kadett was a minor sensation, both technically and in
terms of price. More than 100,000 of these four-seat models were built
from 1936 to 1940 in Rüsselsheim, which even then was one of the most
advanced car-making plants in Europe. The first Kadett with its
revolutionary unitary body construction available as a sedan or
convertible cost only 2,100 marks.
With its good value for money and progressive features, the first
Kadett laid the corner stone for Opel’s success in the compact class. To
date, eleven generations of Kadett and Astra have been successful in
their segment: Over 24 million Opel Kadett and Opel Astra cars sold is
an impressive number and a notable achievement. Lined up one behind the
other, all Opel compact models built so far would surpass the magical
100,000-kilometer mark and create a column of cars that could circle the
equator two and a half times. Opel compact cars have successively made
personal mobility accessible to a broad customer base, especially in
economically difficult times and not only that. The latest generations
have made technologies and innovations from higher segments affordable
for numerous customers. The new Opel Astra K, launched in 2015, has already been ordered 275,000 times across Europe.
1936-1940: Opel Kadett 1 – The “Volkswagen”
The speedy four-seater could do nearly 100 km/h and it did not take
long to find its way into the hearts of the general public. It also
found favor with the press: “As the first test drives have confirmed,
the Kadett is certainly not an ordinary vehicle in this price range,”
wrote a German newspaper, “Braunschweiger Tageszeitung,” on December 5,
1936. The chassis with Dubonnet independent front suspension and
leaf-spring rear axle stemmed from the Opel Olympia, and the L-head
four-cylinder gray cast-iron engine was taken from the Opel P 4. It
generated 23 hp from a displacement of 1,073 cm3. The
advantages of taking the engineering from a modular system also played a
key part in the low price of the car. Just like its big brother the
Olympia, which it resembles in appearance, the Kadett is a modern car.
Harmonious proportions with a hatchback and integrated headlights are
characteristic.
Flowing lines: The 1936 Opel Kadett shows harmonious proportions with a hatchback and integrated headlights.
Like its big brother the Olympia, which it also resembles, the Kadett
was a snazzy car. It was characterized by harmonious proportions with
fastback and integrated headlamps. In 1938 a major mid-cycle enhancement
added a new radiator mask in late art deco style– experts today count
this model as an intermediate generation.
From Kadett to Admiral
“Just as agile, versatile and obedient to all the driver’s commands
as you would expect of a career-making cadet,” wrote the Cologne
newspaper, “Kölnische Zeitung,” in 1936 about Opel’s new car. Its name,
“Kadett” was as new as the segment. Up until the debut of the first
Astra in 1991 (see page 54), Opel’s compact class line would use this
name for more than five decades. The company launched two more ranges
with names stemming from the German navy, Admiral and Kapitän, in 1937
and 1938.
Unitary body and ultra-modern production
After the Olympia, which was the first German series-production
vehicle to feature a unitary all-steel body, the first Kadett also had a
monocoque body. There are many advantages of this construction compared
with the classic wooden body-on frame. For instance, the driving
performance and fuel consumption benefit from the car’s low weight,
while the safety level is higher thanks to the rigid passenger cell and
the lower center of gravity. The self-supporting structure opened the
door to a new production method that is still commonly used today: The
body and the powertrain (engine, transmission, axles) are “married” on
the production line with the help of hydraulic elevators. The Kadett was
manufactured by Opel, in Rüsselsheim. In 1936, the company operated the
most modern drop forge in the world and the largest body press shop in
Europe.
Fresh design and innovative technology
Headlamps integrated into the body instead of the ancient separate
lamp units gave the Kadett a fresh appearance. Not surprising, because
it was Opel that first made modern car design popular in Europe. Back in
the 1930s, shortly after the company’s integration into the General
Motors Group, a design department was established in Rüsselsheim on the
initiative of GM chief designer, Harley Earl.
Impressive from all angles: Opel Kadett was popular right from the start and is now a sought-after classic car.
Plenty of car for your money: As long ago as 1936, the first Kadett
offered the same good value for money and thus democratized luxury. This
has become typical of the Opel brand. Details such as hydraulic
four-wheel brakes, direction indicator, draft-free ventilation through a
triangular hinged window and “dustproof” trunk accessible from the
inside were at that time very unusual for this category of car – in the
Kadett, they were all standard.
The secret of the Kadett’s success: Modern design, outstanding
spaciousness and innovative technology such as the unitary body
construction.
The Kadett was the first Opel model to feature an in-house developed
downdraft carburetor with a so-called venturi tube. In this tube, named
after the Italian physicist, Giovanni Battista Venturi (1746–1822), the
fuel is mixed into the incoming air ahead of the throttle valve. The
venturi tube is a smooth-walled piece of tubing with a constriction in
it. When air flows through the tube and passes the constricted section,
it has to flow faster at this point than in the other sections. As a
result, a vacuum is produced (as on the upper side of an aircraft wing).
At the constricted point is a tube filled with gasoline. The fuel is
sucked in by the vacuum in the venturi tube and dragged along.
At a glance
Series
First generation Opel Kadett
Production period
1936–1940
Number
107,608 (Moskwitch: 247,439)
Body variants
Two-door sedan
Four-door sedan
Two-door convertible
Engine
Gasoline: 1.1 l/23 hp
Body/Chassis
Body/chassis design
Monocoque all steel body
Front wheel suspension
Rigid axle, forged
Front wheel suspension/damping
Dubonnet springs/shock absorbers
Rear wheel suspension
Rigid axle, banjo type
Rear wheel suspension/damping
Semi-elliptical leaf springs, hydraulic shock absorbers;
“Normal-Limousine” (sedan) from 1937: semi-elliptical leaf springs,
shock absorbers
Steering, type
Worm segment steering
Wheels, type
Steel disk wheels
Tires, size (Base)
4.50 x 16
Dimensions/Weight
Length/width/height (mm) (Sedan)
3810 x 1375 x 1455
Special-Limousine (from 1937)
3840 x 1375 x 1535
Normal-Limousine (from 1937)
3710 x 1375 x 1455
Wheel base (mm) (Sedan)
2337
Track width front/rear (mm)
1075/1168
Curb weight (kg)
757
The post-war generations: From Kadett A to the current Astra K
1962-1965: Opel Kadett A – For the economic miracle
A large trunk and plenty of room for four people plus a new, lively
engine and low maintenance costs made up the recipe for success for the
Kadett A. Opel built nearly 650,000 of them from 1962 to 1965. The
contours of the two-door notchback model were businesslike and modern.
The beltline was low down, the panoramic windows made for good
visibility and a decorative strip running along the side accentuated the
stretched form. Front fenders tapered off into the headlamps and the
rear ends were shaped like fins. The interior space deeply impressed
owners of conventional small cars. The trunk was a real baggage
compartment and the fuel tank cap was outside! “Opel Kadett, in brief:
O.K.,” wrote Opel’s advertising team, unable to also resist a dig at
their competitors in Wolfsburg. “You never have the smell of gasoline in
the trunk,” they said with a wink. With its modern, water-cooled front
engine, the Kadett had another major design advantage over the Beetle.
The 993 cm3 four-cylinder unit developed 40 hp and, from March 1963, also powered the new Kadett Caravan.
1965-1973: Opel Kadett B – “Das Auto”
B follows A, and in 1965 a new series replaced the first model. The
new version was more than four meters long and thus a good deal bigger
than its predecessor. As for its fashionable figure – the designers were
inspired by their colleagues overseas. The flat sloping rear was
reminiscent of the fastback models popular in the USA. In 1966,
“Automobil Illustrierte” noted: “You can almost see the power and speed
before you hear the engine.” Not only was the length stepped up – so,
too, was the horsepower. Opel engineers enlarged the bore of the
four-cylinder unit by 3 mm. The basic 1,078 cm3 unit developed 45 hp. Also available was a higher-compression 1.1 S engine with 55 hp.
The Kadett was a fast success, with over 2.6 million units produced
from September 1965 to July 1973. And its success was certainly not
limited to its country of birth. In 1966, the export quota reached 50
percent as customers from 120 countries around the globe snatched up the
Kadett.
1973-1979: Opel Kadett C – The athlete
The Kadett C family had many faces: a smart family car, a chic second
car with a practical rear tailgate, or a competitive sports coupé in
war paint. A total of 1.7 million of them were built between 1973 and
1979. The rear-wheel drive Kadett C made its debut in August 1973 with a
cleanly designed body and a new double-wishbone front axle.
Characteristic design features included a flat radiator grille, an
engine hood with the brand’s signature crease, and a front apron in
spoiler form. “The Kadett not only drives exceptionally well, but is
also conscientiously designed and cleanly made. It requires little
maintenance, is repair-friendly and economical to run,” praised the
car-testing experts at “auto motor und sport” in the 20/73 edition. The
powerful GT/E debuted at the 1975 IAA. Its 1.9-liter engine with Bosch
L-Jetronic injection produced 105 hp and propelled the mere 900
kilograms of Kadett to a top speed of 184 km/h.
1979-1984: Opel Kadett D – The front-wheel drive car
New epoch: Front-wheel drive and transverse-mounted engine celebrated
their debuts in Opel compact class cars in the 1979 Kadett D.
The fourth generation of the post-war Kadett introduced a new compact
class era at Opel. At the 1979 IAA, Opel’s first front-wheel drive
model debuted as the modern-looking Kadett D. The packaging was truly
convincing. Although the newcomer was 126 mm shorter than its
predecessor at 3,998 mm, it sported a longer interior and offered
significantly more space than many of its rivals. But it was not only
the powertrain layout and the chassis with a torsion-beam axle at the
rear that broke with tradition: the Kadett was given a new 1.3-liter OHC
engine that generated 60 or 75 hp. The revolution continued with the
body variants. In addition to the spacious station wagon with a load
volume of up to 1,425 liters, Opel offered only fastback versions. In
January 1983 the sporty Kadett GTE followed, with a top speed of 187
km/h and equipped with a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine that developed
115 hp. Other technical modifications included a tighter and lower
chassis, new steering dampers and internally ventilated disk brakes at
the front. A total of 2.1 million Kadett D units were produced from 1979
to 1984.
Great white: Opel Kadett D GTE with its sports chassis, Recaro seats and feisty 115 hp began hunting down GTIs in 1983.
1984-1991: Opel Kadett E – The aerodynamics world champion
Opel Kadett E: “Car of the Year 1985”
The second front-wheel drive Kadett, built from 1984 to 1991, was
named “Car of the Year 1984” and was an absolute winner. Selling a grand
total of 3,779,289 cars in its lifetime, it was the bestselling Opel so
far and a real aerodynamics world champion. Opel engineers certainly
hit the jackpot in 1984. Based on the engineering of its predecessor but
with a completely new hatchback design, the Kadett E was set for a
stellar career. With a drag coefficient of 0.39, the Kadett D was
already best in its class, but this figure paled in comparison to its
successor. After spending 1,200 hours of fine-tuning in the wind tunnel,
the E model achieved a sensational 0.32. The sporty GSi, with a Cd of
0.30 and aerodynamic drag of 0.57 m2, was the most aerodynamic hatchback
in the world. Buyers took to the new form after only a few months,
paving the way for a new success story that provided the Kadett E with
625,000 new registrations across Europe in 1987. By this time, the
station wagon version had already climbed to the top of its class. From
the fall of 1985, a notchback variant was again in the line-up, the
first since the Kadett C. Moreover, the sporty GSi variant was an icon
in the making. When the legendary 16-valve engine arrived on the scene
in 1987, it left its competitors eating dust.
1991-1997: Opel Astra F – The bestseller
Body variants of the ’91 Opel Astra F, 1991–1998.
Some 4.13 million Astra Fs were built between 1991 and 1997, making
it the bestselling Opel model ever. Development work focused on
combining modern design with more interior space, enhanced comfort and
greater emphasis on environmental protection.
Opel Astra F with active belt system with pre-tensioners
The successor to the Opel Kadett assumed the name of its British sister
model (the fourth generation of the Kadett had been sold in the UK as
the Vauxhall Astra since 1980).
High safety as standard: Side protection with double steel tube reinforcements in all the doors.
Opel also launched a safety offensive
with its new star. All Astras offered an active belt system with
tensioners on the front seats belts, height-adjustable belts and seat
ramps as well as side protection including double steel tube
reinforcements in all the doors. For the first time, all engines came
with catalytic converters.
1998-2004: Opel Astra G – The versatile car
In spring 1998, the Astra with coupé-like design was offered from the
start as a three- and five-door hatchback and as a station wagon. A
notchback sedan, coupé and convertible were added later. Progressive
independent design, dynamic chassis and powertrain technology as well as
nearly twice the torsional and flexural rigidity of its predecessor
were just some of the characteristics of the completely new,
second-generation Opel Astra. The new model’s fully galvanized body
played a key role in its high value retention. Active safety was
enhanced with a 30 percent increase in the light output of the
transparent H7 halogen headlamps and the completely redesigned Dynamic
Safety (DSA) chassis. It combined comfort with agile and safe handling,
even under full load. The wheelbase was around ten centimeters longer,
enabling more interior space, in particular more rear knee room in the
rear and a larger trunk volume of 370 liters.
2004-2009: Opel Astra H – The mighty car
With twelve engines ranging from 90 to 240 hp and seven body
variants, the choice of models for the Astra H that sold over 2.7
million units was exceptional. When it was launched in March 2004, the
third-generation Opel Astra boasted a progressive design, high driving
dynamics and plenty of technical innovations, immediately winning
numerous comparison tests in specialist automotive publications. The
Astra’s technological highlights included the adaptive IDSPlus chassis
system with electronic Continuous Damping Control (CDC), otherwise only
found in luxury class and exclusive sports cars, as well as Adaptive
Forward Lighting (AFL) Bi-Xenon headlamp system with dynamic curve light.
The
Astra also boasted high levels of safety. The consumer protection
organization Euro NCAP (European New Car Assessment Programme) awarded
the Astra the highest rating of five stars for adult passenger
protection. With a total of 34 points, the bestseller was considered one
of the safest sedans in the compact class.
2009 – 2015: Opel Astra J – The designer piece
Sculptural artistry combined with German precision – the Opel Astra J
not only embodies the brand’s new design philosophy, it also assists
drivers with a range of technologies that already made an important
contribution to the success of the best-selling mid-class Insignia. The
Opel Eye recognizes traffic signs and informs the driver of speed limits
or overtaking bans. It also warns drivers if they are in danger of
veering out of lane. With the AFL+ headlamp system, the Astra can look
around the corner and, if necessary, even automatically dim the lights
or switch to high beam. With a chassis that can be enhanced by the
FlexRide adaptive technology, the current Astra can play out its dynamic
talents to the full. A new rear axle construction guarantees driving
fun, improved handling and maximum comfort, with a Watt’s link
incorporated to improve wheel control. Astra drivers also benefit from a
new generation of front seats developed according to the latest
findings in safety ergonomics and are awarded with the seal of quality
from the independent medical and back experts of the AGR (action for
healthy backs) organization.
From 2015: Opel Astra K – Car of the Year 2016
Up to 200 kg lighter, roomier inside despite a reduced overall
length, and more efficient thanks to exclusive use of new-generation
engines – the new Opel Astra is a quantum leap in development and is
crowned European Car of the Year 2016. The compact car is once again
available as a hatchback and as a spacious Sports Tourer. Opel receive
numerous orders even before the official world premiere at the 2015
Frankfurt Motor Show – to date, Opel has received 275,000 orders of the
latest generation Astra.
Continuing a tradition that started with the Astra G, the new Astra K
also stands out with its lighting technology. It is the first car to
introduce the adaptive, Full LED Matrix technology IntelliLux LED
– so far reserved for luxury and premium models from higher classes –
into the compact segment. New generation driver assistant systems also
comprise Traffic Sign Assistant (TSA), Lane Keep Assist (LKA) with Lane Departure
Warning (LDW) along with Following Distance Indication (FDI) and Forward Collision
Alert (FCA) with Collision Imminent Braking (CIB). In addition, the new Opel Astra K once
again delivers on wellness with newly engineered ergonomic front seats,
certified by the AGR (Aktion Gesunder Rücken)
organization once more, being introduced. These new front seats can even
be enhanced with a ventilation and massage function.
Seven-floor testing and development building for propulsion systems of the future
€210 million investment at Rüsselsheim headquarters
Opel has invested €210 million in the complex of the new Global
Propulsion Systems Center in Rüsselsheim. More than 800 people work
here.
Only two years after the groundbreaking ceremony the new,
ultra-modern Global Propulsion Systems Center at Opel’s Rüsselsheim
headquarters is ready to go into service. Volker Bouffier, Prime
Minister of the federal state of Hesse, who took the opportunity to take
a close look at the impressive building complex, attended the official
inauguration ceremony.
Hesse’s Prime Minister Volker Bouffier presents the “Hessian Lion”
to Opel CEO Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann on the occasion of the inauguration
of the new Global Propulsion Systems Center in Rüsselsheim.
More than 800 engineers and technicians will develop the propulsion
systems of the future in the complex with a surface area of around
36,000 square meters. The complex not only has a technology center and
office space but also 45 latest generation test dynamometers.
Hessian Prime Minister Volker Bouffier and Opel CEO Dr. Karl-Thomas
Neumann put the first test dynamometer for propulsion systems into
operation.
The €210 million invested in the new Global Propulsion Systems Center
is the biggest single investment in buildings in Rüsselsheim since the
inauguration of the new production plant in 2002.
“The future will quite literally be shaped in the new Global
Propulsion Systems Center. Rüsselsheim is one of the most important
centers of innovation in our state and it has become an internationally
competence center, especially in the mobility sector. Products, concepts
and solutions that are used around the glove are developed here. This
importance is once emphasized by the new center. The investment made by
Opel is a clear commitment to Rüsselsheim and I am happy that the
company will continue to shape the future from here. Opel is a key part
of Hesse and a piece of Hessian identity,” said Prime Minister Volker
Bouffier.
Opel CEO Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann and Uwe Baum, Deputy Chairman of the
Opel Works Council, welcomed Prime Minister Bouffier. Dan Nicholson, GM
Vice President Global Propulsion Systems was also present to greet the
guests.
“The new development center will make our work even faster and even
more efficient. It not only strengthens Opel but also Rüsselsheim and
the entire GM development network. Opel and its parent company General
Motors want to remain one of the pioneers of clean propulsion systems as
seen with the new groundbreaking Ampera-e electric car,” emphasized Dr.
Karl-Thomas Neumann.
“This new center is a very important strategic investment. We will
develop the propulsion systems of the future here by using ultra-modern
tools and a total of 45 new dynamometers. GM decided to build this
center in Rüsselsheim for good reason. It is a sign of appreciation for
the performance and the know-how of our highly-qualified Opel engineers.
The global network makes GM and Opel especially strong,” said Dan
Nicholson.
Uwe Baum, Deputy Chairman of the Opel Works Council, added: “This
investment is an important step for the future and proof of the growth
and employment opportunities at Opel. The center for propulsion systems
will help us secure work places and competences at the development
center, as already agreed in the ITDC labor contract. Today is a good
day for Opel and for Rüsselsheim.
This new construction is part of the €230 million investment in new
testing and development facilities at the International Technical
Development Center (ITDC) and at the Development Center in
Rodgau-Dudenhofen announced two years ago, with most of the total amount
being invested in Rüsselsheim.
The facility is integrated in the global development system of GM
Global Propulsion Systems. The output can be optimally evaluated and
implemented thanks to the internationally standardized testing
procedures and software.
Volume increase of over 44,000 units across Europe by end of September
Bestseller: New Opel Astra has already been ordered 275,000 times.
Opel has sold around 895,000 vehicles across Europe in the first nine
months of 2016 giving the brand its best result since 2011 despite
completely pulling out of the Russian market. This is equivalent to an
increase of more than 44,000 vehicle or almost 5.2 percent compared to
the same period of 2015. Sales from January to September were up in 18
markets including Germany, France, Spain and Italy. The market share was
up in twelve markets. The market share of Opel and its British sister
brand Vauxhall of the overall European vehicle markets was at 5.87
percent.
Europe’s “Car of the Year 2016”,
the new Opel Astra was the driving force behind the increases. So far
this year, the new Astra has been registered 212,000 times across Europe
– an increase of around 22 percent compared to the same period of 2015.
Opel has already received more than 275,000 orders for the Astra.
Opel MOKKA X is also continuing the success story started by its predecessor.
Orders have already surpassed 60,000 even though the new generation of
the highly successful SUV has only been at dealers since the end of
September.
“We are well prepared with these great products along with the brand
new Opel Zafira and our revolutionary electric car Ampera-e,” said Peter
Christian Küspert, Opel Vice President Sales & Aftersales who also
emphasized that Opel would continue its product offensive with numerous
new models in 2017.
Concept car-inspired models will join global portfolio in 2018 model year
Buick Avenir Sub-Brand
Across continents, a growing set of new customers are discovering
unexpected and attainable luxury experiences from Buick. Soon, those
customers will be introduced to a new Avenir sub-brand designed to grow
with the needs of future luxury buyers.
The Avenir sub-brand is inspired by Buick’s evolving customer base.
The brand has grown quickly with female buyers, and one in two Buick
customers today are coming from competitive brands. They’re expecting a
high-end experience and premium quality. For example, 90 percent of
Enclave buyers purchase one of the top two trim levels.
This year, an unprecedented number of new global products such as the
Envision compact SUV and the 2017 LaCrosse sedan offer an elevated
luxury experience that’s encouraging new car buyers to reassess what
they know about Buick.
“Through the first half of 2016, Buick has been the industry’s
fastest-growing major international brand, and Avenir is key to future
growth and delivering on the high expectations of new customers coming
to our showrooms,” said Duncan Aldred, vice president of Global Buick
Sales, Service and Marketing. “Avenir will be Buick’s signature. The
highest expression of the luxury experiences we’re delivering now and in
the future.”
Avenir vehicles will add distinct touches to Buick’s timeless,
sculpted designs, including a three-dimensional mesh grille,
large-diameter wheels, and unique trim finishes. Inside, Avenir models
will enhance the brand’s quiet, inviting environment with unique seat
details, modern trim materials and Avenir script identification.
The name “Avenir,” French for “future,” is taken from the
award-winning concept sedan from 2015. That concept and this year’s
Avista coupe concept — from which the new sub-brand borrows its grille
pattern — have served as guideposts for designers sketching and modeling
Buick’s future.
“Stretching the Buick brand’s international appeal and potential has
been a major focus of exploration in our design studios,” said Helen
Emsley, executive director of Buick Global Design. “Concept cars stretch
the boundaries of what is possible and every new Buick is benefitting
from this vision work. As the Avenir concept expressed the prestige
vision for the portfolio, the addition of an Avenir sub-brand
illustrates an important piece of future direction.”
Additional Avenir details and product specifics will be announced later.
