!NEW! All-New Opel Insignia Grand Sport: Lighter, More Dynamic, More Agile to Drive

• Lighter: Up to 175 kilograms less than on outgoing model
• Fully integrated: Tailored sitting position and driver-oriented cockpit
• Always active: Adaptive FlexRide chassis with Standard, Sport and Tour modes
• Individual: Customizable Sport mode and self-learning software

More dynamic: All-New Opel Insignia Grand Sport has shed up to 175 kilograms compared to its predecessor.

Opel has given the Insignia Grand Sports everything a middle class sedan requires to ensure improved vehicles dynamics and a more agile drive. The newcomer has shed up to 175 kilograms compared to the outgoing models, which obviously benefits both the handling and the driving performance. The athlete is 29 millimeters flatter than its predecessor, the track has been increased by 11 millimeters, the overhangs have been reduced considerably and the wheelbase extended by 92 millimeters – this provides additional directional stability at high speeds. The further refined FlexRide chassis adapts dampers, steering and propulsion automatically or via the selectable ‘Standard’, ‘Sport’ and ‘Tour’ modes. This can best be put to the test on the legendary Nordschleife of the Nürburgring. The circuit is extremely challenging with its changing surfaces, straights and corner combinations. Every new Opel is put through its final paces here.

The team around Insignia chief engineer Andreas Zipser travelled to the test-drives on the Nürburgring with camouflaged prototypes. And the engineers the 21-kilometer long Nordschleife to search for the final percentage points en route to a perfectly tuned vehicle.

“You can feel that the Insignia has been developed from a white sheet of paper as soon as you get into the car. The integration of the driver is outstanding and this provides a much better feel for the car. The Insignia has become much more agile, even with the same engine,” said Zipser who is already looking forward to the next fast laps.

The chief engineer heads out of the paddock and takes the Opel Insignia Grand Sport onto the Nordschleife. He soon pushes the 5-door sedan to its limits, dives into the course section known as “Brünnchen” before skillfully mastering the “Pflanzgarten” – a section famous amongst motor sports fans. Opel’s new flagship is driving fast. Zipser enjoys the new, precise, speed-dependent steering and the position in the driver-oriented cockpit. The driver’s position is three centimeters lower than in the outgoing model and creates a feeling of actually being part of the car – the center console provides addition support, the instruments face the driver and all controls can easily be reached. All this results in a position similar to the one provided in a racing touring car and is ideal for a dynamic outing – not only on the Nürburgring.

For such a dynamic outing, the driver should ideally select the ‘Sport’ mode of the FlexRide chassis: The dampers are stiffened, the steering and throttle response are more direct. Furthermore, the ESP anti-skid system intervenes later, thus give the driver more leeway. In combination with an automatic transmission, the ‘Sport’ mode shifts up through the gears later – the Insignia is completely set-up for dynamic driving.

On the return route from the Nürburgring the driver can select between three modes according to the road characteristics and own preferences:

• Standard: The automatic control selects the best set-up based on the information collected by the vehicle sensors.
• Tour: Comfortable chassis configuration, propulsion settings for favorably consumption – the right mode for relaxing long-distance drives.
• Sport: Brake dive is reduced, the chassis angles considerably less when cornering at high speeds and the steering provides more direct feedback on the road conditions.

The FlexRide chassis electro hydraulically adapts the dampers to the road and the prevailing driving situation 500 times per second or 30,000 times per minutes. Furthermore, the driver can save personal preferences for the steering characteristics, throttle response and dampers via the Sport button.

“The new central ‘Drive Mode Control’ software is the heart and soul of the adaptive chassis. It continuously analyzes the information provided by the sensors and setting and recognizes the individual driving style. The individual systems are then optimized for the best traction and road position,” explained Zipser.

If, for example, the Opel Insignia Grand Sport is driving along in ‘Standard’ mode and the driver decides to attack the corners on a winding road with a bit more vigor, the software recognizes the more dynamic style based on the acceleration and braking value and immediately switches the chassis and propulsion components to sporty.

!NEW! Opel Grandland X: New Crossover Model for the Compact Class

Opel X family gets new member: Opel Grandland X joins MOKKA X and Crossland X

Rugged and elegant meets comfort and practicality: Grandland X joins MOKKA X and Crossland X in the Opel X family.

New Opel Grandland X is something like the big brother of the Opel Crossland X. Both completely new crossover models (CUVs) will be launched in 2017 and combine the coolness of a SUV with a high level of driving dynamics. The Grandland X perfectly matches the active lifestyle of today with its irresistible off road appeal, raised seating position, good all-round visibility, easy ingress/egress and plenty of space for luggage. The styling cleverly combines ruggedness with elegance and the interior design concept offers plenty of comfort paired with a high level of practicality.

New Grandland X will extend the extensive Opel offering in the especially popular compact class where it will join the successful Astra, Car of the Year 2016, and the recently launched seven-seat Zafira.

“The name Opel Grandland X stands for an adventurous type always prepared to explore something new – in both an urban or rural environment. Our new crossover model looks fantastic and will help excite new customers for the Opel brand,” said Opel CMO Tina Müller.

The Grandland X is part of Opel model offensive that will see 29 new models launched from 2016 to 2020. The new CUV will enter a booming market: In the space of ten years, from 2007 to 2017, the European share of SUVs/CUVs will have increased from seven to 20 percent of all new vehicles sold. The Opel Crossland X and the Opel Grandland X will continue to drive this growth.

The Opel Crossland X will enter the B segment in the first six months of 2017 – a segment where Opel’s compact SUV, the MOKKA X, has already been sold more than 600,000 times. The Opel Grandland X will sit one segment above its siblings as of fall 2017 – in Europe, every fifth new car sold belongs to the compact class.

!NEW! Customers Rank Buick Highest Among Mass Market Brands for Sales Satisfaction

J.D. Power study notes new owner education key to higher satisfaction

As Buick continues to delight customers with its beautiful, whisper-quiet and quality-driven cars and SUVs, it is also ensuring they have the greatest possible experience learning about their vehicles. J.D. Power’s 2016 U.S. Sales Satisfaction Index (SSI) Study ranks Buick the highest among mass market brands.

A brand’s ability to help new-vehicle owners understand technology and enhance the overall ownership experience are key to high SSI rankings. In brand sales satisfaction rankings, Buick earned the highest marks with a score of 809 (based on a 1,000-point scale).

“We know a positive customer experience goes well beyond great product,” said Duncan Aldred, vice president of Global Buick Sales, Service and Marketing. “Our sales satisfaction ranking shows that our ability to deliver a meaningful purchase-to-ownership process is paying off for our customers well beyond when they leave our stores.”

The SSI Study is a comprehensive analysis of the new-vehicle purchase experience that measures customer satisfaction with their dealer. It is based on responses from nearly 29,000 buyers who purchased or leased their new vehicle in April or May of 2016.

For more about the 2016 U.S. Sales Satisfaction Index (SSI) Study, visit http://www.jdpower.com/resource/us-sales-satisfaction-index-ssi-study and http://www.jdpower.com/pr-id/2016224

!NEW! Opel on Course for Growth – One Million Sales Already Reached

• Sales for the first ten months of the year up by 45,500 vehicles
• One million milestone reached earlier than last year

Driver of growth: Around 300,000 orders have been received for the Opel Astra, “Europe’s Car of the Year 2016”.

Opel is continuing to grow across Europe and has already reached the milestone of one million vehicles sold. In the first ten months of the year, registrations across Europe increased by 45,500 units or around five percent to more than 977,000 units. The Rüsselsheim-based carmaker has already sold more than one million vehicles this year – reaching the milestone roughly a fortnight earlier than last year.

“Opel’s upward trend is continuing. These numbers show that our new models are well received. And in 2017 we will raise the stakes when we launch seven new models. That is more than ever before in Opel’s history and our customers can already look forward to it. Our new arrivals will also give us a stronger presence in markets segments with a lot of potential,” said Vice President Sales & Aftersales Peter Christian Küspert.

Opel is currently in the middle of the biggest model offensive in the long history of the company and will launch 29 new models between 2016 and 2020. The theme for the year 2017 is ‘7 in 17’. In addition to the Ampera-e electric car, Opel will also launch the new generation of the company’s flagship, the Insignia next year, which will be available as a five-door sedan (Insignia Grand Sport), as a station wagon (Insignia Sports Tourer) and as an off-roader (Insignia Country Tourer). Furthermore, there will be a new version of the Vivaro. In addition, Opel will be present in the fast-growing CUV segment with the Crossland X and another newcomer still to be announced

Opel’s new models have already been driving the sales figures up this year, the Astra leading the way with around 235,000 units sold – an increase of about one quarter. Meanwhile, the company has already received 300,000 orders for Europe’s “2016 Car of the Year”. Demand for the Opel MOKKA X compact SUV is also high. 75,000 orders have already been received although the car has only been available for order across Europe for a few months.

Opel not only managed to increase sales in the first ten months of the year – the European market share also grew slightly to 5.81 percent with increases registered on 12 markets. The Rüsselsheim-based carmaker thus posted its best ten-month result since 2011 – despite the company withdrawing completely from the Russian market.

!NEW! “Georgia & Grumpy – Not impressed by Wonderland“: The 2017 Opel Calendar is here

• Unique insights: The first calendar motifs
• Start: 2017 Opel Calendar available from mid-November
• Close up and personal: Exhibit of calendar motifs begins in early February in Berlin

2017 Opel Calendar is available: The collection of images featuring Georgia May Jagger and Grumpy Cat can be ordered from mid-November. 

“What am I doing here? This isn’t going to turn out well!” This – or something very similar – is probably what Grumpy Cat was thinking during the Opel calendar shoot with Georgia May Jagger in July in the Babelsberg Studios. It was obvious that the feline calendar model was “not impressed”, but rather, well, very grumpy. This is how everyone knows Grumpy Cat, the world’s most famous cat. Nevertheless, this did not affect the result: in the meantime, the twelve calendar motifs from star photographer Ellen von Unwerth are finished – and they are more than impressive.

Curtain raiser: Georgia May Jagger gives a sneak preview of the new Opel Insignia Grand Sport

The first calendar photos with the Opel newcomers are very promising: Georgia May Jagger reveals first details about the new Opel Insignia – and raises the curtain in secretive autumn fog.

Electrifying recharge: Georgia May Jagger with the revolutionary Opel Ampera-e.

The revolutionary electric car Ampera-e also makes an appearance – including an electrifying charging stop for the next 500 kilometers. As mystical and dreamy as the seasonal backgrounds are, they didn’t manage to get a smile out of Grumpy Cat. But especially thanks to their extreme polarity, the permanently sullen cat and the seductive supermodel Georgia May Jagger ensure exciting, unmistakable looks in the motifs perfectly arranged by Ellen von Unwerth.

Models united: Georgia May Jagger is excited by the Opel MOKKA X, whereas Grumpy Cat remains unimpressed. 

Fans of Opel, Grumpy Cat, Georgia May Jagger and Ellen von Unwerth can already look forward to a fascinating exhibit with calendar motifs at the beginning of 2017. All artists – including Grumpy Cat – will be present at the vernissage.

And for all those who cannot wait any longer, a strictly limited edition of the Opel calendar “Georgia & Grumpy – Not impressed by Wonderland“ is available from mid-November 2016 for 29,95 euros (RRP incl. VAT in Germany) exclusively at https://opel-collection.com.

!NEW! Next-Generation IntelliLux LED Matrix Headlights for All-New Opel Insignia Grand Sport

• 32 LED segments turn night into day without dazzling other road users
• New spotlight and curve illumination functions
• New Opel Insignia realizes headlights of visionary Opel Monza Concept

In the new Opel Insignia: The next generation IntelliLux LED Matrix headlamp turns night into day making visibility clearer, further and better than ever before.

Opel will launch the next-generation of IntelliLux LED lighting with the all-new Opel Insignia in 2017. In addition to the numerous benefits of the award-winning Matrix technology introduced for the first time last year on the Astra, the even more refined and sophisticated IntelliLux LED headlights of the new Insignia feature additional functions that further improve nighttime visibility.

When Opel revealed the visionary Monza Concept at the 2013 IAA and CEO Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann announced it showed what could be expected of Opel cars in the future, the company’s exterior lighting experts were not only enthusiastic.

They were just putting the finishes touches to the (in the meantime award-winning) adaptive IntelliLux LED Matrix headlights of the new Opel Astra, which consist of 16 LED segments – eight on each side of the vehicle – that automatically and constantly adapt the range and distribution of the light beam to every traffic situation.

As they admired the show-stopping Monza Concept, Opel’s lighting experts also wondered just how they were going to fit their innovative Matrix lighting technology for the next generation Insignia into such ultra-slim headlamps.

Tailwind for Opel’s lighting experts and to the advantage of future customers of the new Insignia: LED development proceeds as fast-as-light. During the Astra’s development, LEDs had become even more compact and powerful, and Opel’s engineers used the significantly higher performance to accommodate twice as many LED segments (32) in the new Insignia’s Monza Concept-inspired headlights as in the Astra.

As a result of the smoother transitions between the higher number of LED segments, the light patterns can be more precisely adapted. The adaptive IntelliLux LED Matrix headlights of the new Insignia therefore produce a larger amount of even brighter light.

“From the Astra we know how much customers appreciate the benefits of IntelliLux LED Matrix headlights” says Ingolf Schneider, Engineering Group Manager Exterior Lighting. “Now we are bringing the even more advanced second generation of this innovative technology onto the market in the all-new Insignia, with additional new functions that further improve visibility at night.”

To improve visibility still further while driving through curves on full high beam, the engineers added a new function to the new Insignia’s IntelliLux LED Matrix headlights. The light intensity at the inner matrix segments rises according to steering angle in order to increase the illumination of the curve.

Each IntelliLux LED headlight also features a high-beam spotlight that provides additional illumination at full high-beam for up to 400 meters, further improving the new Insignia’s long-range visibility.

Despite the futuristic DNA from the visionary Opel Monza Concept, the adaptive IntelliLux LED Matrix headlights of the new Opel Insignia could not be simpler to operate: As soon as the car exits urban areas, the IntelliLux LED headlights switch themselves on automatically and then constantly adapt the range and distribution of the light beam to every traffic situation, whether driving in town, on country roads, on the motorway, making a turn or taking a curve. Literally turning night into day for the new Opel Insignia – but without dazzling other road users.

!NEW! 7 in 17: Seven New Models From Opel in 2017

Seven premieres: Model offensive from Opel Ampera-e to Opel Insignia flagship

Model offensive „7 in 17“: Next year Opel will bring seven new models into the market

Next year Opel will be driving flat out in all vehicle categories. “7 in 17” is the name of the model offensive with seven premieres in 2017. Never in its long history – automobile production since 1899! – has Opel had so many new models in a single calendar year. 

The “7 in 17” are part of the extensive model offensive with 29 new models between 2016 and 2020. During this period, the positioning and the portfolio of the company will be completely renewed.

“With these seven new models for 2017 Opel will become a completely different brand within the next 12 months,” said Opel CEO Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann. “We are making electro-mobility feasible for everyday driving with the Ampera-e. The second-generation Insignia shows a new elegance, lightness and athleticism. And with the equally new crossover vehicles in the B and C segments we are extending our portfolio in a decisive area, which will give our growth significant additional impetus.”

Model offensive “7 in 17” in seven steps

1. Range champion: Introduced at the Paris motor show, the Ampera-e will revolutionize electro-mobility as of spring 2017. With its electric range of more than 500 km (according to the New European Driving Cycle), the Ampera-e dominates its class. In addition, the Ampera-e offers sports car performance and the spaciousness of a five-door in the compact class.

2. New flagship: With the all-new Opel Insignia Grand Sport a five-door sedan with coupé-like silhouette, sporty handling and class-leading all-wheel drive makes its debut. Like its predecessor, more than 900,000 units of which have been sold, the new Insignia will be produced in Rüsselsheim.

3. Large sporty station wagon: Like the Insignia Grand Sport, the new Opel Insignia Sports Tourer shares its design language with the visionary Opel Monza Concept study from 2013. The sporty front with the slim headlights signals pure dynamism. Compared to the predecessor, the interior space has increased significantly, especially at the rear seats and in the trunk.

4. All-rounder: With the new Opel Insignia Country Tourer the Sports Tourer is joined again by an adventurer with all-wheel drive and off-road looks. The new Country Tourer is the right choice for winter-sport enthusiasts, outdoor fans and anyone who appreciates an individual appearance.

5. Versatile touring companion: Next year the successful Opel Vivaro enters a whole new level of passenger comfort and flexibility.

6. Car with that certain “X-tra”: At the beginning of 2017, the best-selling SUV in the B-segment – the MOKKA X – will be joined by a new crossover model (CUV) – the Opel Crossland X. The new model gives further impetus to the trend towards sporty as well as spacious CUVs.

7. New CUV in the C-segment: Opel will extend its offer in the compact class with an especially sporty crossover model joining the Astra and the Zafira.

!NEW! Opel Names New Crossover Model Crossland X

Successful Opel MOKKA X is joined by new Opel Crossland X

In 2017 the Opel Crossland X joins the successful Opel MOKKA X in the B-segment.

These are the cars with the certain “X-tra”. With the MOKKA X, Opel already offers a sub-compact SUV that has achieved more than 600,000 sales throughout Europe. At the beginning of 2017, Opel will place a new crossover model (CUV) alongside the best-selling MOKKA X – the Opel Crossland X. The new CUV continues the trend towards sporty and spacious crossovers. The naming, which is new, different and exciting, matches the car’s character.

“Customers also want more emotional cars in the B-segment,” said Opel CMO Tina Müller. “We are meeting these expectations with the Crossland X, and offering a car with exciting design and the benefits of an SUV for the urban lifestyle – agile around town, confident over long distances. This is the car for people who want to live the country life in town, who grow tomatoes and herbs on the roof garden and need plenty of space for their children and the shopping from the bio supermarket.”

Since 2010, the sales figures of SUVs and CUVs have multiplied by five. The Opel Crossland X will bring additional impetus to this market segment and further growth potential for the Opel brand. With the new CUV, Opel will start a crossover offensive in 2017, adding another category to the existing product portfolio that stretches from ADAM to Zafira.

!NEW! Police car-stody: Arresting Vauxhalls built at Europe’s biggest cop car factory

• Largest Police car factory in Europe opens in Luton, Bedfordshire
• 2,500 vehicles per year converted for Police, Fire and Ambulance
• 50 new jobs in Luton after production moved in-house
• UK supplier firms benefit with 90 per cent material sourced locally

Vauxhall blue light conversion centre at Luton plant 

Vauxhall has officially opened its Police car factory, the largest of its kind in Europe, at its manufacturing plant in Luton, Bedfordshire.

The factory will convert 2,500 vehicles per year, including cars and vans, for use by Police forces, and Fire and Ambulance services nationwide.

Bringing 50 new jobs to Luton, the new facility has been created after moving production in-house from its previous location in Millbrook, Bedfordshire.

Supplier firms around the country also benefit with 90 per cent of blue-light content, the materials used to convert a standard car in to a Police car, sourced locally from UK suppliers. Local firms include Border Engineering in Luton who make brackets and AV Engineering in Royston who make fascia mouldings.

An array of Vauxhalls will be converted for use by the emergency services at the Luton facility with cars including Corsa, Astra, Insignia and Mokka, and CVs, such as Combo, Movano and the Luton-built Vivaro vans.

Vauxhall is the only manufacturer to offer a one-stop shop for blue-light vehicles. Everything is done in-house from testing to converting and even remarketing of decommissioned vehicles.

Policing has changed dramatically in recent years with new types of crimes and the increased terror threat. With technology like 4G Wi-Fi and rugged Toughbook tablets, Vauxhall can offer the emergency services everything they need to stay connected on the move.

“Through our flexible production facility, Vauxhall is able to offer a one-stop shop purchasing experience to UK emergency services,” said Dick Ellam, Vauxhall’s Manager, Special Vehicles.

“We can deliver a wide choice of car and van models, specifically designed and rigorously-tested to meet the stringent demands of our emergency services. We can also supply turn-key vehicle solutions that enable rapid turnaround of replacement vehicles, plus we can now offer a unique in-house de-commissioning and re-marketing service.”

Vauxhall is the number one supplier to Police fleets with a 70 per cent market share of competitive segments.