Friday 27 January 2017

!NEW! Opel Insignia Grand Sport: No Need to Fear the Winter Chill


  • Cozy warmth from heated steering wheel, front seats and rear outer seats
  • Heated windshield improves visibility in frosty and humid conditions
  • Remote control stationary heater warms up interior before driving starts

There is no reason to fear the winter chill in the new Opel Insignia Grand Sport, which features an array of protective measures against the cold, including a heated windshield.

There is no reason to fear the chill of winter when you drive or ride as passenger in the next generation Opel Insignia. The new flagship from Rüsselsheim features an array of protective measures against the cold, including a remote controlled stationary heater, heated seats in the rear as well as the front and a heated windshield. The windshield is defrosted silently and comfortably at the push of a button, by a fine wire heating element. The heated windshield also prevents fogging in humid conditions, further improving visibility and safety. The heating switches off automatically and it can be reactivated if necessary by another press of the button.

At the push of a button, drivers of the new Opel Insignia Grand Sport can enjoy the warmth of a heated steering wheel.

In addition to the heated windscreen, the new Opel Insignia Grand Sport provides drivers and passengers with many more ways to keep warm. Drivers can enjoy the luxury of a heated steering wheel, while seat heating is available not only for the driver and front passenger, but also for the occupants of the outer rear seating positions. In the front, the heating is adjustable, and with the automatic seat heating option it can even be controlled via the personalization menu in the information display.

“With the new Opel Insignia Grand Sport, it has never been easier to feel warm and comfortable in an automobile” said Opel’s vice president of sales and aftersales, Peter Christian Küspert, “and the improved visibility from the heated windscreen is a safety benefit for all road users”.

Heating of the seats and steering wheel is operational not only when the engine is running, but also during start/stop. Switching on the heated rear window also activates heating of the exterior mirrors for further improved visibility to the rear.

For the ultimate in wellness as well as warmth, the ergonomically certified AGR driver power seat of the new Opel Insignia Grand Sport also features a ventilation function.

For the ultimate in wellness as well as warmth, the 18-way adjustable and ergonomically certified AGR (Aktion Gesunder Rücken) Driver Power Seat additionally features massage and ventilation functions.

Seat heating in the new Opel Insignia Grand Sport is available not only for the driver and front passenger, but also for the occupants of the outer rear seating positions.

The new Opel Insignia Grand Sport can even warm up the passenger compartment before anyone gets in, thanks to the optional remote controlled stationary heater. The factory fitted heater is activated via remote control timer or automatically according to temperature sensors.

Tuesday 24 January 2017

!NEW! Successful Opel Astra and IntelliLux LED Matrix Light Winning over Customers

  • Recipe for success: Astra’s overall package wins over customers across Europe
  • Shining example: System popular on the important Germany market
  • Seeing the light: Technology enables permanent high-beam lighting without dazzling
  • Next generation: Further development of LED matrix light coming in new Opel Insignia

Sterling display: Innovative IntelliLux LED Matrix headlights are popular with the Opel Astra customers.

Over 350,000 Opel Astra orders since the car went on sale in 2015, Opel’s bestselling model in 2016, second place in the compact segment across Europe and in the compact retail segment in 2016 and a host of international accolades including the Golden Steering Wheel and the European ‘Car of the Year 2016’ award – Opel Astra is without a doubt a real winner. Its recipe for success consists of ingredients such as lightweight construction, highly efficient propulsion systems, outstanding digital connectivity and driver assistance technologies normally only found in the premium segment. The intelligent IntelliLux LED Matrix light is one these technologies. It has not only won over critics across Europe winning various awards on the way but it has also established itself as one of the most sought after options available for the Opel Astra. Eighteen months after its introduction, IntelliLux LED Matrix light can look back on a success story only rivalled by the success of the Opel Astra itself.


In Germany, Opel’s important home market, every third Astra is ordered with the highly efficient and high performance lighting system. In neighboring Switzerland around 45% of Opel Astra buyers want IntelliLux LED Matrix light and the feature is also winning over customers in Austria with over 40% of vehicles intended for the Alpine republic coming with the innovative and affordable lighting technology. Elsewhere, IntelliLux LED is also extremely popular in Finland and Sweden (each 37%). However, even these impressive figures are dwarfed by the success of the system in Norway where a massive 84% of new Opel Astra cars on the roads are equipped with the lighting technology of the future.

“We are obviously delighted with the success of the IntelliLux LED Matrix light. It is further proof that our principle of democratizing technology by providing innovative and affordable solutions is finding its mark with the customers. I must compliment our engineers on this highly effective system that provides outstanding night time performance enhancing safety for the driver and those around them,” said Opel Vice President Sales & Aftersales Peter Christian Küspert.

Matrix system automatically adapts to every traffic situation

Light on: Consisting of 16 LED segments – 8 on each side of the vehicle – the new LED Matrix system automatically and constantly adapts both the length and shape of the light cone for every traffic situation

Consisting of 16 LED segments – 8 on each side of the vehicle – the LED Matrix system automatically and constantly adapts the length and distribution of the light beam to every traffic situation. As soon as the vehicle exits urban areas, the high-beam lighting is automatically switched on. Not only Astra drivers benefit from this – while they enjoy excellent light and visibility conditions, they do not dazzle other road users. When the camera detects light sources from oncoming or preceding traffic, individual LEDs in the relevant zone are deactivated, simply “cutting out” the area around the vehicles. The rest of the road and its surroundings remain brightly illuminated. With this degree of precision and adaptation, LED Matrix light elevates lighting technology to the next level.


Opel lighting engineers have not only made an intelligent, Full LED system more affordable, they have also taken it to a new level of intelligence. As not all Astra customers opt for an embedded navigation system, the lighting system can recognize if the vehicle is in an urban area or on a highway for instance independently. In addition to the many automatic low and high beam pattern variations, IntelliLux LED also provides a special highway light mode that further increases safety at night. In addition, the system also has a considerably longer running life than headlamps with Halogen or Xenon lamps.

Added safety and comfort also coming in new Opel Insignia Grand Sport

New Opel Insignia Grand Sport with latest generation IntelliLux LED Matrix light: 32 individual LED segments – 16 per headlight – and a special high beam range of up to 400 meters.

Given the success of the system in the Opel Astra, it is hardly surprising that the company is optimistic that the next generation of IntelliLux LED lighting, which will be introduced with the all-new Opel Insignia Grand Sport in 2017 will prove to be just as popular with the customers. LED technology has developed rapidly since the introduction of the Astra and the Opel engineers have been able to incorporate 32 individual LED segments on the Insignia. 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.


To improve visibility still further while driving through curves on full high beam, the engineers added a new function to the new Opel Insignia 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 Opel Insignia long-range visibility.


Higher trim levels proving to be popular

Elsewhere, both the higher trims available for the Opel Astra, ‘Dynamic’ and ‘Innovation’, have also proved to be extremely popular with customers. Since the European “Car of the Year 2016” was launched, over 60 percent of Astra buyers have opted for the higher trim choices, giving them access to a lot more standard equipment and features that they subsequently do not need to order as an option. For example, Opel’s personal connectivity and service assistant Opel OnStar comes as standard in both of the aforementioned trim levels. Furthermore, comfort features such as leather steering wheel, adjustable armrest or fog lamps are also included.

Wednesday 18 January 2017

!NEW! Opel Crossland X: Stylish for the City with SUV Coolness

  • X-tremely cool: All-new crossover model to be launched in booming CUV/SUV segment
  • New X family: Opel Crossland X joins Opel Mokka X bestseller
  • X-tra casual: Elevated seating position, spacious interior and high flexibility
  • X-factor technologies: Opel OnStar, great infotainment and numerous assistance systems
  • X-act overview: Head up display, 180 degree rear view camera and AFL LED headlights
  • X-clusive appearance: Premiere at large Opel vernissage in Berlin on February 1

New Opel Crossland X: Crisp and compact on the outside, very spacious and versatile on the inside with trendy two-tone paintwork and a cool SUV look.

Crisp and compact on the outside, very spacious and versatile on the inside with trendy two-tone paintwork and a cool SUV look – that is the all-new Opel Crossland X. This versatile urban crossover model (Crossover Utility Vehicle) is the second member of the Opel X family in the B-segment where it joins the sporty bestseller, the Mokka X. The larger Opel Grandland X will be launched in the compact class (C-segment) later this year. Opel thus kicks off the product offensive “7 in 17”, which will see seven new models launched in 2017, with two X-newcomers that bring together the best of different worlds: Cars with the bold design, the virtues of a SUV and the attributes facilitating an urban lifestyle. They are the Opel models with the certain X-tra. The Opel Crossland X will celebrate its debut in Berlin on February 1.

X-tremely cool: From the front, the Crossland X confidently displays a prominent grille with shining Opel Blitz.

Compared with the Opel Mokka X, which comes with optional four-wheel drive for occasional off-road outing, the new Opel Crossland X is predestined for urban areas with its crisp exterior dimensions while also being perfectly suitable for a shopping spree at the organic farm shop or for a holiday trip to Tuscany. With a length of 4.21 meters, the new Opel Crossland X is 16 centimeters shorter than an Astra while at the same time 10 centimeters higher. The occupants can thus enjoy the elevated seating position and resulting excellent overview. Buyers looking for an even better experience can improve the feeling of space even further with the optional panoramic glass roof.

X-tra compact: With a length of 4.21 meters, the new Opel Crossland X is 16 centimeters shorter than an Astra while at the same time 10 centimeters higher.

Furthermore, the newcomer offers outstanding innovations that make every day driving safer, more comfortable and easier. Adaptive Forward Lighting (AFL) with full LED headlights, head up display and the 180-degree Panoramic Rear View Camera along with Advanced Park Assist, Forward Collision Alert with Pedestrian Detection and Automatic Emergency Braking [1], Driver Drowsiness System, Lane Keep Assist, Speed Sign Recognition and Side Blind Spot Alert are just some examples. The new Crossland X also comes with Opel-typical outstanding connectivity thanks to Opel OnStar as well as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatible IntelliLink infotainment technology including up to 8 inch large color touchscreens.

X-factor technologies: Opel OnStar, great infotainment and numerous assistance systems.

Both the driver and the front seat passenger can take advantage of the award-winning and AGR certified (Aktion Gesunder Rücken) ergonomic seats with Opel being the only manufacturer to offer such comfort in the segment (in both the Crossland X and the Mokka X). Elsewhere, trunk volume of 410 liters – without folding the rear seats down – is class leading. In addition, passengers in the rear have the possibility to adjust their seating position by 150 millimeters in longitudinal direction, thus either increasing legroom or the capacity of the luggage compartment. This makes the Opel Crossland X even more versatile.

New X-perience: Buyers can improve the feeling of space even further with the optional panoramic glass roof.

“Demand for small SUV and crossover models tailored for urban traffic is increasing significantly. Opel Crossland X with its combination of cool, SUV-inspired design, outstanding connectivity and high practicality represents a second strong competitor in this vehicle class next to our sporty Opel Mokka X,” said Opel CEO Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann. “Our agile Opel Crossland X delivers on driving pleasure while oozing urban lifestyle, making it perfect for the city and escapes to the countryside.”

New X family: Opel Crossland X joins the Opel Mokka X bestseller.

The CUV/SUV B-segment is booming with sales figures are up five-fold since 2010. One of the bestsellers and thus one of the trendsetters is the Opel Mokka X. The Crossland X will now add further stimulation to this new, rapidly growing segment situated below the established compact class and ensure additional growth of the Opel brand.

Clear design and outstanding space utilization

X-tremely cool: From the front, the Crossland X confidently displays a prominent grille with shining Opel Blitz.

Bold, crisp and cool are the three attributes that every “urban crossover” needs. The new Crossland X has them all while remaining a typical Opel with best possible packaging and a huge personality. With its length of 4,212 millimeters, width of 1,765 millimeters and height of 1,590 millimeters it is very compact. The Crossland X brings its very own interpretation of Opel’s design philosophy ‘Sculptural Artistry meets German Precision’ to the table and makes it both sophisticated and rugged. From the front, it confidently displays a prominent grille with shining Opel Blitz. Two chrome winglets embrace the Blitz and flow outwards to the characteristic ‘double-wing’ Opel signature LED daytime running lights. The horizontal lines from the Opel logo in the middle to the chrome winglets and the chrome bars following through to AFL LED headlights give the perception of extra width. SUV-typical claddings and silver inserts in the front and throughout the entire lower section of the vehicle support the confident appearance and display functional and sporty elegance.

New Opel Crossland X: Crisp and compact CUV with trendy two-tone paintwork .

Crisp side lines along with the seemingly ‘floating roof’, which visually separates the lower from the upper section of the vehicle, optically stretch the Opel Crossland X and reinforce its spacious interior. The ‘floating roof’ also displays its relationship to the Opel ADAMs’ arched chrome window line that drops towards the rear. Just like for the individualization champion, customers can order a different color for the roof. The prominent rear of the Opel Crossland X makes a clear SUV statement with its visible underride protection. The highly mounted split rear lights also feature the ‘double-wing’ graphic and form the intersection between the trunk lid and the downwards sloping roofline increase this.

Being at the core of Opel’s design philosophy, sculptural design with a clear sense of precision also plays a major part in the interior design. Instrument panel and center stack are clearly structured and horizontally aligned to the driver. Subtle chrome finishes around the cluster and air vents convey a message of high quality. The up to 8 inch color touchscreen for the modern, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatible infotainment systems Radio R 4.0 IntelliLink and Navi 5.0 IntelliLink is seamlessly integrated in the center stack. Compatible smartphones can even be charged wirelessly via inductive charging. The Wi-Fi Hotspot provided by the optional personal connectivity and service assistant Opel OnStar ensures outstanding connectivity for all mobiles devices.

However, the exceptional connectivity possibilities along with the extensive engine portfolio ranging from gasoline to diesel and LPG and available with manual and automatic transmissions are not the only features that ensure a relaxing journey. The generous feeling of space and the first-class ergonomic seats in the Opel Crossland X make long trips comfortable. In addition, the Opel Crossland X convinces with a high level of flexibility, which can also be put down to its sliding rear seats. They come with a 60/40 split and can be moved back by up to 150 millimeters, making travelling in the second row even more comfortable for passengers for long legs. Alternatively, when moving them forward, trunk space can be increased to a class-leading 520 liters. Long items can be stowed easily when the armrest is folded away. In addition, trunk volume increases to 1,255 liters if the rear seats are folded down completely.

X-tremely versatile: Passengers in the rear have the possibility to adjust their seating position by 150 millimeters in longitudinal direction.

 Naturally, numerous stowage possibilities for everyday items are available in the cabin. Opel Crossland X can be locked, opened and started with Keyless Open & Start.

Trendsetting lighting technology and important assistance systems

Journeys can be made even more relaxing and safer with the numerous ultra-modern technologies and assistance system available with the new Opel Crossland X. Adaptive Forward Lighting (AFL) with Full LED headlamps ensures outstanding visibility in the dark. Functions such as cornering light, high beam assist and auto levelling guarantee optimal illumination of the road ahead. The optional Head Up Display (HUD) reduces the danger of distractions and projects the most important data on speed, navigation and assistance systems into the driver’s direct line of sight.

Opel Eye front camera processes diverse data thus forming the basis for the driver assistance systems such as Speed Sign Recognition and Lane Keep Assist. If the system registers that the lane is being left unintentionally it warns the driver by emitting audible and visible signals. Cruise control with speed limiter also makes driving more pleasant. Forward Collision Alert with Pedestrian Detection and Automatic Emergency Braking [2] helps avoid accidents. The system not only issues an alarm and a visual warning but also brakes independently if the distance to a vehicle moving ahead decreases rapidly and the driver does not react. Furthermore, Forward Collision Alert is combined with a special Driver Drowsiness System 2, which evaluates the fatigue level through the drive style and alerts the driver if a break is needed.

Opel Crossland X also comes with a Panoramic Rear View Camera. It increases the angle of sight at the back of the car to 180 degrees so that the driver can, for example, see other road users approaching from either side when reversing. Elsewhere, the latest generation of Advanced Park Assist facilitates parking even further. It recognizes suitable parking slots and parks the vehicle automatically. It can also exit the parking slot automatically. In both cases, the driver only needs to operate the pedals. And during the winter months the heated steering wheel and the heated windshield increase comfort and safety.

[1] Works automatically above 5 km/h and below 85 km/h. From 5 to 30 km/h the deceleration metric to reduce the impact speed of the collision is 0.9g. From 30 to 85 km/h the system brakes to the speed by a maximum of 22 km/h. After this threshold, the driver needs to brake himself to reduce the speed even further.

[2] Available as of Model Year 18

Wednesday 11 January 2017

!NEW! Torque Vectoring All-Wheel Drive for New Opel Insignia Grand Sport

  • New Opel Insignia Grand Sport 4x4 offers optimum dynamics, feel and handling in all situations
  • All-wheel drive system delivers best traction on all road surfaces
  • Torque vectoring applies drive to one or both rear wheels independently

All-New Opel Insignia  Grand Sport 4x4 - All-wheel drive system delivers best traction on all road surfaces

Midsize cars offering an especially engaging driving experience are mostly found at premium brands, but when the all-new Opel Insignia Grand Sport hits the market in early 2017, enthusiastic drivers will need to adjust their orientation


Torque vectoring all-wheel drive system applies drive to one or both rear wheels independently.
The new Opel Insignia Grand Sport will be available with a state-of-the-art torque vectoring all-wheel drive system that delivers the highest levels of dynamics, feel and handling on the market.

“The new generation Opel Insignia sets new benchmarks for midsize automobiles” says William F. Bertagni, Vice President Vehicle Engineering Europe. “Torque vectoring represents the state-of-the-art in transmitting power to the road. The new Opel Insignia Grand Sport with torque vectoring all-wheel drive matches the best in the industry when it comes to ‘fun-to-drive’.”

New Opel Insignia  Grand Sport 4x4 - Offers optimum dynamics, feel and handling in all situations.
All-wheel drive and torque vectoring is the best way to put high power onto the road – be it wet, dry, icy or covered in snow.


But the additional weight and complexity of conventional torque vectoring systems prevent them from meeting Opel’s high standards for performance and efficiency.

The new Opel Insignia Grand Sport therefore utilizes a Twinster all-wheel drive system with a rear drive module that uses a twin clutch system without differential.

The Insignia’s all-wheel drive system can apply torque to one or both of the rear wheels independently, enabling torque vectoring capability across the car’s full performance range.

All-wheel drive system can apply torque to one or both of the rear wheels independently, enabling torque vectoring capability across the car’s full performance range.

When cornering, higher torque is sent to the outside rear wheel, inducing rotation around the vertical axis (yaw) – the Insignia turns in with more precision, responding more spontaneously to inputs from the driver.

Torque vectoring also contributes to safety by controlling the distribution of torque according to changes in throttle position, steering angle and road surface, thus damping the amount of yaw. This intelligent use of torque distribution – also known as “yaw damping” – results in neutral vehicle behaviour, making the car more stable and steerable for the driver.

New Opel Insignia Grand Sport drivers can choose the amount of yaw damping to suit their driving style by selecting the appropriate driving mode: from high yaw damping in Tour to low in Sport, for sportier vehicle behavior.

!NEW! Opel Increases European Sales by Four Percent in 2016

·  Highest sales in five years: Increase of around 46,000 units
·  Car of the Year 2016: Opel/Vauxhall Astra bestselling model
·   7 in 17: Further growth expected this year thanks to model offensive


Car of the Year: Opel’s success in 2016 was driven by the Opel Astra.

Opel/Vauxhall have once again significantly increased annual sales. According to provisional data, the Rüsselsheim-based carmaker sold approximately 1.16 million units in 2016. This is a year-on-year increase of some 46,000 vehicles or four percent and is the highest sales volume since 2011.


Overall Opel managed to increase sales in 18 of 22 markets including, amongst others, Germany, Spain, the Netherlands and Poland. Market share was also up in twelve markets. Opel/Vauxhall’s market share of the overall European market was almost unchanged at 5.73 percent. Significantly lower sales volumes in the United Kingdom following the Brexit vote offset the market share increase on numerous European markets.

The new Opel Astra was the main driver of the increase in sales across Europe. The European “Car of the Year 2016” was newly registered more than 285,000 times – up over 25 percent from the previous year. It therefore claimed the accolade of being Opel’s bestselling model.

“We held our own well and increased our sales in a difficult environment in 2016. We are optimistic for 2017. We will continue our growth course thanks to our product offensive with attractive new models. We will be well-placed in the growing CUV segment thanks to our new Opel Crossland X and Opel Grandland X models,” said Vice President Sales & Aftersales Peter Christian Küspert.

Opel is currently in the middle of the biggest model offensive in its history and will bring 29 new models to market from 2016 through 2020, seven of which in 2017 alone. Therefore, this year has been placed under the motto “7 in 17”.


In addition to the new generation of the Insignia flagship, which will be available as a five-door sedan (Opel Insignia Grand Sport), as a station wagon (Opel Insignia Sports Tourer) and a crossover version (Opel Insignia Country Tourer), the company will also launch two models in the fast-growing CUV segment (Crossover Utility Vehicles) – the Crossland X and the Grandland X. Furthermore, spring will see the arrival of the Opel Ampera-e electric car – a true range champion. The 2017 model offensive will be completed by an especially attractive variant of the Opel Vivaro.