Wednesday 24 May 2017

For Individualists: New Opel X-range with Certain X-tra

  • Opel Mokka X: The SUV bestseller with all-wheel drive for the small off-road adventure
  • Opel Crossland X: The urban crossover with SUV styling and long-distance spaciousness
  • Opel Grandland X: The new challenger in the booming compact SUV segment

New Opel X-range
Opel Mokka X, Opel Crossland X and Opel Grandland X – these are the three members of Opel’s new family of modern SUVs and crossovers. The Crossland X and the Grandland X, the newcomers with the certain X-tra, are Opel’s answer to the booming SUV segment. As they successively arrive on the market within the upcoming months, they are expected to be major contributors to the brand’s growth. Opel X-models are tailored for every taste and specific individual need. One of the bestsellers and trendsetters amongst small SUVs is the already well-known and established, robust Opel Mokka X. Elsewhere, the new Opel Crossland X and its larger brother the Opel Grandland X will add further impetus to Opel’s “7 in 17” product offensive, which will see the Rüsselsheim-based carmaker launch no less than seven vehicles this year. The X-models all play a major part and impress with an athletic design and SUV qualities. However, simultaneously each family member is unique and will appeal to its own audience, as Mark Adams, Vice President Design, explains.



Opel Mokka X: Muscular SUV design and all-wheel drive for adventurers


The Opel Mokka X was the first member of the X-range and it is a real success story for Opel with more than 750,000 orders received to date. Mokka X drivers benefit from SUV-typical raised seating position and the corresponding excellent visibility. The compact adventurer is a real eye-catcher thanks to its sporty and muscular design. Its wide stance and compact length of 4.28 meters gives the impression that it is always ready for an adventure. Therefore, it comes with the optional all-wheel system, which also helped it win two “All-wheel Drive Car of the Year” awards. “The Mokka X is really a great vehicle that blends sportiness, dynamism and robustness altogether in an aspirational package,” said Vice President Design Mark Adams.



Opel Crossland X: Clear, crisp, cool – and unbelievably practical

The Opel Crossland X, which has been available since the beginning of March, complements the company’s portfolio of compact all-rounders. It picks up many attributes of the Mokka X such as the robustness and elevated seating position and joins it in the SUV B-segment. “The Crossland X adds its own unique twist. The interior space on this car is fantastic and it is really targeted at people who want that enhanced functionality for their families but who do not want to compromise on style,” said Mark Adams.



While the Opel Crossland X impresses with its optional two-tone roof and cool SUV look on the outside it also delivers on the inside with ample space and versatility. Despite its length of only 4.21 meters it carries up to five people and a total trunk volume of 520 liters thanks to the sliding rear seats that can be adjusted by 150 millimeters in longitudinal direction. With the seats folded down, the trunk volume increases to 1,255 liters. With its unique blend of functionality, agility and sporty elegance the Opel Crossland X is the ideal car for both a short shopping trip and a longer journey –a compact all-rounder for families living in an urban area.

Opel Grandland X: Sporty yet elegant and generous – a true challenger

Last, but not least, the Grandland X, the larger sibling of the Mokka X and the Crossland X, will represent Opel in the SUV C-segment as of the fall of this year. “The new Grandland X builds on all the attributes that a great SUV should have,” said Adams. “Great interior space and versatility, combined with a very stylish dynamic exterior and an inviting upscale interior. Once again it combines that sporty dynamism together with robustness and a touch of premium qualities.”


The 4.48-meter long Grandland X flexes its muscles under its sporty exterior. Combined with the short body overhangs, this results in elegant proportions. The compact SUV with a maximum trunk volume of 1,652 liters can optionally be ordered with a black roof to emphasize a personal style. Under its skin the Grandland X comes with a range of innovative technologies such as the electronic traction aid “Grip Control”, adaptive cruise control with pedestrian detection and Automatic Emergency Braking, Driver Drowsiness Alert and the 360-degree camera. This combination makes the Grandland X a real challenger in the compact class.

Furthermore, just like its siblings, the Opel Grandland X offers a high level of comfort thanks to the optional AGR-certified (Aktion Gesunder Rücken e.V.) ergonomic seats for driver and front passenger along with outstanding connectivity with Opel OnStar and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatible IntelliLink infotainment systems.

With the bestselling Mokka X and the newcomers Crossland X and Grandland X Opel offers sporty-looking and practical vehicles equipped with innovative technologies, thus meeting the various demands in the growing SUV segment. “Each of these vehicles has a clear DNA link but they all have an individual personality and a different role in our Opel portfolio,” said Adams.

Thursday 11 May 2017

Large Opel Models Delight at the Bodensee Klassik 2017

  • Spectators applaud the historic Opel Kapitän, Admiral and Diplomat fleet
  • Opel VP Sales & Aftersales Peter Küspert in the Opel Diplomat B V8 presidential limousine
  • Actors Roman Knižka and Tim Wilde shine as approachable Opel celebrities
  • Brand ambassador Joachim Winkelhock celebrated in rare Opel Kapitän A V8

Line-up: All-New Opel Insignia Grand Sport with its legendary ancestors, a 1976 Opel Diplomat, a 1956 Opel Kapitän and a 1990 Lotus Omega.

The 6th edition of the Bodensee Klassik took place on picturesque circular routes starting in Bregenz and the competitors crossed over the borders between Germany, Switzerland and Austria. The spectators once again got their money’s worth and could enjoy the large Opel flagships ranging from the Kapitän to the Admiral and Diplomat right up the new Insignia Grand Sport.


The Opel fleet was led by a Diplomat B V8 with an extended wheelbase. It was used as one of the presidential limousines when US President Gerald Ford visited Germany. Opel Vice President Sales & Aftersales Peter Küspert was behind the wheel of the Diplomat during the Bodensee Klassik. “This is a piece of living automotive history. Our Diplomat is a really impressive car and the V8 engine ticks over beautifully. The spectators were gripped and listened attentively – and so did I,” said Küspert, who was joined in the car by Roman Knižka. Elsewhere, fellow actor Tim Wilde shared the cockpit of the rare Opel Kapitän V8 – this engine was normally reserved for the Opel Admiral and Diplomat and only 130 Kapitän V8s were produced – with Opel brand ambassador and racing legend Joachim Winkelhock.


The route of the 6th Bodensee Klassik spanned around 600 stunning and challenging kilometers on scenic side roads through Germany, Austria and Switzerland. Each stage started and finished in Bregenz, state capital of the Austrian federal province of Vorarlberg. Day one saw the participants drive to Bad Waldsee in Upper Swabia. On day two, the rally headed to Kempten and back. And on the third and final day the 180 classic cars drove through beautiful Vorarlberg and the charming Appenzell.


The Opel models at the Bodensee Klassik

  • Number 11, 1976 Opel Diplomat B V8 extended wheelbase
  • Number 12, 1966 Opel Kapitän A V8
  • Number 13, 1956 Opel Kapitän / Opel Senator A
  • Number 14, 1991 Lotus Omega
  • Number 15, 1966 Opel Admiral A V8
  • Number 16, 1972 Opel Commodore B GS/E

Tuesday 9 May 2017

!NEW! Opel Insignia Sports Tourer and Opel Vivaro Rescue Vehicles at RETTmobil 2017

  • Mobile command vehicle: Opel Insignia Sports Tourer in fire department outfit
  • Fire department personnel carrier: Opel Vivaro tailored ex works


Mobile HQ: The new Opel Insignia Sports Tourer makes its debut at RETTmobil 2017 as a command vehicle for the fire service.


Opel will show two new emergency service vehicles at the 17th RETTmobil in Fulda. An Insignia Sports Tourer mobile command vehicle and a Vivaro personnel carrier will make their debuts at the international rescue and mobility exhibition. RETTmobil is open to visitors Wednesday through Friday from 09.00CET until 17.00CET. Just like last year, Opel will present its newcomers at booth 505 in tent 5. The expert staff at the Opel stand is ready to inform visitors about the carmaker’s broad portfolio of emergency vehicles and other vehicle conversion options. The emergency service vehicles are made by Opel Special Vehicles in Rüsselsheim.

As fast as the fire department: Opel Insignia Sports Tourer
 

Eye-catching: In its red and yellow color scheme the new Opel Insignia Sports Tourer is immediately recognizable as a command vehicle for the fire service.


Opel is showing the fire department command vehicle with flagship equipment. The Insignia Sports Tourer comes with a 191 kW/260 hp turbocharged 2.0 liter gasoline engine (NEDC fuel consumption: urban 11.5 l/100 km, extra-urban 7.1 l/100 km, combined 8.7 l/100 km, 199 g/km CO2). It accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 7.5 seconds and has a top speed of 245 km/h. The Insignia can always transfer its power to the road thanks to its intelligent all-wheel drive with torque vectoring. This is especially important when the roads are wet or snowy.


Furthermore, drivers can enjoy the new 8-speed automatic transmission, which allows them to keep their hands on the steering wheel even in the most dangerous situations. The Sports Tourer is equipped with a special signal system and LED front flashers to ensure that it arrives on site safely. In addition, a tailored equipment carrier in the spare wheel well of the trunk ensures safe storage of radio and fire-fighting related additional equipment.



All aboard: Opel Vivaro for nine fire fighters


Very spacious: Opel Vivaro Combi as crew transportation can accommodate up to nine fire fighters and their equipment.
Elsewhere, Opel will also display their light commercial vehicle bestseller at the RETTmobil. The Vivaro Combi fire department personnel carrier has a gross permissible weight of 2.9 tons and can carry up to nine people. Under the hood it can rely on the 107 kW/145 hp 1.6 BiTurbo (NEDC diesel consumption: urban 6.6 l/100 km, extra-urban 5.4 l/100 km, combined 5.9 l/100 km, 152 g/km CO2). In general, the 5.40 meter long L2 variant of the Vivaro impresses with good driving performance, ample space, a high load capacity and comfort in abundance. Up front, it comes with a three-way adjustable driver’s seat with lumbar support along with a double bench-seat. Removable three-seat-benches in the second and third row ensure plenty of knee room – which is especially important for quick ingress and egress. A mesh installed behind the third row of seats protects the fire fighters from equipment stored in the trunk in extreme driving situations.

Just like the Opel Insignia command vehicle the Opel Vivaro is equipped with an LED special signal systems with the obligatory siren. Furthermore it catches other road users’ attention with its front and rear flashers. Thanks to a built-in preliminary radio communication set-up, the fire fighters can connect their various devices individually.

Command center: In the Opel Vivaro Combi the centrally placed controls for the emergency signal system are within easy reach.

The eye-catching signal graphics of both vehicles on display come from design112. The Hessian company has been specialized in special decals for two decades and works closely with Opel Special Vehicles.

Friday 5 May 2017

750,000 Orders: Current Opel Corsa Continues Success Story

  • Fifth generation of bestseller: Over 13 million Corsa cars built to date
  • Success story in five acts: From Opel Corsa A to current model

Serial success: Over 13 million Opel Corsa spanning five generations have been produced to date. Opel recently received the 750,000th order for the current generation Corsa.



Dynamic, practical, stylish and very popular: the fifth Corsa generation is again a bestseller. Opel has just received the 750,000th order for the current small car model since its market launch in late 2014. The stylish all-rounder thus continues the success story that started with the first Corsa in 1982. To date, more than 13 million Corsa vehicles from all generations have been built.


“The Corsa is one of our most important models in Europe and accounts for around one-quarter of Opel’s total sales volume. Depending on the version, it is the perfect car for singles and couples as well as for the whole family,” says Peter Küspert, Opel/Vauxhall Vice President Sales & Aftersales.


And the Corsa has not just won over customers, over the years it has also collected many awards, including the recent “Small Car of the Year 2016” title in Ireland, “Eco Car of the Year 2016” in Latvia, “Most Sensible Car 2015” and “Value Champion 2015” in Germany as well as the AUTOBEST award “Best Buy Car of Europe for 2015”. This shows that the Opel Corsa is a true European.


There are good reasons for this success: Opel Corsa combines a pleasant, stylish atmosphere and driving fun with top technologies from higher vehicle classes. In the small bestseller, the Opel design philosophy “Sculptural artistry meets German precision” meets top comfort and modern assistance systems as well as best digital connectivity with Opel OnStar and IntelliLink infotainment. The portfolio also impresses with powerful and efficient turbo gasoline, turbo diesel and LPG engines. The entire package’s price-performance ratio is superb. Entry into the Corsa world is already possible for €11,995 for the sporty three-door model with a 51 kW/70 hp 1.2-liter gasoline engine (NEDC fuel consumption: urban 6.7-6.6[1] l/100 km, extra-urban 4.6-4.51 l/100 km, combined 5.4-5.31 l/100 km, 126-1241 g/km CO2). For just €785 more, customers can opt for driving fun in the spacious, family-friendly five-door model (RRP incl. VAT in Germany).

Opel Corsa: A success story in five acts

Act One: Opel Corsa A - 1982 to 1993


As the smaller “Kadett brother” the Opel Corsa A debuted with a crisp, short length of 3.62 meters, an exceptionally low, possibly record-breaking 0.36 drag coefficient and bold, flared wheelarches in rally car style. Chief designer Erhard Schnell had created a sporty small car with sharp, chiseled lines, intended to particularly appeal to ‘the man of the house’. The highlight was the 100 hp Corsa GSi, and diesel power was also introduced. The two-door hatch and notchback line-up was expanded in 1985 with the addition of the popular five-door model. The Corsa A became a highly-acclaimed top seller with 3.1 million units sold.

Act Two: Opel Corsa B - 1993 to 2000


Despite the success of Opel Corsa Nr. 1, the decision was taken in Rüsselsheim to position its successor as a real ‘ladies’ darling’. Designer Hideo Kodama set to work and created a much rounder, softer Opel Corsa, with appealing ‘saucer-eye’ headlamps. Opel Corsa B was ten centimeters longer and much more spacious inside. It also introduced higher safety standards to its segment, including ABS, side-impact protection and front airbags. For special markets, next to the hatchback Opel again offered a notchback as well as station wagon and pick-up variants. Gasoline engines already had fuel-injection technology and catalytic converters, while the GSi featured 16 valves and diesel power was now turbo-charged. The second Opel Corsa was successful around the world, and sales topped the four million mark.

Act Three: Opel Corsa C - 2000 to 2006


Hideo Kodama was again asked to design the shape of the Opel Corsa C. The styling was consciously oriented towards its successful predecessor. The new Corsa grew again by ten centimeter in length and had a wider stance with a longer wheelbase, which greatly increased interior space. For the first time, the body was fully galvanized. Sophisticated four-valve ECOTEC gasoline and new direct-injection turbo diesel engines ensured strong power, low fuel consumption and lowest emission values – all variants already complied to the stringent Euro 4 emission standards. The Corsa C also became a star performer and sold 2.5 million units.

Act Four: Opel Corsa D - 2006 to 2014


Like the Opel Corsa B, the three and five-door versions went their separate ways: the three-door Opel Corsa had unique, coupé-like styling aimed at sporty customers, just like the original Opel Corsa A. The five-door variant became a spacious, fully-fledged family car. Opel Corsa D was just under four meters long. With Opel’s ecoFLEX technology, the Corsa had fuel-saving Start/Stop systems and highly efficient engines. The fourth generation reached sales of 2.8 million units.


Act Five: Opel Corsa E - Since 2014


With 750,000 orders to date, the fifth Corsa generation is also built in the Opel plants in Zaragoza and Eisenach as three and five-door variants. Eisenach is also home to production of the Opel ADAM family, so now the Corsa has little brothers – just like the Kadett once had the Corsa.


[1] With low-rolling-resistance tires.

Tuesday 2 May 2017

!NEW! Opel Starts Production of Crossland X in Zaragoza


  • Opel CEO Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann drives first Opel Crossland X off production line
  • Opel Crossland X marks another important step in the company’s model offensive
  • First visible result of the cooperation with PSA which started in 2012
  • Next Opel Corsa generation to be built on PSA architecture in Zaragoza from 2019

Ceremony: Around 1,000 employees of the Opel plant in Zaragoza celebrate start of production of the new Opel Crossland X with Opel CEO Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann and members of the media in attendance.

Opel celebrated the official start of production of the new Crossland X in Zaragoza, Spain, today. Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann, Chairman of the Management Board of the Opel Group, drove the first new Opel Crossland X, a white model with black roof, off the production line. "Today is a great day for Opel and the Zaragoza plant. The Crossland X is an important part of our model offensive as we are adding another exciting car to the booming SUV and CUV market. This will support our growth strategy," said Dr. Neumann.


Dr. Neumann also praised the dedication and performance of the whole team at the Zaragoza plant that has once again delivered an excellent production launch and added: “I am sure that the Opel Crossland X will be a big success. It has the right DNA to follow in the footsteps of our Opel Mokka X that really kicked off a success story in the sub-compact SUV segment. The fact that both models are produced here in Zaragoza underlines the importance of the plant for our model offensive.”


Opel Crossland X is the first visible result of the cooperation with PSA that started in 2012. This model and the new Opel Grandland X, the second car developed jointly, show that the teamwork displayed by Opel and PSA results in superb cars.

In future there will also be a cooperation on the development of the next Opel Corsa generation, which will be based on a PSA architecture. As already announced in 2016, the car will roll off the production line in Zaragoza by the end of 2019.

Opel Crossland X combines practicality and generous space with the cool look of an SUV and offers outstanding innovations that make every day driving safer, more comfortable and easier. Full LED headlamps paired with functions such as cornering light, high beam assist and auto levelling, 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],[2], Driver Drowsiness Alert [2], Lane Departure Warning, 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.

Opel Crossland 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, seven of those in 2017 alone.

Opel has over three decades of history in Spain and is the number one private employer in the autonomous province of Aragon. The Zaragoza plant manufactures three model lines (Corsa, Mokka X and Crossland X) and is the biggest Opel production plant in Europe. To date, today more than 12 million cars have been produced in the plant. Opel has established itself as the leader of the Spanish passenger car market in the first quarter. With more than 25,000 passenger new car registrations in the first three months of 2017 the brand reached a market share of around 8.2 percent in Spain.

[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] Forward Collision Alert with pedestrian detection and Automatic Emergency Braking and Driver Drowsiness Alert available from this summer.