Friday 30 March 2018

Stylish classics: Super spacious Opel Sports Tourers

  • Exceptional estates: Opel Astra and Opel Insignia Sports Tourer take loads of luggage
  • Off on holiday: Ventilated comfort seats with massage function for relaxing travel
  • Safe stowage: FlexOrganizer Pack keeps luggage and small cargo tidy and secure
  • Outstanding visibility: IntelliLux LED Matrix light and 360° camera for more safety
  • Top connectivity and entertainment: Navigate, surf online and enjoy music





The Easter holiday is around the corner – time to pack up the car with the family, the dog, sports equipment, lots of luggage and head to the mountains or the shore. A road trip that calls for travel companions with plenty of space and comfort – and Opel’s top estates are the classic first choice. With practical equipment options, an extra-roomy luggage compartment and state-of-the-art infotainment, the Opel Astra Sports Tourer and Opel Insignia Sports Tourer are as ideal for holiday travel as for everyday work duty.


Both XL models have much to offer, such as safe and practical extras as well as accessories that make long journeys even more relaxing. The ultra-modern assistance systems on board include innovative glare-free IntelliLux LED Matrix light and Forward Collision Alert with Automatic Emergency Braking. The Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatible IntelliLink infotainment system with navigation keeps Opel estate drivers superbly connected and on the right route to their destination. Along the way, the athletic, sharp design of the Astra and Insignia Sports Tourer is sure to turn heads. Last but not least, the Opel all-rounder in the compact segment and the Opel flagship are extremely economical without compromising on driving fun.


Can carry a load: Up to 1,665 litres load volume

XL storage space and a flexible layout are among the stand-out features of both Opel estates. For example, the Opel Astra Sports Tourer offers 40:20:40 foldable rear seats and up to 1,630 litres load volume – perfect conditions for long trips or everyday work. Opel Insignia Sports Tourer offers 35 litres more load capacity. With maximum load volume of 1,665 litres, Opel's flagship estate is ideal for travel with a lot of luggage. Opel also has the perfect solution for clean and easy hands-free boot access: the Opel estates’ optional sensor-controlled tailgate opens and closes with a simple foot movement under the rear bumper.



The FlexOrganizer Pack with side rails, dividing nets and various fastening options is available as an option so that all items loaded in the rear can be secured safely and neatly. Clever accessories such as reversible boot mats and water-resistant cargo compartment trays are also on offer. Passengers can use cup holder inserts and stowage spaces in the centre console to keep the cabin tidy. Personal items and up to 1.5-litre bottles can be stowed in the front door pockets.

The base roof carrier standard in all versions further expands the Opel estates’ spectrum of use; the Astra Sports Tourer can take on up to 75 and the Insignia Sports Tourer even up to 100 kilograms additional roof load. Opel offers a large selection of flexible transport and carrier systems that create extra storage space. Even a surf board or kayak can be transported on the roof with the proper carrier system – which can be fastened to the estate’s base carrier quickly and easily. Easy-load and unload boxes in various sizes can also be comfortably mounted on the base roof carrier. Additional holiday luggage can thus be stored practically and safely without taking up space in the boot.


Those who want to transport even more can also equip both vehicles with a trailer – numerous assistance systems such as the Trailer Stability Program and Hill Start Assist provide a significant increase in safety when driving a car-trailer combination. Opel Insignia Sports Tourer can optionally be fitted with the highly advanced, innovative Twinster all-wheel drive with torque vectoring. With its individual wheel torque distribution, it ensures maximum cornering and directional stability on every surface.



Relaxing travel: Ergonomic seats and air conditioning increase comfort

Thanks to the generous proportions in the cabin, especially passengers in the second row benefit from ample head and shoulder room. The driver is surrounded by the instruments and centre console, as if sitting in a command centre with all important displays directly in view and the controls within easy reach. In addition to the touchscreen, the controls for the infotainment system, heating options and air conditioning as well as for driver assistance systems can be operated intuitively by three rows of buttons. The optional ergonomic seats certified by “Aktion Gesunder Rücken e. V.” (Campaign for Healthier Backs) experts with features such as adjustable side bolsters, massage, ventilation and memory function ensure an even more comfortable ride and help especially long-distance and frequent drivers stay relaxed.

On cold days or when driving at night the seat heating in the Opel Astra Sports Tourer and Opel Insignia Sports Tourer keeps driver and front passenger warm and cosy. Depending on personal preferences, the seat cushion and backrest can be heated in stages. Even the outer rear seat passengers benefit from the heating feature. The optional two-zone automatic climate control available for both estates ensures optimum cabin temperature. It allows the driver and front passenger to individually adjust the temperature as they wish. The optional, darkly tinted Solar Protect heat-absorbing glazing in the rear provides protection against excessive amounts of ultraviolet rays on hot days.


Top assistance systems: For extra comfort and safety

Travel in the Opel Insignia Sports Tourer and Opel Astra Sports Tourer is more relaxing thanks to state-of-the-art technologies and driver assistance systems such as the award-winning adaptive IntelliLux LED Matrix light – a highlight in every sense of the word. The lighting functions precisely adapt to the prevailing traffic situation and the transitions between the multiple lighting patterns are fast and seamless. The Insignia also features an LED spotlight located within the low beam module that increases illumination distance up to 400 metres. This gives Opel drivers top visibility without dazzling cars ahead or oncoming traffic.


Features such as Lane Keep Assist with automated steering correction further increase safety and make driving more pleasant. Travel is even more relaxing with Adaptive Cruise Control with automatic emergency braking. It ensures the selected speed and pre-set distance to the car ahead is maintained and brakes or accelerates the Opel estate as necessary. Further useful assistants, for instance for the Opel Insignia Sports Tourer, include Forward Collision Alert with pedestrian detection and Autonomous Emergency Braking. The portfolio also offers further options such as Automatic Park Assist, Rear Cross Traffic Alert and 360° camera which enables a birds-eye view and thus facilitates parking manoeuvres. Automatic Park Assist including Park Pilot front and rear as well as the Rear View Camera are also available for the Astra Sports Tourer.

Top entertainment: Fun ride thanks to IntelliLink infotainment

The modern Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatible IntelliLink systems with an up to eight-inch colour touch screen and voice control for audio, telephone and navigation ensure excellent entertainment and top connectivity. During the ride, occupants can easily charge compatible smartphones wirelessly in the centre console.

An entertaining ride is also guaranteed in the second row: thanks to the optional FlexConnect adaptor, passengers can play cards on the folding table or watch movies comfortably on their tablets with the Opel FlexConnect holder. The optional personal connectivity and service assistant OnStar[1] brings even more connectivity on board.

 [1] OnStar Services require activation and account with OnStar Europe Ltd. Wi-Fi Hotspot Services require account with nominated network operator. Charges apply after expiry of applicable trial periods. All services subject to mobile network coverage and availability. Check [LOCAL SITE] for service limitations and charges.

Wednesday 28 March 2018

Export Offensive Continues: Opel Announces Importer for Lebanon


Opel Astra Sports Tourer & Opel Astra

Opel is continuing its export offensive. The company has signed an agreement with the renowned A.N. Boukather Holding which will become the exclusive sales partner of the German brand for the Lebanese market.


A.N. Boukather Holding will be responsible for importing, selling and servicing Opel vehicles in Lebanon as of March 2018. A.N. Boukather Holding is a rich in tradition and professional partner, focused on delivering highest levels of customer services. An exclusive showroom displaying the Opel cars will be opened in July 2018 in Beirut, with further representation around the country to follow.



“Lebanon is a trendsetting market in the Middle East with significant potential for Opel. The Astra range as well as Opel Crossland X and Opel Grandland X are a perfect match. Being successful in this market is important for our further expansion in the Middle East and Africa,” says Bill Mott, Director International Operations, Opel Automobile GmbH.


Increasing sales significantly in markets outside of Europe is one of the key pillars of the PACE! company plan, which will pave the company’s way back to sustainable profitability. Opel targets doubling overseas sales by 2020. The goal is to generate 10 percent of the Opel sales volume outside of Europe by the mid-2020s. To reach this, the brand will further strengthen its presence in 15 export markets in Asia, Africa and South America where it is already present today and will enter more than 20 new export markets by 2022.



The announcement of an importer for Lebanon is the next step in the implementation process of the strategic plan. In recent months, the car manufacturer from Rüsselsheim has already announced the decision to assemble Opel vehicles for the African market in Namibia and named renowned new trading partners in South Africa, Morocco and Tunisia.


Thursday 22 March 2018

Groupe PSA optimizes its manufacturing base in Europe

  • Improving performance of powertrain plants to fulfil orders for future Opel/Vauxhall models based on PSA platforms
  • Preparing manufacturing facilities for the ICE energy mix transition as well as the electrification push
  • Localising automatic gearbox production to meet shifting customer demand



In order to step up its development and boost its competitiveness in Europe, the Group has decided to:
  • Increase the agility of its manufacturing base by producing components as close as possible to car plants,
  • Adapt its output to customer expectations, taking into account technological and energy shifts.

These changes are also an opportunity to adjust production capacity for Group engines as the manufacture of Opel/Vauxhall models is gradually ramped up on Groupe PSA platforms and fitted with Groupe PSA powertrains and technologies.

In light of the above, the Group has decided to make three adjustments:
  • Increase production of the 3-cylinder Turbo PureTech petrol engine – awarded “Engine of the Year” in its category for three years in a row – as close as possible to car plants. In addition to doubling production capacity in France, compared to 2016, already in progress in Douvrin and Trémery plants, the Group will be producing PureTech engines in Tychy (Poland) and Szentgotthárd (Hungary) from 2019 onwards.
  • Increase production of gearboxes from 2019 with the manufacture under license of automatic gearbox in Valenciennes (France), set to reach full potential by 2020, thanks to a strategic partnership signed with AISIN AW. Until now, this component has been manufactured in Japan and China. The Group will also invest to produce additional volumes of manual ML gearboxes in Metz-Borny (France) and MB6 gearboxes in Aspern (Austria), in particular to equip its high-end and light commercial vehicles and serve growing needs driven by production of Opel/Vauxhall cars.
  • Prepare the Trémery plant (France) to produce electrical motors from 2019 onwards, before acceleration from 2021 onwards, thanks to the joint venture signed with Nidec. They will support the electrification push, as 100% of the Group’s vehicle range will include e an electrified offering by 2025.
These decisions have been made based on a performance assessment of manufacturing sites and in accordance with the New Momentum for Growth commitments signed in July 2016 by five out of six trade union organisations. The new production allocations also take into account what has been presented to employee representatives as part of the Opel/Vauxhall PACE! plan.

Yann Vincent, Executive Vice- President, Manufacturing and Supply Chain, said: “What will make the difference will be our agility to prepare our manufacturing base to produce components that meet customer needs and respond to the energy shift, creating the conditions for a sustainable future through enhanced performance. Groupe PSA’s 15 component production plants in Europe, located in France, Germany, Austria, Hungary and Poland, are eager to propose the best quality and performance to our customers.”

Wednesday 21 March 2018

Small Sports Star, Big Name: New Opel Corsa GSi


  • Continuation of GSi tradition: Opel Corsa GSi to follow Opel Insignia GSi
  • Pure precision: Sport chassis from fast Opel Corsa OPC sibling
  • Uncompromising appearance: Dynamic Opel design with crisp and precise lines
  • Touring car feeling: Recaro seats and sports steering wheel on inside, carbon elements on the outside

What you see is what you get: Sporty design of the Opel Corsa GSi reflects its fun-to-drive character.

Pure precision for pure driving pleasure: What the Opel Insignia GSi is already impressively showing in the midsize class, will be brought to the small car segment by the new Opel Corsa GSi. A precise sports machine that becomes a cornering virtuoso thanks to its sports chassis fine-tuned on the Nordschleife of the Nürburgring. The exterior design of the Corsa GSi leaves no doubts: Here comes a true athlete that is equally impressive in everyday driving.

“We are continuing our long GSi tradition with the new Opel Corsa GSi. There was already an especially sporty variant of the very first Opel Corsa, which is a sought after classic-to-be.


Our latest athlete will set new standards in the segment with its OPC sports chassis,” said Peter Küspert, Opel Managing Director Sales and Marketing.


True to the motto “hot, hotter, Corsa GSi” the three-door small car impresses with precise lines: It has a characteristic design with large air intakes, sculptured bonnet, prominent rear spoiler and precisely modelled side sills .From the front, the cheeky Opel GSi fascia with large honeycomb grille and the central Opel Blitz supported by two wings, along with the exterior rear view mirror housings in carbon racing-look become visible. The large chrome-ringed design elements that are visually connected in a horizontal line via black crosspieces running across the front, along with the black traverse cleat on the bonnet support the impression of road-clinging athlete. The vibrant styling is also present when viewed from the rear. The prominent spoiler on the edge of the roof creates additional downforce, the sporty chrome tailpipe is framed by the vibrant design of the rear apron in body colour.

Eye-catcher: Clean lines and a prominent roof spoiler – New Opel Corsa GSi looks the business from any angle, including the rear.
The pure feeling of sportiness is also conveyed by the interior. Opel Corsa GSi driver sits on the optional Recaro performance seat and puts his hands on the sports steering wheel. Select the gear via the leather gearshift knob, put your foot on the aluminium sport pedal and pure driving pleasure commences. Opel Corsa GSi also emits pure precision: The sport chassis known from the OPC version and the brakes with red callipers ensure precise athleticism, outstanding handling and short braking distances also when combined with the optional 18-inch light alloy wheels.


Opel Corsa GSi occupants can also enjoy outstanding connectivity with the optional IntelliLink infotainment system and bring the world of Apple iOS and Android smartphones into the car.

Tuesday 13 March 2018

Already Over 100,000 Orders for Opel Crossland X

 
Bestseller in the making: More than 100,000 customers have already ordered the Opel Crossland X since the start of sales about one year ago.

Just one year after the order books opened and already a bestseller: 100,000 customers across Europe have chosen the Opel Crossland X. Extremely crisp on the outside, really spacious and extra variable on the inside, with a cool two-colour finish and a casual SUV look: the Crossland X hits the bull's eye in the SUV-B market.

Crisp, spacious and versatile: Qualities like these have already convinced more than 100,000 customers to order the Opel Crossland X.
"With typically Opel technology such as ergonomic AGR front seats, which are unique in this market segment, the Crossland X plays a key role in our ongoing product offensive”, said Peter Küspert, Managing Director Sales and Marketing, Opel Automobile GmbH. “Together with its X- family siblings, the Mokka X and the Grandland X, it will be available in 2018 for the first time over a full calendar year and make an important contribution to growth.”


The Crossland X was the first joint project between Groupe PSA and Opel in the cooperation that began between both companies in 2012. The car shares its architecture with the Citroën C3 Aircross and both cars are produced in the Zaragoza plant in Spain.


The Crossland X offers a host of state-of-the-art driver assistance systems such as Driver Drowsiness Alert and Lane Departure Warning, Forward Collision Alert with pedestrian detection and Automatic Emergency Braking, high-tech Full LED headlights, 180-degree Panoramic Rear View Camera and Side Blind Spot Alert.

The car is powered by a portfolio of efficient diesel, petrol and LPG engines from 1.2 to 1.6 litres in displacement with outputs ranging from 55 kW/75 hp to 96 KW/130 hp, combined with a choice of five and six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmissions (official fuel consumption in accordance with the New European Driving Cycle urban 8.4[1]-4.11 l/100 km, extra-urban 6.01-3.31 l/100 km, combined 6.91-3.61 l/100 km, official specific combined CO2 emissions 123-931 g/km; efficiency class C-A+).

The Crossland X is the third member of the Opel X-family of trendy sport utility vehicles, alongside the robust Mokka X and the larger compact-class Grandland X. The X-family enjoys increasing popularity. In Germany, for example, the trio took first place in the SUV segment statistics of the Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA) in the first two months of the year.



[1] With low rolling resistance tyres.

Monday 12 March 2018

Opel Strengthens Overseas Business with Assembly in Namibia

  • Assembly of Opel Grandland X in new Groupe PSA JV facility in Walvis Bay starts already this year
  • Further impetus for business in Southern Africa
  • Growth outside Europe major pillar of PACE! strategy plan

New frontiers: Assembly of the Opel Grandland X in the new Groupe PSA plant in Namibia will start later this year.

Export offensive: Opel will further strengthen its presence in Southern Africa by assembling the Grandland X SUV in the new Groupe PSA plant in Walvis Bay, Namibia.
Opel continues to pursue its export offensive in markets outside Europe, capitalising on the global production footprint of Groupe PSA. Already this year, Opel models will also be produced in the plant in Namibia that was announced today. With this step, Opel will further strengthen its presence in Southern Africa.


Opel Grandland X will be assembled at the new Groupe PSA plant in Walvis Bay, Namibia, later this year.

“Increasing profitable sales significantly in markets outside of Europe is one of the key pillars of our strategic plan PACE! and we are making great progress in this area,” said Opel/Vauxhall CEO Michael Lohscheller. “Today’s decision also demonstrates how much Opel benefits from being a part of the Groupe PSA. We leverage the global presence of our parent company to gain a fast foothold in growth markets.”


In a first step, Opel will produce its SUV Grandland X in Walvis Bay/Namibia in the so-called SKD (Semi Knocked Down) assembly starting in the second half of 2018. Other products will follow at a later stage.

Groupe PSA and Namibia Development Corporation (NDC) signed a joint-venture to assemble both Opel and Peugeot brand vehicles in Walvis Bay. The annual targeted volume is more than 5,000 units by 2020.


“This very fast decision and implementation demonstrates the excellent cooperation with our different brands,” said Jean-Christophe Quémard, Executive Vice-President, Africa-Middle East of Groupe PSA. “This project is also the illustration that the Opel brand has a real potential in the region.”

A comprehensive export offensive is part of Opel/Vauxhall’s strategic plan PACE! which will pave the company’s way back to sustainable profitability. Opel targets doubling overseas sales by 2020. The goal is to generate 10 percent of the Opel sales volume outside of Europe by the mid-2020s. To reach this, the brand will further strengthen its presence in 15 export markets in Asia, Africa and South American where it is already present today and will enter more than 20 new export markets by 2022.

The decision to also assemble Opel vehicles for the African market in Namibia in the future is not the first step with which Opel is fulfilling this promise: In recent months, the car manufacturer from Rüsselsheim has already named renowned new trading partners in South Africa, Morocco and Tunisia. This will set the course for growth in these important markets of the future.

Friday 9 March 2018

IntelliGrip: Optimum traction at all times for Opel Grandland X

  • Five adaptive traction control modes: From normal and snow to mud and sand
  • Power where it’s needed: Torque distribution automatically adjusted
  • Ready for anything: Perfect balance between grip and wheel-spin

Safe journeys through snow and mud: IntelliGrip electronic traction control ensures that the wheels of the Opel Grandland X always find sufficient grip.


Drivers who want a compact SUV (Sport Utility Vehicle) offering cool style and efficiency, especially if they frequently encounter loose surfaces or slippery roads, need look no further than the new Opel Grandland X with the optional IntelliGrip adaptive traction control system.

Outstanding traction on ice and snow: With the IntelliGrip electronic traction control in the Opel Grandland X.

IntelliGrip enables optimum traction and stability on all kinds of surface. Depending on the driving conditions, the driver of the front-wheel drive Opel Grandland X simply selects the appropriate traction control mode via the rotary dial on the centre console. The electronics then immediately adapt torque distribution to the wheels and the ESP settings (Electronic Stability Program) to the selected mode.



“The Opel Grandland X SUV offers numerous innovations such as 360-degree camera, adaptive full-LED headlights and certified ergonomic seats, which make driving safer and more fun. And thanks to IntelliGrip technology, drivers can enjoy these benefits at any time, on a variety of road surfaces”, said Peter Küspert, Managing Director Sales and Marketing.

IntelliGrip features the following five modes:
  • Normal / On-road: ‘Normal mode’ is activated as soon as the Opel Grandland X is started. ESP and traction control are calibrated for normal driving conditions downtown, on the motorway or in the countryside.
  • Snow: ‘Snow mode’ enables optimum traction on icy and snowy surfaces at speeds up to 50 km/h. Traction control regulates the slip of the front wheels, slowing down the spinning wheel and transferring the torque to the other front wheel.
  • Mud: This mode allows more wheel slip. This intentional spinning of the wheel with the least traction when the vehicle is launching enables the removal of mud from the tire, which can then regain traction. Meanwhile, the wheel with the most grip is provided with the highest torque. This mode is active up to 80 km/h.
  • Sand: This mode allows a small amount of simultaneous spin of both the front-driven wheels, enabling the vehicle to move and reducing the risk of sinking.
  • ESP Off: This deactivates ESP and traction control at speeds up to 50 km/h. For safety reasons, IntelliGrip automatically returns to ‘normal mode’ at speeds above 50 km/h.
IntelliGrip thus adapts torque distribution to the front wheels according to the selected mode, allowing slip when necessary and thus creating the optimum balance between grip and wheel-spin.

The ideal mode for every surface: IntelliGrip can be operated from the dial in the Opel Grandland X cockpit.

The innovative IntelliGrip technology is available with all powertrain combinations of the Opel Grandland X as part of the option “Grip & Go”, together with five-spoke 7.5J x 18-inch light alloy wheels and 225/55 R18 tyres, on Enjoy, INNOVATION and Ultimate model variants.

Wednesday 7 March 2018

Opel records highest sales in Germany since 2008

  • Opel sells around 36,600 passenger cars in Germany in January and February
  • Opel number one SUV brand with 9,740 SUV registrations
  • Opel X-Family available for the entire year for the first time in 2018

Leading SUV brand: Highly popular Mokka X, Grandland X and Crossland X (from left to right) have propelled Opel to the top of the SUV sales charts in Germany.

Opel has its sights firmly set on growth with its X-Family: Energised by the sales of the Mokka X, Grandland X and Crossland X SUVs, Opel sold almost 36,600 passenger cars in Germany in January and February – an increase of around 1,300 vehicles and the best result in this period for a decade.

The Opel Mokka X, Opel Grandland X and Opel Crossland X were sold around 9,740 times in the first two months of the year. Opel once again managed to take first place in the SUV segment in the statistic of the Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA).



“This result shows that our model offensive is working. We are better positioned than ever before in the fast-growing SUV segment thanks to our X-Family. We want to and will continue to benefit from this during the further course of the year. 2018 is the first year in which the Mokka X, Crossland X and Grandland X are available for the full 12 months,” said Jürgen Keller, Opel Executive Director Sales, Marketing and Aftersales Germany.

The Opel Mokka X was the first Opel model to carry the X suffix in its name and a true bestseller with its dynamic and muscular design. Mokka X drivers benefit from an elevated seating position and excellent overview – two SUV-typical attributes. The Mokka X is optionally also available with adaptive all-wheel drive.



The Opel Crossland X complements the Opel portfolio in the small SUV segment (SUV B-segment). The all-rounder with its cool looks offers an outstanding mixture of functionality, spaciousness, agility and sporty elegance.




Opel’s SUV offering was completed with the introduction of the compact Opel Grandland X, the Mokka X’s and the Crossland X’s bigger brother, last autumn. Its virtues include: ample space, flexible interior, sporty and dynamic design. Furthermore the Grandland X comes with innovative technologies such as IntelliGrip electronic traction control, Forward Collision Alert with pedestrian detection and Automatic Emergency Braking, Driver Drowsiness Alert and 360° camera.