Rüsselsheim TechDay
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- Top Groupe PSA technologies meet the art of German engineering
- New Opel models based on two modular multi-energy platforms
- Platforms allow an individual layout according to the independent identity of each brand
- Electrification of product portfolio is at the core of PACE! strategic plan
- Responsibility for development of Groupe PSA light commercial vehicles and next generation four-cylinder petrol engines
- 15 Centers of Competence in Rüsselsheim – from hydrogen fuel cells to seat development
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| Welcome to Rüsselsheim: Opel CEO Michael Lohscheller greets the expert audience at the Rüsselsheim Tech Day. |
With Peugeot, Citroën, DS Automobiles, Opel and Vauxhall all under the roof of Groupe PSA, a European champion has been created. The group is now pooling its strengths, creating synergies and releasing the full potential of its brands. In the process, state-of-the-art Groupe PSA technologies meet the art of German engineering. Together, this results in a new level of quality. Groupe PSA thus harbours ambitious goals, such as leadership in the reduction of CO2 emissions.
The Engineering Center in Rüsselsheim takes on an important role
within Group PSA. It brings typical Opel strengths to the global
development network, including experience in sporty chassis designed for
high speeds on the German “Autobahn”, US market federalisation and
AGR ergonomic seats certified by “Aktion Gesunder Rücken”. Opel is a
tradition-rich German brand, which has always democratised cutting-edge
technologies. For Opel, the Engineering Center in Rüsselsheim guarantees
the combination of German engineering, precision and innovations that
customers can afford.
“We want to build first-class automobiles and also excite our
customers through compelling quality,” said Opel CEO Michael
Lohscheller. “As we announced at the presentation of our PACE! strategic
plan in November 2017, we will develop all new Opel/Vauxhall vehicles
in Rüsselsheim in future. Furthermore, the Engineering Center will play a
key role in the implementation of Groupe PSA’s growth strategy.”
Currently the keyword in the automobile business is efficiency. In
order to manufacture efficient, economic and climate-friendly cars, the
base design is key. This is why all passenger cars and most light
commercial vehicles (LCVs) of Groupe PSA are currently derived from two
multi-energy modular platforms – the Common Modular Platform (CMP) and
the Efficient Modular Platform (EMP2). A modular platform consists
primarily of the floor assembly, the chassis and various powertrains, as
well as the base electric/electronic architecture. The platform is
therefore the decisive factor for cost-efficient automobile
manufacturing and represents 60 % of the material costs. The
Groupe PSA platforms are complemented with modules for engines, seats,
restraints, cockpits and infotainment systems that can be used in
various carlines.
“Thanks to the jointly used platforms, we will – depending on the
programmes – save between 20 % and 50 % of the development
costs of every new Opel/Vauxhall model compared to its predecessor,”
said Lohscheller.
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Cost saver: New Opel models will be based on two modular multi-energy platforms, here the Common Modular Platform (CMP) for vehicles in the B and C market segments. |
Different variants for various segments and international markets can
be developed on these modular platforms: four and five-door sedans and
hatchbacks, station wagons, vans, sport utility vehicles (SUV),
convertibles and coupés are possible. The Groupe PSA platform dedicated
to vehicles in the B and C segments is called CMP. New Opel Corsa, which
will make its world premiere next year, is currently being developed on
this very compact platform. Opel Grandland X SUV and the family-friendly
Opel Combo Life leisure activity vehicle (LAV) are based on the EMP2 – which
is used for the passenger car C and D segments.
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Multi-energy platform: New Opel models will be based on two modular multi-energy platforms, here the Efficient Modular Platform (EMP2) for the passenger car C and D segments. |
In addition, EMP2 also provides each individual Groupe PSA brand with
the option of personalising each car to perfectly match the respective
brand character. This flexibility ensures that an Opel model is
distinctively different to the Peugeot, Citroën or DS Automobiles model
based on the same platform.
“Hardware, software, the choice of modules,
different set-ups, calibration – all this helps us create a
brand-specific character for each and every car. It also permits us to
safeguard and further develop the Opel DNA and make sure that an Opel
drives like an Opel,” said Christian Müller, Managing Director
Engineering.
State-of-the-art powertrains for lowest CO2 emissions
Opel goes electric. The electrification of the Opel product portfolio
is at the core of the PACE! strategic plan. One of the main goals of
this plan is to meet the 95-gramme CO2 limit of the EU by 2020. Groupe PSA is looking to take over a leading role on low CO2
emissions – not only because it has been mandated by the authorities
but also because the customers expect it. The Opel model range is
therefore quickly transitioning to the efficient, flexible and
electrified platforms of the Groupe PSA. By 2024, all Opel/Vauxhall
passenger cars will be based on these so-called multi-energy platforms.
The new CMP is the basis both for conventional propulsion systems as
well as for a generation of electric vehicles (from urban to SUV). In
addition, EMP2 is the basis for the next generation of plug-in hybrid
vehicles (SUV, CUV, mid-range and high-end vehicles). These platforms
enable a flexible adaptation to the development of the powertrain mix
according to future market demands.
Opel will already have four electrified model lines on the market by
2020, including the Opel Ampera-e, Opel Grandland X SUV as a plug-in hybrid
electric vehicle (PHEV) and the next Opel Corsa generation with a battery electric
vehicle (BEV). Moving forward, all European passenger car lines will be
electrified, either with a battery electric or plug-in hybrid variant,
alongside models powered by highly efficient combustion engines.
Opel/Vauxhall will thus become a leader in emissions reduction and be a
fully electrified European passenger car brand by 2024. The
electrification of the light commercial vehicle portfolio will begin in
2020 to meet customer needs and future requirements of urban areas.
The engineering team in Rüsselsheim is currently making a major
contribution to the development of the electric version of the new Opel Corsa
generation, a battery-powered variant. Opel can draw on a wealth of
experience with its two electric cars Opel Ampera (premiere Geneva Motor Show
2009) and Opel Ampera-e (Paris 2016).
The Opel Ampera-e fully suitable for
everyday use set standards with its range of up to 520 kilometres
according to the New European Driving Cycle.
Be it hardware, software,
battery-pack or manufacturing, Rüsselsheim’s expertise in all these
areas is highly valued by Groupe PSA. The new Opel Corsa, including the
electric variant, will be built in the Spanish plant in Zaragoza.
Research & development for the entire Groupe PSA in Rüsselsheim
The Opel Engineering Center is taking over a key role within Groupe
PSA. It brings typical Opel strengths to the company’s global research
and development networks. Amongst others, this includes the experience
with sporty chassis designed for the high speeds permitted on the German
“Autobahn” along with US market federalisation and the AGR-certified
(Aktion Gesunder Rücken e.V.) ergonomic seats. The Rüsselsheim
Engineering Center will continue to ensure the connection between German
engineering, precision and affordable innovations for the Opel brand.
As already announced during the presentation of the PACE! plan on
November 9, 2017, all new Opel/Vauxhall vehicles will be developed in
Rüsselsheim. At the same time, the Rüsselsheim Engineering Center shows
that it will play an integral part in supporting Groupe PSA’s growth
strategy.
The engineering team in Rüsselsheim also leads the development of
Light Commercial Vehicles (LCVs) of Groupe PSA that are built on a
dedicated LCV platform. This global responsibility includes the
development of an LCV platform and modules from advanced development to
production maturity. The development priorities also include the
networking and electrification of light commercial vehicles along with
automated driving. Leading the development in Rüsselsheim is a key
component of the Opel/Vauxhall LCV offensive. The all-new Opel Combo is
already making its debut this year, the next generation Opel Vivaro will
follow in 2019.
Moreover, the Rüsselsheim Engineering Center will take on the global
responsibility for the development of the next generation of
high-efficiency petrol engines for all Groupe PSA brands. The next
generation of four-cylinder engines will be optimised for operation in
combination with electric motors and will be used in the drive train of
hybrid systems. Market introduction will begin in 2022. The new
generation of engines is designated for use in all Groupe PSA brands in
China, Europe and North America, meeting the future emissions standards
of these markets. The power units feature state-of-the-art technologies
such as direct injection, turbocharging and variable valve control. The
engines are thus highly efficient and will deliver low fuel consumption
and low CO2 values.
Another focal point is the continuous advancement of all existing
models along with the development of future vehicles and powertrains.
For example, this includes the refinement of the Small Gasoline Engine
(SGE) and the Mid-size Diesel Engine (MDE) families that are available
in the Opel Astra and Opel Insignia and ensuring that these units meet
the applicable emissions standards.
Furthermore, Groupe PSA has currently established 15 Centers of
Competence in Rüsselsheim. The development teams from France and Germany
defined development areas (R&D) within a short period of time in
order to unleash the full potential for the entire group. The abilities
of the various competence teams complement each other in a global
network – to the benefit of all five group brands (Opel, Vauxhall,
Peugeot, Citroën and DS Automobiles). These so-called Centers of
Competence enable universal technical standards and optimal realisation
within Groupe PSA around the globe.
Opel is now playing to some of the typical company strengths within Groupe PSA. Outstanding seats and sharp shifting of manual transmissions,
for example, are just two of the fundamental virtues of every
Opel/Vauxhall model. Furthermore, the Opel engineers have extensive
experience in fuel cell development and in the area of test automation. They will also bring a wealth of knowledge in US market federalisation
to the table and make this available to Groupe PSA. In total, 15 of
these dedicated areas have now been brought together in the Centers of
Competence to date:
- Hydrogen & fuel cells
- Alternative fuels
- Seats
- ADAS: parking, active safety, danger alert
- Restraint systems
- Manual transmission systems
- Geometry, dimensions and tolerances
- Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC)
- Vehicle fuel function
- Vehicle material engineering (for many areas)
- US market federalisation (vehicle and powertrain)
- Test automation
- Software industrialisation
- Automation of quality checks
- 3D print of assembly tools
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