Strong electric-mobility package: Up to 1,300 charging points in 2020
Environmentally friendly and cost-effective: Extensive use of renewable energy and minimum grid extension
User-friendly: Transport researchers from the RheinMain University to examine mobility behaviour and thus optimise the location of the charging stations
Unique partnership: Diverse consortium consisting of the local authority and representatives of business and science
Rüsselsheim Lord Mayor Udo Bausch, Opel CEO Michael Lohscheller, Prof. Dr. Bodo A. Igler, RheinMain University (from left to right)
Opel’s hometown of Rüsselsheim am Main will become “Electric City”. Rüsselsheim, Opel and the RheinMain University are driving the extension of the charging infrastructure for electric vehicles. Sponsored by the Federal Ministry of Economics, the installation of around 1,300 charging stations across the city will commence in the upcoming months. These will then be located in all districts and residential areas, on the Opel premises, on the campus of RheinMain University, in residential estates of gewobau Rüsselsheim, on the parking areas of selected supermarkets and shopping centres and on the premises of the municipal clinic (GPR). The ambitious project, for which the partners have received the official grants totalling around €12.8 million, will be realised in multiple steps by 2020.
Going forward, each publicly accessible charging point will service 72 inhabitants, thus creating the highest density of charging stations in relation to the number of inhabitants not only in Germany but in all of the European Union. In addition, another 400 charging points will be installed on privately owned land – 350 of these on the Opel premises. In comparison, Hamburg, currently the leading German city with regards to charging infrastructure, has 785 publically accessible charging points for its 1.8 million inhabitants (city ranking of the Federal Association of Energy and Water Industry).
“The transition to electro-mobility is creating opportunities for Rüsselsheim. The city can take on a leading role for charging infrastructure, for electric vehicles and for electro-mobility in Germany thanks to this unique partnership. The project will strengthen the city as an industrial location and increase our capacity to innovate,” said Lord Mayor Udo Bausch.
Opel’s contribution to the project includes parking areas, which will be fitted with 600 charging points and be accessible to the public after completion of the work. Furthermore, charging points will be installed at 350 parking spots for the Opel company car fleet. “Opel goes electric! This promise is a core pillar of our PACE! strategic plan. And obviously a massive extension of the charging infrastructure at our Rüsselsheim headquarters is important. This is the consistent continuation of our electro offensive,” said Opel CEO Michael Lohscheller.
Thanks to the involvement of RheinMain Univeristy, the city of Rüsselsheim will become an urban laboratory for electro-mobility unparalleled in Germany. In the process, technical topics such as supply stability and network integration, along with socio-economic aspects such as mobility behaviour will be examined. The data on the charging behaviour will enable the scientists to predict future demands placed on the electricity network and help them identify the individual needs of electric car drivers. In addition to up to 20 charging points, RheinMain University will also install energy storage systems. These are designed to improve the use of renewable energies and therefore minimise the necessary network extension.
“The university is making an important contribution to the urban development of Rüsselsheim with its project-specific research. This underlines the approach we chose, which is to further strengthen the strategic role of universities in regional innovation systems,” said Prof. Dr. Detlev Reymann, President of RheinMain University.
International jury of journalists from 31 countries votes for Combo Life
New Opel Combo Life impresses with best value for money, innovative driver assistance systems, high comfort and spaciousness
Opel Combo Life
The new Opel Combo Life has been elected “Best Buy Car of Europe 2019” by the authoritative AUTOBEST jury, which was particularly impressed by the car’s excellent value for money. The Combo Life defeated five other brand new contenders for the title (Citroën C4 Cactus, Dacia Duster, Ford Focus, Kia Ceed, Toyota Corolla).
The jury of journalists from 31 European countries decided in favour of the Opel Combo Life after the final round of test driving at the Vairano racetrack in Italy. The Opel offers ultra-modern technologies such as Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), driver drowsiness alert, a 180-degree rear view camera, Head-Up Display (HUD) and “Flank Guard” protection for the side bodywork.
Opel Combo also combines the comfort and driving dynamics of a passenger car with the variability of a leisure activity vehicle. In their evaluation the jury members also focus on the cost of ownership, the availability of spare parts and the standards of dealer servicing. The winner of the “Best Buy Car of Europe 2019” award must deliver the best all-round package, the fifth-generation Opel Combo therefore proved unbeatable.
“We are thrilled with the decision of the 31 independent members of the AUTOBEST jury”, said Opel CEO, Michael Lohscheller. “The Combo simply offers a lot of car for the money – the key to winning ‘Best Buy Car of Europe’. The new Opel Combo Life is an all-round talent that can do almost anything. It plays a major role in our on-going product offensive that will see us launch eight new models in the next two years.”
Opel Combo Life XL
Dan Vardie, founder and chairman of AUTOBEST: “We had a very tough competition between the finalists, a record number in the AUTOBEST history. The Opel/Vauxhall Combo Life, along with Citroën Berlingo and Peugeot Rifter – competing as one model, another first in our history – managed to impress the jury members and deserve the ‘Best Buy Car of Europe’ title. The winning models are simply an efficient solution for the European customer.”
As “Best Buy Car of Europe 2019” the Combo Life continues a strong Opel tradition. In recent years, the Rüsselsheim-based carmaker was twice successful in the AUTOBEST Award. The Opel Corsa took the title outright in 2007 and 2015. AUTOBEST presents the “Best Buy Car of Europe” since 2000.
Opel Grandland X plug-in hybrid and fully electric Opel Corsa for order in first half of 2019
New Opel Vivaro in 2020 also as electric van
Production of electric new-generation Opel Mokka X begins in 2020
Great celebrations: 120 years of automobile production at Opel
Opel CEO Michael Lohscheller with Opel Grandland X plug-in hybrid
2019 will be special for Opel, a year that will see the German carmaker not only celebrate 120 years of automobile manufacturing, but also accelerate the electrification of its model range. The company will already open its order books for two electrified models in the first half of next year – the battery electric version (BEV) of the new Corsa and the Grandland X SUV as plug-in hybrid (PHEV). “Opel is going electric!” says Opel CEO Michael Lohscheller. “We made this announcement at the presentation of our PACE! strategic plan and now we are delivering.”
The new Corsa in particular will give Opel additional drive next year. The bestseller, the first generation of which made its premiere in 1982, is all-new and features an electric version for the first time. Lohscheller promises a competitive price: “The new Opel Corsa will make electro-mobility affordable for many customers, it will be a real electric car for the people.”
The Grandland X plug-in hybrid, which Opel will produce at the German Eisenach plant as of next year, is for customers who want more space and the feeling of an SUV. The hybrid propulsion system will develop the equivalent of up to 300 hp / 221 kW and comes along with an e-All Wheel Drive (e-AWD) technology.
The all-new Opel Vivaro midsize van will also be available as a battery electric vehicle in 2020; and the next-generation of the successful Opel Mokka X sub-compact SUV, which goes into production in 2020, will also include a fully electrified version. “We are putting maximum effort into the electrification of our portfolio,” says Lohscheller.
Opel has always positioned itself as the brand that makes innovation available to everyone. This will remain a core element of the 120th anniversary of automobile production, which the German company will celebrate in 2019. The success story, which began in Rüsselsheim with the production of 65 handmade Opel “Patentmotorwagen System Lutzmann” cars in 1899 – four years after the death of company founder, Adam Opel – now comprises more than 70 million vehicles. Throughout its history Opel has remained true to its ambition of producing high-quality cars as efficiently as possible and making them affordable for as many customers as possible.
The many iconic models from Rüsselsheim developed in the last 120 years include milestones of automotive history such as the Laubfrosch, Admiral, Kadett, Rekord, Manta and the GT. Simultaneously, Opel has also brought a long list of innovations to a mainstream audience. These include the first mass-production vehicle in Germany with a self-supporting all-steel body (Opel Olympia, 1935), the introduction of the three-way catalytic converter as standard (1989), fitting all passenger cars with full size airbags (1995) or bringing the adaptive IntelliLux LED Matrix light to the compact segment (2015) with the Astra.
In order to celebrate the 120th anniversary with its customers, Opel will add a “120 Years” special edition to the model range. The variant is offered by the German Brand on several models and pre-selling has just started in most markets. The “120 Year” versions will offer a variety of innovative technologies and design and comfort features as standard equipment, at especially attractive prices.
Made in Germany: Opel celebrates 120 years of car making with great offers
Full of features: Lots of Opel passenger cars from ADAM to Zafira in “120 years” trim
All in: Park assist, seat and steering wheel heating, IntelliLink mostly standard
Attractive conditions: Customer savings on special “120 years” edition models
Opel Grandland X “120 years” edition
Opel will celebrate 120 years of car manufacturing in 2019 and thus 120 years of innovative technologies that the carmaker makes available to a broad range of customers – true to the Opel motto “The Future is Everyone’s”. In order to celebrate this anniversary with its customers accordingly, Opel is launching the “120 years” special editions. Passenger car models such as the small cars ADAM, KARL and Corsa, the bestselling Astra, the sporty SUV family consisting of the Crossland X. the Mokka X and the Grandland X right up to the Zafira compact van and the Insignia flagship will be available in the “120 years” trim and thus come with bundles of state-of-the-art technologies, design and comfort features as standard at attractive conditions. Order books for the special “120 years” edition models are open now.
Opel Corsa “120 years” edition
“Opel has been democratising mobility for 120 years. In our cars, we make trendsetting technologies and features affordable for all groups of buyers. That is what we stand for! And that is why we are offering the special edition ‘120 years’ trim level for so many of our models to mark the start of our anniversary,” said Xavier Duchemin, Managing Director Sales, Aftersales & Marketing.
The special edition trim sits directly above the “Edition” trim and, depending on the model, includes assistance systems such as Park Assist or Cruise Control as standard. Features such as heated seats, heated steering wheel and velour floor mats increase the level of comfort. The “120 years” models become true eye catchers with stylish alloy wheels, chrome elements, door sills with Opel lettering and of course the “120 years” badge. And all this is available at attractive prices. For example, the special edition Corsa is already available from €15,440, prices for the anniversary Astra start at €21,725 and for the Grandland X at €29,200 (all prices RRP including VAT in Germany).
Opel Astra “120 years” edition
Example Opel Astra: The compact Opel bestseller already shines with assistance systems such as Hill Start Assist and Cruise Control as standard in its entry-level version. Air conditioning, thermal glazing and Quickheat heating system are also already on board. Fog lamps and Rear Park Assist are added as standard on the “120 years” variant. Heated front seats and the heated steering wheel along with the sight package including rain sensor, automatic headlamps with tunnel detection and automatic dimming rear-view mirror ensure comfortable temperatures and an increased level of safety on cold and wet days. In addition, Astra 5-door and Sports Tourer drivers and occupants can rely on outstanding connectivity and entertainment thanks to the Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatible R 4.0 IntelliLink infotainment system with seven-inch colour display. The door sills with Opel lettering, 17-inch alloys in 5-twin-spoke design and the “120 years” logo immediately identify the Astra as a special edition model.
Opel Crossland X “120 years” edition
The “120 years” Opel Crossland X comes with the same inner values as the Astra. Furthermore, the SUV, which was successfully launched last year, features a heated ThermaTec windscreen for a clear view on frosty days. The LED ambient lighting in the centre console and the doors increases the feel-good atmosphere in the dark. On the outside, the “120 year” Crossland X shines with high-gloss black B pillars, a chrome roofline, front and rear silver underride guard look and anthracite-coloured alloys in 4-twin-spoke design. Prices for the “120 years” Crossland X start at €21,650.
Premiere #1: Diesel now available with automatic transmission
Premiere #2: Leather trim in combination with ergonomic AGR front seats
Price: €24,120 RRP including VAT for Opel Crossland X Edition 1.5 Turbo D Automatic in Germany
Opel Crossland X 1.5 Turbo D
With a new addition to the diesel range, Opel now offers the Crossland X for the first time with the strong power and torque of a turbocharged diesel engine combined with the high comfort of a smooth-shifting automatic transmission. The stylish and functional sport utility vehicle (SUV) is thus available with an automatic gearbox on diesel as well as petrol engines. Also making its premiere in the Opel Crossland X is leather trim, which is available as a luxurious option on the Design Line, Innovation and Ultimate equipment versions in combination with ergonomic AGR front seats that are certified by the back specialists from Aktion Gesunder Rücken e.V.
Opel Crossland X - Leather trim in combination with ergonomic AGR front seats
The new 1.5-litre, four-cylinder diesel produces 88 kW/120 hp and maximum torque of 300 Nm at 1750 rpm (fuel consumption[1] [2]: urban 4.4-4.3 l/100 km, extra-urban 3.8-3.7 l/100 km, combined 4.0 l/100 km, 105-104 g/km CO2). The engine meets the strict Euro 6d-TEMP emissions standard thanks to an innovative oxidation catalyst/NOx adsorber coupled with Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR). Opel is bringing the new Crossland X 1.5 Turbo Diesel to the market with a six-speed automatic transmission and fuel-saving start/stop as standard.
The cylinder head with integrated air intake manifold and the crankcase of the new 1.5-litre diesel are made of lightweight aluminium, while the four valves per cylinder are activated by dual overhead camshafts. The common rail direct injection system operates at up to 2,000 bar, with fuel entering the combustion chambers through eight-hole injector nozzles.
For optimum exhaust after-treatment, the emissions reduction system – consisting of a passive oxidation catalyst/NOx adsorber, AdBlue injector, SCR catalyst and Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) – is grouped together as a compact single unit, as near as possible to the engine. The NOx adsorber acts as a cold start catalyst, reducing NOx emissions at temperatures below the SCR light-off. With this innovative technology the new 1.5-litre diesel meets the strict Euro 6d-TEMP standard for NOx.
Prices for the Opel Crossland X Edition with 88 kW/120 hp 1.5-litre turbo diesel engine begin at €24,120 (RRP including VAT in Germany).
[1] Values measured according to WLTP and converted to NEDC for comparison.
[2] WLTP combined figures (for information only, not to be confused with official NEDC values):
5.5-5.1 l/100 km fuel consumption; 143-135 g/km CO2 emissions.
Initial summary after 12 months is positive: Improved
competitiveness in all areas enables return to profitability and
investments
Product offensive with eight new models in the next two
years along with electrification: Fully electric new Opel Corsa plus Opel Grandland X as a plug-in hybrid
Focus on strengthening of the brand, light commercial vehicles and development of global markets is showing concrete results
Opel CEO Michael Lohscheller with Opel GT X Experimental
Opel/Vauxhall is back on course one year after presenting the PACE! strategic plan. “PACE! works! Opel will be sustainably profitable, electric and global. This is something every employee can be proud of. We have managed to reorganise ourselves in the last twelve months and changed our mindset. We posted a profit of €502 million in the first six months of 2018 and we are continuing to work hard on our success,” emphasised Opel CEO Michael Lohscheller.
One important lever for the sustainable economic success is the improved competitiveness in all areas of the company. Opel managed to cut its fixed costs by 28 percent in the first half of the year. Extensive agreements on the improvement of competitiveness were signed with the social partners at all sites. This enabled a significant improvement of the labour costs-to-revenue ratio. The company also delivered on its promise to streamline its senior management: such management positions were cut by a quarter over the course of the last year. Opel clearly stands by its goal of avoiding plant closures. Investments are being made in the various sites and multiple plants have already received new product allocations.
Opel is also increasingly benefitting from the integration into the Groupe PSA. Vehicles based on the shared Multi Energy Platforms are up to 50 percent more cost efficient in development while at the same time improving quality. Extensive synergies are also being achieved in numerous other areas of the company – such as by the creation of integrated sales structures in many European countries, as well as global functions.
In the meantime, the Rüsselsheim Engineering Center has strengthened its position at the core of the Groupe PSA R&D network: In addition to 15 centers of competence with global responsibility (including seats, fuel cells and advanced driver assistance systems) for the entire group, the Rüsselsheim-based engineers also have the lead for the development of light commercial vehicles and a new family of four-cylinder petrol engines. As per forecasted overcapacities going forward due to the decline in third-party assignments, Opel has also announced plans for a strategic partnership with Segula Technologies to safeguard qualified jobs in Rüsselsheim and Dudenhofen. Up to 2,000 Opel employees would join the engineering service provider. The agreed protection against dismissal until July 2023 would remain in place.
CO2 target will be met thanks to increasing level of electrification
Having access to the sophisticated Groupe PSA platforms and propulsion technologies is the foundation for the extensive electrification of the Opel portfolio. Four vehicles will already be electrified in 2020. This includes the new Corsa in a pure battery electric variant, along with the Grandland X PHEV – Opel’s first plug-in hybrid. These vehicles are integral components of Opel’s product offensive:
The company will bring a total of eight new models to market in the next two years. There will be an electric version of every Opel model in 2024 already. “This offensive will strongly contribute to meeting the strict CO2 limits set by the EU,” said Lohscheller. Charging infrastructure is a key enabler for the development of electrification. Therefore, Opel will contribute to a charging infrastructure project at the company’s headquarters together with partners such as the city of Rüsselsheim.
A further key pillar of the PACE! strategic plan is a further strengthening of the brand as well as a clear focus on profitable segments, channel mix and markets. Opel is already giving a preview of the brand image and the design philosophy of the future with the GT X Experimental. Opel will stand even more for the values German, approachable and exciting going forward. “Opel will stay German, Vauxhall will stay British. We will continue to clearly differentiate ourselves from our French sister brands,” added Lohscheller.
First concrete results of the strengthened brand are already visible: Apart from a significantly improved sales channel mix, it was especially the enhanced pricing power that drove the good financial result in the first six months of 2018. Furthermore, customer loyalty has been improved considerably compared to 2016.
Focus on light commercial vehicles to secure increase of market share
Elsewhere, Opel is attacking the profitable light commercial vehicle segment with more vigour than ever before. In the mid-term, the company wants to increase its market to the same level as that in the passenger car segment. This will be made possible by improvements to the dealer contracts (every Opel dealer can now also sell light commercial vehicles) and a completely renewed portfolio. The recently launched new Opel Combo immediately managed to win the prestigious “International Van of the Year” award. Opel has already taken 25,000 orders since the order books opened in mid-September. This means the company has already taken more orders for the new Opel Combo than it had registrations for the predecessor from across Europe in the full year 2017.
Furthermore, the all-new Opel Vivaro will be launched in 2019.
The offensive on non-European export markets is also gaining momentum. New contracts have been signed with strong importers to grow in many countries such as Morocco, Tunisia or South Africa. Already in the course of this month, Opel will start assembly of the Grandland X for the African market in a new plant in Namibia. For the first time, an extensive full service leasing offer – under the roof of the Groupe PSA mobility brand Free2Move – was also launched in the European markets in recent weeks. This will also add further important growth stimulus.
Michael Lohscheller continues to emphasise that the implementation of PACE! remains the highest priority for the entire organisation. “We will continue to put all our efforts into PACE! and we will be sustainably successful as a German brand.”
Opel targeting leading role in advancement of electric-mobility as part of the PACE! strategic plan
Project in the Engineering Center to start in a few months
and support creation of an intelligent charging infrastructure for
electric-mobility of tomorrow
Reflection of mobility situation in Hesse in 2035
Participation of the House of Energy think tank run by the Federal State of Hess
Opel Ampera-e
The Engineering Center at Opel’s company headquarters in Rüsselsheim will become a laboratory for electric-mobility: Together with Kassel University, FLAVIA IT and PLUG’n CHARGE, the two latter companies that specialize in charging infrastructure, the carmaker will conduct research into the ideal setup of the electricity grid for the future. The three-year project “E-Mobility-LAB Hessen” is scheduled to receive supportfrom the Hessian Ministry for Economy, Energy, Transport and State Development with funds provided by the European Regional Development Fund. In return, Opel will set up an intelligent charging and infrastructure system for electric cars in its Engineering Center. Installation of the first charging stations at the Opel site in Rüsselsheim and the Test Center in Rodgau-Dudenhofen will already start in a few months.
In total, more than 160 charging stations, which will charge the electric car fleet of the Engineering Center in future, will be created. Extensive and well-founded simulations of numerous scenarios will be possible based on actual data, ensuring the transferability of the results. The concept was developed together with House of Energy, the think tank of the Hessian energy transition.
This is a further milestone on Opel’s journey to playing a leading role in electric-mobility – a clear goal of the PACE! strategic plan. The Rüsselsheim-based carmaker will have four electrified models in its portfolio by the end of 2020. These will deliver a lot of driving pleasure and will accelerate the demand for electric cars. And by 2024, there will be electrified variant of each model in the Opel line-up.
“Opel will be electric. We are now creating the required charging infrastructure at our Engineering Center in Rüsselsheim and simultaneously supporting politics and the authorities in the creation of an appropriate charging infrastructure. One thing is clear: electric-mobility will only be a success if vehicle development and expansion of the charging infrastructure go hand in hand,” said Opel CEO Michael Lohscheller.
The share of electric vehicles in the manufacturer’s development area will reflect a mobility situation as expected for 2035. With this the project partners want to gain valuable insights into the charging behaviour and requirements relating to the network expansion. Charging current and charging time are adapted according to the particular use of the development vehicles with the help of an intelligent control system. This smart infrastructure will ensure that the entire fleet is always charged appropriately despite the high energy demands of the electric vehicles – and all this with a minimum expansion of the existing electricity grid.
“The energy transition is underway, now we need to make progress with the transport transition, especially in Hesse where around half of the energy demand can be attributed to transport. That is why we are driving electric-mobility by, amongst others, the widespread support for charging infrastructure. We are delighted that a Hessian carmaker in Opel will be playing an innovative and guiding part in developing the mobility of tomorrow,” said Tarek Al-Wazir, Deputy Prime Minister of the Federal State of Hesse.
In addition, a modular battery storage, which will reuse Opel Ampera-e batteries to temporarily store electricity, will be installed in the Test Center Rodgau-Dudenhofen. This so-called stationary “second life” application targets mitigating peak loads and thus stabilizing the electricity grid. A total of 18 vehicle batteries will be reused in the battery storage, which has the storage capacity to a supply a four-person household with electricity for a month.
Groupe PSA Q3 revenue at €15.4 billion[1] and YTD revenue up 29.1% at €54 billion;
Peugeot Citroën DS (PCD) Automotive division revenue up 0.8%:
Strong market share increase in Europe: +0.7 pt [2];
Negative impact of exchange rates especially in Argentina, Brazil and Turkey;
Opel Vauxhall (OV) Automotive division revenue amounted to €3.9 billion;
Consolidated worldwide sales down 16.7% mainly because of the suspension of the group’s activities in Iran. In Europe, sales up 8.1%.
Group Q3 2018 revenue amounted to €15,428 million, compared with €14,309 million in Q3 2017. At constant 2015 exchange rate and perimeter, 2018 Group revenue was up 21.6% [3].
PCD Automotive divisionrevenue amounted to €8,485 million up by 0.8% compared to Q3 2017. The positive impact of product mix (+2.2%), sales to partners (+1.4%), price (+1.5%) and others (+0.9%) more than compensated the negative impact of exchange rates (-2.3%) and volumes (-2.9%).
OV Automotive division revenue amounted to €3,877 million in Q3 2018, compared with €2,789 million in Q3 20171.
With a total of 703,000 cars sold, Q3 2018 consolidated worldwide sales were up in Europe but down outside of Europe mainly because of the suspension of the group’s activities in Iran from May.
Total PCD inventory, including independent dealers, stood at 402,000 vehicles [4] at the end of September 2018, up 33,000 units compared to end of September 2017. OV inventory, including independent dealers, totalled 173,000 vehicles at the end of September 2018 down 64,000 units compared to end of September 2017.
Philippe de Rovira, Chief Financial Officer of Groupe PSA and member of the Executive Committee, said: « The execution of Push to Pass strategic plan and PACE! Opel Vauxhall turnaround plan is again proving to be a strong lever to deliver a sustainable performance despite an adverse environment. »
Market outlook: in 2018, the Group anticipates a growth of 2% of the automotive market in Europe, 3% in Latin America, 10% in Russia and 1% in China.
Operational targets
The Push to Pass plan sets the following targets for Groupe PSA (excluding Opel Vauxhall):
Deliver over 4.5% Automotive recurring operating margin [5] on average in 2016-2018, and target over 6% by 2021;
Deliver 10% Group revenue growth by 2018 [6] vs 2015, and target additional 15% by 2021.
[1] Groupe PSA revenue includes Opel Vauxhall (OV) since August 1st 2017; It does not include the impact of hyperinflation in Argentina following IAS29. The estimation of this impact is in progress.
[2] PCD market share, Q3 2018 vs Q3 2017
[3] As of 30 September 2018, growth at constant exchange rates (2015) and perimeter (excluding OV) versus revenue as of 30 September 2015.
[4] Excluding JV in China and Iran, including independent dealers
[5]Recurring operating income related to revenue
[6]At constant (2015) exchange rates and perimeter (excluding OV)
Exchange made easy: Bonus for Euro 1 to 4 vehicles of any brand when buying an Opel vehicle
Attractive trade-in offers for Euro 5 Opel diesel vehicles for customers living in German regions with especially high air pollution when they buy a new model
Opel is looking to a speedy fleet renewal as one way of reducing vehicle emissions and is therefore introducing a special environment bonus of up to €8,000: Owners of older diesel vehicles of any brand that meet the Euro 1 to Euro 4 emissions standards can benefit from this bonus. The condition is that the old diesel vehicle is handed in and scrapped. The bonus will also be paid when Euro 5 models made by Opel are traded in for an Opel vehicle [1] by customers who live or whose company is located in German areas [2] with especially high air pollution.
Both private and small commercial customers in Germany can take advantage of this attractive offer. Furthermore, Opel will also grant a further two years guarantee in addition to the manufacturer guarantee on young used cars [3].
“With the introduction of the “Opel Environment Bonus”, we are making it easier for customers to switch to the latest and most efficient Opel models and are thus contributing to an improvement of air quality. Customers who buy a new Opel now therefore need not fear city driving bans from today’s perspective,” said Jürgen Keller, Executive Director Sales, Marketing & Aftersales Opel Germany. Opel is already prepared for the future with its ultra-modern portfolio: The Rüsselsheim-based carmaker is ready for the new Euro 6d-TEMP emissions standard that comes into force for all new registrations in September 2019. The company already offers 127 passenger car variants that meet the more stringent limits of the new standard.
[1] New cars, demonstration cars and test cars.
[2] Areas with especially high air pollution: München, Stuttgart, Köln, Reutlingen, Düren, Hamburg, Limburg an der Lahn, Düsseldorf, Kiel, Heilbronn, Backnang, Darmstadt, Bochum, Ludwigsburg along with the neighbouring districts.
[3] Valid for selected young used cars from the existing stock of Opel Automobile GmbH.
When the horses moved under the bonnet: Opel starts with Patentmotorwagen in 1899
Mobility for the masses: Doktorwagen, Laubfrosch and Kadett pave the way
From Lutzmann to Insignia; 120 years of car manufacturing in Rüsselsheim
Company goal until this very day: Opel democratises technologies
The first Opel: Patent Motor Car, System Lutzmann, 1899
Opel is one of the carmakers with the richest tradition
in the world. Next year, the brand will celebrate 120 years of
automobiles. After listening to the advice of her sons Karl, Wilhelm and
Friedrich, Sophie Opel decided to start producing cars in 1899 – four
years after the death of company founder Adam Opel. What started in a
garage in Rüsselsheim am Main with 65 hand-made Opel Patentmotorwagen
“System Lutzmann”, has long become a mass phenomenon will more than 70
million vehicles built to date. From the very beginning, Opel championed
the cause of producing cars as efficiently as possible and thus making
them affordable for a broad audience. For example, Opel was the first
German manufacturer to introduce the especially economic assembly line
production as early as 1924. This helped the Opel 4/12 PS “Laubfrosch”
and all later Opel 4 PS variants become bestsellers. The
Rüsselsheim-based company already produced technologically-advanced
vehicles for the masses with the Opel P4 and the Kadett (already with a
self-supporting body) in the 1930s. Made in Germany and German
engineering became affordable and accessible. Opel even stayed true to
this democratising of mobility when developing a sports car: An
affordable dream car hit the roads in 1968 in the Opel GT.
The brand has played a leading role in all segments – models such as
the Opel Kadett, Rekord and Kapitän characterised the period of
reconstruction and the period of the economic miracle. Stylish icons
such as the Opel GT, Manta and Monza then followed. In the 1980s and
1990s models such as Corsa, Astra and Zafira then became bestsellers and
symbols of reunification. After the fall of the Berlin Wall and the
opening of the plant in Eisenach, Opel became more popular than ever
before. The first generation Astra was produced 4.2 million times
between 1991 and 1998 making it the most built Opel model ever. Until
this very day, the Rüsselsheim-based carmaker is firmly anchored in the
centre of society and offers technologies that are normally reserved for
expensive premium cars. Innovative solutions such as the IntelliLux LED Matrix light in the compact Astra (Car of the Year 2016) as well as in
the Insignia flagship, the AGR-certified active ergonomic seats
(available in many carlines) or the extensive array of assistance
systems for more safety and comfort (all carlines) are typical for Opel.
From Lutzmann to Opel Doktorwagen: The pioneering years
Opel joins the ranks of the automotive pioneers of the late 19th
century that include Daimler, Benz and Peugeot by buying Friedrich
Lutzmann’s motor car factory. In the spring of 1899, the first Opel
patent motor car “System Lutzmann” is built in Rüsselsheim. Two years
later, a converted Lutzmann wins the Heidelberg-Königstuhl “Mountain
Race” by beating “16 other vehicles made by well-known German
carmakers”. Overall, the development in the automotive industry is fast
and furious. While the first models are direct descendants of
horse-drawn carriages, Opel launches an ultra-modern small car for an
extremely competitive price in 1909. The 4/8 hp Opel Doktorwagen already
has an Opel engineered and Opel built 4-cylinder in-line engine. In the
adverts, Opel promises that it is ideal for “Doctors, veterinarians and
lawyers”. The Doktorwagen is available for prices between 4,000 and
5,000 Mark while many other cars made during this period cost 20,000
Mark. It transforms the motor car from a prestigious toy for the rich
and the famous into an affordable mobility solution for a broad
audience.
4/8 hp Opel Doktorwagen from 1909.
From Opel Laubfrosch to Kadett: Mass mobility
Friedrich – who had since been promoted to chief engineer – and his
brother Wilhelm introduce the assembly line production at Opel in 1924.
Ford were the first company to introduce this cost-cutting method in
America in 1913. Opel always had a keen eye for developments in other
countries. Adam Opel became fascinated by the sewing machine during his
years of travel in France and later the System Darracq provided a major
boost for car manufacturing in Rüsselsheim. The Opel brothers then
launch the innovative 4/12 PS “Laubfrosch”. The two-seater with a top
speed of 60 km/h is available for 3,900 Goldmark thanks to assembly line
production. Later, the “car for everyone” is available for 1,930
Reichsmark. In the following years, an entire vehicle family is created
based on the Laubfrosch technology. In total, 119,484 Opel 4 PS models
are made until 1931.
4/12 hp Opel “Laubfrosch” (Tree Frog), 1924
What these revolutionary cars are for the 1920s, the Kadett is for
the 1930s. Automotive progress is taking huge steps. The Kadett replaces
the successful Opel P4 and celebrates its debut with a self-supporting
steel body, single-wheel front suspension, 4-cylinder four-stroke engine
and hydraulic drum brakes. The prices are well below those of the
direct competitors. In 1938, the “normal” Opel Kadett limousine is
available for an affordable 1,795 Mark.
The Kadett nameplate is revived in 1962 and Opel ups the ante even
further with the Kadett A. While many competitors still rely on
two-stroke or air-cooled rear-mounted engine, the newcomers shines with
the comfort of a water-cooled 4-cylinder unit, a quiet 4-speed
transmissions and body styles ranging from coupé to Caravan.
From Olympia Rekord to the “KAD” models: Prosperity increases
The first all-new Opel after the war is the Olympia Rekord and it
sounds in a new era with its ponton-style body and chrome plated shark
mouth. The design takes cues from that of large American limousines –
and is perfect for the economic miracle that is just beginning. Those
who are successful want to show it again. And a new type of vehicle also
makes its debut with the Olympia Rekord Caravan – a lifestyle estate
for the whole family. An all-new Opel Kapitän arrives in 1954, the Opel
Rekord P2 is introduced in 1960 and the Rekord A follows in 1963 with
disc brakes and soon afterwards with 6-cylinders. No matter whether as a
coupé, estate or limousine – the mid-size Rekord becomes synonymous
with the new middle class in the young Federal Republic of Germany. Opel
produces 882,433 Rekord A by 1965. This success opens the door for the
“big three” and in 1964 the “KAD” – for Kapitän, Admiral and Diplomat
– arrive in the luxury class. The second generation of these KAD models
can even boast a unique level of driving comfort thanks to the
legendary de Dion rear axle. Opel introduces the safety steering column
in all passenger car models in 1968. Innovations to help cope with the
growing amount of traffic.
From the Opel GT to the Calibra: New sportiness
Opel Experimental GT was shown on a slightly slanted platform at the IAA in 1965 to emphasize the two-seater’s dynamic shape.
Opel becomes the first European manufacturer to open a true, modern
design studio in June 1964. And only one year later, the first concept
car from a European manufacturer, the Experimental GT, celebrates its
debut at the 1965 Frankfurt Motor Show. A further 36 months later, the
serial production Opel GT is available from Opel dealers and marks the
birth of a sports car legend. The icon is affordable for a broad
audience thanks to mass production technology and the GT is the next hit
from Rüsselsheim. The company sticks to this approach in the coming
years. Opel Manta shares its technology with the Ascona when it is
launched in 1970 and the Calibra “borrows” the Vectra’s technology from
1989.
The top-of-the-range variant of the aerodynamics world champion
(Cd of 0.26), the Calibra Turbo 4x4 delivers 204 hp and offers the
driving performance of sports cars twice its price.
From Opel Corsa to Ampera: Bestsellers and trendsetters
In 1982, Opel made a huge splash with a small car. Corsa A
rounded off the company’s offering by sitting neatly under the Kadett. Opel Corsa was an impressive display of getting the most out of a small
space without compromising on driving pleasure or cost effectiveness.
Every single generation of the Corsa (A to E) has driven and continued
the democratisation of individual mobility. To date, almost 14 million
Corsa have been registered.
And next year the next generation will
follow adding a new chapter to the story – with a fully electric version
of the Corsa.
Just as the Corsa has shaped the small car segment, the Zafira has
defined the compact van segment with room for seven since 1999. The
third row of seats that disappears entirely under the boot floor is
simply a stroke of genius. Owners of models made by competitors have to
painstakingly remove the additional heavy seats when the boot space is
required. Seven people can easily fit into the 4.32 metre long Zafira.
Alternatively, the compact van can double as a transporter in a matter
of seconds by folding award the seats and created a 1.56 by 1.15 metre
loading area with a total capacity of up to 1,700 litres.
The current
Opel Zafira is also a master of metamorphosis doubling as a transporter and a
lounge on wheels thanks to the Flex7 Plus seating system.
A further trendsetter follows in the footsteps of the Corsa and
Zafira after celebrating its world premiere at the 2009 Geneva Motor
Show: The Opel Ampera, a car that redefines electro-mobility. The 2012
Car of the Year drives electric and also has its own source of power on
board with the range extender. This makes the Ampera just as independent
from loading stations as a conventional passenger car.
Opel presents
the next generation of the electric car at the 2016 Paris Motor Show.
The Ampera-e has an all-electric NEDC range of 520 kilometres thanks to
its 60 kWh state-of-the-art lithium-ion battery. And the 150 kW/204 hp
electric motor gives it sports car-like acceleration. The next electric
car from Rüsselsheim will follow next year already and electro-mobility
will get another boost with the Corsa-e – out of the niche and on to the
road.
From Opel Astra to Insignia: New efficiency
Opel discovers the new lightness of being with the launch of the
current generation Astra in 2015. The compact car weighs up to 200
kilogrammes less than its predecessor did. The engine offering follows
the downsizing strategy: with smaller displacement and turbocharging,
lower fuel consumption and higher efficiency. For the first time, the
Astra is available with a highly efficient 3-cylinder direct injection
petrol unit and the revolutionary IntelliLux LED Matrix
light. The innovative system turns night into day without glaring other
road users – a unique feature in the compact class.
Opel Astra convinces
customers and experts alike and is voted “Car of the Year 2016”.
The Insignia A is the first Opel that can recognise traffic signs
from 2008 and offers the intelligent AFL+ lighting system. Just like the
Astra, the second generation of the Opel flagship has been trimmed for
efficiency. The new generation Insignia is lighter, more economic and
simultaneously much more spacious. A highlight feature of the Insignia
GSi, Country Tourer, Grand Sport and Sports Tourer is the adaptive
all-wheel drive with torque vectoring that can accelerate the rear
wheels individually in a split-second depending on the driving
situation. The Opel Insignia is the first vehicle made by a volume
manufacturer to offer this technology in the mid-size segment.
From Opel Mokka to Grandland X: SUV phenomenon
SUV is the buzzword of the hour in the automotive industry. Customers
want to sit a little bit higher to have a better overview and to enjoy
the flair of long-distance travel and adventure. Opel recognised this
trend at a very early stage and proposed a unique offer in the
B-segment. The cool sub-compact Opel Mokka is also available with all-wheel
drive and proves to be extremely popular from the very start. It is
joined in the compact class by the Opel Crossland X and the Opel Grandland X in
2017. All members of the X-Family are available with the AGR-certified
(Aktion Gesunder Rücken e.V.) active seats. Ergonomic and comfortable
seats have been a part of the Opel DNA for a long time – 120 years ago
the Opel Patentmotorwagen “System Lutzmann” already proudly sported
leather upholstery.
