Mobility for Millions: Best Example – Opel Corsa “120 Years”

120 Years of Opel Automobile Production

• Exclusive anniversary offer: Opel Corsa “120 Years” special model at best prices
• Long tradition: Laubfrosch, P4, Kadett, Corsa and Co. make millions mobile
• For everyone: Democratisation of technology is core Opel brand characteristic
• Assembly line: Advanced production leads to first real people’s car from Opel

Opel patent motor car System Lutzmann & Opel Corsa “120 Years”

In 2019 Opel celebrates 120 years of automobile production – and thereby 120 years full of innovations for everyone. The German brand has a tradition of pioneering high-tech advancements and quickly bringing them to series production. This makes mobility affordable for many and the cars safer, cleaner, more comfortable and more practical. The 120 years advertising campaign, “Opel. Born in Germany. Made for everyone.” is based on this philosophy. It was as true of the first Opel – the Patentmotorwagen “System Lutzmann” of 1899 – as of all the other models that followed, from the “Doktorwagen” to “Laubfrosch” (Tree Frog), P4 and Kadett. Today the philosophy matches the Opel Corsa more than any other model.

Opel Corsa “120 Years”

Depending on the model version, the Corsa is as suited to singles and couples as to whole families. So it comes as no surprise that more than 13.5 million units have been produced since 1982. “The Corsa remains one of our most important models across Europe”, says Xavier Duchemin, Managing Director Sales, Aftersales and Marketing. The bestseller therefore plays a leading role in this anniversary year. “Opel has been democratising mobility for 120 years”, added Duchemin. “In our cars we make pioneering technology and comfort features affordable for all. This is what we stand for and the best example of this is the Corsa! Our anniversary model line-up has the right car for everyone – with extensive equipment and at best prices.”

Opel Corsa “120 Years”

The standard equipment of the Corsa special model positioned above the “Edition” variant includes assistance systems such as rear Park Pilot and Cruise Control. Comfort is increased with features like heated seats, heated steering and velour carpets. In addition to attractive prices, the “120 Years” models also feature light-alloy wheels and stylish chrome details, as well as “OPEL” and the “120 Years” logo on the door sills. Prices for the Opel Corsa “120 Years” in Germany begin at €15,440 including VAT (Corsa 1.2 with 51 kW/70 hp and five-speed manual transmission: fuel consumption1, 2 : urban 7.4-7.3 l/100 km, extra-urban 5.0-4.9 l/100 km, combined 5.9-5.8 l/100 km, 134-132 g/km CO2) –  with additional equipment packs the price advantage can reach as much as €2,540.00 3.

Since 1899: Suitability for everyday use over technology as an end in itself

Opel Corsa in general and the Corsa “120 Years” in particular show that it is a core brand characteristic to always offer customers more than they expect in the respective vehicle class. The foundation for this was laid at the end of the 19th century by the Opel patent motor car “System Lutzmann”. Its short price list already included two innovative extras: the first was the pneumatic tire, which was invented by Robert William Thomson in 1845, but had not yet found widespread use in automobile production. The second was the optional removable child seat available for the small two-seat motorised coach, whose one-cylinder, 4 hp engine delivered a speed of 30 km/h. This example alone clearly illustrates what Opel has been all about from the very beginning: absolute suitability for everyday use instead of technology as an end in itself.

First “small car” in automotive history

In 1909, the Opel 4/8 hp pioneered the introduction of affordable mobility. It was modern with solid technology, easy to operate and manoeuvrable, enabling ambitious car owners to drive it themselves instead of relying on a chauffeur – considerably reducing the overall cost of ownership. And the quality of materials and workmanship created confidence. The first officially designated “small car” in automotive history was considered fully suitable for everyday use. The vehicle ideal for “doctors, veterinarians and lawyers” according to the adverts was available at prices from 4,000 to 5,000 Marks, while models from other manufacturers cost around 20,000 Marks. Thus the means of transport for the upper class became a vehicle for the middle class - thanks to the “Doctor's car”.

In 1924, the Rüsselsheim-based company went even further to cater to the “average consumer” – also thanks to an automotive innovation. After all, from the very first minute Opel was committed to producing cars as efficiently as possible and thus making them affordable for a broad customer base. Consequently, the 4/12 hp heralded the start of assembly line production in Germany. And because the 60 km/h fast car was only available “in a quiet green that pleases the eye” to keep the time and effort required for production at a minimum, everyone called it the “Tree Frog”. Soon, 25 two-seater “cars for everyone” left the assembly line every day. In the following years an entire vehicle family was built on the Tree Frog technology. The smoother production ran, the greater the cost advantage that Opel passed on to its customers. Unbelievable but true: the purchase price of the 4 hp model series, of which 119,484 units were produced, was almost 40 per cent lower in 1931 than at the launch of the Tree Frog model.

People’s car with top drive technology at modest price

In 1935 the time was ripe for the people’s car – from Opel, mind you. The P4 presented in November rolled of the assembly line soon thereafter. The four-seater with four-cylinder four-stroke engine – according to the P4 brochure “like the most expensive cars in the world” – cost only 1,450 Marks in the standard version. “How is this possible? To offer so much value, a real full-out automobile that even exceeds expectations for so little money?” The answer was clear: thanks to state-of-the-art mass production. This also came into play shortly thereafter with the Kadett 1, which also took over the design of the Opel Olympia. This made it one of the first German cars to feature a self-supporting all-steel body, which was more comfortable, safer and more durable than the conventional frame structures.

The real people’s car successor was the 1962 Kadett A. The low maintenance costs were expressly part of the recipe for success of the two-door notchback model. The lines were matter-of-fact and modern. At the same time, the interior space was anything but typical of a small car. The advertising promised “well-formed seats, plenty of legroom. We have dispensed with overhanging metalwork and unnecessary bells and whistles. That would only have cost a lot of money.” Instead, the boot was a real luggage compartment and – the fuel filler cap was on the outside! “You never have the smell of petrol in your boot,” it said with a wink towards Wolfsburg. With its modern, water-cooled front engine, the Kadett offered a further design advantage over the Beetle. “Opel Kadett, in short: O.K.” – Opel built almost 650,000 units by 1965 alone.

Lots of space on a small platform

In 1982 Opel once again accomplished a great feat with a small car: the Corsa A joined the range below the Kadett, which by now was becoming a compact model. Designed by Chief Designer Erhard Schnell, who also penned the legendary Opel GT, the only 3.62m-long Corsa was notable for its prominent rally-car wheel arches and a drag coefficient of 0.36. Offered initially as a two-door hatchback and sedan, and a five-door as of 1985, the Corsa again demonstrated how masterfully Opel can generate space on a small platform. The 100hp GSi also combined frugality with fun. Originally conceived as an entry-level model for those on a tight budget, the Corsa A had become a bestseller by 1993 with a total of 3.1 million units sold.

Opel Corsa surpasses 14 million units and heads for electro-mobility

Opel remains in the middle of society today. Across the range the brand offers features more often found in more expensive cars. Now in its fifth generation, the Corsa is typical for this democratisation of mobility. The small Opel star is heading for 14 million registrations in Europe, also thanks to the “120 Years” special model, which already comes as standard with a host of state-of-the-art technologies as well as design and comfort features at attractive prices. The next generation of this practical, stylish and dynamic model will be launched in a few months’ time, also with a pure battery electric variant. The 2019 Corsa will continue Opel’s 120-year history of automotive engineering and mobility for millions with a significant and ground-breaking new chapter.

Opel Zafira Life Celebrates World Premiere at Brussels Show

• Press conference held by head of Opel sales and marketing, Xavier Duchemin
• World premiere of new Zafira Life continues Opel’s model offensive
• Opel GT X Experimental future concept makes public debut
• Opel’s 120th year of automotive production and democratization of mobility begins
• PACE! plan works, Opel goes electric and global, returning to sustainable profitability

Managing Director Sales, Aftersales and Marketing Xavier Duchemin with New Opel Zafira Life

Opel plays a starring role at this year’s Brussels Motor Show, with a major world premiere. The new Opel Zafira Life was revealed today by Managing Director Sales, Aftersales and Marketing, Xavier Duchemin, during the press conference on the Opel stand 09-10 in hall 4. “Attractive as well as practical, the new Zafira Life makes travelling much more enjoyable, comfortable and adaptable, for drivers and passengers”, said Duchemin.

The public debut of the Opel GT X Experimental is another major attraction in Brussels. The concept represents the future of Opel and shows what customers can expect from the brand in future. Duchemin referred to the PACE! strategic plan to show Opel is electrifying its model range and investing in growing market segments, thus becoming a sustainably profitable and global brand.

New Opel Zafira Life: Practical and versatile van for up to nine occupants

“Brussels is the first European motor show of 2019 and therefore the perfect opportunity for Opel to celebrate the first of several product premieres this year,” said Opel’s head of sales and marketing. The model making its world premiere in Brussels is just right for Opel’s anniversary year. The German carmaker has been producing practical vehicles with innovative technology for everyone for 120 years. These are exactly the qualities displayed by the new Opel Zafira Life. The Opel Zafira Life is a fun-to-drive as well as comfortable multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) that the German carmaker will offer in three lengths, tailor-made to customer requirements: the 4.60 metre “Small”, the 4.95m “Medium” and the 5.30m “Large” – each of which comes with up to nine seats. “The Zafira Life meets all demands,” said Duchemin, “from the versatile interiors and high comfort, to state-of-the-art infotainment and intelligent driver assistance systems.” A Zafira Life 4x4 will also be available to order from the start of sales. Opel will offer a purely electric version in early 2021, another milestone on the journey to electrifying the brand.

GT X Experimental: Opel’s vision of the future

Presenting the Opel GT X Experimental - a compact, electric SUV full of innovative ideas - for the first time in public, Duchemin said, “Opel has offered innovation, high-tech and mobility for all for 120 years. This ambition is stronger than ever today and nothing demonstrates it better than the car up here on the stage with me – the Opel GT X Experimental.”

Managing Director Sales, Aftersales and Marketing Xavier Duchemin with Opel GT X Experimental

The GT X Experimental shows how Opel sees mobility of the future: electric, and fully connected. The concept, which is making its first public appearance at the Brussels show, also gives a preview of the future for Opel as the exciting, approachable, German brand.

The signature design cues – such as the “Opel Vizor” front fascia and the “Opel Compass” – will become the hallmark of Opel cars in the mid-2020s. “The GT X Experimental embodies the vision of our brand defined in PACE!” said Duchemin.

120 years of Opel automobile production, targeting sustainable success with PACE!

But PACE! is not only a roadmap to the future, it is also a plan for the present, said Duchemin. As examples he named the new Opel Combo Cargo, which has been voted International Van Of The Year 2019, and the Opel Combo Life passenger car, which was named “AUTOBEST Best-buy-car of Europe 2019”! “Since the start of sales last September, we have already taken more than 36,000 orders for the new Opel Combo, more than all the registrations of the previous model in Europe in whole 2017. We have received almost 200,000 orders for the new Opel Insignia and the Grandland X and well over 130,000 for the Crossland X”, added Duchemin.

A key role in this success is played by Rüsselsheim R&D centre, which has taken over responsibility for the development of a new generation of large vans as well as a new engine family and 15 competence centres for the entire Groupe PSA.

Opel is therefore set for a strong performance in its 2019 anniversary year, as well as successful implementation of its ongoing product offensive. In addition to the new Opel Vivaro and the Grandland X plug-in hybrid, an important role is played here by the next-generation Corsa. “The new Corsa will also be available as a fully battery electric vehicle”, said Duchemin. “The Corsa will offer electro-mobility to more customers than ever before and make a significant contribution to Opel becoming a fully electrified brand by 2024.”

The Opel product portfolio is additionally complemented by “120 Years” model variants. These special editions of the Opel ADAM, KARL, Corsa, Astra, Insignia, Zafira, Crossland X, Mokka X and Grandland X offer a wealth of high-tech equipment as well as design and comfort features.

Groupe PSA starts production of the Turbo PureTech Three-cylinder petrol engine at the Tychy plant

• The Tychy plant (Poland) benefited from € 250 million in investments to improve its performance and manufacture the 1.2 litreTurbo PureTech engine
• A modernized plant implementing Groupe PSA process and quality standards
• Production capacity projected up to 460,000 engines to handle increasing customer demand for petrol engines

1.2 litreTurbo PureTech engine

Groupe PSA inaugurated the new assembly line for the Turbo PureTech 3-cylinder petrol engine in Tychy at a ceremony attended by Jadwiga Emilewicz, Poland’s Minister of Entrepreneurship and Technology, Carlos Tavares, Chairman of the Managing Board of Groupe PSA, local authorities, the plant’s management and all its employees.

Jadwiga Emilewicz, Poland’s Minister of Entrepreneurship and Technology, Carlos Tavares, Chairman of the Managing Board of Groupe PSA 

With this new assembly line, the EB Turbo PureTech petrol engine – awarded International Engine of the Year four times in a row – is gradually becoming a global-scale engine for Groupe PSA. The EB Engine (Atmo and Turbo) is currently produced in France (Douvrin, Tremery) and China (Xiangyang) and, from 2019 onwards, will be produced in Hungary (Szentgotthard), Morocco (Kenitra), and from 2020 in India (Hosur).

3.8 million EB engines have been produced to date and this additional capacity corresponds to increasing market demand, supported in particular by production of new Opel/Vauxhall models on Groupe PSA platforms and technology. This highly efficient engine contributes to the reduction of the CO₂ emission with an average fuel consumption reduced by 4% compared to the previous generation.

The powertrain plant in Tychy was modernized to boost its performance in line with Groupe PSA standards: New technologies and equipment, supported by new IT systems, ensure a high quality of production with appropriate trainings provided to production teams. Performance of our industrial organisation is also enhanced, by locating component plants close to vehicle factories.

 “I would like to highlight that the Tychy teams have demonstrated their ability to improve their performance, thus allowing for investments to modernize the plant and allocate a state-of-the-art engine. The Tychy plant has a sustainable future now and will be a strong contributor to the Groupe PSA manufacturing footprint, organized to produce engines for our five brands and meeting growing customer demand for this award-winning engine,” said Carlos Tavares, Chairman of the Managing Board of Groupe PSA.

“The factory in Tychy is back in the game as a part of Groupe PSA and all the teams are committed to meeting the new challenges set for us. The plant has been thoroughly modernized with the right level of investment to ensure the best level of efficiency, among the most modern engine manufacturing sites in Europe. We are proud to contribute to the shift to low-emission PureTech petrol engines,” said Arkadiusz Suliga, Tychy plant director.

Groupe PSA: New record set in 2018 at 3.9M units with worldwide sales up 6.8%

• Sales increase for the 5th year in a row with improved pricing power, in a context of economic and geopolitical headwinds
• Core Model strategy as a trigger: success of new launches and European leadership in Light Commercial Vehicles

This profitable growth, reaching circa 3.878.000 units, has been leveraged by Groupe PSA product offensive in motion with more than 70 regional launches in 2 years, customer driven Core Model Strategy deployment and commercial network commitment.

• Groupe PSA products have been on all short final lists of prestigious automotive contests every year since 2014 and have been awarded this year “Van of the Year IVOTY 2019” (Peugeot Partner, Citroën Berlingo Van, Opel/Vauxhall Combo) and ‘Best Buy Car of Europe 2019’ AUTOBEST (Citroën Berlingo Van, Opel/Vauxhall Combo Life and Peugeot Rifter), following Citroën C3 Aircross last year.

• Groupe PSA Core technology has also been awarded with the International Engine of the Year prize for the 4^th year in a row for its Turbo three-cylinder petrol engine (110 and 130 hp).

• Groupe PSA SUV models are particularly successful, driven by the Peugeot 2008, 3008 [1], 5008 (leader in Europe), Citroën C3 Aircross[2], C3-XR, C5 Aircross, DS 7 Crossback, Opel/Vauxhall Crossland X, Mokka X, and Grandland X. The momentum will continue in 2019 with major launches for all brands.

• The Group announced its electrification offensive for all brands, with first PHEV [3] and EV [4] models available for customers in 2019, starting with the DS brand.

Groupe PSA achieves new record LCV sales:  564 147 vehicles sold, + 18.3%.

• Groupe PSA renewed its range of compact vans in 2016 and of B-LCV in 2018 and has consolidated its leading position in Europe in every sub-segments, grasping almost 1 out of 4 LCV customers.

• The Group’s LCV offensive has set the basis for overseas growth with the successful launch of production of Peugeot Expert and Citroën Jumpy in Eurasia and the very promising start of our comprehensive range of LCV products and services for Latin American clients.

Europe [5]: Change of scale with 17.1% market share.

Groupe PSA took full advantage of its perfectly managed new WLTP standard implementation phase to gain a competitive edge in the last four months of the year. Group market share reaches 17.1% by end 2018, up +3.8 pt, underpinned by Peugeot and Citroën brands that are the best progressing brands in 2018, with almost +5% sales increase for both brands among the top 10 brands in Europe.

Peugeot stands out for its success: SUV European leader, number 1 in Spain, number 1 in France on B2C and B2B passenger cars. Citroën reaches its best level of sales in 7 years.

DS Automobiles marks a breakthrough with 6.7% of sales increase, supported by DS7 Crossback launch. Opel/Vauxhall is continuing its product offensive driven by the X family.

Groupe PSA exceeds market performance and is improving in all main markets: France (+2.6 pt), Spain (+4.2 pt), Italy (+3.9 pt), Great Britain (+4.8 pt), Germany (+3.7 pt).

Middle East – Africa: the Group remains offensive in a chaotic regional context.

Despite strong headwinds mainly due to wind down in Iran[6] and Turkish market downturn, Groupe PSA market share increased in Morocco (+1.7pt), Tunisia (+1pt) and Egypt (+3.1pt) and the Group remains market leader in French Overseas Departments.

The regional industrial footprint is under deployment to become operational in 2019 with the start of production of Kenitra plant in Morocco, as a key milestone.

China & South East Asia: Groupe PSA works to overcome China situation and prepares its commercial offensive in  South East Asia.

In a declining Chinese passenger vehicle market (-2%), sales are down 34.2%. The Group is working on action plans with its partners to tackle current issues. The Group is implementing its electrification strategy with the Fukang brand, followed by PCD [7] electrified models from 2019 onwards. Moreover the core model strategy is under execution to propose a product offering designed for Chinese clients.

Sales in South East Asia doubled versus 2017, amounting to 10,882 vehicles. The joint venture with Naza Corporation Holdings (Malaysia) will start delivering its first productions in 2019 with the Peugeot 3008 and 5008.

Latin America: the drop in sales is largely linked to the strong decline of the Argentinian market (-32% in H2) related to the country’s economic context, with a significant exchange rate impact and a difficult Brazilian market, while sales remain well oriented in the Pan-American zone (54,887 units, +13,3%) – composed mainly by Chile, Mexico, Colombia, Peru, Uruguay and Ecuador.

The launch of the new C4 Cactus SUV industrialized in the region, is encouraging. The local manufacturing of the LCV range is in process (launch of the Jumpy MiniBus version, Berlingo, Boxer and Jumper in Brazil, Jumpy and Expert Crewcab in Argentina and the electric Partner in Chile and Uruguay).

India-Pacific: sales growth is notably driven by the Group successful business in Japan (+9.6%). The manufacturing project in India, developed in partnership with the CK Birla Group, is on track.

Eurasia: stable sales. Sales increase notably in Ukraine (+7%). The good dynamic of Peugeot 3008, C4 Sedan and the newly produced LCVs in Kaluga since April (Peugeot Expert and Citroën Jumpy) are encouraging.

“In an increasingly unstable environment, we thrived with the rigorous execution of our efficient core model strategy. The product appeal to our B2B or B2C customers supports our pricing power policy for all of our brands, while we are currently implementing our electrified offensive. Agility and Darwinian spirit are more than ever important to tackle forthcoming challenges and enhance our customer satisfaction” comments Carlos Tavares, Chairman of the Managing Board of Groupe PSA.

[1] Peugeot 4008 in China

[2] C4 Aircross in China

[3] PHEV: Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle

[4] EV : Electric Vehicle

[5] PCDOV figures

[6] Iran: Volumes industrialized in Iran are not more recorded in consolidated sales since May 1st 2018

[7] PCD: Peugeot Citroën DS

New Opel Zafira Life: The Benchmark Enters its Fourth Generation

• Opel’s next generation multi-purpose passenger car
• One model, three sizes, each with up to nine seats
• Bold design and balanced proportions
• Lounge comfort with movable leather seats and panorama roof
• Sliding doors open electrically in seconds via foot-movement
• World premiere at Brussels Motor Show on January 18, 2019, for order in February
• Opel Zafira Life all-electric version follows in 2021

New Opel Zafira Life

Attractive, flexible and practical vans are named Zafira. Twenty years after the success began with the first generation, the story is now continuing with a newly developed fourth-generation model. The Opel Zafira Life is a fun-to-drive as well as comfortable multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) that the German carmaker will offer in three lengths, tailor-made to customer requirements: the 4.60 metre “Small”, the 4.95 m “Medium” and the 5.30 m “Large” – each of which comes with up to nine seats. The “S” version of the Zafira Life is about ten centimetres shorter than the current Zafira, while the “L” is around 65 cm longer and therefore nearly as big as the Opel Vivaro Combi passenger van. Opel Zafira Life thus covers up to three vehicle segments and represents a new benchmark among multi-seat MPVs.

Opel Zafira Life meets all demands – from the versatile interiors, high comfort and sophisticated driver assistance systems, to state-of-the-art infotainment, head-up display, camera and radar-based active cruise control. The advanced technology is paired with a bold look, balanced proportions, short overhangs and the typical Opel fascia. Driver and passengers benefit from a two-piece panorama roof and an opening window in the tailgate. The Opel Zafira Life will make its world premiere at the Brussels Motor Show on January 18, 2019 (public days January 19-27, 2019). The order books will open in February.

For the best traction on loose surfaces, the Zafira Life is equipped with the advanced IntelliGrip traction control. A 4x4 version will also be available to order from the start of sales. The all-wheel drive system is supplied by the off-road specialists at Dangel. Opel will offer a purely electric version in early 2021, another milestone on the journey to electrifying the brand.

“With the new Zafira Life, Opel continues to implement the PACE! strategic plan”, says Opel CEO, Michael Lohscheller. “By the end of 2020 we will bring eight all-new or refreshed models onto the market – including the next generation of the bestselling Corsa. We will already open the order books for two electrified models in the first half of 2019: for the all-electric version of the Corsa, which will become a real electric car for everyone, and the Grandland X as a plug-in hybrid. Opel is going electric.”

The company is investing above all in profitable, growing market segments with high volumes. Opel will soon have one of the youngest product portfolios of all volume manufacturers.

One model, three sizes: Opel Zafira Life for every purpose

Opel Zafira Life “Small” competes with compact vans but offers considerably more room and space for up to nine occupants – unrivalled in this class. It also features a small turning circle (11.3 m), good handling and two sensor-controlled sliding doors that open electrically with a movement of the foot, similar to the tailgates of the Astra Sports Tourer and Insignia Sports Tourer – also unique in this market segment. Opel Zafira Life “Medium” (likewise the Opel Zafira Life “L”) has a 35 cm longer, 3.28 m wheelbase and thus more legroom for the rear passengers, which makes it a competitor of midsize vans in the D market segment. Compared with the competition, the Opel also features a larger tailgate and easier access for loading/unloading, plus a higher payload of more than one tonne. Opel Zafira Life “Large”, with a luggage capacity of around 4,500 litres, is a rival for even bigger vans.

Stylish, highly equipped shuttles are in great demand in this market segment. Opel therefore offers leather seats on aluminium rails that allow full and easy adjustment for all versions of the Zafira Life. Five, six, seven or eight leather-seat configurations are available. The folding back of the front passenger seat allows the transportation of objects up to 3.50 m in length. Folding the third row seats increases the luggage capacity of the Zafira Life “S” to 1,500 litres (to roof level). The removal of the rear seats (which are equally easy to reinstall) raises the total cargo capacity to as much as 3,397 litres.

Luxurious “Lounge” trim is available for the long wheelbase versions – in front, seats with massage and electric heating, four movable leather chairs behind, each with a 48 cm wide seat cushion. VIP passengers can thus also sit facing each other and enjoy the legroom. The movable table also folds away to provide additional storage space for small objects. Passengers can charge their mobile devices using the 230 V plug socket.

Most versions of the Opel Zafira Life are less than 1.90 m high and can therefore access typical underground garages – important for use as hotel shuttle.

Under control: Head-Up Display, front collision warning and rear view camera

The new Opel MPV features numerous driver assistance systems. A camera and radar monitor the area in front of the vehicle. The system even recognises pedestrians crossing the road and can initiate an emergency braking manoeuver at speeds up to 30 km/h. The intelligent cruise control adjusts the speed to that of the vehicle in front, automatically decelerates and can reduce the speed to 20 km/h if necessary. Lane-keep assist and drowsiness alert warn drivers if they have spent too much time at the wheel and need a break. High-beam assist, which automatically switches to high or low beam, is activated above 25 km/h. Also unique in this market segment is the colour head-up display that shows speed, distance to the preceding vehicle and navigation.

During the course of 2019, the Zafira Life will also offer the Opel Connect telematics service. Helpful functions, such as Live Navigation with real-time traffic information, direct connection with roadside assistance and emergency call, give the driver and passengers additional peace of mind. Help can be reached within seconds via the red button. If the seatbelt tensioners or the airbags are deployed, the emergency call is activated automatically.

Good all-round visibility is particularly important in larger vehicles, for example in narrow streets or when making turns in urban areas. Ultrasonic sensors in the front and rear bumpers alert the driver to obstacles of every kind when parking. The image from the rear view camera is displayed on the interior mirror or the 7.0-inch screen – the latter with 180-degree visibility from the bird’s eye view.

The large 7.0-inch touchscreen comes with Multimedia and Multimedia Navi infotainment. Both systems feature phone integration via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Multimedia Navi additionally features European navigation with 3D view. Points of interest in large towns are displayed in “Full HD” quality. As an option, the geography along the route on cross-country journeys is shown very realistically. Thanks to Opel Connect, the navigation system includes real time traffic information for the latest status on the roads. A powerful sound system is available with all trim levels. In the top-of-the-line version, passengers enjoy first class acoustics thanks to 10 loudspeakers.

1,111,111th Opel Insignia Delivered to New Customer

• Opel sales and marketing boss, Xavier Duchemin hands over milestone-setting Insignia Sports Tourer to IDE managing director, Thomas Breser
• Second generation of Insignia flagship continues to impress

Opel has set another milestone in sales: the 1,111,111th Opel Insignia was handed over to Thomas Breser, Managing Director, IDE Integrated Dynamics Engineering GmbH by Xavier Duchemin, Managing Director Sales, Aftersales and Marketing, Opel Automobile GmbH. The Insignia Sports Tourer Business Edition will be driven by IDE engineers.

Xavier Duchemin, accompanied by Patricia Princess of Erbach-Schönberg, Managing Director, Auto Jacob GmbH in Rüsselsheim, said: “The Opel Insignia is the ideal ambassador for any company. Our flagship’s innovative technologies and high comfort make every business trip more pleasant. The big boot offers lots of space, not only for work but also for leisure.”

The Opel Insignia Sports Tourer destined for the IDE fleet is powered by the strong yet economical 2.0-litre turbo-diesel with 125 kW/170 hp with six-speed manual transmission and start/stop (fuel consumption[1], [2]: urban 7.3-6.8 l/100 km, extra-urban 4.7-4.6 l/100 km, combined 5.6-5.4 l/100 km, 148-142 g/km CO2), which already meets the strict Euro 6d-TEMP emissions standard. A relaxing drive is ensured by the AGR-certified ergonomic seats and Park Pilot front and rear. The Multimedia Navi infotainment system with seven-inch colour touchscreen – compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto – takes care of navigating to the client.

Opel Insignia, popular and successful among customers and experts

In terms of comfort, safety and advanced technology, the Opel Insignia, which is produced in Rüsselsheim, continues the Opel tradition of large flagship models. The first-generation Insignia impressed customers and experts alike. Following the world premiere in London, it was elected “International Car Of The Year 2009”, many other awards followed. By 2017, when 900,000 units had been produced, many more awards had followed.

The all-new Opel Insignia entered the market in spring 2017 as the Grand Sport limousine and the Sports Tourer and Country Tourer estate versions (the latter with class-leading all-wheel drive, including torque vectoring). 

The top-of-the-line model variant is the sporty Insignia GSi with 154 kW/210 hp 2.0-litre BiTurbo diesel engine and eight-speed automatic transmission (fuel consumption[3], [4]:urban 9.4 l/100 km, extra-urban 5.8 l/100 km, combined 7.1l/100 km, 188-187 g/km CO2).More than 200,000 units of the second generation have already been produced to date.

Accolades for the Insignia include the “Golden Steering Wheel 2017” in Poland (Auto Świat), Switzerland (Auto Bild) and Slovenia (Auto Bild), as well as “Best Car 2017” (Fleet Cars & Vans, Fleet Auto Premium) in Poland and “Fleet News of the Year” (FLEET Magazine) in the Czech Republic. In 2018 the Insignia was again elected “Family Car Of The Year” in Portugal (Observador), Romania (AUTOpro) and the United Kingdom (Auto Express) and Best Large Family Car in the “Carbuyer Best Car Awards”. The Opel flagship was nominated “Business Sedan of the Year” by Kilometres Enterprise in France and “Autoflotte Top Performer 2018” in Germany. Thanks to its advanced technologies, high comfort and top efficiency, the Insignia has claimed a leading position in its market segment. Fleet-registrations of the Insignia increased by 90.5 percent within 12 months.

Opel’s flagship offers High-Tech and High Comfort

The Opel Insignia is both an efficient company car and a comfortable automobile for long-distance driving and families. Insignia customers benefit from numerous advanced technologies such as IntelliLux LED Matrix headlights and AGR-certified ergonomic seats, while Multimedia Radio and Multimedia Navi infotainment systems ensure state-of-the-art connectivity. Thanks to real-time traffic information, Insignia drivers are guaranteed the latest status of fuel prices and parking-space availability.

[1] WLTP measurements converted to NEDC values for comparison

[2] WLTP combined figures (for information only, not to be confused with official NEDC values):

combined 6.2-5.6 l/100 km, 162-148 g/km CO2

[3] WLTP measurements converted to NEDC values for comparison

[4] WLTP combined figures (for information only, not to be confused with official NEDC values): 8.0-7.6 l/100 km, 209-198 g/km CO2 emissions