Next generation Opel Astra will be built in Rüsselsheim

• Performance Agreement with works council makes investments possible
• Groupe PSA confirms its intention to manufacture the new Opel/Vauxhall Astra in two plants in Europe, including Rüsselsheim
• Next Opel Astra to join Opel Insignia on the manufacturing lines in Rüsselsheim
• All-New Opel Astra to be a strong contributor to Opel brand electrification
• Strengthening of apprenticeship

Groupe PSA will invest in the Rüsselsheim plant and create the sustainability of the site with the production of the next generation Opel Astra as of 2021

After the signature of an agreement with the works council and the IG Metall and as mentioned in the PACE! plan, Groupe PSA will invest in the Rüsselsheim plant and create the sustainability of the site with the production of the next generation Opel Astra as of 2021.

Opel Rüsselsheim plant

Astra is traditionally one of Opel’s most popular models. Next generation, based on the Groupe PSA EMP2 platform, will also allow the production of an electrified version of the compact class bestseller in Rüsselsheim. Decision was made possible by further improvements of efficiency and competitiveness of the plant. Opel flagship Insignia will continue to be manufactured in Rüsselsheim as well.

Rüsselsheim plant - Opel Insignia manufacturing

“This is an important step forward for the Rüsselsheim plant. This investment will allow work in two shifts and secure the sustainable future of the Rüsselsheim plant,” said Opel CEO Michael Lohscheller.

Agreement with the social partners allows employees within vehicle production born in and before 1963 to participate in a partial retirement programme. Furthermore, the voluntary programme will be reopened for employees working in vehicle production. According to the agreement, 120 new apprentices per year will be hired in Rüsselsheim in the coming years. With this, the company sets another important example.

“This result shows the determination of all involved stakeholders to come to an outcome that works for all parties. Rüsselsheim will continue to play an important role in the industrial footprint of Groupe PSA,” added Lohscheller.

“Increasing competitiveness, efficiency and quality is part of Groupe PSA’s production DNA and the Rüsselsheim plant has made major inroads in all of these areas,” said Yann Vincent, Executive Vice-President Manufacturing & Supply Chain at Groupe PSA. “I count on Rüsselsheim to contribute to the manufacturing of the next generation Opel Astra.”

Opel Astra K - Design sketch

Opel Astra, which is currently produced in Ellesmere Port (UK) and Gliwice (Poland), has been a permanent fixture in Opel’s model range ever since it was introduced as a replacement for the Opel Kadett in 1991 and won the “Car of the Year” award in 2016.

Opel Astra K: Car of the Year 2016 

The bestseller was already produced in the Rüsselsheim plant between 2009 and 2015.

All-New Opel Corsa Orderable From July 1 in Germany

• From €13,990: sixth-generation Opel Corsa also with diesel and petrol engines
• Fun to drive: advanced engines, low seating position, sporty handling
• Efficient: light weight, lower fuel consumption, high driveability
• Take your pick: Sporty GS Line, comfortable Corsa Elegance
• Typically Opel: adaptive IntelliLux LED Matrix light and seats with massage function
• Innovations for everyone: eight-speed automatic and advanced assistance systems

All-New Opel Corsa GS Line

Sixth generation of the Opel Corsa is in the fast lane. Just a few days after the presentation of the battery-electric version, Opel is now announcing the Corsa with classic combustion engines – more efficient, more advanced and more dynamic than ever. Sales of the 4.06-metre-long, five-door small car from the German carmaker start with particularly economical petrol and diesel engines featuring power outputs ranging from 55 kW (75 hp) to 96 kW (130 hp). Moderate fuel consumption and an engaging drive are characteristic of all powertrain options (fuel consumption NEDC: urban 5.4-3.7 l/100km; extra-urban 4.1-2.9 l/100km; combined 4.6-3.2 l/100km, 105-85 g/km CO2; WLTP: combined 6.4-4.0 l/100 km, 144-104 g/km CO2, all figures preliminary).

“Reaction to the presentation of the all-electric Opel Corsa-e – an electric car for everyone –is phenomenal”, said Opel CEO Michael Lohscheller. “Corsa with classic combustion engines will follow in its wheel tracks. Combustion engine or electric drive? At Opel, thanks to the multi-energy platform, both are possible in one model. Customer decides.”

Gearbox range is topped by the eight-speed automatic transmission. Sporty overall impression is underlined by the lightweight design and the low seating position of the driver. In addition, passive safety is at a high level, while Opel’s engineers have also finely tuned the chassis and the steering. All these qualities are already offered by the base version. Equally convincing are the advanced assistance systems, innovative infotainment and an excellent price-performance ratio. Corsa also makes a smooth eight-speed automatic transmission available for the first time in this segment. For this price, there has never been a more high-tech, dynamic Opel Corsa.

New Opel Corsa can be ordered as of July 1 in Germany. Entry-level variant is priced at €13,990 (RRP including VAT in Germany). This already includes numerous assistance systems, such as front collision warning with automatic emergency braking and pedestrian detection as standard. In addition to the all-electric Corsa-e, diesel and petrol versions are available in three new equipment lines: as Edition for €15,850 in Germany (RRP including VAT), Elegance and especially sporty GS Line are also available.

New engines: Ideal balance between efficiency and performance

Sixth-generation Corsa’s all-new engine portfolio aims to offer customers an ideal balance between efficiency and an engaging drive. Compared with the current power units, the new engines return significantly reduced fuel consumption and emissions while retaining similar power outputs.

• Improvements begin straight away with the base 55 kW (75 hp) 1.2 – NEDC combined fuel consumption is 4.1 l/100km (preliminary fuel consumption NEDC1: urban 4.9-4.8 l/100km; extra-urban 3.7 l/100km; combined 4.1 l/100km, 94-93 g/km CO2; WLTP2: combined 6.1-5.3 l/100km, 136-119 g/km CO2). This is a substantial improvement in comparison to the current 1.2 model with 51kW/70hp and its NEDC combined consumption of 5.9-5.6 l/100km and 134-128g/km CO2.

• Higher performance is supplied by the award-winning, three-cylinder, direct-injection turbocharged engine family (Engine of the Year 2015-2018), also with 1.2-litres displacement. The all-aluminium engines produce 74kW (100hp) or 96kW (130hp). With the 74kW (100hp) engine, the new Corsa needs 4.4-4.2 l/100km NEDC combined (fuel consumption NEDC1: urban 5.3-5.1 l/100km, extra-urban 4.0-3.6 l/100km and combined 4.4-4.2 l/100km, 101-96 l/100km; and 6.4-5.3 l/100km, 137-121 g/km CO2 combined in the WLTP2 cycle, all figures preliminary). The 1.4-litre predecessor, also with 74kW (100hp) consumed 5.8-5.4 l/100km combined according to NEDC (WLTP: 6.7-6.5 l/100km, 151-146g/km CO2). Even with the most powerful 96kW (130hp) version, which has no equivalent in the current Corsa range, the preliminary fuel consumption and emissions figures remain moderate (NEDC1: urban 5-4 l/100km; extra-urban 4.1-4.0 l/100km; combined 4.6-4.5 l/100km, 105-103 g/km CO2; WLTP2: combined 6.4-5.6 l/100km, 144-127 g/km CO2).

Wide torque plateau for petrol engines: Top driveability

High efficiency and lively performance are characteristic of the new petrol engines. Internal friction and friction losses have been reduced to a minimum. The turbocharger also reacts immediately, with strong torque development already at low rpm. Maximum torque of the 74 kW (100 hp) 1.2 is 205 Nm; the top 96kW (130hp) unit even develops 230Nm. With the majority of maximum torque available in a wide band, both engines are notable for their high driveability. At least 95 per cent of maximum torque is developed between 1,500 and 3,500 rpm – in combination with the low vehicle weight, excellent aerodynamics and the optimised gear ratios, this enables very good driveability.

Improvement in efficiency through the engine range is reflected in the driving performance. While the new  Opel Corsa with 96 kW (130 hp) reaches a maximum speed of 208 km/h, its predecessor needed 15 per cent more power (110 kW / 150 hp) to get to 207 km/h. With zero to 100 km/h acceleration in 8.7 seconds, the new model is 0.2s quicker than its predecessor. Equally impressive is the 1.2 turbo with 74kW (100 hp). With a top speed of 188 km/h, it is 3.0 km/h faster than the similarly powered predecessor. Depending on the gearbox, it also accelerates from zero to 100km/h in around 10.0 seconds – 1.0s quicker (all figures preliminary).

In addition to the engines, the powertrain improvements also include the transmissions.

• 55 kW (75 hp) entry-level engine is fitted with a five-speed manual gearbox as standard.

• With the 74 kW (100 hp) unit, customers can choose from a six-speed manual or a smooth eight-speed automatic. Adaptive shift programmes and Quickshift-technology represent the state-of-the-art in the Corsa’s market segment. Drivers can shift gears themselves via the paddles at the steering wheel.

• Top-of-the-line, 96 kW (130 hp) 1.2 Direct Injection Turbo is always combined with the eight-speed automatic transmission.

High-tech and high efficiency:

Three petrol engines are joined by a lively 1.5-litre turbo diesel with 75 kW (102 hp) and maximum torque of 250 Nm (preliminary fuel consumption NEDC: urban 3.8-3.7 l/100km; extra-urban 3.0-2.9 l/100km; combined 3.3-3.2 l/100km, 87-85 g/km CO2; WLTP2: combined 4.6-4.0 l/100km, 122-104 g/km CO2, preliminary).

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. NOx adsorber acts as a cold start catalyst, reducing NOx emissions at temperatures below the SCR light-off.

Fans of electric-mobility, of course, can order the Corsa-e. Thanks to the common modular platform (CMP), various powertrains can be offered on one platform.

Lean: lightest variant weighs less than 1,000kg

In addition to the new Corsa’s lively engines, the lightweight design also contributes to the top driving dynamics. The lightest version of the next generation model even undercuts the magical 1,000-kilogramme mark. Excluding driver, the five-door weighs only 980kg. Compared with its predecessor, this model variant is a useful 108kg lighter. This is a weight-saving of around 10 per cent, although the new model has a similar length of 4.06 metres. The body-in-white is around 40kg lighter, the very compact three-cylinder engines weigh around 15kg less than the four-cylinder units of the previous generation. The aluminium bonnet also saves 2.4kg in comparison to the previous model’s smaller bonnet made of steel. The seats also have been put on a diet. The optimized seat structure saves another 10kg.

New Opel Corsa conveys dynamics through its sporty design – especially in combination with the two-tone paintwork. The roof line is coupé-like, 48 mm lower than the predecessor’s, without detriment to headroom for the driver and front passenger. The driver sits 28 mm lower. Handling and driving dynamics benefit from the lower centre of gravity. The handling is responsive and dynamic, for more fun behind the steering wheel.

Democratisation of technology: Advanced assistance systems and Matrix light

In the new Corsa, Opel offers technologies and assistance systems that customers otherwise only know from higher vehicle classes. A real highlight is the adaptive glare-free IntelliLux LED Matrix light, which Opel is making widely available for the first time in the small car segment. Eight LED elements are controlled by a high-resolution front camera of the latest generation and automatically and continuously adapt the light beam to the respective traffic situation and surroundings.

State-of-the-art assistance systems such as traffic sign recognition or the radar-based automatic cruise control, as well as the sensor-controlled flank protection, offer a noticeable safety bonus. The latter warns if the sides of the car risk making contact with obstacles (e.g. posts, walls) during manoeuvres at less than 10km/h. There are also systems such as side blind-spot assist and various parking aids, from park pilot to 180-degree panorama rear view camera. Lane keep assist is also making its Corsa-debut. If the system detects an unintended lane-change it alerts the driver with a flashing signal and a nudge of corrective steering (more about the wide range of driver assistance systems of the new Corsa generation here).

Corsa drivers and passengers are well connected and entertained with the new range of infotainment systems comprising Multimedia Radio, Multimedia Navi with 7.0-inch colour touchscreen and the top-of-the-line Multimedia Navi Pro with 10.0-inch colour touch screen. In addition, the Corsa also offers the new telematics service "Opel Connect" as option. Live navigation with real-time traffic information and current fuel prices, plus a direct link to breakdown assistance and emergency calls make journeys even more relaxing for drivers and passengers.

Take your pick: Sporty Opel Corsa GS Line, comfortable Opel Corsa Elegance

New Opel Corsa is offered in four trim levels. Even the entry-level version has many technologies and comfort-enhancing extras, such as typical Opel features like steering wheel heating and heated leather seats with massage function for the driver. Assistance systems include, for example, front collision warning, intelligent cruise control, lane keep assist and speed sign recognition. Above the base version, three equipment lines with different emphases address different customer groups. Corsa Edition adds the most popular extras, the Corsa Elegance is trimmed for maximum comfort and the Corsa GS Line combines additional sporty features. Equipment philosophy, which Opel is presenting for the first time with the Corsa, will soon also be available for other Opel models.

In the Opel Corsa Elegance (from €17,850 in Germany, RRP including VAT), a six-way adjustable front passenger seat, armrest with storage compartment as well as LED headlights in typical Opel-look and LED fog lights make journeys even more relaxed. Chrome decor, attractive stitching and other details make the Elegance especially attractive.

All-New Opel Corsa GS Line: Aluminium sport pedals, black headliner and red décor on the instrument panel

Sporty ambitions of the GS Line as dynamic model variant are obvious – inside as well as out. Sport seats for driver and front passenger, as well as aluminium sport pedals, a black headliner and red décor on the instrument panel, underline the sporty feeling. GS Line can be recognized immediately by a chrome tailpipe and sporty looking bumpers at the front and rear. A Sport mode delivers even more dynamic steering and throttle response. Prices for the Opel Corsa GS Line start from €19,880 in Germany (RRP including VAT). Further design highlights include B pillars in high-gloss black as well as a variety of personalization options. This includes a comprehensive wheel programme as well as a fully digital cockpit, leather seats or two-tone paint.

Oldtimer rally Hessen-Thüringen: Corso with the Opel Corsa

• Naughty little ones: Opel Corsa A and B mix in the classic field
• Famous drivers: TV star Roman Knizka and racing ace Jockel Winkelhock at the start
• Something new: This year celebrates the next generation Opel Corsa premiere
• Real street cruisers: 1938 Opel Admiral and Admiral A V8 also present

All-New Opel Corsa-e & Opel Corsa A

2019 is not only the anniversary year "120 years of automotive construction at Opel", but also the year of birth of the sixth Corsa generation. Therefore, the Rüsselsheim manufacturer presents a colorful Corsa Corso at the 23rd ADAC Oldtimer rally Hessen-Thüringen. It includes representatives of the first two generations of the small car classic, which has so far sold over 13.6 million copies. A bright red Opel Corsa GSi directs the film, TV and theater actor Roman Knizka. In addition, Opel brand ambassador and Le Mans winner Jockel Winkelhock moves an Opel Corsa A Cup in a manner appropriate to the species. In addition to the Corsa Corso, Opel Classic also brings two flagships to Weimar: the Admiral in the distinctive Art Deco design of 1938 and the 190 hp Admiral A V8 from 1965. Both road cruisers are optical and acoustic delicacies and absolute rarities. The eight-cylinder controls Opel communications chief Harald Hamprecht. His copilot is the President of the ADAC Hessen-Thüringen, Matthias Feltz.

Since 1982: Six generations Opel Corsa

Opel succeeds with a small car a big hit. Corsa A completes the offer below the cadet from 1982 and shows impressively how strong the Rüsselsheim can create a lot of space even on a small area, the driving pleasure is not too short and the economy is right. Opel Corsa impressively continues the democratization of individual mobility in all its generations (A to E).

Opel Corsa impressively continues the democratization of individual mobility in all its generations (A to E).

This year, the sixth generation starts. This is based on a completely new lightweight construction - starting point for a significant increase in efficiency. Whether with gasoline and diesel engines or for the first time in a purely electric version - every new Opel Corsa benefits from its low weight: Driving dynamics increase, fuel consumption drops.

All-New Opel Corsa-e

From A to B: Opel Corsa at the Rally Hessen-Thüringen

Opel Corsa A & Opel Corsa B

The launch success of the Opel Corsa A in Spain, Italy and France 1982 is a successful dress rehearsal for the performance in Germany in 1983. In this model, Opel has perfected the technique of making a car outside small and large inside. With a transversely mounted front-wheel drive unit, the Opel engineers succeed in creating the best conditions for the occupants. The good knee and legroom in all places is also due to the thoughtful design of the seats. Due to the full foam seats and the spring reinforcement of the chassis residual vibrations are swallowed. The adjustment of the backrest to anatomical conditions ensures fatigue-free and disc preserving sitting. Reinforced side cushions give better lateral support.

1983: Opel Corsa Cup

From 1988 a car followed dynamically like a motorcycle: ultra-compact, 820 kilos light, with cheeky wheel arches, sports seats, 100 hp and 188 km/h. First Opel Corsa GSi was born. Increased performance adapted the Opel technicians chassis and brakes. So the sporty Corsa is specially tuned with harder spring rate and reinforced shock absorbers and equipped with larger and ventilated front disc brakes. From this now much sought-after classic Opel brings two copies at the start.

1988: Opel Corsa A GSi 

1983 witnessed the model Opel Corsa Cup its premiere. In the ONS Opel Junior Cup, successor to the Kadett Cup introduced in 1979 for amateur pilots and junior racers, Kadett D and Corsa A competed against each other. Kadett 1.3 made 75 hp, Opel Corsa Cup version 83 hp. In 1985, races and rallies were raced for the first time. The winner of the Junior Cup received Opel Corsa 1.3 S. at the end of the year.

 Opel Corsa B Swing - five-door version

Opel Corsa B - three-door version

Five-door version of the Opel Corsa B (1993 to 2000) with its station wagon similar hatchback has been created compared to the coupe-oriented three-door more for the family-oriented clientele. The second-generation Corsa shines with features that make some mid-size sedans of its time miss. For example, it has a crash-test-proven safety passenger compartment with double steel tubes in the side doors, support ramps in the seat frames, height-adjustable seat belts front and rear, standard driver and passenger airbag and belt tensioner front. Equipped is the attractive small car with a powerful 1.0 liter three-cylinder engine with 12 valves and extremely low consumption.

Opel ECOTEC Compact 3-cylinder 1.0-liter 12V engine

Since 1899: automobile construction at Opel in Rüsselsheim

Opel has been building automobiles for 120 years. What began in a workshop in Rüsselsheim am Main with a total of 65 handcrafted Opel patent motor car "System Lutzmann" became a mass phenomenon with more than 70 million vehicles built to date. From the very first moment on, Opel had taken up the cause of producing cars as efficiently as possible, thereby making them affordable for large groups. Thus Opel started as the first German manufacturer already 1924 with the particularly economical production line production, whereby the Opel 4/12 HP "tree frog" as well as all later Opel 4 HP variants became sales hits. With the Opel P4 and the cadet (already with self-supporting body) produced the Rüsselsheimer already in the thirties genuine, technologically leading people's car. Made in Germany and German engineering spirit were affordable and experienced. In this tradition is also and especially the Opel Corsa.

Agreement to Safeguard the Future of the Kaiserslautern Site

• Competiveness of Kaiserslautern plant increased in the long term
• Investments in new technology
• Permanent contracts for young professionals
• Partial retirement and senior leave for years up to and including 1961

 Opel Kaiserslautern plant

Opel management along with the plant management and the works council of the Kaiserslautern plant have set the course for increasing the long-term competitiveness of the site. Parties agreed among other things to invest in the construction of a facility for the hot-forming of steel. As a result, Kaiserslautern will become only plant to use this technology in the Groupe PSA production network. Moreover, the social partners agreed to keep a constant eye on new investments to secure site utilization. Common goal of the social partners is to maintain a healthy age structure in the plant.

According to the agreement, young skilled workers will be given permanent contracts. This so applies to the current trainees who successfully complete their training in the coming years up to 2023. In addition, the social partners agreed to hire 34 apprentices per year in the same period of time.

In order to lower the wage costs, additional employees may temporarily leave the company based on the existing social plan. Opportunity to participate in a partial retirement programme was extended to employees born in and before 1961.

"With the agreement, we sustainably secure the future of this traditional location. Our plant in Kaiserslautern will thus continue to be strengthened as an important pillar of Groupe PSA's global production network," said HR Director Ralph Wangemann.

"Together with the management, we have reached a good agreement that will stabilise the Kaiserslautern plant and forms a good basis for further development," said Lothar Sorger, Chairman of the Kaiserslautern works council.

Already orderable: New Opel Grandland X Hybrid4

• 300 hp system output, AWD: New Grandland X Hybrid4 version tops Opel’s SUV family
• Four driving modes: Fully electric, hybrid, AWD and sport
• Opel Grandland X  PHEV can cover up to 52 kilometres in pure electric mode (WLTP)
• Convenient: Lithium ion battery fully charged in as little as one hour 50 minutes
• Efficient: Regenerative braking converts deceleration to electrical energy
• Already orderable: Opel Grandland X Hybrid4 prices start at €49,940 in Germany
• Opel goes electric: Entire product portfolio electrified by 2024

300 hp system output, AWD: New Grandland X Hybrid4 version tops Opel’s SUV family

Opel goes electric! German carmaker continues to implement this key element of the PACE! strategic plan by presenting the new all-wheel drive PHEV (plug-in hybrid electric vehicle) version of the Grandland X. Topping Opel’s SUV offer (that also comprises the Crossland X and the Mokka X), the elegant Grandland X Hybrid4 with an optional black engine bonnet and special BiColor alloy wheels combines the power of a 1.6 turbocharged petrol engine and two electric motors for a system output of up to 300hp. Preliminary WLTP fuel consumption (weighted, combined) is 1.6 l/100 km with 37 g/km CO2 (NEDC: 1.6 l/100 km, 36 g/km CO2).

First plug-in hybrid from Opel is already available in Germany from attractive monthly leasing rates of €399. All-wheel drive car can be ordered now as the highly equipped Business Edition for €49,940 (RRP including VAT in Germany). Opel Grandland X Hybrid4 drivers in Germany will benefit from the new company car tax for electrified vehicles of 0.5 per cent of the new vehicle price instead of 1.0 per cent for conventional powertrains. 50 percent lower company car tax makes buying a PHEV even more compelling. First customer deliveries are scheduled for early 2020.

Opel Grandland X Hybrid4 will contribute to the electrification of the German brand’s entire product portfolio by 2024. It is also part of the carmaker’s strategy for meeting future CO2 targets. Another step in the process, which also includes highly efficient internal combustion engines, will be the introduction of the fully battery electric version of the next-generation Opel Corsa.

Consistent with Opel’s positioning as the exciting, approachable, German brand, the new PHEV represents the state-of-the-art in plug-in hybrid technology. Propulsion system of the Opel Grandland X Hybrid4 comprises:

• WLTP-certified, Euro 6d-TEMP-compliant 147 kW/200 hp, 1.6 litre turbocharged direct injection four-cylinder petrol engine specially adapted to the hybrid application
• Electric drive system with two 80 kW/109 hp electric motors, all-wheel drive and a 13.2 kWh lithium-ion battery. Front electric motor is coupled to an electrified eight-speed automatic transmission. Second electric motor, inverter and differential are integrated into the electrically powered rear axle to provide all-wheel traction on demand.

New Opel Grandland X Hybrid4: Propulsion system

Engine will mostly be driven at medium to high vehicle speeds, while the lower speeds of transient driving are covered by the electric part of the powertrain. Opel Grandland X Hybrid4 can cover up to 52 kilometres in pure electric mode in the WLTP driving cycle (65 km according to NEDC). Studies have shown that in Germany, 80 percent of all daily journeys cover a distance of under 50 km, so for these customers Opel Grandland X Hybrid4 could potentially drive with zero emissions all of the time.

New Opel Grandland X Hybrid4: Interior with AGR seats

Opel Grandland X Hybrid4 will offer four driving modes – electric, hybrid, AWD and Sport – allowing drivers to tailor the car’s characteristics to their wishes or to specific driving conditions. For example, choosing the hybrid mode allows the car to automatically select its most efficient method of propulsion, with the possibility of switching to electric mode for zero-emission driving when reaching a city centre. Selecting AWD mode activates the electrified rear axle for maximum traction on all kinds of roads.

New Opel Grandland X Hybrid4: Eight-speed, shift-by-wire, automatic transmission & Driving mode selector

In addition to demonstrating how Opel democratises innovation with the newest propulsion systems, Grandland X Hybrid4 shows how Opel always keeps sight of the customer’s needs. For example, the plug socket for charging the battery via the 3.3 kW on-board charger (a 6.6 kW version is optional) is conveniently positioned on the opposite side of the vehicle to the fuel filler, while the battery is installed under the rear seats in order to optimise space in the interior and the boot.

As electricity is cheaper than petrol, drivers can save money when they regularly recharge the battery instead of putting fuel in the tank. Depending on local prices and distances covered, this can significantly lower energy bills. Charging time depends on the type of charger in use. In addition to the cable supplied with the vehicle for charging from a domestic plug socket, Opel will offer devices for fast charging at public stations and wallboxes at home. For example, the battery charges fully in around one hour and 50 minutes with a 7.4 kW wallbox.

To make charging even more convenient, Opel Grandland X Hybrid4 will benefit from the dedicated solutions for electrified vehicles supplied by Free2Move Services, Groupe PSA mobility brand. These are easy to use via the “myOpel” app. The offer will include a charging pass, giving access to more than 105,000 charging points in Europe, and a trip planner, which proposes the best routes based on the car’s residual range and shows the location of charging stations along the routes. Connected navigation via the Navi 5.0 IntelliLink infotainment system takes care of finding the routes and the guidance to the chosen charging station. The “myOpel” app allows checking of the battery’s state-of-charge or programming of a charging time on the wallbox at home. Opel Grandland X Hybrid4 owners can also adjust the climate control or heating via “remote control” from the comfort of their living-room.

Opel Grandland X Hybrid4 will also offer the new Opel Connect telematics service. Helpful functions, such as Live Navigation with real-time traffic information, checking key vehicle data via an app, 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.

Recovering energy by braking

In order to further improve efficiency, Opel Grandland X Hybrid4 features a regenerative braking system to recover the energy produced under braking or deceleration. In a conventional braking system, the mechanical energy generated by friction in the brakes is lost as heat. By converting this excess kinetic energy into electrical energy, and either using it immediately or storing it in the battery, the all-electric range of the  Opel Grandland X Hybrid4 can increase by up to 10 per cent on average.

To further leverage the high voltage (300 V) electrical system, Opel Grandland X Hybrid4 is equipped with an electrical air-conditioning compressor and an electrical heater.

New Grandland X Hybrid4 belongs to the vanguard of Opel’s next-generation electrified vehicles. While the Ampera-e remains on sale in selected markets, the manufacturer will globally launch within 20 months the new Opel Corsa, new Opel Zafira Life MPV, new Opel Vivaro LCV and the successor of the Opel Mokka X – each of which will feature a fully battery electric version.

Electric Car for Everyone: New Opel Corsa-e

• Sixth-generation Opel Corsa: with electric driving range up to 330 kilometres (WLTP)
• Attractive leasing rates in Germany: “First Edition” from €299 / month
• Order now: top-equipped “First Edition” available for €32,900 Euro
• Powerful: 100kW (136hp) in every Opel Corsa-e
• Active safety: systems include adaptive speed assistance
• Bright idea: IntelliLux LED Matrix light for first time in small car segment

Opel Corsa is democratising electric mobility. With the all-new, sixth-generation Corsa, Opel is offering for the first time a battery-electric version with a range of up to 330 kilometres (WLTP). The Corsa-e can be ordered now for €29,900 (RRP incl. VAT in Germany). Where applicable, the price is reduced by incentives. Opel Corsa-e “Selection” already offers automatic climate control with remote control, electric parking brake and keyless start as well as the Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatible Multimedia radio with 7-inch colour touchscreen. Systems such as front collision warning with automatic emergency braking and pedestrian detection, and lane-keep assist are also installed at no extra cost. Next higher equipped “Edition” is priced at €30,650. Opel Corsa-e “First Edition” fulfils nearly every wish and can also be reserved now for €32,900. Standard equipment includes LED headlights, 17-inch light-alloy wheels, two-tone paint and a fully digitalised cockpit. New-generation Opel Corsa additionally offers safety systems that are leading in this segment. There are also attractive leasing rates. Opel Corsa-e “First Edition” can be leased for €299 per month.

Opel has chosen the brand’s most popular model to finally bring electric mobility out of its niche-existence. Opel Corsa is an absolute bestseller. More than 13.6 million units have been produced since the world premiere in 1982. Opel Corsa has made millions of people mobile; now it is offering them access to emission-free driving.

“New Opel Corsa is electric. We promised an electric car for the people – and we are delivering”, said Opel CEO Michael Lohscheller. “With the Corsa-e and the Grandland X Hybrid4 we are fully implementing our PACE! strategic plan. By 2024 we will offer – without exception – an electrified version of every model.”

Impressive data: 100 kW (136 hp) power output, up to 330 km range

Opel has been producing cars for 120 years and has always made technology available to a wide audience of car buyers. The new Corsa-e offers state-of-the-art electric mobility. With a range up to 330 km according to WLTP, the five-seat Corsa-e is suitable for unconstrained every-day use. The 50 kWh battery can be fast-charged to 80 per cent of its capacity in 30 minutes. Opel Corsa-e is prepared for all charging options – via cable, wallbox or high-speed charging – and the battery is covered by an eight-year warranty. The battery’s state-of-charge can be checked at any time via the “myOpel” app, which enables optimisation of charging times and costs while travelling.

Furthermore, the range can be adapted by the driver, who can choose from three driving modes – Normal, Eco and Sport. Sport increases responsiveness and driving dynamics, with a moderate loss of driving range. In Eco mode the Corsa-e becomes a long-distance runner, significantly increasing the range while hardly affecting comfort.

Opel Corsa-e’s propulsion system combines emission-free driving with a maximum “fun-to-drive” factor. Thanks to the 100kW (136hp) power output and a 260 Nm of instantaneous maximum torque, the highlights include responsiveness, agility and dynamic performance. The Corsa-e needs only 2.8 seconds2 to sprint from zero to 50 km/h, only 8.1 seconds3 from zero to 100 km/h – a match for sports cars.

Opel Corsa-e also looks dynamic thanks to its sporty design, while the compact exterior dimensions of previous generations are retained. With a length of 4.06 metres Opel Corsa remains an agile, practical and well-arranged five-seater. The roof line is coupé-like, 48mm lower than its predecessor’s, without detriment to headroom. The driver sits 28mm lower. Handling and driving dynamics benefit from the lower centre of gravity. The handling is responsive and dynamic, for more fun behind the steering wheel. The modern interior with fully digitalised cockpit can even be upgraded with leather seats.

Safety first: IntelliLux LED Matrix light, side blind-spot assist, front collision warning

Technologies and assistance systems that are more often found in higher market segments make their debut in the Opel Corsa-e. Top features include the adaptive, glare-free IntelliLux LED Matrix light that Opel offers for the first time in the small car segment – for only €700 starting with “First Edition”. The eight LED elements, controlled by a newest-generation high-resolution front camera, continuously adapt the light beam to the prevailing traffic situation and the surroundings. Advanced driver assistance systems provide tangible additional safety. Thanks to the new front camera traffic sign recognition now detects additional information, such as LED signs. Speed limits saved in the system are also shown in the display. Radar supported adaptive speed control and sensor-based flank-guard also celebrate their premiere in the new Opel Corsa. Side blind-spot assist and a variety of parking assistants are also available.

Multimedia systems with Opel Connect telematics service

New infotainment systems comprising the Multimedia Navi with 7.0-inch colour touchscreen, as well as the top-of-the-line Multimedia Navi Pro with 10.0-inch colour touchscreen, keep the new Corsa’s drivers and passengers fully connected. Corsa-e also offers the new Opel Connect telematics service. Helpful functions, such as Live Navigation with real-time traffic information, as well as direct connection with roadside assistance and emergency call, give additional peace of mind to drivers and passengers.

Customer deliveries of the new Opel Corsa-e will begin in spring 2020. In addition, the order books for the Opel Grandland X as plug-in hybrid are also open. Two more all-electric Opel models will arrive in 2020 – Opel Vivaro and the successor to the Opel Mokka X.