ADAC Opel e-Rally Cup Presented at Essen Motor Show

• Tests with the battery-electric Opel Corsa-e Rally proceeding according to plan
• ADAC and Opel announce further details about the new rally entry platform
• Super Season" 2020/2021 starts in August; highlight is German World Cup round

New Opel Corsa-e Rally

Preparations for the world's first electric one-make rally cup are in full swing. ADAC Opel e-Rally Cup and the Opel Corsa-e Rally car will be presented to sports enthusiasts at the Essen Motor Show from November 29 to December 8 (ADAC stand, Hall 3). At the same time, two purely battery-electric Opel Corsa-e Rally cars will complete an extensive development programme. 136hp electric cars are currently undergoing endurance and component testing at the Test Center in Dudenhofen.

New Opel Corsa-e Rally: 136hp electric cars are currently undergoing endurance and component testing at the Test Center in Dudenhofen

“The demanding development programme is going according to plan, but is far from completed yet,” said Jörg Schrott, Director Opel Motorsport. “The aim is to supply our customer teams with a fully reliable, easy to handle and powerful rally car that will enable the ADAC Opel e-Rally Cup to seamlessly continue the success of its predecessor, the ADAC Opel Rally Cup.”

New Opel Corsa-e Rally: Interior with safety roll cage

2020/2021 calendar with ten qualifying rounds

In the meantime, the two partners Opel and ADAC have announced further key information for the new electric one-make rally cup. Before the start of the ADAC Opel e Rally Cup season as part of the ADAC Saarland-Pfalz Rally (August 21/22, 2020), the customer teams will have the opportunity to prepare their new equipment at two test events. The first test event will be organised by ADAC and Opel will start by organising a test event – the venue and date of this e-Rally Experience Day will be announced at a later date. The second opportunity for testing will take place under competitive conditions. The teams can take part in the ADAC Rallye Oberehe (August 8), a so-called R70 event over 70 kilometres of special stages in Rhineland-Palatinate.

The official start of the season in Saarland will be followed by three more rounds at two events in the 2020 calendar year - the ADAC Rallye Südbayern (September 26/27) and the ADAC Rallye Deutschland from October 15 to 18. The ADAC Opel e-Rally Cup will be holding a double-header at the German World Rally Championship qualifyier. Six further events of the first "Super Season" will be held in 2021 and will be announced at a later date.

Test sessions 2020

Test 1                       e-RALLY Experience Day                                                         Tbn

Test 2                       ADAC Rallye Oberehe                                                      August 8

Qualifying rounds 2020

Event 1                     ADAC Saarland-Pfalz Rallye                                     August 21/22

Event 2                     ADAC Südbayern Rallye                                     September 26/27

Event 3                     ADAC Rallye Deutschland – National 1                   October 15/16

Event 4                     ADAC Rallye Deutschland – National 2                   October 17/18

 Entries open before Christmas

Registration for the ADAC Opel e-Rally Cup starts on December 15, 2019 and teams can register at reduced conditions until January 31, 2020. The fee of €5,900 (plus VAT) includes a comprehensive service package:

• Entry fee for two test sessions and all qualifying rounds of the ADAC Opel e-Rally Cup 2020/2021
• Two ADAC Opel e-Rally Cup overalls
• Team clothing for driver and co-driver
• Service tent with floor tarpaulin and service advertising banner
• Hospitality access for four persons at all rally events
• Free charging on-site
• Electro-technical training for driver/co-driver

The fee for registrations received after February 1, 2020 is €7,500 (plus VAT). The scope of services remains unchanged.

The sporting regulations of the ADAC Opel e-Rally Cup are also taking shape. “In the design of the regulations, we are very much guided by that of the ADAC Opel Rally Cup. This had proven its worth over many years,”" says Thomas Voss, Head of Motorsport at the ADAC. After approval by the German motorsport authority DMSB, the sporting and technical regulations of the ADAC Opel e-Rally Cup will be available for all participants and interested parties to download.

Additional information is available at www.opel-motorsport.com and via email to customer@opel-motorsport.com

Opel CEO Michael Lohscheller is “Manager Of The Year 2019”

Auto Zeitung magazine chooses Opel boss at “Auto Trophy” election

CEO Michael Lohscheller with the new Opel Corsa-e

Title hattrick for Opel boss Michael Lohscheller: After the “Eurostar 2019” award and “MANBEST 2019”, the Opel CEO has now been named “Manager of the Year 2019”. The editors of the magazine Auto Zeitung recognized the successful work of Michael Lohscheller and the positive development at Opel at the annual “Auto Trophy” election. Auto Zeitung wrote: “He has been boss at Opel since 2017. Lohscheller shaped the transition from GM's long-losing traditional brand to Groupe PSA. Under his leadership, Opel earns money again.” The “Manager of the Year” award is the third title for Lohscheller within three months.

“Thank you very much for this award”, said Michael Lohscheller. “It stands for the success of our entire team, of all Opel employees. With our PACE! plan, we have set the goal of making Opel sustainably profitable, electric and global. This works thanks to the energetic support of everyone in the company.”

Since the implementation of PACE!, Opel has delivered a convincing economic performance. In the financial year 2018, Opel posted the highest operating profit in the company's history at €859 million; and in the first half of 2019, the operating result increased further to more than €700 million. At the same time, the German brand scores among experts and customers alike with its state-of-the-art models and technologies. Meanwhile, Opel is continuing its electric offensive. Following the debut of the Corsa-e and Grandland X plug-in hybrid, the brand's first battery-electric commercial vehicle – the Vivaro-e – will arrive next year. In 2021, Combo Life, Combo Cargo and Zafira Life will also be electrically powered. By 2024, all Opel models will be electrified.

Dealer of The Year 2019: Opel CEO Michael Lohscheller Awards 33 Dealers from 20 Markets

• Top performances: prizes for the best international Opel and Vauxhall dealers
• Success factors: customer satisfaction, sales targets, profitability

Top performers: Best international Opel/Vauxhall dealers received the 2019 Dealer Of The Year award at prize-giving during the international press launch of the new Opel Corsa in Split, Croatia.

Opel honoured the winners of the Dealer of The Year competition at a prize-giving last weekend in Croatia. German brand is currently presenting the new Opel Corsa to the international press in a multi-day event on the Croatian Adriatic coast. Out of more than 1,650 Opel and Vauxhall dealers in 20 markets, Opel CEO Michael Lohscheller presented awards to the 29 best dealers, the three best dealer groups and the best importer.

Impressed by Opel/Vauxhall dealers: Opel CEO Michael Lohscheller, Xavier Duchemin (Managing Director Sales, Marketing and Aftersales) and Pierre-Antoine Cartier (Director European Retail Network Development) at the 2019 Dealer Of The Year prize-giving.

“Winning dealers and their employees deliver extraordinary achievements every day” said Opel CEO Michael Lohscheller at the prize-giving in Split. “They are the ones connecting with our customers, they are the ambassadors for our innovative automobiles. That is precisely why customer satisfaction is such an important criterion of this award. Such achievements are only possible with a highly motivated team. This team spirit is typical of Opel – and our customers know it.”

All-new Opel Corsa at International press launch of the in Split, Croatia

Winners of the Dealer of The Year award are decided by several criteria. Success factors include customer satisfaction, sales figures and profitability. Strong performances in all areas are necessary in order to win the coveted Dealer of The Year award.

Comfortable Opel Corsa Elegance and sporty Corsa GS Line in Split, Croatia

2019 Dealer of The Year winners:

Dealers:

Van Mossel Leyssen - Belgium

Autohaus Hirsch oHG - Germany

Autohaus Buschmann - Germany

AAC Sigg GmbH - Germany

Laakkonen Varkaus - Finland

ETS Tariol - France

Garage Esch - France

Garage Muller - France

Maxx Motors - Greece

Aston Melton Mowbray - United Kingdom (Vauxhall)

Drive Bury St Edmunds - United Kingdom (Vauxhall)

Bristol Street Motors Sunderland - United Kingdom (Vauxhall)

Auto Vighini - Italy

Nardi’s Car - Italy

AZ Veicoli - Italy

Mitrovi  d.o.o. - Croatia

Autocentrum van Vliet - Netherlands

Autohaus Brantner - Austria

Mikołajczak - Poland

Sotermáquinas - Portugal

Exclusiv Motors - Romania

Garage Wenger AG - Switzerland

MGM International - Slovakia

Gipuzkoa Autoak - Spain

Marcos Motor - Spain

Talleres Benavent - Spain

Auta S.R.O. - Czech Republic

Arden - Turkey

Opel Duna - Hungary

Dealer group:

Tressol Chabrier - France

Drive Motor Retail Limited - United Kingdom (Vauxhall)

Van Mossel Automotive Groep - Netherlands

Importer:

Société Marocaine de l’Automobile Allemande - Morocco

Dealer premiere for all-new Opel Corsa and new Opel Astra

• Approachable: Opel CEO Michael Lohscheller visits car dealership Günther & Schmitt
• Enthusiastic: First test rides with all-new Opel Corsa and new Astra
• Successful: Opel Bestellers now even more efficient and dynamic

Opel CEO Michael Lohscheller visits car dealership Günther & Schmitt

After the world premiere of the all-new Opel Corsa and the new Opel Astra at the IAA in Frankfurt, customers could now for the first time experience the two newcomers to the Opel partners on site themselves. Numerous visitors took the opportunity for a trip to the dealership and took the new Opel models under the microscope. Which technologies are under the hood ? How do the assistance systems work ? And how economical are the engines of the two Opel bestsellers ? These and many other questions answered the Opel employees knowledgeable in the car dealerships. At the same time many guests did not miss the opportunity to test the models themselves or to arrange appointments for the next days.

Opel CEO Michael Lohscheller with New Opel Astra

"All-new Opel Corsa with its numerous top technologies shows what we make possible for our customers in the small car segment. And with the new Opel Astra, we have the most efficient Astra ever. We are all the more pleased with the great response from our customers and guests, who want to get to know our two new models on the first day, "says Michael Lohscheller. CEO attended the dealer premiere of all-new Opel Corsa and new Astra at the Opel partner Günther & Schmitt in Kriftel.

Opel CEO Michael Lohscheller with All-new Opel Corsa 

In addition to the two novelties lured treats from the grill. For this, the Opel partners had come up with additional program points throughout Germany to make the premiere day at the dealership an experience for young and old alike.

Car dealership Günther & Schmitt

Corsa and Astra: Opel customers now even more efficient and dynamic

Sixth generation of the Corsa and the new Astra impress with their best efficiency, high driving dynamics, great comfort and state-of-the-art assistance systems. For example, the all-new Opel Corsa already shines in the entry-level version available from 13,990 euros (UPE incl. VAT) with electronic helpers such as the front collision warning system with automatic emergency braking and pedestrian recognition. Also in demand at the dealership premiere were the new equipment lines offered for the first time: Comfort lovers appreciate the "Elegance" trim, the "GS Line" is aimed at customers who like it sporty in terms of design, equipment and driving experience.

One vehicle class higher, the new Opel Astra at the starting price of 19,990 euros (UPE incl. VAT) at the dealers before: the most efficient Astra of all time with up to 21 percent less CO2 emissions than the previous model. Five of the seven offered drive combinations even undercut the 100 gram mark in terms of CO2 emissions per kilometer driven. With a completely new generation of engines and newly developed transmissions, the new Opel Astra sets standards in terms of low emissions.

Opel Grandland X: New Top-of-the-Line Petrol Powertrain Arrives

• Happy owner: Manuel Friedrich of Ludwigshöhe “thrilled” by Opel SUV
• Unique offer: Opel Grandland X combines power, performance and practicality
• Strong demand: More than 140,000 Opel Grandland X already ordered

Happy owner: Manuel Friedrich (centre) is one of the first to take delivery of the Opel Grandland X with the new top-of-the-line petrol engine. Patricia Princess of Erbach-Schönberg, Managing Director Auto Jacob GmbH in Rüsselsheim, and Sales Consultant, Georg Pelz handed over the keys.

Deliveries of the cool Opel Grandland X with the most potent petrol powertrain in the line-up are now underway. The first example of the compact SUV with the state-of-the-art direct injection power unit is now in the hands of its happy owner. An excited Manuel Friedrich (36) of Ludwigshöhe picked up his brand new Grandland X at the Auto Jacob Opel dealership in Rüsselsheim. Patricia Princess of Erbach-Schönberg, Managing Director, Auto Jacob GmbH, and Sales Consultant, Georg Pelz presented Friedrich with the keys to his new car.

“I am thrilled with my new Opel Grandland X”, said Manuel Friedrich. “I have always wanted an SUV. It was love at first sight when I saw the Grandland X’s cool design and I placed my order as soon as the top-of-the-line engine became available.”

More than 140,000 customers have chosen the Opel Grandland X since sales began in summer 2017.

Manuel Friedrich’s Opel Grandland X is powered by the new 133 kW/180 hp 1.6-litre Direct Injection Turbo petrol engine with eight-speed automatic transmission (fuel consumption1, 2: 7.2-7.1 l/100 km urban, 5.0-4.9 l/100 km extra-urban, 5.8-5.7 l/100 km and 132-130 g/km CO2 combined).

The all-aluminium four-cylinder engine with dual overhead camshafts and four valves per cylinder develops maximum torque of 250 Nm at only 1,750 rpm. The lively power unit, which is notable for its particularly direct throttle response, accelerates the Opel Grandland X from zero to 100 km/h in only 8.0 seconds and up to a maximum speed of 222 km/h.

The PureTech power unit not only delivers strong performance. Thanks to a state-of-the-art exhaust after-treatment system that includes a Gasoline Particulate Filter (GPF), it also produces low emissions. Fuel economy and efficiency is further improved by the variable valve timing system, which enables infinite adjustment of valve timing and duration.

The Grandland X heads the “X-family” of Opel SUV models – which includes the Crossland X and the Mokka X – and is also leading the electrification of the brand’s model range. The order books for the Grandland X PHEV, Opel’s first plug-in hybrid electric vehicle, will open in the first half of this year. Opel will launch a total of eight all-new or refreshed models between now and the end of 2020.

[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): 8.0-7.1 l/100 km 181-161 g/km CO2

New Opel Vivaro-e Starts in 2020: Successful LCV Goes Electric

• Two battery sizes: up to 200 or 300 kilometre range according to WLTP
• Cleaner air: electric light commercial vehicles for deliveries without emissions
• Strong duo: New Vivaro-e will be followed by Opel Combo-e already in 2021
• Ready for business: e-variants without limitations on practicability and comfort
• Clear strategy: all Opel models electrified by 2024

New Opel Vivaro-e Starts in 2020

Electrification offensive from Opel continues: as of 2020, the Opel Vivaro will also be offered as a pure battery electric version. Customers can then choose between two sizes of battery, depending on their needs. The new Opel Vivaro-e will be available with a 50kWh battery for a range of up to 200 kilometres or a 75 kWh battery for up to 300km according to WLTP 1. Emissions-free deliveries are becoming increasingly important in urban areas and the demand for purely electric light commercial vehicles will rise accordingly.

New Opel Vivaro-e

Opel Vivaro-e is based on the group’s highly variable EMP2 platform, which enables the use of conventional as well as electrified powertrains. Vivaro-e extends Opel’s range of particularly efficient light commercial vehicles. Next electric LCV – Opel Combo-e – will arrive in 2021.

“Opel is going electric. All Opel models will be electrified by 2024,” said Opel CEO Michael Lohscheller, “customers can then choose an electric variant of each model. Electrified LCVs will be especially important for the ‘last mile’ in urban areas, for example, as a people carrier or delivery van. That is why I am very happy that the Vivaro-e will already become available next year, while the electrified versions of the Opel Combo Life, Combo Cargo and Zafira Life will arrive in 2021.”

Three generations: Opel Vivaro a European success since 2001

With the new Opel Vivaro-e, the German brand will continue a success story that began with the first generation of the vehicle in 2001. Vivaro A was offered until 2014, principally as a shuttle bus, panel van and platform truck. Opel delivered more than 650,000 units to customers during this period. In 2014, the second generation was introduced, of which Opel had sold around 310,000 vehicles by the middle of this year.

Opel Vivaro number three arrived at dealerships a few weeks ago. Multi-functional LCV is now available in three lengths instead of two (4.60 metres, 4.95 m and 5.30 m). Compared with its predecessor, it also has a 200 kg higher payload (up to 1,400 kilograms) and can pull half a ton more (trailer load up to 2,500 kg). Most versions of the new Vivaro are also only 1.90m high and can therefore access underground parking. Comfort for the driver and passengers has also increased. Numerous top technologies and assistance systems, from IntelliGrip adaptive traction control and 180-degree panorama rear view camera to multimedia infotainment are available as options. Features such as sensor-controlled sliding doors and the FlexCargo load-through make the working day easier.

1] Preliminary data determined according to WLTP test procedure methodology.

New Vauxhall Astra takes first place in Fleet World WLTP Challenge

• New Vauxhall Astra achieves remarkable 85mpg, 40 per cent higher than official figure of 60.1mpg
• New Astra tested against 20 competitors over 215 miles of UK roads
• WLTP Challenge designed by Fleet World to test and prove vehicles’ real-world fuel efficiency

New Vauxhall Astra takes first place in Fleet World WLTP Challenge

New Vauxhall Astra has been named the most efficient vehicle in the Fleet World WLTP Challenge, achieving an outstanding 85mpg. The result far exceeds the car’s official WLTP figure of 60.1mpg (Combined Low), representing an improvement of 40 percent.

WLTP Challenge was introduced by leading UK fleet magazine and website, Fleet World, to test vehicles’ real-world fuel efficiency, while proving to individual motorists and fleet drivers that this is accurately reflected in manufacturers’ official figures. Starting and finishing in Bristol, with a tour through the Midlands, the one-day economy driving event provides comprehensive results to help buyers make an informed decision about their next purchase.

Across a distance of 215 miles, new Vauxhall Astra was truly put to the test, driving through everyday routes designed to simulate a typical journey for an employee visiting clients on business. In a battle between 21 vehicles, the Astra came out on top. Astra was piloted by Vauxhall’s resident eco-driving expert, Andrew Duerden.

Martyn Collins, Editor of Fleet World, said: “The Astra’s remarkable 85mpg performance in the WLTP Challenge just goes to show what can be achieved by an experienced driver allied to an already inherently efficient vehicle. Buyers can have confidence that Vauxhall’s hatchback will achieve or exceed its official 60.1 mpg figure in everyday driving. The fact that the Astra is RDE2-compliant is another welcome benefit, removing the four per cent surcharge for fleet buyers.”

With an all-new powertrain line-up, the latest version of the Vauxhall Astra is more efficient than ever. Its diesel models produce CO2 emissions as low as 90g/km. This allows company car drivers to benefit from further savings, thanks to reduced BiK tax.

One of the UK’s top-selling and best-loved cars, the Astra is a household name for British car buyers with over three million sold in the UK over the last 40 years, including over 30,000 in 2018. More than 25 per cent of British motorists have either owned or driven an Vauxhall Astra, so reaction to a model with significant revisions will always be felt across the market. Building on the wide success of the outgoing model, customers will benefit from reduced CO2 and fuel consumption, as well as a series of class-leading technology and equipment.