New Opel Corsa-e Keeps The Lights On at Christmas

• New 1:43 scale models: Opel Corsa and Opel Corsa-e as collectors’ items 
• Made by Minichamps: to order in January for €29.90 in Germany

Once upon a time, Santa and the elves retired the reindeer and opted for a new Opel Corsa-e instead. State-of-charge of the lithium-ion battery was sufficient to keep the lights on the Christmas tree twinkling, as well as power the delivery of presents! 

Santa’s Corsa might be exclusively reserved for urgent business over the next few weeks, but collectors can take delivery of their own new Opel Corsa or Opel Corsa-e very soon – as a die-cast model, made by Minichamps. Order bank will open in January 2020, at an attractive of €29.90 (RRP including VAT in Germany).

In their transparent display boxes, the 1:43 scale models in “Summit White” (Opel Corsa) or “Power Orange” (Opel Corsa-e) look magic on any shelf or table. Opel’s model car expert, Dirk Hannig, and the specialists from Minichamps pored over every detail during the creation of the mini versions. Just like the real car, the roof and outer mirrors are glossy black. Behind the delicate wheels (which share the original’s “BiColor” design) the brake calipers are clearly visible. Tiny reproductions of Opel’s lightning flash logo proudly adorn the front grille and rear hatch. Even the interior features miniature versions of the actual comfortable seats.

Such devotion to detail requires careful planning. Each eye-catching model consists of around 80 parts, which are produced with 50 different tools. Development process from first 3D data to finished product lasts more than 12 months. Precision tools alone take four months to make. At the end of the process emerge highly detailed mini replicas of the new Opel Corsa and Opel Corsa-e.

“Electric City”: Opel Completes Installation of 350 Charging Points on Time

One year after announcing “Electric City”, Opel has reached an important milestones of the project: The carmaker has completed the installation of the 350 charging points it had announced for its fleet vehicle. The Opel fleet consists of company cars and development vehicles.

“Opel goes electric is not an empty promise,” said Opel CEO Michael Lohscheller. “A consistent electrification strategy is an important pillar of our PACE! company plan. This also includes creating the necessary charging infrastructure for our electric vehicles developed here in Rüsselsheim. Now we have this infrastructure. I would like to complement the team and the rapid implementation of the project. In order to help electric mobility achieve a breakthrough more such overarching infrastructure projects are needed.”

Electric City is a joint project of multiple partners including the City of Rüsselsheim am Main, RheinMain University and Opel. Together, the partners want to accelerate the expansion of the charging infrastructure for electric vehicles. Sponsored by the Federal Ministry of Economics, of around 1,300 charging stations will be installed across the city. These will be located in all districts and residential areas, on the Opel premises, on the campus of RheinMain University, in residential estates of gewobau Rüsselsheim, on the parking areas of selected supermarkets and shopping centres and on the premises of the municipal clinic (GPR).

Groupe PSA and FCA agree to merge

New entity will have the leadership, resources and scale to be at the forefront of a new era of sustainable mobility

• Combines companies’ extensive and growing capabilities to address the challenge of shaping the new era of sustainable mobility
• Combined company will be the 4th largest global OEM by volume and 3rd largest by revenue with annual sales of 8.7 million units and combined revenues of nearly €170 billion [1]
• Creates a diversified business with among the highest margins in its core markets of Europe, North America and Latin America and the opportunity to reshape the strategy in other regions
• Merger will deliver approximately €3.7 billion estimated annual run-rate synergies with no plant closures resulting from the transaction – synergies are expected to be net cash flow positive from year 1
• Strong combined balance sheet and high level of liquidity provide financial flexibility with an investment grade credit rating expected
• Combined company will leverage investment efficiency across a larger scale to develop innovative mobility solutions and cutting edge technologies in new energy vehicles, autonomous driving and connectivity
• Broad portfolio of well-established iconic brands offering best-in-class products covering key vehicle market segments and delivering higher customer satisfaction
• Excellent working relationship between the two management teams, which share successful track records in turnarounds, value creation and successful OEM combinations
• Strong governance structure to underpin combined company performance with John Elkann as Group Chairman and Carlos Tavares as Group CEO, with a majority of independent directors [2]
• Strong support of long-term shareholders (EXOR N.V., Peugeot Family Group, Bpifrance [3] who will be represented on the Board

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles N.V. (“FCA”) (NYSE: FCAU / MTA: FCA) and Peugeot S.A. (“Groupe PSA”) have today signed a binding Combination Agreement providing for a 50/50 merger of their businesses to create the 4th largest global automotive OEM by volume and 3rd largest by revenue. The proposed combination will be an industry leader with the management, capabilities, resources and scale to successfully capitalize on the opportunities presented by the new era in sustainable mobility.

With its combined financial strength and skills, the merged entity will be particularly well placed to provide innovative, clean and sustainable mobility solutions, both in a rapidly urbanizing environment and in rural areas around the world. The gains in efficiency derived from larger volumes, as well as the benefits of uniting the two companies’ strengths and core competencies, will ensure the combined business can offer all its customers best-in-class products, technologies and services and respond with increased agility to the shift taking place in this highly demanding sector.

The combined company will have annual unit sales of 8.7 million vehicles, with revenues of nearly €170 billion[ 4], recurring operating profit of over €11 billion [5] and an operating profit margin of 6.6%, all on a simple aggregated basis of 2018 results [6]. The strong combined balance sheet provides significant financial flexibility and ample headroom both to execute strategic plans and invest in new technologies throughout the cycle.

The combined entity will have a balanced and profitable global presence with a highly complementary and iconic brand portfolio covering all key vehicle segments from luxury, premium, and mainstream passenger cars through to SUVs and trucks & light commercial vehicles. This will be underpinned by FCA’s strength in North America and Latin America and Groupe PSA’s solid position in Europe. The new Group will have much greater geographic balance with 46% of revenues derived from Europe and 43% from North America, based on aggregated 2018 figures of each company. The combination will bring the opportunity for the new company to reshape the strategy in other regions.

The efficiencies that will be gained from optimizing investments in vehicle platforms, engine families and new technologies while leveraging increased scale will enable the business to enhance its purchasing performance and create additional value for stakeholders. More than two-thirds of run rate volumes will be concentrated on 2 platforms, with approximately 3 million cars per year on each of the small platform and the compact/mid-size platform.

These technology, product and platform-related savings are expected to account for approximately 40% of the total €3.7 billion in annual run-rate synergies, while purchasing - benefiting principally from scale and best price alignment - will represent a further estimated 40% of the synergies. Other areas, including marketing, IT, G&A and logistics, will account for the remaining 20%. These synergy estimates are not based on any plant closures resulting from the transaction. It is projected that the estimated synergies will be net cash flow positive from year 1 and that approximately 80% of the synergies will be achieved by year 4. The total one-time cost of achieving the synergies is estimated at €2.8 billion.

Those synergies will enable the combined business to invest significantly in the technologies and services that will shape mobility in the future while meeting the challenging global CO2 regulatory requirements. With an already strong global R&D footprint, the combined entity will have a robust platform to foster innovation and further drive development of transformational capabilities in new energy vehicles, sustainable mobility, autonomous driving and connectivity.

The merged entity will benefit from an efficient governance structure designed to promote effective performance, with a Board comprised of 11 members, the majority of whom will be independent [7]. Five Board members will be nominated by FCA and its reference shareholder (including John Elkann as Chairman) and five will be nominated by Groupe PSA and its reference shareholders (including the Senior Non-Executive Director and the Vice Chairman). At closing the Board will include two members representing FCA and Groupe PSA employees [8]. Carlos Tavares will be Chief Executive Officer for an initial term of five years and will also be a member of the Board.

Carlos Tavares, Mike Manley and their executive teams have a strong track record in successfully turning around companies and combining OEMs with diverse cultures. This experience will support the speed of execution of the merger, underpinned by the companies’ strong recent performances and already robust balance sheets. The merged entity will maneuver with speed and efficiency in an automotive industry undergoing rapid and fundamental changes.

The new group’s Dutch-domiciled parent company will be listed on Euronext (Paris), the Borsa Italiana (Milan) and the New York Stock Exchange and will benefit from its strong presence in France, Italy and the US.

Under the proposed by-laws of the combined company, no shareholder would have the power to exercise more than 30% of the votes cast at shareholders’ meetings. It is also foreseen that there will be no carryover of existing double voting rights but that new double voting rights will accrue after a three-year holding period after completion of the merger.

A standstill in respect of the shareholdings of EXOR N.V., Bpifrance [9], Dongfeng Group (DFG) and the Peugeot Family (EPF/FFP) will apply for a period of 7 years following completion of the merger, except that EPF/FFP will be permitted to increase its shareholding by up to a maximum of 2.5% in the merged entity (or 5% at the Groupe PSA level) by acquiring shares from Bpifrance and/or DFG and/or on the market [10]. EXOR, Bpifrance and EPF/FFP will be subject to a 3-year lock-up in respect of their shareholdings except that Bpifrance will be permitted to reduce its shareholdings by 5% in Groupe PSA or 2.5% in the merged entity. DFG has agreed to sell, and Groupe PSA has agreed to buy, 30.7 million shares prior to closing (those shares will be cancelled). DFG will be subject to a lock up until the completion of the transaction for the balance of its participation in Groupe PSA, resulting in an ownership of 4.5% in the new group.

EXOR, Bpifrance, the Peugeot Family and Dongfeng have each irrevocably committed to vote in favor of the transaction at the shareholders’ meetings of FCA and Groupe PSA.

Before closing, FCA will distribute to its shareholders a special dividend of €5.5 billion while Groupe PSA will distribute to its shareholders its 46% stake in Faurecia. In addition, FCA will continue work on the separation of its holding in Comau which will be separated promptly following closing, for the benefit of the shareholders of the combined company. This will enable the combined group’s shareholders to equally share in the synergies and benefits that will flow from a merger while recognizing the significant value of both Groupe PSA and FCA’s assets and strengths in terms of market share and brand potential. Each company intends to distribute a €1.1 billion ordinary dividend in 2020 related to fiscal year 2019, subject to approval by each company’s Board of Directors and shareholders. At closing, Groupe PSA shareholders will receive 1.742 shares of the new combined company for each share of Groupe PSA, while FCA shareholders will have 1 share of the new combined company for each share of FCA.

Completion of the proposed combination is expected to take place in 12-15 months, subject to customary closing conditions, including approval by both companies’ shareholders at their respective Extraordinary General Meetings and the satisfaction of antitrust and other regulatory requirements.

Groupe PSA CEO Carlos Tavares and FCA CEO Mike Manley

Carlos Tavares, Chairman of the Managing Board of Groupe PSA, said: “Our merger is a huge opportunity to take a stronger position in the auto industry as we seek to master the transition to a world of clean, safe and sustainable mobility and to provide our customers with world-class products, technology and services. I have every confidence that with their immense talent and their collaborative mindset, our teams will succeed in delivering maximized performance with vigor and enthusiasm.”

Mike Manley, Chief Executive Officer of FCA, added: “This is a union of two companies with incredible brands and a skilled and dedicated workforce. Both have faced the toughest of times and have emerged as agile, smart, formidable competitors. Our people share a common trait - they see challenges as opportunities to be embraced and the path to making us better at what we do."

[1] Represents FCA Net Revenues, excluding Magneti Marelli, and Groupe PSA Revenue excluding Faurecia Revenue to Third Parties

[2] In compliance with the Dutch corporate governance code

[3] Bpifrance shall include jointly Bpifrance Participations S.A. and its wholly-owned subsidiary Lion Participations SAS

[4] Represents FCA Net Revenues, excluding Magneti Marelli, and Groupe PSA Revenue excluding Faurecia Revenue to Third Parties

[5] Represents FCA Adjusted EBIT, excluding Magneti Marelli, and Groupe PSA Recurring Operating Income excluding Faurecia

[6] Excluding Faurecia and Magneti Marelli

[7] To meet the objective of having a “majority of independent directors”, 5 out of 9 non-executive directors need to be independent

[8] Employee representatives would be defined based on legal requirements at all levels

[9] Bpifrance shall include jointly Bpifrance Participations S.A. and its wholly-owned subsidiary Lion Participations SAS

[10] Up to 1% of the shares of the merged entity plus the percentage of shares sold by Bpifrance, other than to the Peugeot Family (subject to the overall maximum of 2.5%)

New Opel Grandland X Plug-in-Hybrid with Front-Wheel Drive

• All-Wheel drive PHEV joined by front-wheel drive version
• System power totals 165 kW (224 hp)
• Up to 57 km all-electric range (WLTP)
• Potential €38,512 entry-price in Germany with higher “environmental bonus”
• All Opel models electrified by 2024

New Opel Grandland X Plug-in-Hybrid with Front-Wheel Drive

Next electrified Opel is coming. After the all-electric Opel Corsa-e and the four-wheel drive Opel Grandland X plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), the elegant SUV is now on sale as a PHEV with front-wheel drive. Opel Grandland X is therefore the first Opel available in two hybrid versions: as the all-wheel drive Opel Grandland X Hybrid4 (fuel consumption, weighted, combined: 1.4-1.3 l/100km with 32-29 g/km CO2 WLTP1; 1.6-1.5 l/100km, 36-34 g/km CO2 NEDC) and with front-wheel drive. Prices for the FWD model variant start at €43,440 (RRP including VAT in Germany). The net price important for calculating the granting of subsidies is €36,504.

With a 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine and an electric motor providing drive to the front wheels, Opel  Grandland X Hybrid produces system power and torque of 165 kW (224 hp) and up to 360 Nm of torque respectively (preliminary fuel consumption, weighted, combined: 1.5-1.4 l/100km, 34-31 g/km CO2 WLTP; 1.7-1.5 l/100km, 37-35 g/km CO2 NEDC). Driven purely by electricity, the hybrid can cover up to 57km in the WLTP cycle (60-65 km NEDC).

High safety comes as standard, thanks to driver assistance systems such as forward collision alert with pedestrian detection and emergency braking, lane keep assist and driver drowsiness detection. With the Navi 5.0 IntelliLink infotainment system and large colour touchscreen, driver and passengers are well connected.

In order to further improve efficiency, Opel Grandland X Hybrid features a sophisticated regenerative braking system to recover the energy produced under braking or deceleration.

Attractive price + increased incentives = hybrid accessibility for less than €40,000

In Germany, the highly equipped Opel Grandland X Hybrid Business Edition is available for €43,440 (RRP including VAT). Opel Grandland X Hybrid is listed as an eligible electric vehicle by the Federal Office of Economics and Export Control (BAFA). This would enable buyers to take advantage of the “environmental bonus”. Half of this bonus is granted by the automobile manufacturers and half by a federal subsidy, which is expected to increase from currently €3,000 to €4,500 soon. For the Grandland X Hybrid this would mean that the manufacturer's subsidy of €2,250 is firstly deducted from the net price (€36,504), leaving €34,254. Next, VAT is added, giving a price of €40,762. Following deduction of the €2,250 state subsidy after invoicing, the total “environmental bonus” then reduces the purchase cost of the Grandland X Hybrid Business Edition from €43,440 incl. VAT to an attractive €38,512. The customer saves almost €5,000.

Opel Grandland X Hybrid drivers in Germany can also benefit from company car taxation for electrified vehicles, i.e. the tax on price and usage is half of that on cars with conventional powertrains.

High-tech hybrid: electric motor and direct-injection petrol turbo engine

Propulsion system of the Opel Grandland X Hybrid consists of a 133 kW (180 hp), 1.6-litre turbocharged, direct injection four-cylinder petrol engine, an 81 kW (110 hp) electric motor and a 13.2 kWh lithium-ion battery. Electric motor is coupled to an electrified eight-speed automatic transmission.

Combustion engine will mostly be driven at medium to high vehicle speeds, while the lower to medium speeds of transient driving are covered by the electric part of the powertrain. Studies have shown that in Germany, most daily journeys cover a distance of under 50 km, so for these customers, the Grandland X Hybrid could potentially drive with zero emissions all of the time.

Opel Grandland X Hybrid offers three drive modes – “Electric”, “Hybrid” and “Sport” – allowing drivers to tailor the car’s characteristics to their wishes or to specific driving conditions. For example, choosing “Hybrid” allows the car to automatically select its most efficient method of propulsion, with the possibility of switching to “Electric” for zero-emission driving when reaching a city centre. “Sport” combines the power of both combustion engine and electric motor for especially dynamic driving performance. Opel Grandland X Hybrid can accelerate from zero to 100 km/h in 8.9 seconds and reach a maximum speed of 225 km/h.

The plug socket for charging the battery via the 3.7 kW on-board charger (a 7.4 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 – using the mode 3 cable with the 7.4kW on-board charger, the battery of the Opel Grandland X Hybrid can potentially be fully charged in less than two hours.

To make charging even more convenient, Opel Grandland X Hybrid benefits from the dedicated solutions for electrified vehicles supplied by Free2Move Services, the Groupe PSA mobility brand. Offer includes a charging pass and a trip planner that shows the location of charging stations along the route. “myOpel” app also allows programming of charging times or adjustment of climate control via “remote control”. “OpelConnect” service offers functions such as Live Navigation with real-time traffic information, app-based checking of vehicle data, direct connection with roadside assistance and e-Call. Help can be reached within seconds via the red button. If the seatbelt tensioners or the airbags are deployed, e-Call is activated automatically.

With the new Grandland X Hybrid, Opel’s electrification offensive gains further momentum. Brand’s first electric light commercial vehicle, Opel Vivaro-e, will arrive in the course of next year. All-electric versions of the Combo Life, Combo Cargo and Zafira Life will follow in 2021. By 2024, all Opel models will be electrified.

“Best Buy Car of Europe in 2020”: All-New Opel Corsa and Corsa-e Win AUTOBEST Award

• Europe’s best: international journalists from 31 countries elect All-New Opel Corsa
• Dynamic, practical, electric: New Opel Corsa-e is the electric car for everyone
• Hat-trick: Opel Corsa first to win AUTOBEST in three generations
• Fully charged: all Opel models electrified by 2024

All-New Opel Corsa and Corsa-e Win AUTOBEST Award

All-New Opel Corsa ticks all the boxes: in September, the sixth generation celebrated its world premiere at the IAA in Frankfurt – for the first time also as battery-electric Corsa-e. Now the small car bestseller has won the prestigious title of “Best Buy Car of Europe in 2020”. AUTOBEST jury, made up of international journalists from 31 countries, chose the Opel newcomer as the winner and thus the car offering the most for the money. Experts confirmed this during conclusive test drives at the final in Istanbul. And with the Corsa-e, Opel offers an electric small car for everyone, which combines the practical Corsa qualities with CO2-free operation and an electric range of up to 337 kilometres (according to WLTP 1). At the same time, the award for the all-new Opel Corsa completes an AUTOBEST hat- trick: no other model has been named "Best Buy Car of Europe" in three successive generations.

“We are very happy to receive this award,” said Opel CEO Michael Lohscheller. “The verdict of the independent specialist journalists shows that with the Opel Corsa we have created a future-oriented car for everyone. A car that is state-of-the-art, efficient, and well-equipped, with strong driving dynamics. At prices you can afford. At the same time, the Corsa, as a three-time AUTOBEST winner, shows that with each new generation of vehicles we are delivering on our promise to make top technologies available to a wide range of buyers.”

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“Last year, at AUTOBEST we said that the next winner of Best Buy Car of Europe should be an electrified brilliant new product. It is exactly what happened, and the new Opel Corsa is a perfect example of electrification for the masses. Thanks to the multi-energy platform, the new Corsa addresses everybody in Europe by offering both ICE and EV versions. Our AUTOBEST winner is the first car in our history starting to build the link between now and tomorrow, between classic and avant-garde propulsions and technologies. The new Corsa is the first to democratise the future of electric motoring, making people in Europa embrace the future confidently as the next normality,” said Dan Vardie, AUTOBEST Founder & Chairman.

Already in 2007 and 2015, Corsa generations four and five took overall victory; last year the Opel Combo Life received the AUTOBEST award. Now the new Opel Corsa and Corsa-e are continuing the tradition. The recipe for success: the new Opel Corsa combines high everyday benefits with top technologies, economy, an exciting design plus lots of fun behind the wheel. Every Corsa variant is equipped with numerous state-of-the-art assistance systems. These include forward collision alert with automatic emergency braking and pedestrian detection as well as intelligent speed control, lane departure warning and traffic sign recognition.

Together with the Opel Grandland X plug-in hybrid, the Corsa-e marked the starting signal for the Opel electrification-offensive this year. All Opel models will be electrified by 2024 – customers can then choose an “e” version of each model. Also, electric light commercial vehicles are becoming particularly important for the “last mile” in city centres. Opel Vivaro-e van will launch in the course of the coming year. Electrified versions of the Opel Combo Life, Combo Cargo and Zafira Life will then arrive in 2021.

Opel is back in Russia: Opel Zafira Life and Opel Grandland X SUV at dealers as of today

• Opel Zafira Life and Opel Grandland X SUV can be ordered in Russia as of now
• People carrier Opel Zafira Life rolls off the production line in Kaluga
• Opel Vivaro also to be produced in Russia soon
• In the coming years at least one major launch every year
• Growth based on new export markets is at the core of the strategic PACE! plan

Opel Grandland X SUV

Opel is back in Russia: First models of the Rüsselsheim-based German carmaker have arrived in the showrooms of selected dealers in major Russian cities. As of today, customers in Russia can order the successful Opel Grandland X SUV from Eisenach and the Opel Zafira Life.

Opel Zafira Life

Groupe PSA started the regular production of the family van Opel Zafira Life in its plant in Kaluga, some 200 kilometers southwest of Moscow. Opel Vivaro transporter units for the local market will also roll off the production line in Kaluga as of early 2020.

Opel Zafira Life: Production at Groupe PSA plant in Kaluga

“A significant increase of our profitable exports is one of the key pillars of our PACE! company plan. We are making further progress in this area now with our comeback in Russia,” said Opel CEO Michael Lohscheller. “We will gradually increase our commitment in the country in the coming years. This includes offering a wider range of products. In the coming years, there will be at least one major Opel launch every year. Like in every market, our top priority is to grow profitably with a high level of customer satisfaction.”

“Opel is returning to Russia and this is a fantastic comeback. It is a benefit that we are able to use the plant in Kaluga and to produce locally from the start. We are happy to offer Russian clients a competitive and high-quality product which is based on the best developments of German engineering“, said Paul Willcox, CEO Eurasia region.    

German brand has a long-standing tradition and an excellent reputation in Russia. With its comeback on the Russian market, Opel will strengthen the presence of Groupe PSA in the Eurasia region. Russia is a large, strategically important and attractive market with a lot of potential.

Initially, 11 dealers in major Russian cities such as Moscow, St. Petersburg, Stavropol, Rostov, Ryazan, Tyumen or Nizhiny Novgorod will be Opel partners. This number will double as soon as next year and grow further going forward.

An extensive export offensive is one pillar of the Opel/Vauxhall strategic plan PACE!, which will help the company become sustainably profitable. Decision to re-enter the Russian market – after having left during the severe economic crisis in 2015 – is part of this plan aiming at the development of the brand in both Europe and global markets. Goal is to generate 10 percent of the overall Opel sales volume outside of the European core market by the mid-2020s.

To achieve this, the brand is further strengthening its presence in the export markets in Asia, Africa and South America where it is already present today and will enter more than 20 new export markets by 2022. For example, Opel will be exporting vehicles to Colombia and Ecuador already as of next year.

Downloads: Opel Grandland X SUV Price List (RU)

                     Opel Zafira Life Price List (RU)

Development of Opel Corsa-e Rally Underway

• Opel develops the first battery-electric rally car
• Two development vehicles undergoing durability testing at Dudenhofen Test Centre
• Opel Corsa-e Rally features three drive modes for competition
• Entries for ADAC Opel e-Rally Cup 2020/2021 open on December 15, 2019

Opel Corsa-e Rally 

Comprehensive development programme of the Opel Corsa-e Rally for the ADAC Opel e-Rally Cup is proceeding at full speed. Two examples of the battery-electric rally car are currently undergoing durability testing at the Dudenhofen Test Centre. “We have two objectives”, said Opel Motorsport Director, Jörg Schrott. “Both cars are covering as many kilometres as possible, in order to gather the maximum amount of data at an early stage. There is no experience of an electric rally car that we could turn to, so initially we had to rely on calculations and simulations. These are being gradually replaced with real data. Other focuses are on loads and temperature management of the battery under rally conditions, as well as adapting the software. I am pleased to report that our programme is going smoothly.”

While the power output is almost the same, 260 Nm of torque is much higher than the Opel ADAM Cup’s.

Engineers at Opel Motorsport will turn to the speed of the 100 kW (136 hp) electric rally car in the second phase of development. “With a brand cup car, it is important that the performance remains constant and accessible under all conditions. The equipment should guarantee equal opportunity for all participants”, said Jörg Schrott. “We also decided that the Corsa-e Rally should match and exceed the high standards of its petrol-engine predecessor, Opel ADAM Cup. We are on the right road here too. While the power output is almost the same, 260 Nm of torque is much higher than the Opel ADAM Cup’s. Centre of gravity is low, thanks to the underfloor-mounted battery, and the weight distribution is also very good, which is extremely important for an agile competition car. Now we need to find the most balanced chassis setup, so in January we will start simulating some real rally stages.”

Engineers at Opel Motorsport will turn to the speed of the 100 kW (136 hp) electric rally car in the second phase of development. 

As soon as development of the Opel Corsa-e Rally has been completed, a reference car will be built that will also serve as the template for customer vehicles. Around 20 examples are expected to be built for the 2020/21 season, up to 15 will be delivered to customer teams in the summer – in time for the first test event in July.

Ideal setup: drive modes for rally stages and road sections

Opel Corsa-e Rally has the same battery as the production car. 50 kWh energy storage capacity enables a range of 337 km according to WLTP. In order to optimise the range for rallying, the battery offers three modes: in “competition mode”, full power and maximum torque are available. Electric cars have especially high torque, so the “rain mode” gives a torque curve adapted to slippery surfaces. Teams will use the energy-saving “eco mode” between stages and for driving to service.

Orders for the Opel Corsa-e Rally can be placed now, entries for the 2020/21 ADAC Opel e-Rally Cup open on December 15, 2019. 

True Individualization Artist: All-New Opel Corsa

• Free choice: more personalization options than any other Opel Corsa before
• Sporty, stylish, fresh: BiColor alloys with spoke clips, GS Line body kit, mirror covers
• Interior with a difference: gearshift, interior mirror trim and decorative strips set accents
• Really practical: portfolio includes can holders and FlexConnect systems for the rear

All-New Opel Corsa 

All-New Opel Corsa is more efficient and dynamic than ever before. And it is more individual than any generation before it. With numerous stylish and practical personalization options, the newcomer becomes a true individualization artist. Special BiColor light-alloy wheels with spoke clip sets and the GS Line body kit make the latest version of the Opel bestseller an eye-catcher on the outside as much as various coloured design accents on the inside. But the new Corsa is not only good looking, it is also practical. With many equipment options it becomes an ever-ready companion for the daily commute as well as for the holiday trip. Accessory portfolio ranges from cup holders for rear passengers to various FlexConnect solutions.

“We didn't just want to make our bestselling small car more modern, sportier and more efficient”, said Ulf Spiller, Product Manager Accessory, International Marketing. “All-New Opel Corsa should also be easy to personalize, to suit every taste. Portfolio of style accessories for the new Corsa is therefore wider than ever before.”

Colourful, racy, stylish: All-New Opel Corsa in dynamic look

New equipment lines Opel Corsa Elegance and Opel Corsa GS Line have already been consistently designed for drivers who attach particular importance to comfort (Elegance) or who like it dynamic and racy (GS Line). But if you want to combine the best of both worlds, you can now choose the GS Line body kit. High-gloss black side sills and front and rear lower skirts give the Corsa Elegance a sporty look. Those who prefer a colour-keyed style can order the GS Sport package for €1,089.30 (all prices RRP incl. VAT in Germany, without assembly) and have it painted in the respective car colour. Decal kit (€166.50) gives all-new Opel Corsa an even sportier look. Stripes in white or black for the bonnet and roof endow all-new Opel Corsa with an especially dynamic appearance.

For customers who want to turn their Corsa into an absolute eye-catcher with colourful accents, Opel offers several possibilities. Highlights include customisable high-gloss black BiColor light alloy wheels. A total of five wheel spoke clip sets can be inserted into the 17-inch wheels. No need to screw or glue, just click in and you're ready to go. Clips in the colours white, red, blue and black attract attention. They will be soon available as a set of four and individually, so that interesting contrasts can be created in the aluminium rims. If you prefer a more purist look, you can also leave the alloy wheels undecorated and thus emphasise the pure look of the BiColor rims.

The individual character of the Corsa is underlined by options such as coloured exterior mirror covers (€93.64) and logo bars (€129), which are also available in white, red, black and blue, as well as in carbon look.

Stylish and practical: interior options for All-New Opel Corsa

Choice of colours continues the individualisation possibilities for the interior. Portfolio includes interchangeable coloured applications for the instrument panel (€148.75) and interior rear view mirror covers available in three colours (€65).

Overall picture is rounded off by the coloured gearshift (€69.02) in either red or blue, which gives the Corsa manual gearbox versions an extra kick.

All-New Opel Corsa not only offers passengers a stylish environment, but also offers many other practical travel features. Rear-seat passengers can stow their drinks bottles and other small utensils within easy reach. This is made possible by the flexible cup holder (€47.36). It can be clicked into place in the centre console in a matter of seconds; the pre-equipment for this is standard in every Corsa.

FlexConnect – this term also stands for high everyday use and comfort at Opel. Various FlexConnect solutions not only keep the passenger compartment neat and tidy; they also provide the prerequisites for top entertainment. The adapter for the backs of the front seats, available for €22.38, can be fitted with hooks (€30.82) and coat hangers (€65.99), for example. This means that the best suit can also be taken, crease-free, on a business trip. Relaxed holiday trips with the whole family are also possible in the new Opel Corsa. Holders (starting at €49.98) for different kinds of tablet ensure that children can watch their favourite films undisturbed on the back seat. And for the card game in between, the new Opel Corsa can also be equipped with the FlexConnect folding table (€76.98).

New Opel Insignia Shines with Next-Gen IntelliLux LED Pixel Light

• Sharper looks: Grand Sport and Sports Tourer with more dynamic appearance
• Brightest: Next-generation IntelliLux LED light with 168 LED elements
• High efficiency: energy-saving Full LED lights across the range
• Safety in reverse: New digital rear view camera and rear cross traffic alert
• Premiere January 2020: New Opel Insignia takes centre stage at Brussels Motor Show

New Opel Insignia Grand Sport and Sports Tourer with more dynamic appearance

Opel gives a first glimpse of the new Insignia. New edition of the German brand’s flagship will premiere at the Brussels Motor Show from January 10-19, 2020 and offer buyers even sharper looks as well as further improved night-time vision. Thanks to the refreshed design, the top-of-the-line-model has an even more powerful on-the-road presence. Extremely slim headlamps with pioneering LED technology make a major contribution. New adaptive IntelliLux LED Pixel Light now features 84 LED elements per headlamp. Headlamps react faster, with more precision than ever before, providing optimum vision for Insignia drivers without glare for oncoming or preceding traffic. With the new-generation IntelliLux LED Pixel Light, Opel flagship is unique in its market segment.

New Opel Insignia Grand Sport 

New edition of the Opel Insignia is packed with advanced technologies. Grand Sport limousine and Sports Tourer estate offer for the first time a digital rear view camera. Combined with radar-based rear cross traffic alert, which warns of traffic approaching from the side, the system further increases safety. Portfolio is completed by numerous proven assistance systems such as forward collision alert with automatic emergency braking and pedestrian detection and a head-up display. Insignia drivers and passengers are well connected by the offer of excellent infotainment systems with colour touchscreens. List of options includes e-Call and wireless charging for compatible smartphones in the centre console.

New Opel Insignia will be even more efficient than before, thanks to lightweight engineering and all-new, highly efficient petrol and diesel engines. On its introduction in 2009, the first generation was elected “European Car Of The Year”. During the last ten years, almost 1.2 million units of both Insignia generations have rolled off the assembly line in Opel’s hometown of Rüsselsheim.

 Russelsheim - Opel Insignia manufacturing, final inspection 

Precise next-generation IntelliLux LED Pixel Light: 168 LED elements

New Opel Insignia will be equipped exclusively with Full LED light systems. From highly energy-efficient LED headlamps to the new adaptive IntelliLux LED Pixel Light, which features an industry-leading total of 168 LED elements, instead of the previous 32.

New Opel Insignia: IntelliLux LED Pixel Light

“With IntelliLux LED Pixel Light, we take another big step forward”, explained Christian Müller, Managing Director Engineering. “Driving at night is therefore more relaxed and safer. New headlamps react faster, imperceptibly and with higher precision to the prevailing driving conditions. Intelligent system continuously adapts the light beam, road ahead is always ideally lit. Result is optimum vision in every situation, without glare for other road users.”

New Opel Insignia: Glare-Free High Beam

Main beam is adjusted seamlessly in milliseconds by two control units – one connected to the front camera and the other in the headlamp. High number of continuously reacting LED elements results in a seamless adaptation of the light beam. Illuminated area is larger than before, approaching or preceding traffic is “cut out” more precisely.

New Opel Insignia: Country Light

Range and direction of the light vary according to the driving situation and surroundings. The light functions range from curve and bad weather, to town, country roads and autobahn, as well as optimised light for parking. In particular, Opel has further improved the autobahn light of the newest IntelliLux LED. In left turns, the light beam reaches further to the left, so that the driver can more easily see roadside signs. When turning right in autobahn mode, the light beam shines further to the right, in order to avoid glare for oncoming traffic.

Power of the new IntelliLux LED Pixel Light system has been significantly increased. 84 LED elements are arranged in three rows in each ultra-slim headlamp, along with the curve light and dip beam module, as well as the characteristic LED daylight running lamp underneath.

Bold, pure, elegant: attractive new front and rear design

“New Insignia continues to build upon our Bold and Pure design execution”, said Opel’s Design Vice President, Mark Adams. “New front end emphasizes Insignia’s elegant and sporty character by proportionally making everything feel lower, wider and executed with clear German attention to detail.”

New chrome-edged radiator grille is wider and features prominent slats; the Opel logo in the middle of the chrome bar seems larger. Chrome bar itself stretches right and left to the LED daylight running lamps, which are now located at the bottom instead of the top of each headlamp. Opel Insignia appears lower and wider, also thanks to the air inlets with integrated fog lamps.

Rear of the Opel Insignia Grand Sport and Sports Tourer is also defined by clear lines. As already on the estate, the valence panel of the Grand Sport limousine will also feature two slots instead of round holes for the exhaust pipes.

Slim, horizontal lines of the design continue in the interior. Precisely placed chrome accents underline the stylish ambience.

Full range: new rear view camera, rear cross traffic alert and more

Typically for a flagship, the Opel Insignia will feature a full range of assistance and infotainment systems. A new digital rear view camera improves rearward vision. Safety when reversing out of parking spaces can be further increased by the optional rear cross traffic alert. System uses radar sensors to detect objects 90 degrees to the left and right behind the Insignia, at distances of up to 20 metres. Driver is warned via the display and acoustic signals. 

Additional assistance systems include:

• Forward collision alert with automatic emergency braking and pedestrian detection
• Lane keep assist
• Side blind spot alert
• Adaptive cruise control with emergency braking
• Traffic sign recognition
• Advanced park assist
• Head-up display, keeping the driver’s eyes on the road.

Portfolio of infotainment systems compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto will extend from Multimedia Radio and Multimedia Navi to Multimedia Navi Pro. Top-of-the-line unit features numerous Connected Navigation services. With real-time traffic information, online map updates and predictive navigation, journeys are more relaxing. New symbols give the navigation display a fresher, more modern appearance. Same goes for the instruments. When e-Call is installed, an emergency call is automatically sent if the seatbelt tensioners or airbags are deployed. Alternatively, help can be actively summoned in seconds by simply pressing the red button.

New Opel Insignia will offer high comfort. Ergonomically certified AGR seats are optionally available for driver and front passenger. Compatible smartphones can be charged wirelessly. Tailgate of the Sports Tourer can be opened and closed automatically by a movement of the foot under the sensors in the rear bumper.

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