Wednesday 24 June 2020

Full of Excitement: All-New Opel Mokka Electric and Energetic

  • Pure energy: bold looks, high seating position, emission-free electric drive
  • Exhilarating e-power: 100 kW/136 hp and 260 Nm of torque for great fun
  • Strong expression: Opel Mokka shows new progressive brand face with Opel Vizor
  • Totally digital: Opel Pure Panel cockpit detoxes driving experience
  • Brightly unique: Glare-free IntelliLux LED Matrix light first in segment
  • Truly advanced: Adaptive cruise control with stop & go and top assistance systems


All-New Opel Mokka

Electric plus emission-free plus energetic equals the new Opel Mokka. German carmaker now reveals the second generation of its compact bestseller, a powerful, completely new Opel Mokka that perfectly combines fun and modernity. It is capable of zero emission electric driving, it is highly efficient and more compact than ever – perfectly tuned for urban gyms as well as for safe Autobahn rides.


“New Opel Mokka is a headturner and will change the perception of our brand! With the all-new Mokka, we are reinventing Opel and introducing our design of the next decade. It shows everything the brand stands for today and in the future: Mokka is fun, efficient and innovative in all respects. In addition, it perfectly embodies the Opel brand values – exciting, approachable, German – in the most progressive way. It is the first Opel that is electric right from its market start; a real proof that Opel goes electric”, said Opel boss Michael Lohscheller enthusiastically about the new model.


Despite a slightly longer wheelbase (+2 mm), the new Opel Mokka is 12.5 cm shorter than the previous generation while offering its five passengers a similar loading space of up to 350 litres in its luggage compartment. Its total length of only 4.15 metres makes it super-easy to manoeuvre and park in urban and suburban areas. Design of the new Opel Mokka surprises with stunning proportions and captivating precision from its overall, bold looks characterised by short overhangs and a well-planted, wide stance, down to the smallest detail. Newcomer also stands out as the first model that features the future brand face and next generation fully digital cockpit: Opel Vizor and the Opel Pure Panel, respectively. Neither analogic displays nor fancy, useless decorative animations: Experience is clear and clean, the information provided is focused on what is really needed. Detoxed. Horizontally stretched instrument panel integrates two widescreen displays; the one in front of the driver is up to 12 inches in size. However, to allow intuitive usage and the driver’s continuous focus on the road, Opel designers kept control buttons for essential functions, avoiding hazardous exploration into sub-menus.

All-new Mokka continues Opel's tradition of opening up innovative technologies from upper classes to a wide range of buyers. These include advanced systems such as ACC (Advanced Cruise Control), which stop and go function may allow a cool driver to endure traffic jams in a light-hearted, cool way: his electric Mokka-e can automatically adjust its operations to the motions of the preceding vehicle without requiring any operation on the brake or the accelerator. In addition, an Active Lane Positioning system automatically keeps the new Mokka in the centre of a lane. Lighting system too offers upper-class technologies with the adaptive and therefore glare-free IntelliLux LED Matrix light with 14 elements, unique in the category. All Opel Mokka model variants come standard with LED lamps at the front and rear, an electric parking brake as well as traffic sign recognition. A 180-degree panorama rear-view camera is also available.


All-new Opel Mokka is based on a new version of the company's highly efficient multi-energy platform CMP (Common Modular Platform). This lightweight and efficient modular system offers maximum flexibility in vehicle development and allows the use of a purely battery-electric drive as well as internal combustion engines. Customer has the choice. The engineering team in Rüsselsheim has particularly worked on massively containing weight on one hand, saving up to 120 kg vs the previous generation, and enhancing the body stiffness on the other hand, gaining up to 30% torsional stiffness in the case of the electric version with its low-sitting integrated battery structure. Benefits are obvious: the new Opel Mokka consumes substantially less energy, while being much more responsive, agile and fun to drive.


For the first time in Opel’s history, the new Mokka will be available from the first day with an all-electric variant. Driving the Opel Mokka-e combines emission-free operation with an exhilarating experience. Electric motor delivers 100 kW (136 hp) and 260 Newton metres of maximum torque, immediately available from a standing start. Fast reactions, agility and dynamics are among the outstanding characteristics. Drivers can choose between three drive modes – Normal, Eco and Sport – for a good balance or the most fun, depending on their preferences. Electronically limited top speed is 150 km/h for preserving the energy stored in the 50 kWh battery and the range. A 100 kW DC fast-charging system allowing to charge 80% of the battery in just 30 minutes is standard equipment. Opel Mokka-e has a purely battery-electric range of up to 322 kilometres according to WLTP (1) in Normal mode, while the Eco mode supports the driver in achieving the maximum possible range. Whether wall box, high-speed charging or cable solution for the household socket: New Opel Mokka-e is ready for all charging options, from single-phase to three-phase at 11 kW. It also convinces with an eight-year warranty for the battery.


Customers can look forward to a very energetic, fun and agile new generation Opel Mokka. It will be on sale from late summer 2020 and available in dealerships from early 2021. Newcomer will also be offered with particularly efficient diesel and petrol engines.

Clear structure: New Opel brand face and cockpit design

In the second generation, Mokka’s name is again simply Mokka, just like at its debut in 2012. “Bold and pure is our consistent mantra”, says Opel CEO Michael Lohscheller. For the first time at Opel, the model name proudly spreads out in the centre of the rear panel, using a new, precisely chiselled techy font. When the first Opel Mokka was launched, it surprised with its compact dimensions and tough appearance. New Mokka is even more dense and robust, in a highly progressive way: extra efficient, pure and bold, with dramatically shorter overhangs (minus 61 mm in the front, minus 66 mm in the rear), 10 additional millimetres in width and a visually stretched silhouette for perfect proportions. Its compact size and general appearance make the 18-inch wheels look more impressively powerful than ever.


All-Mokka is also the first model to show Opel’s new, unmistakable brand front fascia: the Opel Vizor. Extending across the entire front of the vehicle below the bonnet, the Opel Vizor is an elegant module that horizontally frames brand features such as the latest-generation IntelliLux LED matrix headlights and the typical wing signature of the LED daytime running lights, proudly punctuated in its centre by the legendary Opel Blitz. Opel Vizor invented by the team around design chief Mark Adams will featured on all of the brand's models throughout the 2020s.


“Bold and pure, this is what the Opel design of the future will look like. All-new Opel Mokka shows athletic proportions combined with precisely structured, flowing surfaces. We have developed this philosophy aligned to characteristic German design, combining progressive bold design with purity”, explained Opel Design Vice President, Mark Adams.

This philosophy continues in the interior, where the anchor is the Pure Panel, which repeats the design intention of the Opel Vizor. Two wide screens of up to 10 and 12 inches in size welcome the occupants; the central display is deliberately tilted to the driver and the air vents are pushed to the background to enhance a focused experience. Pure Panel provides the latest technologies and most important information for the driver, while all irritating visual stimuli are absent. Design of the centre console too has been impressively cleaned up: thanks to the electric park brake as well as the new electric gear lever, no protruding element disturbs the purity of its design. All controls and modules are elegantly integrated.



Leader in the segment: Opel lighting technology and high-tech assistance systems

All-new Opel Mokka arrives in the B-segment with top innovations that until recently have only been available in the luxury class. Opel is a leader in lighting technology. All Mokka variants are equipped with latest generation LED lamps – from daytime running lights in typical Opel graphics to front fog lights. An absolute highlight in this segment is the adaptive IntelliLux LED Matrix light with a total of 14 elements. As with the Opel Insignia, Opel Astra and the new Opel Corsa, the lighting system enables driving on permanent high beam. In order to not glare their drivers, the individual LED elements can get off or deem down in milliseconds to “cut” oncoming vehicles or vehicles driving in front out of the light cone – nobody is dazzled yet Opel Mokka passengers experience stadium-like illumination.

All-New Opel Mokka: Adaptive IntelliLux LED Matrix light
In the rear, choice for LED-only technology has allowed designers to go for very thin, stretched lights enhancing the feeling of precision and quality.

All-New Opel Mokka: Full LED tail light

Exceptionally comfortable: Opel seating technology and top networking

Excellent seating engineering is par excellence typical of Opel. Various six-way ergonomic seats are available, which are individually adjustable. A sporty Alcantara and a classic full leather interior are both orderable – highly unusual for a vehicle in the B-segment. Crowning glory is the heated leather seat with perforated surface and massage function for the driver


Driver and front-seat passenger can place their smartphones in the storage tray provided in the centre console. Compatible telephones recharge here inductively (wireless). A rubber mat prevents the devices from sliding around. New infotainment range perfectly networks and entertains Mokka drivers and passengers. Multimedia Radio and Multimedia Navi systems with a 7-inch colour touchscreen and the top-of-the-line system Multimedia Navi Pro with a high-resolution 10-inch colour touchscreen are available. Monitors are integral with the new Pure Panel from Opel and ideally positioned towards the driver.

All-New Opel Mokka: Pure Panel
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatible multimedia systems feature integrated voice control. All-new Opel Mokka also offers the OpelConnect service. LIVE navigation (2) with real-time traffic information, plus a direct link to breakdown assistance and eCall make journeys even more relaxing for drivers and passengers. If the airbags or seatbelt tensioners deploy in an accident, eCall contacts the local Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) automatically.

Thursday 18 June 2020

Opel Legend Turns 50: A Fish Called Manta

  • From marine researchers and designers: how Opel Manta got its logo
  • On the Baltic Sea coast: world premiere at appropriate location
  • Big fish: Opel Manta A and B produced over one million times




It belongs to the Mobula genus (rays, stingrays) –  Opel Manta, probably the most fishy representative in a long line of Opel classics. This year, the coupé with the ray as logo is celebrating its 50th birthday. The Manta’s range extends from the German Baltic Sea to the American Pacific coast. Opel chief designer, George Gallion, on a secret mission, first discovered the ray from Rüsselsheim.


On a Saturday morning in 1969, Gallion boarded a plane to Paris. American designer who worked at Opel had agreed to meet the team of French marine researcher, Jacques Cousteau.


“We had chosen the name ‘Manta’”, said Gallion, 51 years after his Paris mission. “At that time, animal names matched the zeitgeist, the Ford Mustang and Corvette Stingray were very successful in the United States. Our Manta was also such a ‘pony car’. Now we had ten days to design a logo, but we couldn't find any suitable templates for it”,


So Gallion got on the plane and looked at Cousteau's images in the French capital. For hours. Until finally there was a shot in which a gigantic manta ray filmed from below against the bright surface. Bingo. That was it. The big catch. Opel Manta had found its identity and from then on got the iconic chrome-plated emblem attached to the front fenders.


Opel Manta made its debut at Timmendorfer Strand

Sporty Opel Manta made its debut in September 1970. Appropriately enough, the presentation took place at Timmendorfer Strand on the German Baltic Sea coast. For Opel, the Manta was a step into new territory. “Instead of making an existing model obsolete, the car we are presenting today is an addition to our range and meets a new demand from the market,” said the press release at the time.


Opel Manta was new, smart and sporty, and perfectly timed. Attractive coupés that could accommodate four were highly popular. Individuality was in fashion, the Manta’s shape and lines were just what the market was looking for. In the first full year of sales, Opel moved 56,200 units of the Manta out of the showrooms; 498,553 left the factory in total. Opel Ascona shared the platform, suspension and engines. Most powerful engine in Opel Manta was the four-cylinder 1.9 S with 90 hp, also used by the Opel Rekord.



Opel  Manta range began with the 60 hp 1.2 in 1972, followed in November of the same year by the luxuriously equipped Manta Berlinetta. Standard equipment included sports steering wheel, heated rear window, halogen headlamps, electric windscreen washers and vinyl roof. Five years of production were enriched by numerous special model variants – “Holiday”, “Plus”, “Swinger” and “Summer Bazar” combined up-market specifications with modest prices. Opel Manta GT/E, powered by a 105 hp, 1.9-litre engine with Bosch L Jetronic fuel injection, appeared in 1974. The trend towards matt instead of chrome trim continued with the Manta GT/E. The last special model arrived in 1975, shortly before the debut of the Opel Manta B. GT/E-based “Black Magic” was all black with orange stripes on its flanks.

Opel Manta GT/E Black Magic
Sequel followed just five years after the premiere

Already in 1975, the next Opel Manta made its debut with the B version. German brand had two variants in the range: the coupé with notchback and the 1978 Combi-Coupé CC with hatchback and large tailgate. Its long-lasting popularity ensures that the Opel Manta B has a special role in the company's 120-year-plus automotive history. No other model remained unchanged on the market longer than the Opel Manta B – presented in autumn 1975, second generation Opel Manta rolled 557,940 times off the assembly line until 1988.

Opel Manta B
As with its predecessors, Opel Manta B shared the platform, suspension and powertrain with the Ascona. Range of four-cylinder engines included 14 versions with displacements between 1.2 and 2.4 litres over the entire production period. Power outputs were between 55 and 144hp.

George Gallion with Opel Manta GT/E
New models and engines constantly complemented and extended the series and kept it young. Well-known abbreviations and affixes included SR, Berlinetta, GT, GT/J and GT/E. In 1979, newly developed OHC (overhead camshaft) engines replaced some of the older ones with side camshafts. Top GT/E developed 105 and 110hp with the larger 2.0-litre engine and was renamed GSi in 1984.

Rarest and most powerful Opel Manta B was the 400, presented at the Geneva Motor Show in 1981. Opel Manta 400, which got its name from the 400 units needed for group 4 motor sport homologation, featured a 2.4-litre DOHC four-cylinder engine (double overhead camshafts) with four-valve technology and 144 hp. With Opel Manta 400, Guy Colsoul and Alain Lopes won the two-wheel drive class of the 1984 Paris-Dakar Rally, finishing fourth overall behind three four-wheel drive vehicles.

Opel Manta 400 at the Paris-Dakar Rally (1984)
Last two versions of the Opel Manta B were the GSi top model and the GSi Exclusiv produced in small numbers by the tuner Irmscher. In total, more than one million examples of the Manta A and B rolled off the assembly line. A big fish indeed.

Opel Manta B GSi

Wednesday 17 June 2020

Opel Zafira-e Life: New Emissions-Free Flagship of Exclusive Travel

  • Top-of-the-range: electric multi-seater crowns Opel Zafira Life model line-up
  • 330 or 230 km range (WLTP 1): up to nine passengers travel emissions-free
  • Dynamic: 100 kW (136 hp) electric motor with 260 Nm torque
  • Convenient: variety of charging options, payment via “Free2Move Services” app
  • Customer chooses: 75 or 50 kWh battery depending on requirements
  • “E-Lounge on Wheels”: electric sliding doors, movable leather seats, panorama roof
  • All aboard for extra safety: numerous driver assistance systems enhance protection


New Opel Zafira-e Life


Opel continues the electrification of its product portfolio with the all-electric, flagship variant of the Zafira Life, the benchmark for multi-seat passenger cars. Fun to drive, with up to nine seats and available in three lengths, new Opel Zafira-e Life features all the benefits of the German brand’s combustion-engine “lounge on wheels”, plus the increasingly “must have” capability of emissions-free, silent travel. In addition, most versions of the Zafira-e Life are less than 1.90 metres high and can therefore access typical underground garages – important for hotel shuttles. Unique option of a trailer hitch enables Opel Zafira-e Life to tow trailers with a maximum capacity of 1,000kg.


With 100 kW of power (136 hp) and 260 Nm of maximum torque from the electric propulsion system, Opel Zafira‑e Life offers higher performance than most electric multi-purpose vehicles (MPV). Electronically controlled maximum speed of 130 km/h enables Autobahn cruising while also preserving the electric range.


Customers can choose between two sizes of state-of-the-art lithium ion battery, depending on their needs: with 75 kWh (2) and a class-leading range of up to 330 kilometres (ideal for large-family vacations) or with 50 kWh and a range of up to 230km, both in the WLTP (1) cycle.

Batteries consist of 18 and 27 modules respectively. Packaged under the load compartment where it makes no compromises on luggage volume, the battery further lowers the centre of gravity, which benefits cornering and wind stability while also making travelling more enjoyable.


A sophisticated regenerative braking system, which recovers the energy produced under braking or deceleration, further increases efficiency.

“OpelConnect” e-services, numerous charging options: e-mobility made easy

Charging Opel Zafira-e Life is as easy as using it. Via wall box, fast charging or even a cable for charging from a domestic plug socket if necessary, every Opel Zafira-e Life is ready for a variety of charging options. Offer of cables and wall boxes varies according to the energy infrastructure of each market, ensuring that Zafira-e Life customers can find and make use of a charging station almost anywhere.


Using 100 kW of direct current (DC), it takes around only 30 minutes for the 50 kWh battery to reach 80 per cent state-of-charge (about 45 minutes for the 75 kWh battery). Opel offers on-board chargers that ensure time spent plugged-in is as short as possible and that the battery (covered by an eight-year/160,000km guarantee) has a long life. Depending on the market and infrastructure, the Zafira-e Life features either a three-phase 11 kW or a single-phase 7.4 kW on-board charger as standard.


In order to make usage even more practical, “OpelConnect”, the “myOpel” app and “Free2Move Services” – the mobility brand of Groupe PSA – offer special solutions for all Opel electric vehicles, including the Opel Zafira-e Life. Services are accessible via apps.

“Charge My Car” function from the “Free2Move Services” app enables access to more than 160,000 charging points throughout Europe, including payment. To make it even easier for customers to choose the right charging point, the “Free2Move Services” app makes a preselection based on the distance to the charging point, the charging speed and the current charging price of the possible public charging options.


With the “OpelConnect” e-remote control functions, customers can use their smartphones to check the battery’s state-of-charge or programme air conditioning and charging times.

In addition, the “OpelConnect” portfolio ranges from eCall and breakdown calls to numerous other services, such as vehicle status and information. LIVE Navigation3 provides online traffic information in real time.

Good things come in threes: Opel Zafira-e Life in “Small”, “Medium” or “Large” sizes

Opel will offer the Zafira-e Life in three lengths, each tailor-made to customer requirements and available with up to nine seats. The Opel Zafira-e Life “Small” (available early 2021) competes with compact vans but offers considerably more room and space for up to nine occupants – unrivalled in this class. It also features a narrow turning circle (only 11.3m), good handling and two sensor-controlled sliding doors that open electrically with a movement of the foot – unique in this market segment. Opel Zafira-e Life “Medium” (likewise the Zafira-e Life “L”) has a 35cm longer, 3.28m wheelbase and thus more legroom for the rear passengers, which makes it a competitor of midsize vans in the D market segment. Compared with the competition, the Opel also features a larger tailgate and easier access for loading/unloading. With a luggage capacity of around 4,500 litres, the Zafira-e Life “Large” is a rival for even bigger vans. There is also an electric parking brake that can be comfortably applied or released with just one finger.


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


Luxurious “Lounge” trim is available for the long wheelbase versions – seats with massage and electric heating in front, four movable leather chairs behind, each with a 48cm wide seat cushion. VIP passengers can thus also sit facing each other and enjoy the legroom.



Enhancing safety: head-up display, front collision warning and rear view camera

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

Ultrasonic sensors in the front and rear bumpers alert the driver to obstacles when parking. The image from the rear view camera appears on the interior mirror or the 7.0-inch touchscreen – the latter with 180-degree visibility from the bird’s eye view.

Large touchscreen comes with Multimedia and Multimedia Navi infotainment. Both systems feature phone integration via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Thanks to “OpelConnect”, the navigation system includes real time traffic information for the latest status on the roads. A powerful sound system is available with all trim levels. In the top-of-the-line version, passengers enjoy first class acoustics thanks to ten loudspeakers.

As the flagship of the Opel Zafira Life model range, the new emissions-free Opel Zafira-e Life represents an extremely attractive offer to environmentally conscious private customers as well as demanding business users. Order books are due to open this summer.

Tuesday 9 June 2020

Absolute Precision: All-New Opel Mokka Shows New Face of Opel

  • Central design feature: Vizor organises fascia elements and stretches across front
  • Bold and pure: New face consistent with future Design philosophy
  • New family look: All future Opel models will feature Opel Vizor

Vizor of the all-new Opel Mokka extends in one single sweep across the front of the vehicle underneath the bonnet, visually stretching its width and organising the fascia with a reduced amount of elements.

Next Opel Mokka will be the first model to show the new face of the German brand. Team around Opel Design Vice President, Mark Adams has created a new, unmistakable front – Opel Vizor. Like a full-face helmet, a protective vizor that organically integrates the grille, the headlights and the brand logo in one single module covers the new Opel face.

Opel GT X Experimental (2018) - Opel Vizor 
Legendary first generation Opel Manta inspired the initial concept of this elegant feature: for the all-new Opel Mokka, the designers literally reinvented the Manta’s grille with twin headlight-modules on a black surface, framed by a thin chrome bar.

Opel Manta GT/E (1974)
Vizor of the all-new Opel Mokka extends in one single sweep across the front of the vehicle underneath the bonnet, visually stretching its width and organising the fascia with a reduced amount of elements. No superfluous decoration disturbs the focus on a pure, flush surface that perfectly integrates the headlights. Legendary Opel lightning-flash emblem proudly dominates the centre. It looks pure, precise and technical, a perfect match to the all-new Opel Mokka that will only have high-quality LED lamps as well as the latest generation of IntelliLux LED Matrix headlights – a true highlight in this market segment. Opel Vizor will become a hallmark of all Opel models in the course of the 2020s with the idea of further clustering top technologies


“It was very important for us to create a fresh new face for the brand that was true to our future design philosophy of being both bold and pure. Our new Vizor that makes its debut in the next generation Opel Mokka is very clear and distinctive, while being true to its German roots of form follows function. There is no need for a classic grille in electric cars like the Opel Mokka, so the Vizor creates a seamless integration of future lighting and other technologies, all within a high-tech protective surface” explained Mark Adams .

New brand face follows the compass philosophy of Opel. Next-generation Opel Mokka will show for the first time the new template for the front and rear view of future Opel models. In the design compass, two axes intersect with the Opel lightning flash in the middle, so that the brand emblem is increasingly becoming the central feature. Now sharper and clearer crease in the hood, which is typical of the latest Opel vehicles, continues below the flash and determines the vertical axis. Characteristic wing-shaped graphic of the LED daytime running lights, which all future Opel models will also retain, symbolizes the horizontal axis.

Monday 8 June 2020

Opel Zafira Life Turn into Camper by Conversion Specialists Crosscamp

  • New Crosscamp Life: compact camper with sleeping space for four
  • Fully equipped: rising roof, bed, fitted cupboards and kitchenette
  • Ready for the next trip: available at many Opel dealers, from €41,999 in Germany

New Crosscamp Life


Opel Zafira Life is as adaptable as a Swiss Army Knife. The spacious van is available in three lengths and with a highly variable interior. As an option, the sliding doors open and close electrically, while the narrow turning circle, all-round visibility and good handling make the Opel Zafira Life ideal for holiday trips with the family. Conversion specialists at Crosscamp clearly agree: the youngest brand of the Erwin Hymer Group offers the Crosscamp Life for €41,999 in Germany (RRP including VAT) at selected Opel dealerships.¨



4.95-metre long Crosscamp Life is a fully equipped camper with sleeping space for four people. Features such as a rising roof, a bed, fitted cupboards and a kitchenette are standard. The furniture fronts have a stylish, monochrome and especially robust stone-look finish. Flexible concept allows the continued unrestricted use as a passenger car – thanks to the height of only 1.99 m, most parking facilities are fully accessible.


Many of the Crosscamp Life’s options are orderable individually, so that every user can configure the vehicle to their own requirements. Attractively priced equipment packs are also available. Wide range of optional assistance systems includes main beam assist, drowsiness alert, lane keep assist and traffic sign recognition with semi-adaptive cruise control, as well as front collision alert with emergency braking assistant.



Crosscamp Life is available with the complete Opel range of diesel engines and transmissions in four power outputs. Equipped with SCR exhaust after-treatment technology, all the engines comply with Euro 6d-TEMP for unrestricted mobility.

If the Crosscamp Life is going to drive off the beaten track, it is available with an optional bad-road pack consisting of 25 centimetres higher ground clearance, underbody protection and a full-size spare wheel and tyre. Opel IntelliGrip traction control system ensures the grip required for every kind of surface. Just right for outdoor adventures with the new Crosscamp Life.

Wednesday 3 June 2020

Fully Digital: All-New Opel Mokka First to Bring Future Opel Cockpit

  • Fascinating: interior characterized by new Pure Panel with large displays
  • Digital detox: displays provide most important information about driving situation




Next-generation Opel Mokka clearly and boldly shows what new Opel models of the 2020s will look like – pure, precise, reduced to the essentials. Opel Design Vice President, Mark Adams and his team have developed a philosophy for the characteristic German design language that combines clarity with bold expressiveness. Philosophy applies to the interior as well as the exterior of the next-generation Mokka. Driver now looks at a Pure Panel, a high-tech cockpit that is both fully digital and yet focussed – “detoxed”.

“With the new Opel Mokka, we bring the Opel Pure Panel to our customers for the first time. Large displays, seamlessly integrated into one horizontal information format, a minimal number of physical controls and clear detoxed digital information, all together create an optimised customer experience”, said Opel Design Vice President, Mark Adams.

Structure of the Opel Pure Panel, along widely stretched screens, makes a multitude of buttons and controls superfluous. It provides the latest digital technologies and the most important information for the driver, for example, management of the energy stored in the battery of the electric Opel Mokka, without any irritating visual stimuli. Minimal number of buttons and controls offers the right balance between digitalization and purely intuitive operation, without needing to navigate into sub-menus. Pure Panel in the Opel Mokka impressively shows how Opel uses innovative technologies to make life easier for customers.

Tuesday 2 June 2020

Investments in the Rüsselsheim plant for the production of a third model

  • Model of the brand DS Automobiles comes in addition to Opel Insignia and Astra successor
  • Transformation of the plant into a future-proof location for the production of electrified vehicles thanks to the next generation of ultra-modern platform



Groupe PSA is investing in the future of the Rüsselsheim plant: A new model from the premium brand DS Automobiles will be produced in Hesse from summer 2021. Plant will therefore be producing three models from the end of next year: Because in addition to the Opel Insignia, which is already manufactured in Rüsselsheim, the next generation of the Opel Astra will follow at the end of 2021. Investments allow the Rüsselsheim plant to become a sustainable location for vehicle production, including electrified models - thanks to the localization of the Group's EMP2 platform.

“This strategic decision by Groupe PSA is a great sign of confidence in our main plant and our highly qualified employees. Investment will strengthen vehicle production at the Rüsselsheim location in the long term with an expanded product range. I am very happy to have this great news for our Rüsselsheim employees who deserve the addition of a third model, ”said Groupe PSA board member and Opel boss Michael Lohscheller.

Management and social partners will now be discussing the plan to develop the Rüsselsheim plant into a manufacturing facility for an expanded portfolio of electrified vehicles. This includes the intention to phase out the decline in production of the M1X transmission in the course of 2021. The transmission is currently being installed in the current Opel Astra, which will be launched in the next generation in Rüsselsheim next year.

“Plant in Rüsselsheim has demonstrated the ability to improve its competitiveness with a focus on performance and quality. It is a clear cornerstone of Groupe PSA's global vehicle manufacturing network. I trust that the management in Rüsselsheim will also face the future challenges facing the automotive industry, ”said Yann Vincent, Executive Vice President Manufacturing & Supply Chain at Groupe PSA.

Groupe PSA and Punch Powertrain Expand Strategic Partnership in Electrification

  • Agreement to establish second Joint Venture
  • New Joint Venture to design, manufacture and supply state of the art components and sub-systems for the future generation of the electrified transmission (e-DCT [1])
  • e-DCT will equip Groupe PSA’s Mild Hybrid Electric (MHEV) and Plug-in Hybrid Electric (PHEV) vehicles and carmakers globally





Groupe PSA and Punch Powertrain have signed an agreement to establish a second Joint Venture and expand their strategic partnership in the field of electrification, to contribute to fight against climate change.

Punch Powertrain holds majority control in the new Joint 61/39 Venture, which will design, manufacture, and supply Punch Powertrain’s breakthrough DT2 [2] dual clutch transmission for the industry’s next generation of mild hybrid electric (MHEV) and plug-in hybrid electric (PHEV) vehicles. The business will initially supply Groupe PSA’s global operations and aims to supply other vehicle manufacturers worldwide. The Joint Venture agreement is subject to customary regulatory approvals.

“Our clear manufacturing strategy is to have a vertical integration of components, particularly key technologies such as electrified powertrains. We have understood that the future is much more than reducing emissions. The challenge ahead of us is electrification at affordable cost, aligned with our raison d’être (Central Purpose)” said Olivier Bourges, Executive Vice President, Programs and Strategy and Member of the Managing Board.

“We are delighted to launch this second Joint Venture Agreement with Groupe PSA, Europe’s second largest car manufacturer,” said Jorge Solis, Chief Executive Officer, Punch Powertrain. “Over the past 45 years, Punch Powertrain has continuously pioneered innovative and cost-effective transmission technologies. This new venture will spearhead the industrialization of our next generation of transmissions for hybrid electric vehicles for Groupe PSA and other carmakers worldwide.”

Punch Powertrain DT2 48V and PHEV Dual Clutch Transmission

Punch Powertrain will contribute its DT2-related business unit, including world-class engineering, manufacturing, and support functions to the new entity which is expected to be operational by the third quarter 2020. Punch Powertrain will also transfer its current DT2- related facilities in Sint-Truiden, Belgium, and Eindhoven, the Netherlands. In turn, Groupe PSA will make a cash investment in the Joint Venture.

New Joint Venture, “Punch Powertrain PSA e-transmissions”, will supply Punch Powertrain’s innovative, ultra-efficient and compact automatic transmissions. Known as the DT2, this cost-efficient dual clutch transmission is the first in the industry to integrate an electric motor in a mild hybrid electric vehicle.

This latest Joint Venture will supply one of the industry’s first 48V solutions to equip mild hybrid electric vehicles (MHEV), resulting in significant fuel savings and reduction in CO2 emissions, compared to regular internal combustion engine powered vehicles.

A high voltage variant of the DT2 is designed for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV) and allows full electrically powered driving.

In April 2019 Groupe PSA and Punch Powertrain originally signed an agreement to establish their first Joint Venture “Punch Powertrain PSA e-transmissions assembly”. This Joint Venture will assemble the future generation of electrified transmissions (e-DCT) at Groupe PSA ’s facility in Metz, France, starting in 2022. This breakthrough transmission will equip Groupe PSA’s next generation of hybrid vehicles.

[1]  e-DCT ; electrified Dual Clutch Transmission

[2] Dual Clutch Transmission by Punch Powertrain, available in 48V, plug-in hybrid or conventional variants.