Monday 25 January 2021

Uncompromising e-Mobility: New Opel Combo-e Compact Van

  • No concessions: Electric drive plus full functionality, top comfort and high safety
  • Class-leading: Up to 4.4 m3 cargo space and 800 kg payload
  • Benchmark for compact vans: Passenger car-like driver assistance systems
  • Adapted to the urban jungle: Zero emissions, inner-city access, silent propulsion
  • People as well as freight: crew van with five seats and cargo compartment
  • High power and energy: 100 kW (136 hp) electric motor, 50 kWh lithium ion battery
  • Pulling power: 750 kg1 towing capacity and trailer stability control
  • All-electric: Opel’s e-LCV portfolio complete by end of 2021


New Opel Combo-e

Small business operators and professionals who want a zero emissions vehicle with a particularly urban character should take a close look at the new Opel Combo-e. In addition to class-leading cargo volumes and payloads (up to 4.4 cubic metres and 800 kg respectively), the all-electric compact van from the German carmaker offers seating for up to four passengers plus driver in the crew van version. Depending on the driving profile and the prevailing conditions, the new Combo-e can cover up to 275 kilometres on a single charge of its 50 kWh lithium-ion battery (WLTP 2). Customers can “refill” the battery to 80 per cent in around 30 minutes at public charging stations.

Just like its 2019 IVOTY-winning (International Van of the Year) petrol and diesel engine siblings, the zero-emission compact van also makes no compromises on functionality, comfort or safety. The comprehensive portfolio of class-leading technologies and assistance systems extends from driver drowsiness alert and traffic sign recognition to forward collision alert with pedestrian protection and automatic emergency braking. Especially important for the safety of other road users is Surround Rear Vision, which helps to prevent accidents with cyclists and pedestrians when making a right turn. Two cameras provide visibility to the rear and to the side.

Opel Combo-e van is therefore the ideal choice of electric automobile for those opting for “green mobility”, such as small businesses and the self-employed, especially in metropolitan areas where restrictions may limit inner-city access to zero emission vehicles.

“All-electric Opel Combo-e will enable compact van users to work in urban areas while transporting the highest payload and towing the heaviest weight in the class”, said Opel CEO, Michael Lohscheller. “Opel Combo-e continues the expansion of our zero-emission light commercial vehicle offer that began late last year with the Vivaro-e. By the end of 2021 and the launch of the Movano-e, we will have electrified our entire LCV portfolio.”


Newest addition to Opel’s all-electric LCV portfolio is available in two lengths. The 4.40-metre long Combo-e, which has a wheelbase of 2,785mm and can carry objects up to 3,090mm long, offers payloads of up to 800 Kg and cargo volumes of 3.3 to 3.8 m3. It even has a towing capacity of 750 kg – class-leading in its segment.

The 4.75 m extra-long XL-variant has a wheelbase of 2,975 mm and a cargo volume of up to 4.4 m3 that can accommodate objects up to 3,440 mm in length. Six tie rings on the floor (with the option of four more at mid-height) help keep everything in its place.

When it comes to choosing the Combo-e, a decisive feature for many professionals may be the large clearance between the rear wheel arches that is wide enough for a Euro pallet (the extra-long variant can carry two in a row). Extremely long objects can be stowed at an upright angle with the optional roof hatch.

In addition to objects, the new Combo-e can also carry people. Based on the extra-long XL-variant, the crew van version comfortably seats up to four passengers as well as the driver, while cargo or equipment is safely stowed away behind the partition wall. Thanks to a flap in the wall, the transportation of especially long items is still possible.

Electric propulsion system: Perfect for urban environments and the open road

Thanks to 100 kW (136 hp) and 260 Nm of torque from the electric propulsion system, the Combo-e is perfect not only for urban environments, but also for outside the city. Depending on the model variant, the Combo-e can accelerate from zero to 100 km/h in only 11.2 seconds3, while the electronically controlled maximum speed is 130 km/h. A sophisticated regenerative braking system with two user-selectable settings further increases efficiency.

Battery with 216 cells and 18 modules is packaged under the floor between the front and rear axles, so that it does not compromise usage of the cargo area or passenger compartment. In this location, the battery lowers the centre of gravity as well, which benefits cornering and wind stability even when fully loaded, while also contributing to increased driving pleasure.

Ready for everything: Variety of options and services take stress out of recharging

Opel Combo-e is ready for a variety of energy infrastructures and charging options, ranging from wall box to fast charging or even a cable for charging from a domestic plug socket if necessary. Using a 100 kW DC public charging station, charging of the 50 kWh battery to 80 per cent takes only around 30 minutes. Depending on the market and infrastructure, the Combo-e features a powerful three-phase 11 kW on-board charger or a single-phase 7.4 kW on-board charger as standard.

In order to make using the Opel Combo-e as practical as possible, “OpelConnect”, the “myOpel” app and “Free2Move Services” offer special solutions for electric vehicles. The services are accessible via apps.

The “Charge My Car” function from the “Free2Move” app enables access to more than 220,000 charging points throughout Europe, including payment. The “Free2Move” 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.

The “OpelConnect” portfolio ranges from eCall and breakdown calls to numerous other services, such as vehicle status and information. LIVE Navigation 4 provides online traffic information in real time.

Safety, comfort and convenience: Passenger car-like driver assistance systems

Opel’s new all-electric compact van strengthens the lead in passenger car-like driver assistance systems established at the launch of the Combo with internal combustion engines. Unique in the market segment is the sensor-based load indicator that allows the driver to check – at the touch of a button – that the vehicle is not over-loaded. Up to 20 additional technologies make driving, manoeuvring and transportation not only easier and more comfortable, but also safer.

In order to prevent annoying and costly dents or scratches while turning at low speeds, the new Combo-e is optionally available with the sensor-based Flank Guard.

For when the going gets rough: Worksite pack and electronic traction control

Professionals who need extra ground clearance and traction in mud, sand or snow can upgrade the Opel Combo-e with the worksite pack and the IntelliGrip electronic traction control system.

List of the Opel Combo-e driver assistance systems, already familiar from the Opel Combo Life passenger car, also includes hill descent control, lane keep assist and trailer stability control.

Multimedia Radio and Multimedia Navi Pro infotainment of the Combo-e come with a large 8.0-inch touchscreen. Both systems feature phone integration via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

New Opel Combo-e will arrive at dealerships this autumn, joining the Vivaro-e as the newest member of Opel’s all-electric LCV family. Next new model, the new Opel Movano-e, will also arrive in 2021. This means that the brand’s entire light commercial vehicle portfolio will be electric by the end of this year. Opel will offer an electrified version of every passenger car and LCV model by 2024.

1] Braked, 12 per cent gradient.

[2] Range determined according to WLTP test procedure methodology (R (EC) No. 715/2007, R (EU) No. 2017/1151). The actual range can vary under everyday conditions and depends on various factors, in particular on personal driving style, route characteristics, outside temperature, use of heating and air conditioning and thermal preconditioning.

[3] Provisional data.

[4] LIVE Navigation services free of charge for 36 months after activation. Fee due thereafter.

Friday 22 January 2021

Opel Corsa Individual: New special model

  • Exclusive: Sporty and elegant special series in diamond black with red accents
  • First class: Top-equipped model can be ordered online for 23,890 euros

Opel Corsa Individual

Opel Corsa is a real bestseller. It is not for nothing that it is Germany's best-selling small car of 2020 and was awarded the “Golden Steering Wheel 2020” and many other awards as Corsa-e . Small Opel is practical, spacious and offers state-of-the-art technologies, some of which were previously reserved for higher vehicle classes. Opel is now making the Corsa even more attractive to fans. Because from now on it is showing up as a particularly sporty and elegant special model Corsa “Individual”.

Opel Corsa Individual

Exclusive special series will delight both sporty and comfort-spoiled drivers with its design and inner values. Opel Corsa “Individual” appears completely in diamond black, in keeping with the motto “Black is beautiful”. Red design highlights and 17-inch light-alloy wheels are eye-catchers. In addition to the already extensive standard equipment of the GS Line, there are additional comfort and safety features such as the 180-degree reversing camera with parking pilot at the rear as well as seat and steering wheel heating. Entire package is already available at the special price of 23,890 euros (RRP including VAT).

Opel Corsa Individual: sporty-designed 17-inch alloy wheels

“Opel Corsa is a real winner - the best-selling small car in Germany and winner of the Golden Steering Wheel. With the exclusive special 'Individual' model, we are now making a very special offer for Corsa fans: top equipment with particularly sharp and sporty packaging, and at a special price. It pays to be quick, ”says Opel Germany boss Andreas Marx.

Exclusive, individual, comfortable: Opel Corsa eye-catcher with top technologies

Opel Corsa "Individual" is an eye-catcher in several respects: Diamond-black paintwork gives it an elegant and sharp appearance. There are also sporty-designed 17-inch alloy wheels - and that in two versions: as a complete set of winter and summer tires. Further highlights set red design accents. The decorative clips for the rims as well as the red radiator clip and the mirror caps are eye-catching. In the interior, in addition to the sports seats, aluminum sports pedals and the black roof lining, the red gear knob and the white interior mirror cap convey a sporty ambience.

Opel Corsa Individual: 

The 74 kW / 100 HP 1.2-liter turbo gasoline direct injection engine in conjunction with the six-speed manual transmission (fuel consumption according to NEDC 1 : combined 4.3-4.2 l / 100 km, 99-96 g / km CO 2 ; fuel consumption according to WLTP 2 : combined 5.9-5.4 l / 100 km, 134-122 g / km CO 2 ). Opel Corsa “Individual” accelerates to a top speed of 194 km / h and from zero to 100 km / h in under ten seconds.

Numerous assistance systems as standard ensure the highest level of safety, from the front collision warning system with automatic emergency braking and pedestrian detection to the intelligent speed controller and limiter to the lane departure warning system, traffic sign and drowsiness detection. The Corsa “Individual” packs additional systems such as the 180-degree reversing camera and the parking pilot on the rear. This makes maneuvering in city traffic even more comfortable and safer and the driver always has the best view behind the vehicle. Seat and steering wheel heating increase comfort, especially in the cold season; Small everyday items can be conveniently stowed in the center armrest with a storage compartment. And for the best entertainment, the Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatible multimedia radio with a seven-inch color touchscreen is on board.

1] The specified consumption and CO 2 emission values ​​were determined in accordance with the prescribed WLTP (Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicles Test Procedure) and converted into NEDC values ​​in order to ensure comparability with other vehicles in accordance with Regulation (EC) No. 715 / 2007, Regulation (EU) No. 2017/1153 and Regulation (EU) No. 2017/1151.

[2] The consumption and CO 2 emission values ​​given here were determined in accordance with the WLTP measurement procedure (Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicles Test Procedure) in accordance with Regulation (EC) No. 715/2007 and Regulation (EU), which has been prescribed since September 1, 2018. No. 2017/1151 determined. These values ​​are given in addition to the previously mentioned official consumption and CO 2 emission values ​​(according to NEDC) and should not be confused with them. Due to the more realistic test conditions, the consumption and CO 2 emission values ​​measured according to the WLTP are in many cases higher than those measured according to the NEDC.

Tuesday 19 January 2021

Stellantis: Building a world leader in sustainable mobility

  • A new company with the agility, creativity and efficiency to capture the opportunities of the new era of mobility, offering innovative solutions that will help change the way society moves
  • Rich heritage stemming from storied and iconic automotive marques, innovative mobility brands and deep roots in the communities in which it operates
  • Well positioned to compete in global markets with 39 electrified vehicles available by the end of 2021
  • Significant scale with well-established commercial positions in Europe, North America and Latin America
  • Strong opening balance sheet
  • Targeting more than €5 billion of annual steady state synergies
  • Robust governance structure from Day One dedicated to creating superior value for all stakeholders
  • Unwavering commitment of the 400,000 employees to exceed consumer expectations and pursue greatness


Carlos Tavares and John Elkann

Today marks the launch of Stellantis NV [STLA] (“Stellantis” or “the Company” or “Group”), a world leader for a new era of sustainable mobility dedicated to providing freedom of movement with distinctive, affordable and efficient transportation solutions uniquely positioned to capture the exciting opportunities of a global industry undergoing rapid and profound change.

Formed from the combination of two groups with strong track records and sound finances, Stellantis is a truly global company of 400,000 diverse, highly talented and experienced employees who design, develop, manufacture, distribute, and sell vehicles and mobility solutions around the world while remaining deeply rooted in the communities in which they live and work.

11-member Board of Directors is led by Chairman John Elkann. Carlos Tavares as Chief Executive Officer leads one of the most experienced and successful management teams in the industry whose diversity, experience and competitive spirit are amongst its key strengths. With a deep bench of executive talent relentlessly committed to improvement and innovation, Stellantis is well-positioned to continue its founding companies’ track record of value creation for all stakeholders guided by a common principle: challenge the status quo.

With a proud heritage stretching back 125 years, Stellantis is home to a full portfolio of storied brands that have graced the road and conquered the podium in the world of motorsport. Founded by visionaries who infused these marques with passion and a competitive spirit, the brands cover the full spectrum of market segments from luxury, premium and mainstream passenger vehicles to hard-charging pickup trucks, SUVs and light commercial vehicles, as well as dedicated mobility, finance and parts and service brands.

Stellantis already has a well-established presence in three regions – Europe, North America and Latin America – in addition to significant untapped potential in important markets such as China, Africa, the Middle East, Oceania and India. With industrial operations in more than 30 countries, the Company has the ability to efficiently meet and exceed consumer expectations and deliver vehicles and services of unparalleled quality in more than 130 markets.

Stellantis starts from a position of considerable strength with robust operating margins reflecting the Company’s leading positions in North America, Europe and Latin America. Company expects to leverage its size and economies of scale as an enabler to invest in innovative mobility solutions for its customers, targeting annual synergies of more than €5 billion at a steady state. These synergy estimates will be achieved through the implementation of smart purchasing and investment strategies, optimizing powertrain and platform utilization, applying cutting-edge R&D and a continuous focus on manufacturing and tooling efficiencies. These synergy estimates are not based on any plant closures resulting from the transaction.

Nine Governance Committees will ensure an efficient operating structure from Day One, including company-wide performance & strategy, planning, regions, manufacturing, brand and styling.

Stellantis’ portfolio is uniquely suited to offer distinctive, sustainable mobility solutions to meet its customers’ evolving needs, as they embrace electrification, connectivity, autonomous driving and shared ownership.  As the electrified market continues to grow, Stellantis is well positioned today with 29 electrified models available and plans to introduce ten additional vehicles by the end of this year.

Company is strongly committed to playing an active part in contributing to the societies in which it operates, as it works towards achieving a long-term goal of carbon neutrality across all products, assembly plants and other facilities.

Marking the occasion John Elkann said: “It is no coincidence that Stellantis is born precisely when our world requires a new kind of automotive company that will champion clean and intelligent solutions to provide freedom of movement for all. Our global scale and reach provide us with the resources to invest in state-of-the-art technologies, distinctive excellence and unmatched choice for our customers. But it is the geographic and cultural diversity of Stellantis’ people that from Day One is our greatest competitive advantage. It is they, with their energy, their knowhow and their constant commitment who make Stellantis what it is today. And it is they who day-by-day will build an even greater company for this new era of mobility.” Commenting on the first day of Stellantis’ journey, Carlos Tavares said, “This is a great day. One year after we announced this project, Stellantis is born, notwithstanding the unprecedented societal and economic disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. I want to warmly thank all of the teams who made this possible and also thank the entire workforce who continued to move our operations forward during this exceptional year. This demonstrates the agility, creativity and adaptability of our company which aims to be great rather than big, determined to be much more than the sum of its parts. It is also a further signal of the new company’s determination to be a leading player in the automotive industry in this ever changing environment. Stellantis is dedicated to “pursuing greatness” and enhancing the well-being of its employees.”

New company began trading yesterday, January 18, on Euronext (Paris) and the Borsa Italiana (Milan) and today on the New York Stock Exchange.

Full year 2020 results will be reported on March 3, 2021.

Friday 15 January 2021

New Opel Mokka: Top Aero for Higher Efficiency and Lower Emissions

  • Only 0.32 cD: New Opel Mokka’s drag factor among lowest in class
  • Air curtains: reducing drag and separation caused by wheels and tyres
  • Active shutter: automatic closure of frontal opening when less cooling required


New Opel Mokka

Exterior design of the new Opel Mokka is not only pure and bold, but also aerodynamically efficient – not mainstream but streamlined and typically Opel. With a drag coefficient (cD) of only 0.32, the new Mokka features one of the lowest drag factors in its market segment and joins the brand’s existing aero-champions, from the record-breaking Calibra (0.26 cD) to the current class-leaders, Astra (0.26 cD) and Insignia (0.25 cD).

Due to the challenges posed by CO2 reduction, efficient aerodynamics are increasingly important in the automotive industry as well as among customers. Low drag means that the car needs less energy to move, which in turn results in lower fuel consumption and emissions.



As with all Opel’s newly developed cars, the carmaker’s engineers optimised the new Mokka’s aerodynamics in the wind tunnel of Stuttgart University (at the Research Institute of Automotive Engineering and Vehicle Engines). Depending on the model variant, they cut the drag factor to an excellent 0.32 cD.

“Opel has been a strong leader in aerodynamics for decades and our new Mokka continues this long tradition”, says Marcus Lott, Managing Director Engineering. “Sophisticated technologies such as air curtains and an active cooling shutter represent the state of the art in automotive drag reduction. With its stunning design, new Opel Mokka also proves that standout looks and a highly efficient shape are far from mutually exclusive.”


More than just good-looking: Bold and pure design enhances low frontal area

Basis for the high aerodynamic efficiency is the new Mokka’s frontal area of only 2.27 metres2, which is enhanced by the pure and bold design. With the aid of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and attention to detail in the wind tunnel, Opel’s aero experts then chiselled down to the excellent drag coefficient by fine-tuning every detail that helps improve the aerodynamics.


Engineers optimised the design of the new Mokka’s characteristic Opel Vizor, as well as the shapes of the A-pillars and the exterior mirrors. In addition, cladding covering the bottom of the engine compartment and the underside of the body improves the airflow beneath the car.

New Opel Mokka displays fins at the sides of the tailgate and an elongated spoiler at the rear edge of the roof, in order to reduce the separation that causes drag. In addition, the spoiler lowers aerodynamic lift on the rear axle, which further improves straight-line stability, especially at higher speeds.

Air curtains and active shutters: innovations for higher efficiency and lower drag

Other major sources of drag are the wheels, tyres and wheelhouses.New Opel Mokka therefore features innovative air curtains that increase aerodynamic efficiency in this area. An air curtain is an integrated duct on each side of the front fascia that creates a tall, thin jet of air across the face of the front wheel and tyre. Air curtain directs the flow smoothly across the wheel openings, decreasing the amount of wake and separation from these areas.


New Opel Mokka also benefits from an active shutter that further reduces drag and improves fuel efficiency by automatically closing the frontal opening when cooling air is least needed. Until recently, this innovation has been more common on more expensive cars from higher segments.

When closed, the shutter system enhances aero performance by redirecting airflow around the front of the vehicle and down the sides, rather than through the less aero efficient engine compartment.

Shutter is open or closed depending on engine coolant temperature and speed. For example, the shutter opens when the car is traveling up a hill or in hot city driving. Shutter closes when less engine cooling is required, for example at urban-road speeds.

Results of these efforts are impressive: compared with the previous model, which had a drag coefficient of 0.35, CO2 emissions in the WLTP cycle are up to 9.0 g/km lower, while drag at motorway speeds has been reduced by 16 per cent.

Aerodynamically optimised new Opel Mokka is the first to wear the new brand face, the Opel Vizor, as well as the redesigned Opel Blitz emblem and the centrally positioned nameplate on the tailgate. It is also the first Opel with the Pure Panel and a fully digitised cockpit. In addition, the new Mokka is the first Opel available from the start of the sales with electric drive as well as highly efficient combustion engines.

Thursday 14 January 2021

Technology for economical cars: Opel CEO Michael Lohscheller inaugurates hot-forming plant in Kaiserslautern

  • Hot-forming steel enables the production of high-strength body parts
  • Requirements for crash safety and lightweight construction in harmony
  • CO2 emissions while driving are reduced thanks to consistent lightweight construction



Innovative technology for light and economical cars: Opel CEO Michael Lohscheller officially commissioned a state-of-the-art facility for hot-forming steel at the Kaiserslautern site on Thursday. This process is used to manufacture high-strength components for car bodies. Hot-formed components significantly reduce the weight of a body without compromising safety. This also makes vehicles lighter overall and emits less fuel and CO2 .

“We are very pleased about the commissioning of this modern system for hot forming of steel in Kaiserslautern. By manufacturing and processing high-strength components for car bodies, the material thickness and thus the weight of the vehicle can be reduced - without compromising on safety. This lowers the CO2 emissions. This system is therefore another important component in our goal of offering efficient cars for clean driving fun, ”said Opel boss Michael Lohscheller.

In the past few months, the complete press line 2, two incorporation machines and the waste belts in the press cellar were dismantled in the K-19 press shop at the production site in the west of the Palatinate. This created space for the new hot forming system, which includes a press table weighing around 80 tons, an oven around 40 meters long and a 25-meter high chimney.


With hot forming, the sheet to be processed is slowly heated to a temperature of around 930 degrees Celsius over several minutes in an oven. The hot sheet is then placed in the tool and cooled very quickly during the pressing process. This gives it its high strength. Another advantage of the process is that the steel can be formed better.


Plant manager Thierry Vingtans: “We are delighted with the investment in the hot forming system at the Kaiserslautern location. This shows that the plant continues to play an important role in the company's production network. The parts that we manufacture here will in future be built into several vehicle models from various Group brands - including the new Opel Mokka. "