New Opel Movano and Movano-e: Top of Large Van Class

• Class-leading: Top marks for load-carrying capability and total cost of ownership
• No compromises: Opel Movano’s usability fully retained by electrified version
• From campers to tippers: New Opel Movano is ideal basis for wide range of conversions
• Extensive list: Assistance systems include Advanced Brake Assist, Hill Descent Control
• All electric: New Movano-e completes electrification of Opel LCV portfolio

New Opel Movano-e, the first battery electric vehicle from the German brand in the large van market segment. New generation Movano with diesel engines as well as electric drive is the most competitive offer Opel has yet made in this sector of the light commercial vehicle (LCV) market.

Providing class-leading figures for payload, cargo capacity and gross vehicle weights, combined with a wide range of body versions, lengths and heights, the new generation Movano will be available from the start of sales not only with modern, powerful and durable diesel engines, but also with zero-emissions battery-electric drive. New Movano and Movano-e will both arrive at Opel dealerships later this year.

“New Opel Movano-e completes our range of electric light commercial vehicles. Our customers from trade and commerce can therefore drive and transport emissions-free. We are convinced that the new generation Movano will win additional market share for the brand”, says Opel CEO Michael Lohscheller.

There is a new Opel Movano for every transportation task – from personnel and urban deliveries, to refrigerated goods and campers. The vehicle’s tough and robust character is reflected in the design, which at the same time visualises its dynamics and great efficiency. Importantly for professionals and fleet managers alike, the emission-free Movano-e demands no compromises and thus represents a real alternative to conventionally powered vehicles. The electric propulsion system of Opel’s new e-LCV delivers 90 kW (122 hp) and 260 Nm of torque, with the maximum speed electronically controlled at 110 km/h. Depending on the model variant, customers can choose between 37 kWh and 70 kWh lithium ion batteries for ranges (depending on the driving profile and the prevailing conditions) of up to 117 or 224 kilometres respectively in the WLTP combined cycle 1.

Batteries are packaged under the loading space so that they do not compromise usage, which also benefits the cornering and wind stability even when fully loaded. A sophisticated regenerative braking system, which recovers the energy produced under braking or deceleration, further increases efficiency.

In addition to electric propulsion, the diesel powertrains of the new Movano match the best on the market for high fuel efficiency and low CO2 emissions. The power output of the 2.2-litre engines – which all comply with the strict Euro 6d emissions standard – range from 88 kW (120 hp) to 121 kW (165 hp). The high low-end torque extends from 300 Newton metres at 1,500 rpm to 370 Nm at 1,750 rpm. Driving the front wheels, all the engines are paired with six-speed manual transmissions.

Based on the number one platform in the market segment, the new Movano offers excellent load-carrying capability and total cost of ownership as well as a wide range of bodies and cargo capacities.

Wide choice: Four lengths, three heights and 8.0 to 17 m3 of cargo volume

Panel van customers can choose from four lengths (L1-4) and three heights (H1-3), with maximum load capacity ranging from 8.0 to 17 cubic metres. Doors of the H3 variant are 2.03 metres tall – best in class. Together with the rear doors that open to 180 degrees (optionally extendable to 270 degrees), they make the Movano especially easy to load. Range of gross vehicle weights (GVW) is among the widest in this class, extending from 2.8 to 4.0 tons, while payloads reach a maximum of 2.1 tons. With sill heights as low as 494 millimetres, a width of 1422 mm between the wheel arches and 1870 mm between the panels, the load zone for Opel’s new large van represents the benchmark for its rivals.

Standard cab features a single row of three seats, while the second row of the optional crew cab offers seating for an additional four passengers. In order to meet special demands, new Opel Movano is additionally available as a chassis cab, a chassis crew cab and a floor cab with a single row of three seats. Opel’s new LCV is the ideal basis for a broad line-up of specialist conversions as well, such as tippers, drop-sides and campers.

Active safety: High-tech assistance systems for protection of all road users

State-of-the-art driver assistance systems provide protection not only for drivers, crew and passengers, but also other road users. New Movano’s extensive list – much of which is standard equipment, depending on the trim level – includes Automatic Safety Brake, Blind Spot Warning, Hill Descent Control and Lane Departure Warning.

“OpelConnect”, the “myOpel” app and the “Free2Move Services” mobility brand offer special solutions for light commercial vehicles, including e-LCVs. The services are accessible via apps. The “Charge My Car” function from the “Free2Move Services” app enables access to charging points throughout Europe, including payment.

For professional fleet management, the “Opel Connect” telematics solution with “Free2Move Fleet Services” can track the geographic location of the vehicle, optimise routes, monitor maintenance and fuel consumption and offer tips for more economical driving.

New Opel Movano joins the Combo and the Vivaro as the newest member of Opel’s light commercial vehicle family. Brand’s entire LCV portfolio will offer a battery-electric model variant by the end of this year. Opel will offer an electrified version of all passenger car and LCV models by 2024.

[1] 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.

50th Anniversary: Opel Celebrates Record Breaking Elektro GT

• Six pack: Modified Opel GT sets world speed records for battery-electric cars
• Special development: Two electric motors, jet-fighter batteries, high-pressure tyres
• Bare necessities: No air intakes, mirrors or door handles
• First BEV with the Blitz: Elektro GT is predecessor of today’s Opel Corsa-e
• Need for speed: Georg von Opel in wheel tracks of cousin and “rocket man” Fritz

Opel Elektro GT

1971 was the year that Apollo 15 astronauts become the first to ride in an all-electric lunar rover after landing on the Moon. That year a unique Opel GT also proved that electric motors were not just for golf buggies. For on May 17-18, 1971 at the “Hockenheimring” racetrack in Germany, Georg von Opel set out to establish new speed records for electric cars with a specially prepared and modified sports car – the Opel “Elektro GT”. In the end the car set six world records.

Grandson of Opel-founder Adam Opel, a successful businessman and a world-class athlete, Georg von Opel's record attempt with the “Elektro GT” was not only “proof of concept” for the future of battery electric vehicles (BEV); it was also the continuation of a family tradition. His cousin “Raketen-Fritz” (rocket-man Fritz) grabbed the headlines from 1927 to 1929 with rocket-powered demonstrations that reached their peak at the Avus racetrack on May 23, 1928 with the RAK 2 and a top speed of 238 km/h.

“Elektro GT” was equipped with two Bosch DC electric motors that together produced 88 kW (120 hp) of continuous power and a peak power output of even 118 kW (160 hp).

Varta provided the four nickel-cadmium batteries installed beside and behind the driver. With 280 cells, the batteries added 590 kg to the 960 kg of the production GT, totalling 1,550 kg – about the same as an Opel Diplomat B.

Long distance record attempt necessitated three hundred and sixty cells, increasing the weight still further to 740 kg. Tipping the scales at 1,700 kg, the GT then weighed the same as a short wheelbase Opel Blitz truck. The extra weight required harder springs and Continental developed special high-pressure tyres that minimised the rolling friction to a minimum.

Modifications to the bodywork included closing all air intakes and outlets at the front, a “flat” bonnet without the production GT’s characteristic bulge for the carburettor, the removal of bumpers, mirrors and door handles, as well as the complete stripping of the engine and passenger compartments.

Just enough space for driver: Jet-fighter batteries fill up passenger compartment

An electronic management system occupied the boot and, unique for a GT, the rear of the car featured a large spoiler. The rear lamps were removed and the holes they left behind simply covered up. A heat exchanger replaced the exhaust system silencer.

A conventional car battery, providing the electricity for the electronics, sat at the front of the engine compartment where the electric motors replaced the petrol engine. The batteries (more usually found in jet-fighters), mounted in special racks, took up all the space beside and behind the driver, leaving him just enough room to sit on a normal seat.

Behind the steering wheel of the “Elektro GT”, Georg von Opel set four new world records for electrically powered cars on May 17, 1971:

Distance	Time	Speed
1.0 km	19.061s	188.86 km/h
1.0 km standing start	31.066s	115.88 km/h
0.5 km standing start	19.358s	92.98 km/h
0.25 mile standing start	16.869s	85.87 km/h
Two more records were added on May 18, both from a standing start:
10 km	4 min 43.69s	126.89 km/h
10 miles	7 min 35.63s	127.15 km/h

However, the low energy capacity of the Ni-Cd batteries prevented a new world record for 100 km at a constant speed of 100 km/h. Attempt ended after only 44 km.

First BEV from Opel, the “Elektro GT” demonstrated that a battery electric vehicle could match the speed of a contemporary sports car. Today, 50 years of development and innovation later, the former high performance runner has morphed into the Opel Corsa-e – an all-round athlete capable of not only sprinting from zero to 100 km/h in 8.1 seconds but also covering up to 337 km in the WLTP 1 cycle on a single charge of its lithium ion battery.

Opel Corsa-e

[1] 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.

First ElektroMOD from Opel: Manta is Back

• Tradition meets state-of-the-art: Classically beautiful Opel Manta goes electric
• With latest Opel technologies: LED light, Pixel-Vizor and Pure Panel cockpit
• For electric driving fun: With 108 kW/147 hp, manual transmission, rear-wheel drive

Opel Manta GSe ElektroMOD

Name is Manta – Opel Manta. A car as timeless as Her Majesty's most famous secret agent. Launched over 50 years ago with a four-cylinder petrol engine, today the Manta is once again in top form, as the first electric MOD in the history of the German brand. New Opel Manta GSe ElektroMOD combines the best of both worlds: the classic appearance of a style icon together with state-of-the-art technology for sustainable motoring – far removed from a classic car rally. Because the new Manta is future-proof: electric, emissions-free and full of emotions.

“Manta GSe impressively demonstrates the enthusiasm with which we build cars at Opel. It combines our great Opel tradition with today's commitment to emissions-free mobility for a very desirable, sustainable future. Opel is already electric with many models – and now the legendary Manta is too,” says Opel CEO Michael Lohscheller.

Opel Manta GSe ElektroMOD reflects the fascination of a growing fan community that transforms classic cars like the Manta into so-called RestoMods with modern technologies and new design. The purely battery-electric Manta is as sporty as a genuine Opel GSe and proudly displays its ambitions in its name – ElektroMOD. MOD stands for change, for technical and stylistic MODifications as well as a MODern sustainable lifestyle.

That is why the four-cylinder engine under the Opel-iconic black bonnet makes way for an electric motor with 108 kW/147 hp. The “e” in GSe now stands for electrification. This makes the new GSe the most powerful Manta A ever built by Opel ex-works. In 1974 and 1975, the Manta GT/E was the first generation’s powerhouse model with 77 kW/105 hp. The 2021 electric Manta delivers maximum torque of 255 Nm from a standstill. Now the driver has the choice of manually shifting the original four-speed gearbox or simply engaging fourth gear and then driving automatically; power is always transmitted to the rear wheels. Opel Manta thus remains a classic sports car – with an innovative, modernised drivetrain.

Lithium-ion battery has a capacity of 31 kWh, allowing an average range of around 200 kilometres1. As with the production Opel Corsa-e and Opel Mokka-e, the Manta GSe can also recover braking energy and store it in the battery. Regular charging takes place via a 9.0 kW on-board charger for single-phase and three-phase AC charging. This means it takes just under four hours to fully charge the Manta battery.

Visually, Manta GSe features the new Opel face. While the Manta A was the inspiration for the Opel Vizor of the Mokka and Crossland, the ElektroMOD now has the Opel Pixel-Vizor stretched across the entire width of the vehicle. Opel Manta GSe can communicate with its environment across the entire surface of this LED screen. “My German heart has been ELEKTRified” is written across the new front. “I am on a zero e-mission”, the GSe explains and in the next moment shows the silhouette of a Manta ray gliding over the Pixel-Vizor. LED technology is also used in the integrated daytime running lamps, the main headlamps and the strikingly three-dimensional taillights.

Neon yellow paintwork matches the recently updated Opel CI and frames the signature black bonnet in a vibrant contrast. Wheelarches now house specially designed 17-inch light alloy wheels from Ronal, with 195/40 R17 tyres at the front and 205/40 R17 at the rear. Boot proudly displays “Manta” in the new, modern Opel script. Chrome fender trims of the original have disappeared – as was the case back then with many tuning and racing cars from Irmscher and Co.

Interior features the latest Opel digital technology. Classic round instruments are history; instead, the driver now looks at a wide Opel Pure Panel, just like in the new production Opel Mokka.Ttwo integrated, driver-oriented, 12 and 10-inch widescreens show important information about the car such as charge status and range. 

Music comes via a Bluetooth box from the legendary amplifier brand Marshall – a modern classic in a modern classic.

Sports seats with their centre yellow decor line were once developed for the Opel ADAM S. They now offer a level of comfort and lateral support far superior to that in the original Opel Manta. Driver gets behind a Petri three-spoke steering wheel reworked by Opel. Styling of the seventies has been retained and the yellow marker in the 12 o'clock position brings another sporty touch. 

In addition, surfaces in the cockpit and door panels are now matt grey, which perfectly matches the neo-classic’s other yellow and black coloured elements. Ceiling of the passenger compartment is lined with fine Alcantara and completes the stylish ambience of the new Opel Manta GSe ElektroMOD.

Stellantis, Foxconn to Develop Breakthrough Digital Cockpits and Personalized Connected Services with Mobile Drive Joint Venture

• Mobile Drive, with investments from both Foxconn and Stellantis, will accelerate go-to-market timelines for the most advanced in-car and connected-car technologies in the industry

• Mobile Drive brings together expertise in consumer innovations from the sustainable mobility and advanced electronics industries

• Joint venture will competitively bid for global vehicle program contracts with Stellantis and other auto industry companies

Stellantis and Foxconn, together with its subsidiary FIH Mobile, today announced the signing of a non-binding memorandum of understanding to form Mobile Drive, a 50/50 voting rights joint venture aimed at accelerating development timelines to bring innovative in-vehicle user experiences enabled by advanced consumer electronics, HMI interfaces and services that will exceed customer expectations. 

Mobile Drive will combine Stellantis’ global vehicle design and engineering expertise with Foxconn’s global development in the rapidly changing software and hardware realms of smartphones and consumer electronics. Combination will position Mobile Drive at the forefront of global efforts to deliver a new frontier of in-cabin information and entertainment capabilities, seamlessly connected inside and outside the vehicles in which they are installed.

“Today, there’s something that matters just as much as beautiful design or innovative technology, it’s how the features inside our vehicles improve the lives of our customers,” said Carlos Tavares, Chief Executive Officer at Stellantis. “Software is a strategic move for our industry and Stellantis intends to lead with Mobile Drive, a company that will enable the swift development of connectivity features and services that mark the next great evolution of our industry, just as electrification technology has.”

“The vehicles of the future will be increasingly software driven and software defined. Customers today and, in the future, demand and expect ever increasing software driven and creative solutions to connect the drivers and passengers with the vehicle inside and out. Mobile Drive will meet and exceed these expectations with teams of designers and software and hardware engineers,” said Chairman Young Liu at Foxconn. “This is a natural extension of Foxconn’s global leadership in the development and application of smart technologies to improve the quality of life of consumers around the world.”

All development by Mobile Drive will be co-owned by Stellantis and Foxconn. Netherlands-based joint venture will operate as an automotive supplier, competitively bidding to supply software solutions and related hardware for Stellantis and other interested automakers.

“Leveraging Foxconn’s extensive knowledge of user experience and software development in mobile ecosystems, Mobile Drive will offer the disruptive smart cockpit solution that will seamlessly integrate the automobile into the driver’s mobile-centric lifestyle,” Calvin Chih, Chief Executive Officer at FIH. 

“With this partnership, we will push the boundaries in connected car technology and bring immersive experiences yet to be imagined,” said Yves Bonnefont, Chief Software Officer at Stellantis. “Mobile Drive ultimately gives us the agility we need to provide the digital experience of the future at the speed our customers demand.” 

Mobile Drive will focus on infotainment, telematics and cloud service platform development with software innovations expected to include artificial intelligence-based applications, 5G communication, upgraded over-the-air services, e-commerce opportunities and smart cockpit integrations. 

Foxconn and Stellantis previously partnered in the development of the Airflow Vision design concept, displayed at CES, world's most influential technology event. Concept demonstrated the thinking of both companies in a next-generation of premium transportation and user experience.

Opel Vivaro-e HYDROGEN: Plug-In Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle Offers Zero Emissions and Quick Refuelling

• No compromises: Up to 6.1 m3 cargo volume, 3-minute refuelling, 400 km range,
• Opel Vivaro-e basis: Fuel cell system in engine bay, hydrogen tanks replace battery
• Smart design: Plug-in fuel cell concept benefits packaging, performance and durability
• Made in Germany: Opel Vivaro-e HYDROGEN will be assembled in Rüsselsheim

Opel Vivaro-e HYDROGEN

Opel today unveiled a new electrically powered light commercial vehicle that will enable zero emission mobility for customers who need to refuel within minutes. Opel Vivaro-e HYDROGEN is a plug-in fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) with up to 6.1 cubic metres of cargo capacity (the same as the diesel or battery electric versions of the Vivaro) that needs only three minutes to refuel with hydrogen – about the same time needed to fill up a conventional diesel or petrol car. Range is more than 400 kilometres (WLTP 1). Opel will offer the Vivaro-e HYDROGEN in lengths M and L (4.95 and 5.30 metres). Company plans to start delivering the first vehicles to fleet customers in the autumn.

Opel CEO, Michael Lohscheller

“Hydrogen could be the central element of an integrated and efficient energy system of the future, free of fossil fuels”, says Opel CEO, Michael Lohscheller. “We have more than 20 years of experience in hydrogen fuel cell vehicle technology. There is hardly another propulsion system in the world that offers the combination of zero emissions, long driving range and only three minutes refuelling time.”

Efficient, durable, space-saving: Benefits of plug-in fuel cell concept

New fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) is based on the existing battery electric Opel Vivaro-e with two sliding side-doors. Plug-in fuel cell concept of the Opel Vivaro-e HYDROGEN enables the integration of the whole fuel cell system with the existing traction motor under the bonnet of the production vehicle. In addition, the battery of the Opel Vivaro-e BEV (battery electric vehicle) is replaced by three 700 bar hydrogen tanks. The carbon-fibre cylinders can be filled in just three minutes, giving a range of more than 400 km. Thanks to the smart packaging, the battery electric version thus becomes a fuel cell electric LCV without any modifications to the body and with no impact on the 5.3 to 6.1 m3 of cargo space, while the payload increases to 1,100 kg.

Opel Vivaro-e HYDROGEN with its 45 kW fuel cell is capable of generating enough power for continuous highway driving, while the 10.5 kWh lithium-ion battery located under the front seats provides dynamic peak power when required, for example, at start-up and under acceleration. Since the battery covers power needs in such situations, the fuel cell can run at optimum operating conditions. The battery also enables regenerative braking, while the plug-in capability offers the opportunity to recharge the battery externally if necessary, e.g. at a charging station, providing 50 km of pure battery electric range.

Opel Vivaro-e HYDROGEN

Opel Vivaro-e HYDROGEN will be produced by Opel Special Vehicles (OSV) in Rüsselsheim, Germany. Global “Competence Centre for Hydrogen and Fuel Cells” of the parent company Stellantis is also located in Opel’s hometown.

Opel Vivaro-e HYDROGEN complements Vivaro-e and Combo-e as the newest member of Opel’s all-electric LCV family. Next new model, new Opel Movano-e, will also arrive in 2021, meaning 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] Range determined according to WLTP test procedure methodology (R (EC) No. 715/2007, R (EU) No. 2017/1151).

Opel Team Belgium is back in Rally!!

• 100% electric: Opel is pioneering with the ADAC Opel e-Rally Cup 2021
• Opel Team Belgium is making a revival and is taking part in this Cup that takes place in Germany
• Bernard Munster provided a spectacle 30 years ago
• Charles Munster Junior sets the torch on fire again

Charles Munster Junior with the fully electric Opel Corsa-e Rally

30 years ago, Opel Team Belgium was active in Belgian Rallying, in the hands of Bernard Munster , among others . With his Opel Corsa he created a spectacle and even turned his Corsa GSi into a Corsa pickup with a roll over, to the delight of the audience in Ypres. Now it is time for a revival and this time Charles Munster will defend the Belgian colors in a unique concept. After all, Opel is the first manufacturer to organize a Rally Cup with the fully electric Opel Corsa-e.

“I drove an Opel Corsa GSi for Opel Team Belgium for three years. I look back on that period with great pleasure. It was always a pleasant sight, I as a tall pilot and Willy Lux as a small co-pilot. We were a perfect duo and had a great time ”, Bernard tells us, now owner of BMA Motorsport.

Opel Corsa GSi - Opel Team Belgium

And he raised Rally driving to his sons. Both Grégoire and Charles were highly successful in the Opel ADAM Rally Cup for several years. They also learned the business with the Opel cars.

Munster family was immediately ready to take a chance with the Opel Corsa-e, which will compete in a number of competitions in the German championship this year. Electrification is obviously a very big step for them for a family with petrol in their veins, but it is also a unique evolution for them towards better protection of the environment.

Charles thus includes the gloves in the international plateau of this new formula.

“I am really looking forward to defending the colors of Opel Belgium in the ADAC Opel e-Rally Cup 2021. This new formula is groundbreaking and is fully in line with the current realm of the responsibility that the automotive sector takes in the context of protecting the environment. I am already fully preparing - physically and mentally - for this championship ”, the sympathetic Charles Munster tells us.

“Car's “early torque” is particularly spectacular. And another big adjustment for us as pilots is especially good management of the brakes, since braking on the engine is not possible or less severe ”, says Charles.

Charles also told us that he has a good feeling about it because all aspects of safety are covered and go even further than for Rally cars with a petrol engine.

Deutscher Motor Sport Bund is responsible for ensuring that strict safety regulations can be met at all times during an event. One of the most important tasks for the DMSB is to train the rally marshals, from the marshals on the special stages to the staff of the Service Park. For all persons who have to perform certain tasks on or with an electric competition car, different safety certificates are required, which are categorized according to the colors blue-green, yellow-orange-red. Only those certified in the red category are allowed to work on the high voltage system of the Opel Corsa-e Rally or any other electric rally car.

The newly developed safety concept for the ADAC Opel e-Rally Cup thus covers all relevant areas for the use of electric rally vehicles. It includes the technical specifications, the training of teams and rally marshals, as well as information for spectators at the special stages and in the Service Park.

We will keep you informed of the first achievements that Charles has in store for us!!

Extra Stylish, Extra Safe: New Opel Astra Design & Tech

• New equipment line: Opel Astra Design & Tech with many extras
• Top design: Light-alloy wheels in Technical Grey, seats in fabric/premium leather look
• Top technology as standard: Front camera systems, dual-zone automatic climate control and automatic LED lighting system

Opel Astra Design & Tech 

Opel is making the versatile, highly efficient Astra even safer and even more stylish. The German carmaker has now extended the line-up of its best-selling model with the new “Design & Tech” trim level, which is available for prices starting at €23,780 (all prices RRP including VAT in Germany). Customers can personalise their Opel Astra five-door hatchback and estate still further with assistance and technology packs tailored exactly to the Design & Tech model variants.

All-inclusive: Top look, plus many safety and comfort features

Opel Astra Design & Tech – the name says it all. From the outside, the hatchback and estate shine with 16-inch 5 x twin-spoke alloy wheels in Technical Grey; the Sports Tourer also comes with silver-coloured roof rails. Design & Tech emblem identifies the Astra at first glance as a stylish new addition to the family. In the interior, the driver and front passenger can make themselves comfortable on multi-adjustable seats in black fabric/premium leather look. Decorative trim in piano black and ambient lighting for the front doors underline the high-quality appearance.

But the Opel Astra Design & Tech not only offers a lot for the eye, it also has numerous technology features on board that make driving even safer, more relaxed and more comfortable. Standard Eco LED headlights with high beam assist and tunnel detection, as well as equipment such as rain sensor and automatic dimming rear-view mirror, ensure optimum vision even in the dark. Front camera-supported assistance systems such as Forward Collision Alert with Automatic Emergency Braking and Lane Keep Assist prevent the risk of collisions.

In the “Design & Tech” models, the interior temperature can be regulated individually for the driver and front passenger as standard via the dual-zone automatic climate control. Daily necessities can be stored within easy reach in the sliding centre armrest, which in this equipment line is combined with practical cup holders and a space-saving electric parking brake.

How the compact class drives today: New assistance and technology packs

In addition, Opel Astra five-door and Sports Tourer can be further upgraded with the assistance and technology packs available exclusively for the Design & Tech variants. Assistance Pack offers safety features such as automatic parking assistant including park pilot for front and rear at a price of €940.

Another practical feature for manoeuvring in city traffic is the rear view camera, which makes parking easier with steering guidance lines. In the Digital Assistance Pack, available for €1,540, a digital reversing camera comes in combination with the top infotainment system Multimedia Navi Pro.

With the adaptive glare-free IntelliLux LED Matrix light, Technology Pack, which can be ordered for €1,950, has another real highlight in this vehicle class. Technology Pack also offers high-tech in the interior with the Multimedia Navi Pro infotainment system. Smartphones can be easily and conveniently charged during the journey via wireless charging.

New Vauxhall Corsa retains its place as UK's best selling car

• New Vauxhall Corsa tops new car registration charts for year-to-date 2021
• Vauxhall Corsa is UK’s best-selling car for eight of the last 12 months
• Figures from SMMT show new Vauxhall Corsa-e is best-selling all-electric supermini

New Vauxhall Corsa

New Vauxhall Corsa is the UK's best-selling car so far this year, according to the latest new car sales and registration figures released by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).

Vauxhall Corsa has been the UK’s best-selling car in eight of the last 12 months, including June, July, September and November last year. It’s also been number one every month so far this year.

In addition, the fully-electric Corsa-e has performed strongly, recording the highest number of sales for 2021 year-to-date in the small Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) sector.

In 2021, the new Corsa recorded 16,381 registrations, while the new Corsa-e was the best-selling small BEV, with 1,706 sales.

Commenting on the results, Paul Willcox, Managing Director, Vauxhall, said: “It’s great to see the new Vauxhall Corsa remain the UK’s best-selling car and we’re proud that its all-electric version, Corsa-e, is the UK’s best-selling small EV.  Customer interest in electric cars and vans in the UK is at an all-time high and Vauxhall is continually expanding its line-up to offer class-leading electrified vehicles, not least with a fully electric van line-up to come before the end of the year.”

Vauxhall sales were buoyed in April by showrooms reopening nationwide within UK Government guidelines, with staff and customer safety at the forefront.

Customers can also purchase new models using the Vauxhall Online Store, which brings the new car shopping experience to the comfort of buyers’ homes. They can arrange a live video viewing of a vehicle via the Vauxhall Virtual Showroom and proceed to the Online Store to configure their new model, personalise finance payments and place an order – all from the comfort and safety of home.

All-new fifth generation Vauxhall Corsa is available with a fully-electric powertrain or a choice of efficient petrol or diesel engines. Zero-emissions Corsa-e was voted The Sun Car of the Year, thanks to its 209-mile WLTP range, affordable price and fun driving dynamics.

Electric Sports Car Look-Alike: Rally Design Kit for Opel Corsa-e

• Yellow-black foil kit turns Opel Corsa-e visually into a rally car
• Rally Design Kit developed with Opel partner SIGNal Design
• Foil set available for €890 Euro (excl. VAT)

Opel Corsa-e with Rally Design Kit 

Opel Corsa-e drivers can now make their production model look like the Corsa-e Rally competition car. Together with Opel Motorsport and its partner SIGNal Design, the Opel design team has developed a special foiling set for the Opel Corsa-e. Available at an attractive price of €890 (excl. VAT), Opel Corsa-e Rally Design Kit turns the “Golden Steering Wheel 2020” title-holder into an electric sports car look-alike.

Opel Corsa-e with Rally Design Kit

“We recently delivered the first Opel Corsa-e Rally cars to teams competing in the ADAC Opel e-Rally Cup. With the Rally Design Kit, customers and fans can now transform their production Corsa-e into an eye-catching replica of our real rally machine”, said Opel Motorsport Director, Jörg Schrott

Looks and performance go together: Opel Corsa-e in rally look

Just like the rally car, the production Opel Corsa-e also has a powerful 100 kW/136 hp electric motor. A strong 260 Newton metres of torque are available from the first squeeze of the accelerator. Opel Corsa-e sprints from zero to 50 km/h in less than three seconds and reaches 100 km/h in just 8.1 seconds. Thanks to its 50 kWh battery, it also has plenty of energy and a WLTP range of up to 337 kilometres 1.

Opel Corsa-e with Rally Design Kit

As a prerequisite for the Rally Design Kit, Opel Corsa-e must be painted white. The set is already available for €890 and can be ordered here. There is a discount if ten or more Rally Design Kits are ordered at once.

Opel Corsa-e with Rally Design Kit

Experts should take care of the professional Corsa-e Rally look, ensuring a flawless appearance without annoying "bubbles" under the surface. Foil can be applied locally, but if preferred, the specialists from SIGNal Design can also take care of it for €1,320.

[1] 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.

Stellantis prepares introduction of the second shift at the Rüsselsheim plant

• Stellantis is preparing the introduction of a second shift in its production facility in Rüsselsheim am Main
• This will create around 300 additional jobs in assembly and finishing this year

Organization of the second shift is made possible by the previously announced production of new models, the production of which will start this year in Rüsselsheim: From summer, a model of the French premium brand will be produced at the site with the new DS 4 and the next generation of the Opel Astra later in the year.

Right from the start of production, both models, which are based on the EMP2 (Efficient Modular) platform, will also be available as hybrids, making Rüsselsheim a future-proof production location for electrified vehicles. New positions are to be filled internally with employees from areas that are underutilized.

“Second shift is scheduled to start in autumn and is an important step in leading the Rüsselsheim plant into the future. We offer interested employees good prospects, because with the new electrified models, the plant will also be well utilized in the long term, ”said plant manager Michael Lewald. Opel Insignia, the flagship of the traditional German brand, is currently being produced at the Rüsselsheim plant.