Future is Now: New Opel Vivaro-e HYDROGEN

• Hydrogen fuel: Three-minute refuelling for up to 400 km range (WLTP 1)
• Opel Vivaro-e basis: Fuel cell system in engine bay, hydrogen tanks replace battery
• Smart concept: Benefits in performance and durability
• Pioneer: Stellantis first to put hydrogen LCVs onto the road
• Made in Germany: Opel Vivaro-e HYDROGEN assembled in Rüsselsheim

Opel Vivaro-e HYDROGEN is the ideal light commercial vehicle for fleet customers who want to cover long distances or who need to refuel within minutes. Electrically powered Vivaro-e HYDROGEN is a hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle with plug-in battery. Packaging of the technology is so compact that it makes no compromises on cargo space compared with conventional powertrains. The range is up to 400 kilometres (WLTP 1) and it takes only three minutes to refuel with hydrogen – about the same time needed to fill up a conventional diesel or petrol car. Vehicle offers a cargo volume of up to 6.1 cubic metres and a payload of 1,000 kilogrammes as well as a towing capacity of 1,000 kg. The Vivaro-e HYDROGEN is available in lengths M and L (4.95 and 5.30 m) and has already joined the fleet of Miele, the German premium domestic appliance manufacturer.

Clever concept: Long range, zero emissions, quick refuelling

Opel Vivaro-e HYDROGEN is based on the battery electric Opel Vivaro-e, the “2021 International Van of the Year”. Principle of Opel Vivaro-e HYDROGEN is simple: from hydrogen and air, the fuel cell generates electricity to drive the electric motor. Only product of this reaction is pure water vapour out of the exhaust.

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. In addition, the battery of the Vivaro-e BEV (battery electric vehicle) is replaced by three 700 bar hydrogen tanks with a capacity of 4.4 kg

45 kW fuel cell can generate enough power for longer stretches of 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. 

Opel Vivaro-e HYDROGEN also features 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. A three-phase onboard charger (11 kW) and a mode 2 charging cable are standard.

Ready for everything: Two lengths and up to 6.1 m3 of cargo volume

Thanks to smart packaging, Opel Vivaro-e HYDROGEN makes no compromises on space compared to the combustion engine versions, offering up to 5.3 (size M) or 6.1 m3 (size L) of cargo volume. The payload of the fuel cell electric LCV is 1,000 kg. Loading/unloading is easy via the sliding doors on each side and the rear doors.

Like its battery-electric sibling and those with internal combustion engines, Opel Vivaro-e HYDROGEN offers an unusually wide range of driver assistance systems that enhance safety. The equipment includes a 180-degree panorama rear view camera, blind-spot alert and front/rear park pilot.

Multimedia Navi Pro infotainment system operates via voice recognition or colour touchscreen and is compatible with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Navigation system offers maps for Europe, dynamic route guidance and TMC. Users can also cool or heat the vehicle during recharging via “OpelConnect” and programme charging times with the “myOpel” app.

Production of the Opel Vivaro-e HYDROGEN is currently beginning and ramping up at Opel Special Vehicles (OSV) in Rüsselsheim. Opel and Stellantis have more than 20 years of experience in the development of hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles.

With the new Vivaro-e HYDROGEN, Opel is continuing its electrification offensive. Customers have the choice of selecting the drive concept in the Opel LCV portfolio that suits their application. The Vivaro e HYDROGEN complements the Combo-e Cargo, Vivaro-e and Movano-e battery-electric light commercial vehicles. 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). 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.

Opel celebrates Corsa Jubilee with Limited Edition “40 Years”

• First pictures: Special model in red with black ornamentation
• Timeless pattern: Modern interpretation of Opel Corsa A tartan seat trim
• From 0001 to 1982: Each car has its own label in the interior
• Six generations of success: 14 million units of Opel Corsa produced in 40 years

As the first Opel Corsa rolled off the assembly line in 1982, it opened the first chapter of an ongoing success story. Today, 40 years and six model generations later, more than 14 million units have left the plants; demand for the bestselling small car is as high as ever, especially for the all-electric Corsa-e. Opel will celebrate the jubilee with the “Corsa 40 Years” special model, which will go on sale in the coming weeks in selected markets in Europe. German carmaker released the first pictures today.

Limited edition – Opel will produce only 1,982 units – comes with a new colour for the bodywork called “Rekord Red” that is highly reminiscent of the red used on the original Opel Corsa A. Contrast is provided by the black roof and black coloured décor such as the Opel Blitz emblem, the tailgate opener and the centrally located Corsa nameplate. Seventeen-inch light alloy wheels in glossy black with inserts in matt grey underline the dynamic appearance.

Inside,  “Corsa 40 Years” is not only nostalgic but also highly modern. Interior is unconventionally stylish, just like the first generation, especially the modern interpretation of the original tartan seat trim. Buyers will also be able to display the timeless pattern themselves – at no extra charge – with limited edition tartan socks in today’s design as well as that of the original.

Limited edition badge is equally unique. Each “Corsa 40 Years” will possess its own label numbered from 0001 to 1982, located on the black décor of the passenger-side instrument panel. In addition, like every Opel Corsa, the special model offers numerous comfort and safety features as standard. List ranges from the Multimedia Radio (compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto) and Full LED headlamps to electronic driver assistance systems such as front collision alert with automatic emergency braking and pedestrian detection.

Opel Corsa is the bestselling small car on the German market. In addition, Opel Corsa-e also topped sales of all battery-electric cars in Germany in May.

Real Opel Classics at the ADAC Oldtimer Tour Hessen-Thüringen

• Open-air experience: through the Rheingau and Taunus in the red Opel Rekord C Cabrio
• Sports stars: Sleek Opel GT, Kadett GT/E and Manta GSi at the start in Oberursel
• State-bearing: Opel Diplomat V8 plus Kadett GSi from former Chancellor Schmidt
• State-of-the-art: ADAC organization team on the move in the new Opel Astra plug-in hybrid

Opel Kadett C GT/E

Summer, sun, classic rally: After two years of "Corona pit stops", ADAC Oldtimer Tour Hessen-Thüringen starts again from June 16th to 19th . And for the anniversary of “160 years of Opel”the brand with the lightning bolt comes up with a strong group of automotive classics. Real sports stars from the Opel GT and the Kadett GT/E to the Manta GSi are at the start, as are state-of-the-art models such as the Opel Diplomat V8 and the Kadett GSi, which former Chancellor Schmidt drove in his free time. Shortly before the start of summer, of course, a timelessly beautiful open-air classic should not be missing: the Opel Rekord C Cabrio will attract many admiring glances at the side of the track - just like the latest addition to the Opel family. ADAC organization team is on the road at the vintage car rally in a completely new Astra plug-in hybrid , showing how driving fun can be combined with a sense of responsibility in a state-of-the-art and elegant way.

Opel Astra Hybrid and Opel Kadett GSi 

Rüsselsheim rally stars of the ADAC Hessen-Thüringen 2022 at a glance:

• Opel Rekord C Cabrio, built in 1967, 55 kW/75 hp
• Opel GT, 1968, 66 kW / 90 hp
• Opel Diplomat V8, 1975, 169 kW / 230 hp
• Opel Kadett GT / E, 1977, 85 kW / 115 hp
• Opel Manta GSi Exclusiv, 1988, 81 kW / 110 hp
• Opel Kadett GSi, 1991, 85 kW / 115 hp
• Opel Astra Hybrid, 2022, 133 kW/180 hp system performance (as organization vehicle)

Timelessly beautiful: Opel classics from four decades in the Rheingau and Taunus

Field of participants in the 2022 edition of the ADAC Hessen-Thüringen starts on both days of the rally in Oberursel. On the first stage on Friday, June 17th, the riders will go through the beautiful Rheingau; on Saturday, vintage car drivers will circle their automobile treasures via Wetzlar and Butzbach through the Taunus and Wetterau back to Bad Homburg. Skill is required instead of "lead foot", because the routes are peppered with special tests.

Opel Rekord C Cabriolet

Opel Rekord C Cabriolet is perfect for cruising along the scenic roads - and at the same time represents a real rarity. Because the bright red convertible didn't just roll off the assembly line in 1967, it was specially modified by the traditional Cologne-based coachbuilder Karl Deutsch for open-air fans. Cheapest basis in the form of a two-door Rekord C cost 7,590 marks at the time, the conversion costs another 4,000 marks. Exclusive creations of the Deutsch company remain beautiful, special and rare – only around 50 of these elegant convertibles are built.

Opel GT, Kadett GT/E and Manta GSi provide a sporty, fast flair at the classic car outing. "Only flying is nicer": This slogan has now become a classic - just like the advertised car. Opel GT thrilled the public right from the start and is still one of the most coveted coupés in the world with its exciting "Coke Bottle Design". A total of 103,463 examples were built from 1968 to 1973. The 66 kW/90 hp red GT, which is starting in Oberursel, is the world's oldest existing GT.

Opel GT

Second version of the Opel Kadett GT/E was presented to the public for the first time at the IAA 1977 and was primarily intended to make entry into motorsport particularly easy. The competition vehicle, which was consistently trimmed for sporty use, still inspires enthusiasts today with its equipment from the two-liter engine with electronic fuel injection to the ZF five-speed gearbox and limited-slip differential to the sporty tuned and reinforced chassis. Eye-catching white and yellow paintwork was standard.

Opel Manta B GSi Exclusiv

Its enduring popularity ensures Opel Manta B a special place in the company's automotive history. No other model stayed on the market longer than the second generation Manta. Presented in autumn 1975, the sleek coupé rolls off the production line 557,940 times in 14 years. For many years, the Manta B was Germany's best-selling sports car. Special model Manta GSi Exclusiv refined by Irmscher puts the “shiny” crown on the Manta success story: with light alloy wheels in an exclusive design, three-part painted rear wing and round double headlights.

Opel Diplomat V8

Strongest model in the Opel field of participants in this year's Hessen-Thüringen Rally is the Opel Diplomat B V8 . With its 5.4-liter eight-cylinder engine (169 kW/230 hp), the long-wheelbase version of the Opel flagship reached speeds of around 200 km/h, making it one of the fastest touring sedans of its time. Diplomat also lives up to his name, as the vehicle was used by American President Gerald Ford on his state visit in 1975. Last, but not least, another state-of-the-art example completes the field: the Kadett GSi , painted metallic black with 85 kW/115 hp was purchased in 1991 by none other than former Chancellor Helmut Schmidt, who used the car for five years for private trips together with his wife Loki. Opel Kadett GSi was able to reach the then prestigious mark of 200 km/h top speed not least because of its aerodynamic qualities with a trailblazing drag coefficient of 0.30.

Opel Kadett E GSi

Compact class fit for the future: All-new Opel Astra as a plug-in hybrid

Last Kadett generation already showed what the compact class from Opel has always been able to do. Innovations and state-of-the-art technologies in models that customers otherwise only know from higher vehicle classes - Opel has remained true to this credo to this day. This also applies to the latest compact class generation with the lightning bolt, which combines tradition with modernity: while the completely new Astra is reminiscent of earlier Opel icons with small visual reminiscences, it is also a highly modern design gem with an Opel Vizor and a fully digital Pure Panel. In addition, the newcomer, which has also been available from dealers for a month, is being driven electrified as the Astra Hybrid for the first timebefore. Plug-in hybrid provides a system output of 133 kW/180 hp and a strong maximum torque of 360 Newton meters (energy consumption according to WLTP: 1.1 l/100 km, CO 2 emissions 26-24 g/km; each combined ). Organizers of the Hessen-Thüringen Rally can cover up to 60 kilometers (according to WLTP ) emission-free with the Opel Astra Hybrid purely electrically.

All-New Opel Astra Hybrid

Opel Corsa-e: Most popular Electric Car in Germany in May

• After last year's success, Opel Corsa will also be the best-selling small car in 2022
• Opel Mokka convinces purely electrically and as a combustion engine in the compact SUVs
• Overall, Opel passenger cars in May with a significant increase in market share compared to the previous year

Opel Corsa-e

Opel Corsa-e , winner of the "Golden Steering Wheel 2020" 1 , is not only well received by the trade press - customers are also enthusiastic about the small car with the lightning bolt: So much so that the Corsa-e was the best-selling battery-electric vehicle (BEV) was ever in Germany. According to official figures from the Federal Motor Transport Authority, Opel Corsa-e thus secured a strong 6.5 percent BEV market share.

Head of Opel Germany - Andreas Marx

In addition to the Corsa-e, the stylish Opel Mokka‑e , winner of the “Golden Steering Wheel 2021” 2 , continues to enjoy great popularity: the all-electric compact SUV has held a strong second place in its segment over the course of the year to date.

Opel Mokka-e

“This result shows how well our models appeal to customers and that we are on the right track with our e-offensive. From Corsa-e to Zafira-e Life – Opel already offers twelve battery-electric models for all situations and user profiles. Future of mobility is electric, and we are excellently positioned for it. The two new models Astra and Grandland will also electrify their segments,” says Opel Germany boss Andreas Marx.

Opel Zafira-e

Great success of the Opel Corsa and Mokka model series is also underpinned by a look at the total figures across all drive trains: Opel Corsa is the best-selling small car on Europe's largest automobile market in the year to date, the Opel Mokka is number 3 in the compact SUV segment in Germany. Overall, Opel significantly increased its share of the passenger car market in the important German home market in May compared to the same month last year . With a market share of 6.3 percent, brand with the lightning bolt recorded an increase of 0.8 percentage points compared to May 2021.

[1] AUTO BILD and BILD am SONNTAG issue 45/2020, “Small car” category.

[2] AUTO BILD issue 45/2021 and BILD am SONNTAG issue 46/2021, category "Best car under 25,000 euros" (taking into account the BAFA environmental bonus).

Opel creates Eye-Catching New Colours for All-New Opel Astra and Opel Mokka

• Powerful: Design statements like all-new Opel Astra and Opel Mokka call for vivid colours
• Launch colour: All-New Astra’s “Kult Yellow” mixes Opel tradition with current trends
• Sustainability in paint shop: “3-wet” paint process further reduces emissions

With the all-new Opel Astra and the Opel Mokka, the German carmaker has not only developed two extremely exciting new cars, but also created two startling new paint colours.

For such powerful design statements as the award-winning Mokka and the new Astra, Opel decided on vivid, eye-catching new colours: green for the Mokka and yellow for the Astra.

“Colours for automobiles must not only satisfy the customer, they must also match the car’s size and shape”, explains Nicole Heidt, Assistant Chief Designer, Colour and Trim. “A compact-class model like the Astra is best suited by sophisticated mica or metallic colours that are also highly popular among the customers in that market segment.”

Right at the start of the new Astra’s development, Opel Marketing team informed Design that they wanted the sixth generation of the best-selling Astra to be available in yellow, which has a long-standing tradition as the colour of the brand.

As usual with an all-new colour, Nicole Heidt began the creation process with research into colour trends using professional tools. Also adding her own experience, she started to think about creating a new darker tone of yellow for the new Astra. Nicole then took her ideas into Design’s own paint shop where – as if creating a new meal – she personally designed the “recipe” for the new colour.

Using a 200-millilitre beaker and a few grams of various automotive refinishing paints from a leading supplier, she mixed the “ingredients” together until the result matched her idea.

Next, the designer prepared a “mood board” – a collage of images – and colour swatches to present the new colour to Design management and Marketing. Following their approval, Nicole then made samples for the supplier of the paint to the Rüsselsheim plant, whose final product must match the design idea and colour swatches as closely as possible for serial production.

Detailed process: Development of new colours can take up to four years

Process of developing a new colour for a new model can take up to four years, and the finalised new paint must be “ready to spray” by robots 12 months before the start of production. “Yellow we chose as the launch colour for the new Astra at the start of the process has proved bang on target”, says Nicole Heidt. “Such colours are trending strongly now.”

In the case of the Mokka, a smaller Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) with a younger customer profile than the new Astra’s, Opel sought a bold, sporty new colour. Nicole Heidt’s research showed that green tones were trending strongly. “Green is also the perfect colour for an emissions-free, battery electric vehicle such as the Mokka-e”, she adds.

“3-wet” paint process: Annual CO2 emissions cut by around 2,200 tonnes

Electrified vehicles such as the battery-electric Opel Mokka-e or the new Astra as plug-in hybrid are just two ways that the German car manufacturer contributes to sustainable mobility. Paintwork has its own role to play too. For example, the new Astra’s “Kult Yellow” is applied at the Rüsselsheim production plant where emissions from the paint shop have been significantly reduced. Facility currently uses the “3-wet” paint method, which removes one complete drying step from the process. Compared with conventional paint processes, this cuts annual CO2 emissions by around 2,200 tonnes while still providing high levels of protection from corrosion and stone chipping. In addition, annual water consumption is lowered by around 1,800 cubic metres.

Opel in May with significant increase in market share in Germany

• Increase of 0.8 percentage points compared to the same month last year
• Bestseller Opel Corsa best-selling small car 2022
• Market share of 7.7 percent for battery electric vehicles
• More than every fifth newly registered Opel is now electrified

Opel Corsa

Opel significantly increased its share of the passenger car market in the important German home market in May compared to the same month last year. According to official figures from the Federal Motor Transport Authority, the brand with the lightning bolt had a market share of 6.3 percent - an increase of 0.8 percentage points compared to May 2021. This growth was driven by the Opel Corsa , the best-selling small car on the German market, the new Opel Astra and the Opel Mokka .

Opel Mokka & Opel Mokka-e

Development of the battery-electric models (BEV) was particularly pleasing. According to preliminary figures, Opel closed the month with a BEV market share of 7.7 percent. "We offer our customers a large selection of battery-electric passenger cars. Portfolio ranges from the Corsa-e to the Zafira-e Life - and is very well received by customers," says Opel Germany CEO Andreas Marx.

Opel Zafira-e Life

Proportion of electrified Opels in the model mix also continues to grow. In May, every fifth newly registered Opel was already a battery-electric model or a plug-in hybrid. Brand with the lightning bolt expects additional impetus from the new Astra plug-in hybrid.

All-New Opel Astra

Opel Quality offensive in full swing

• All-time high: Launch quality improved by 25 per cent in just one year
• Ambitious goal: Number 1 in quality among volume automakers
• Analysis results: New methods introduced to prevent faults
• Currently: Top scores for Opel models in ADAC breakdown statistics and TÜV Report

Opel Corsa 

Opel quality for passenger cars and light commercial vehicles (LCV) is at an all-time high. Within the past twelve months, for example, launch quality of new cars has been increased by 25 per cent. This value results from the manufacturer's internally defined production standards as well as from customer feedback within the first year after purchase. Most recently launched Opel Corsa and Opel Mokka models demonstrate first-class production quality right from the start – regardless of whether they are efficient combustion engines or battery-electric vehicles.

Opel Corsa-e

There are good reasons for this quality improvement: Opel has set itself the goal of zero faults. To achieve this, the Rüsselsheim automaker has also introduced new analysis methods that have a predictive effect in production. Such forecasting systems recognise when parameters change in such a way that they could lead to possible errors in production and intervene preventively. Result: no faulty parts are produced in the first place, production continues undisturbed, and quality is consistently high.

Opel Mokka GS Line

“At Opel and throughout Stellantis Group, we have set ourselves ambitious quality targets. We want to become the number 1 among volume manufacturers. Everywhere where faults are eliminated, we increase quality, increase customer satisfaction and at the same time also reduce our costs,” says Opel CEO.

Opel Mokka-e

At the German sites in Rüsselsheim and Eisenach, the switch to the latest Group's platform has also led to further improvements. Uniform platform strategy and the reduction of unnecessary complexity are important factors for the high quality and reliability of the vehicles. At Opel's headquarters, series production of the all-new Astra generation has just begun. Here, the five-door Opel Astra and soon also Opel Astra Sports Tourer estate will roll off the production line with German precision. 

All-New Opel Astra: Assembly in Rüsselsheim 

All versions of the Opel Grandland are manufactured in Eisenach to the highest quality standards. This is also confirmed by the latest TÜV report, in which Opel's SUV flagship was ranked an excellent 11th overall out of all 128 models inspected. In addition, according to the 2022 ADAC breakdown statistics, Opel models in various market segments, from Grandland and Crossland to ADAM, stand out as reliable used cars.

All versions of the Opel Grandland are manufactured in Eisenach

Opel engineers are also focused on further improving long-term quality. To this end, cooperation with suppliers has been intensified. Engineers speak of “robustness” here when defining running times and standards for parts and components. In addition to the well-known customer satisfaction studies, the quality guardians from Rüsselsheim also evaluate reviews and suggestions in forums and other social media channels. Furthermore, Opel dealers are involved as early as possible to learn from them, from the customer's point of view, where further improvements are possible. All feedback is taken seriously and seen as an opportunity to improve quality.

9. Paul Pietsch Classic: Opel classics inspire the spectators

• It couldn't be nicer: traveling in timeless Opel vintage cars on dream routes
• Arouse emotions: Participants and spectators celebrate legendary automobiles
• Promo on Tour: Jockel Winkelhock piloting Opel Kadett GT/E Warmbold/Pitz

Opel Kadett GT/E

A dream tour of a special kind came to an end in saturday on the market square in Offenburg. In the most beautiful early summer weather and pleasant temperatures, 128 classic cars started the 9th Paul Pietsch Classic over the past two days . In the anniversary year of "160 years of Opel" , field was led by all-new Opel Astra. 

All-New Opel Astra

Behind them in the field of participants were legendary Opel models such as Kadett GT/E, Commodore A Coupé and Kadett GSi – with prominent drivers on board. British touring car champion and Le Mans winner Joachim Jockel” Winkelhock the scenic route. On day 1, it led through the Kinzig and Elz valleys in the High Black Forest and on the second day over the Bühlerhöhe in the direction of Baden-Baden in the northern Black Forest.

Jockel Winkelhock with Opel Kadett GT/E

“I am a 'repeat offender' out of conviction at the Paul Pietsch Classic. Routes along the picturesque Black Forest towns and little rivers as well as over the lush green hills are a lot of fun. Whole thing is topped when you sit in a rally classic like the Opel GT/E,” enthuses Opel driver Jockel Winkelhock.

Opel Kadett GSi Rallye

Opel Head of Communications Harald Hamprecht, who started in a Rallye Opel Kadett GSi together with Auto Motor and Sport Editor-in-Chief Michael Pfeiffer, adds: “Paul Pietsch Classic is one of the most beautiful vintage car rallies in Germany – in one of our most beautiful regions country. We are honoring Paul Pietsch, the racing driver and one of the founding publishers of Motor Presse Stuttgart. And we are also celebrating 160 years of Opel in the year of the new Astra. Our tradition is very important to us. It is our duty and a matter close to our hearts to look after them.”

Blessed with fantastic routes and wonderful views, the regularity rally was entirely in the tradition of Paul Pietsch, who gave its name and was born in Freiburg. At the same time, the former Grand Prix driver was one of the founders of Motor Presse Stuttgart and regularly made the route from his native Black Forest to the publishing house into old age. Managing director of Motor Presse Stuttgart, Jörg Mannsperger, took the opportunity to drive in a famous Blitz model together with Opel Classic manager Leif Rohwedder. Duo completed the 15 special stages in an Opel Commodore A Coupé known for its particularly smooth-running 2.5-litre straight-six.

Opel Commodore A Coupé