Opel Highlights 2022: All-New Opel Astra leads the way in Anniversary Year

• 160 year of Opel innovations for millions: Tradition-rich company celebrates birthday
• Start of a new era: Sixth generation Opel Astra arrives at dealerships
• 40 Years of Opel Corsa: Limited edition “Opel Corsa 40” presented
• GSe returns: Opel reveals dynamic and electrified “Grand Sport electric” sub-brand
• Electrifying performance: Successful season for Opel Corsa-e Rally and co.
• Innovative transport solution: First Opel Vivaro-e HYDROGEN in customer hands

2022 was an electrifying year for Opel in every respect: for 160 years, the brand with the ‘Blitz’ has been making innovations affordable for a wide audience. This was also the case in the anniversary year - first and foremost with the new Opel Astra, which celebrated its dealer premiere in the spring and has been delighting experts and customers alike ever since. Other bestsellers of the year are the Opel Mokka, the best-selling electric vehicle in its segment in autumn, and the Opel Corsa, which celebrated its 40th birthday this year. As the battery-electric Corsa-e Rally, it once again celebrated a successful campaign in the ADAC Opel e-Rally Cup, the first electric one-make cup worldwide. In the future, Opel will also offer an even more dynamic everyday driving experience with the models of the recently introduced GSe sub-brand. At the same time, Opel is consistently advancing innovations for sustainable mobility in its commercial vehicles as well: for example, the first Opel Vivaro-e HYDROGEN with hydrogen fuel cell drive are already in use with customers. Today, Opel already has 12 electrified models in its portfolio. These and even more highlights are shown in the electrifying video "Best of Opel 2022: Electrifying Champions" on the Opel Highlights 2022.

“2022 was an exceptional year for Opel,” said Opel CEO Florian Huettl. “With the launch of all-new Opel  Astra, electrified for the first time, we are driving into a new era Our Corsa and Mokka models – which are also electric – show what makes real bestsellers in the small car and subcompact SUV segment. We are consistently pursued our electrification offensive – amongst others, with the hydrogen fuel cell van Opel Vivaro-e HYDROGEN. In this respect, 2022 was also a year in which we continued to drive forward the development towards becoming an all-electric brand in Europe.”

Success story: 160 years of Opel, 40 years of Opel Corsa, 30 years of Opel in Eisenach

In 2022, Opel celebrated a very special anniversary: 160 years ago, Adam Opel laid the foundation stone in Rüsselsheim for a company that developed from a producer of sewing machines to the world's largest bicycle manufacturer to an internationally important automotive brand that always makes technologies from higher vehicle classes affordable for a broad range of buyers. At the same time, 160 years of Opel history show that those responsible have always thought outside the proverbial box and surprised customers with extraordinary solutions.

In addition, one of the biggest bestsellers celebrated its 40th birthday: Opel Corsa revolutionised the small car class with its premiere in 1982 and still enjoys great popularity among customers today in what is now the sixth generation. Current Opel Corsa is one of the most popular small cars ever. The battery-electric Opel Corsa-e also won the "Golden Steering Wheel 2020" 1 and is successful in motorsport as a locally emission-free rally vehicle. Opel celebrated this anniversary by launching the limited edition “Opel Corsa 40” – with the newcomer combining modern technology with numerous nods to the first Corsa generation.

Elsewhere, Eisenach also celebrated an anniversary: Opel models have been rolling off the production line at the Thuringian plant, located in central Germany, for 30 years. Three decades that have shaped entire region and during which the ultra-modern location has renewed itself again and again, so that future-proof vehicles such as the Opel Grandland, of course also as a plug-in hybrid, are produced here today.

All-New Opel Astra: From the dealer premiere to the “Golden Steering Wheel 2022”

2022 was also marked by the new Opel Astra. In May, the sixth generation celebrated its dealer premiere. Completely new, equipped with innovative technologies such as the fully digital Pure Panel cockpit or the adaptive glare-free IntelliLux LED Pixel Light as well as with its clear, bold design including the new Opel Vizor brand face, visitors to the dealerships were able to test drive the newcomer for themselves - for the first time also as an electrified plug-in hybrid. The response was overwhelming, and the order books are brimming.

Readers and the expert jury of AUTO BILD and BILD am SONNTAG agree that Opel is entering a new era with all-new Astra. They awarded the Astra and Astra Sports Tourer the "Golden Steering Wheel 2022" in autumn. Latest generation of the best-selling model beat off strong competition to win one of the most prestigious awards in the automotive industry as "Best Car up to €50,000"2.

At the same time, an "Auto Oscar" went to Rüsselsheim for the third time in a row. In 2020, Opel Corsa-e 1 won the coveted award, and last year the Opel Mokka-e 3 took top honours. Latter has become a bestseller with its design, technologies and suitability for everyday use. In October and November, it was best-selling all-electric car in B-SUV segment in Germany. In November, no less than 65 percent of all Opel Mokka customers opted for the battery-electric, locally emission-free variant.

Dynamic, inspiring and electrified: New GSe sub-brand

Also in autumn, Opel announced: "GSe" is returning - in a new, fresh guise. Where the abbreviation used to stand for "Grand Sport injection", it now becomes Opel's new sporty sub-brand and means "Grand Sport electric". Opel GSe models combine excellent driving dynamics with innovative electrification and will be at the top of the respective model series in the future. Plug-in hybrids Opel Grandland GSe (fuel consumption according to WLTP 4: 1.3 l/100 km, CO2 emission 31-29 g/km; both combined, weighted, preliminary values) as well as Astra GSe and Astra Sports Tourer GSe (fuel consumption according to WLTP 4: 1.2-1.1 l/100 km, CO2 emission 26-25 g/km; both combined, preliminary values) will be available soon.

Opel electrifies motorsports: Impressive Rally record in 2022

Opel has also literally electrified international rallying in the 2022 season. Laurent Pellier and the Opel Corsa Rally4 dominated the Junior European Rally Championship (JERC), clinching the fifth Junior European title for Opel. At the same time, the ADAC Opel e-Rally Cup established itself as the first electric rally one-make cup worldwide and continued its upswing. In rally runs that were as demanding as they were varied, the teams fought for points and trophies in the Opel Corsa-e Rally. In this way, organisers showed how electric rally sport can inspire. Next year, the cup will enter its third season!

From Opel Rocks-e to Opel Vivaro-e HYDROGEN: E-offensive in full swing

Even with the smallest and largest models in the Opel portfolio, the manufacturer is pushing the pace in terms of electrification. Opel Rocks-e, for example, makes young people from the age of 155 in Germany mobile and brings a breath of fresh air to the light vehicle segment as an innovative electric vehicle for two. Elsewhere, the first customers have been behind the wheel of the Opel Vivaro-e HYDROGEN since this year. Pioneering hydrogen fuel cell transporter shows how versatile electric mobility can be in the commercial sector. It is the ideal solution for fleet customers who want to cover long distances without local emissions and need to refuel quickly. When fully fuelled, it can travel up to 400 kilometres (according to WLTP). Refuelling with hydrogen takes just three minutes.

All in all, Opel took full advantage of 2022, once again taking huge strides towards becoming a fully electric brand in Europe by 2028. This is exactly the path the company will continue to follow in the coming year – with models such as the first fully electric Opel Astra Electric and many other innovations.

[1] AUTO BILD and BILD am SONNTAG edition 45/2020, category for “Small cars”.

[2] AUTO BILD edition 45/2022 and BILD am SONNTAG edition 46/2022, category for “Best car up to €50,000”.

[3] AUTO BILD edition 45/2021 and BILD am SONNTAG edition 46/2021, category for “Best car under €25,000” incl. environmental bonus.

[4] Preliminary values determined using the more realistic WLTP (Worldwide harmonized Light vehicles Test Procedure) test method which replaces the NEDC (New European Driving Cycle) test procedure. A vehicle's consumption, CO2 emissions and range not only depend on the efficient use of energy by the vehicle but are also influenced by driving style and other non-technical factors. The information on consumption and emissions does not refer to an individual vehicle and is intended solely for purposes of comparison between the various vehicle types. Vehicle not available yet.

[5] Applies to four-wheeled light motor vehicles with a rated continuous/utilised power not exceeding 6 kW, with no more than two seats and a maximum speed not exceeding 45 km/h.

ADAC Opel e-Rally Cup 2023 in spectacular WRC setting

• World’s first electric rally one-make cup enters its third season in 2023
• Attractive schedule with eight challenging scoring runs in four countries
• Opel Corsa-e Rally cars will complete their finale as part of the World Rally Championship

Opel Corsa-e Rally 

After a very successful 2022 rally season for Opel, preparations for the third season of the ADAC Opel e-Rally Cup are already in full swing. The schedule of the first and so far only electric rally one-make cup worldwide will be upgraded again for the coming season. Instead of seven runs, as in the first two years, the 100 kW/136 hp Opel Corsa-e Rally will complete eight top-class rally events in four countries in 2023.

ADAC Opel e-Rally Cup continues to be based on the German Rally Championship (DRM). The locally emission-free electric cars will kick off the season at the ADAC Rally Sulingen at the beginning of May and will also compete again at the ADAC Saarland-Pfalz Rally around St. Wendel and at the ADAC Rally Stemweder Berg in the Lübbecke area.

After the successful debuts of the past season, the customer sports racers from Rüsselsheim will also electrify the attractive rally events in Weiz (Austria) and Morzine at the foot of the Mont Blanc (France) in 2023. ADAC Opel e-Rally Cup will also celebrate two exciting premieres at the Rally du Chablais around Aigle in western Switzerland and at the Rally du Vosges Grand-Est near Gérardmer in the French Vosges.

Last of the numerous calendar highlights has been saved for the finale of the ADAC Opel e-Rally Cup. When the FIA World Rally Championship causes a stir on the asphalt tracks in the border triangle of Germany/Austria/Czech Republic from October 27 to 29 as part of the new Central European Rally, the Cup teams will also pitch their tents in the service park in Passau with their battery-electric Corsa-e Rally cars, thus demonstrating fascinating dynamics and innovative power of electric rallying within a large international setting.

“After an all-round successful rally year in 2022, we are already looking forward to an exciting third season of the ADAC Opel e-Rally Cup,” said Opel Motorsport Director Jörg Schrott. “The awareness for the first electric rally one-make cup worldwide has grown very noticeably, as has the interest from organisers at home and abroad in staging a competition round. We are very pleased about this since Opel is proving that electric rallying works.”

ADAC Opel e-Rally Cup Calendar 2023

May 5-6  ADAC Rally Sulingen - Germany

June 2-3  Rally du Chablais, Aigle - Switzerland

June 17-18  Rally du Vosges Grand-Est, Gérardmer - France

July 14-15  Rally Weiz - Austria

August 18-19  ADAC Saarland-Pfalz Rally, St. Wendel - Germany

September 8-9  Rally Mont-Blanc, Morzine - France

September 29-30  ADAC Rally Stemweder Berg, Lübbecke - Germany

October 27-29  Central European Rally, Passau - Germany/Austria/Czech Republic

Opel Mokka Electric: Now with Even More Range

• E for electric: Opel Mokka-e to become Opel Mokka Electric
• More powerful, more efficient, more range: Electric motor with 115 kW/156 hp, new 54 kWh battery enables 406 kilometres of locally emission-free driving (WLTP1)
• Fast charging: 80 per cent state-of-charge in around 30 minutes at a 100 kW DC charging station
• Electric driving fun à la Opel: Three drive modes – Normal, Eco and Sport

Opel Mokka Electric

Opel Mokka-e is becoming the Opel Mokka Electric with the best-selling battery-electric vehicle in the B-SUV segment in Germany in October and November now getting even more powerful, efficient, and attractive. All-electric "Winner of the Golden Steering Wheel 2021" 2 will also be available with a larger battery and more power in the future. With the new 54 kWh battery, Opel Mokka Electric drivers can cover up to 406 kilometres instead of up to 338 kilometres locally emission-free according to WLTP 1 – a significant improvement of 20 percent. At the same time, energy consumption has decreased to 15.2 kWh per 100 kilometres (WLTP 3). However, the Mokka Electric is not just highly efficient – with an output of 115 kW/156 hp and 260 Newton meters of torque, the electric motor, which is also used in the new Opel Astra Electric delivers pure driving pleasure.

"'e' becomes 'Electric'. With the new suffix, we underline that Opel Mokka offers even more electric driving fun. It is an electric vehicle that is unparalleled in its segment. Ever since it was launched, our extraordinary compact SUV has impressed people with its bold and pure design, individual character and proven suitability for everyday use. And with a new electric drive and larger battery, we are now making Mokka Electric even more powerful, even more efficient and better. That is Opel approach to well thought-out 'Greenovation'," said Opel CEO Florian Huettl.

Electric SUV pioneer even better as Opel Mokka Electric

Mokka shows Opel’s approach to innovative, forward-looking and emotionalising mobility: Not only was the stylish SUV the first Opel to wear the new brand face, the Opel Vizor, it was also the first Opel with the fully digitised Pure Panel cockpit. In addition, it was the first Opel available at the start of sales with fully electric drive as well as highly efficient combustion engines, thus giving customers the choice of which drive suits their needs best – and that choice is already predominantly electric. In November, no less than 65 percent of all Mokka customers in Germany opted for the battery-electric, locally emission-free variant – which is now getting even better.

Range of up to 406 kilometres (according to WLTP 1) – and thus 20 percent more than to date – promises all-round, everyday, enduring electric driving fun in the city as well as on longer journeys. Energy is stored in the new, 54 kWh lithium-ion battery. Engineers attached great importance to efficient packaging and were thus able to ensure an exemplary range with a compact battery size.

As with all fully electric Opel models, the 54 kWh battery of Mokka Electric is practically installed in the underbody. Thus, no space is lost in the passenger or luggage compartment and Opel Mokka Electric has excellent roadholding qualities. Vehicle's low center of gravity increases safety and driving pleasure. With an output of 115 kW/156 hp and maximum torque of 260 Newton meters that is immediately available with the first tap of the accelerator, Opel Mokka Electric ensures brisk starts and accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in under 10 seconds. The top speed is electronically limited to 150 km/h.

Depending on their preference, Opel Mokka Electric drivers can choose between the three driving modes Eco, Normal and Sport. In Eco mode, the electric SUV is most energy-efficient in favour of the overall range. Thanks to a state-of-the-art regenerative braking system, the Mokka Electric can also recuperate energy when decelerating or braking. Electric motor then converts the forward momentum into electricity. If the driver shifts the transmission into the B mode, recuperation and braking torque increase. And when the compact SUV has to “refuel”, the 54 kWh battery can be recharged to up to 80 percent state-of-charge in around 30 minutes at a 100 kW DC charging station. The Mokka Electric has this fast-charging function as standard. In addition to direct current, Opel drivers can also charge three-phase alternating current thanks to the 11 kW onboard charger – via a wall box or with a cable for the household socket.

Efficiency and comfort are a given in Opel Mokka Electric. Numerous heating systems and technologies from the standard heat pump to the practical myOpel app, which can be used to program the pre-conditioning by remote control, ensure a cozy atmosphere right from the start – especially during the colder months of the year.

Opel Mokka Electric with more power and a longer range is another example of how Opel is consistently pushing ahead with its electric offensive. Twelve electrified Opel models are already available today, including the entire range of light commercial vehicles. By 2024, the manufacturer will also offer every model in an electrified version. And by 2028, Opel will become an all-electric brand in Europe.

[1] Preliminary 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.

[2] AUTO BILD edition 45/2021 and BILD am SONNTAG edition 46/2021, category for “Best car under €25,000” incl. environmental bonus.

[3] Preliminary values determined using the more realistic WLTP (Worldwide harmonized Light vehicles Test Procedure) test method which replaces the NEDC (New European Driving Cycle) test procedure. A vehicle's consumption, CO2 emissions and range not only depend on the efficient use of energy by the vehicle but are also influenced by driving style and other non-technical factors. The information on consumption and emissions does not refer to an individual vehicle and is intended solely for purposes of comparison between the various vehicle types.

75 Years Ago: Opel resumes Passenger Car Production in Rüsselsheim

• Late autumn 1947: Olympia is the first series-produced passenger car to roll off the assembly line after the plant is rebuilt
• Basis for success: Opel Olympia, Rekord and Co pave the way for the coming years of the German “Wirtschaftswunder”
• Current compact class bestseller: New Opel Astra is also “made in Rüsselsheim”

160 years of Opel mean 160 years of innovations for millions of people. Throughout its long history, the tradition-rich manufacturer from Rüsselsheim has always met challenges with new ideas and products that laid the basis for its continued success. Just like 75 years ago: In the late autumn of 1947, the Opel Olympia rolled off the assembly line as the first series-produced passenger car after the reconstruction of the Rüsselsheim plant. A model that had already made history and was now to drive the restart of car production. With success: to this day, countless models and automotive legends have left the factory halls at Opel's headquarters – just like the latest bestseller with the ’Blitz’. New generation of the Opel Astra is also produced here. Like the Olympia 75 years ago, the Astra "made in Rüsselsheim" will make history. Next year, sporty Opel Astra GSe and the battery-electric Astra Electric will roll off the production line here alongside the familiar plug-in hybrid versions. This will make the Astra the first Opel model to be available in all drive variants – from highly efficient combustion engines to electric drive.

Opel Olympia 1947: Start of a new era of car production in Rüsselsheim

Opel had to start from scratch once before – after the great fire catastrophe of 1911, when a fire had reduced large parts of the Rüsselsheim plant to rubble. At that time, the Opel family and the employees showed courage to try something new and, after previously having made sewing machines, turned their attention completely to bicycle and automobile production. Situation is similar after the end of the Second World War. In 1945, there is hardly a stone left standing on the company premises near the Main river. However, reconstruction is quickly pushed ahead, so that parts production can initially be resumed under the existing circumstances. As early as the summer of 1946, the first 1½ tonne Blitz truck leaves the plant, which is then still under construction. Vehicle production picks up speed at the end of 1947. With the Opel Olympia, series production of passenger cars finally starts again. The Rüsselsheim based company thus chooses a model that already made history at its premiere twelve years earlier: in 1935, the Olympia was the first German mass-produced car to have a self-supporting all-steel body and, thanks to its low weight, improved driving performance and low fuel consumption. At the same time, the design of the modern safety body paved the way for large-scale production. These were the best prerequisites for a successful return to passenger car production in 1947.

Opel Olympia

Opel Olympia of 1947 differs from its predecessor in particular by an improved front axle with double wishbones and a slightly smaller wheelbase. Axle and steering of the two-door car now come from the Opel Kapitän. A concept that speeds up passenger car production in Rüsselsheim. Less than one year later, larger, four-door Opel Kapitän goes into series production. And as early as June 8, 1949, Opel officials announce the completion of the 100,000th 1.5-litre Opel Olympia. Simultaneously, the main plant in Rüsselsheim continues production of a "cool" product that only a few people today associate with the brand: the "Frigidaire" refrigerator, which is in great demand at the time and becomes a bestseller in the 1950s.

But the foundation stone for the booming production in Rüsselsheim – and for the mobility of millions in the following German “Wirtschaftswunderjahre” ("economic miracle years") – is laid as early as the end of the 1940s with models such as the Olympia, Kapitän and Co. Models that make a broad section of the population mobile again and innovations affordable. Opel has maintained this credo over the decades and continues to inspire people with models that are as practical as they are emotional and at the same time affordable. So it is no wonder that the latest generation of the compact class bestseller Opel Astra is also manufactured at the company's headquarters.

All-New Opel Astra: Next bestseller “Made in Rüsselsheim”

Opel Astra GSe

Opel is driving into the future with the new Astra: Freshly crowned “Golden Steering Wheel 2022”1 winner is more dynamic than ever before – with a pure and bold design including the Opel Vizor brand face – while remaining a true everyday hero as five-door version as well as Astra Sports Tourer. Cutting edge technologies such as the intuitive, fully-digital Pure Panel cockpit or the adaptive, glare-free IntelliLux LED Pixel Light make driving more pleasant and safer – just like the AGR-certified (Aktion Gesunder Rücken e.V.) ergonomic active seats for driver and front passenger. Last, but not least Astra customers have a wide choice of drive alternatives: Opel Astra five-door and Sports Tourer are not only available with highly efficient internal combustion engines, but also, for the first time, as electrified and thus locally emission-free plug-in hybrids. And the battery-electric Opel Astra Electric will follow next year. A real success model – conceived, designed and made in Rüsselsheim.

Opel Astra Electric

[1] AUTIO BILD edition 45/2022 and BILD am SONNTAG edition 46/2022, category for “Best car under €50,000”.

All-New Vauxhall Astra named 'Best Family Hatch' by Top Gear

• All-New Vauxhall Astra named ‘Best Family Hatch of the Year’ at 2022 TopGear.com Awards
• All-New Astra is available as a Plug-in Hybrid with up to 43 miles of electric-only range
• TopGear praised All-New Astra on key criteria including efficiency and interior space
• Fully electric version of All-New Astra & All-New Astra Sports Tourer due in 2023
• Vauxhall committed to being an electric only brand by 2028 

All-New Vauxhall Astra has been named ‘Best Family Hatch of the Year’ at the 2022 TopGear.com Awards. This marks the second consecutive win for Vauxhall at Top Gear’s prestigious awards, following the Vauxhall Mokka being awarded ‘Design of the Year’ at the 2021 TopGear.com Awards.

All-New Vauxhall Astra gives customers the choice of petrol and diesel variants as well as a highly efficient Plug-in Hybrid model, capable of travelling up to 43 miles (WLTP, EAER) on electric power alone, with emissions as low as 23g/km CO2. All-electric versions of Astra and Astra Sports Tourer will arrive in 2023.

Coming out on top in a highly competitive category, TopGear praised All-New Astra across a number of areas important for family buyers, including cost, emissions and space.

Jack Rix, Editor, TopGear, said: “Ordinary cars fascinate us. They’re the hardest of all to design and engineer because every penny is counted, every last gramme of CO2 matters, every millimetre of space is measured, and faults are unforgivingly exposed by the brutalities of daily use. The best of them meet those tedious goals while being more desirable than the next company’s product that was built to exactly the same parameters. This year, that has been best achieved by the Astra.”

James Taylor, Managing Director, Vauxhall, said: “It is exciting to see Vauxhall once again recognised by TopGear. Family hatch segment is incredibly competitive and there is such a strong mix of popular models to stand out amongst. From launch, All-New Astra has proven to be a popular model with drivers and industry experts, and this award is a testament to the hard work from everyone at Vauxhall as we look forward to introducing a fully electric Astra next year on our journey to being electric-only from 2028.”

Recognition in the 2022 TopGear.com Awards follows recent success for the Astra in this year’s Business Car Awards, as the model was named winner of the ‘Best Family Car’ category.

Hessian Prime Minister Boris Rhein visiting Opel in Rüsselsheim

• Factory tour of Prime Minister Boris Rhein together with Opel CEO Florian Huettl
• Two-shift production of all Astra variants and the DS4 from DS Automobiles
• Opel Astra Electric will also start in Rüsselsheim in the new year

CEO Florian Huettl welcomed the Prime Minister of Hesse, Boris Rhein, to Opel's headquarters in Rüsselsheim today. Focus of the visit was on the new Opel Astra, which is manufactured at the Rüsselsheim plant as a five-door and sports tourer in two-shift operation. In the coming year, the sporty GSe and the battery-electric Opel Astra Electric will roll off the assembly line here in addition to the well-known plug-in hybrid. This makes the Astra the first Opel to be available in all drive variants - from highly efficient combustion engines to electric drives. In addition, DS4 of the premium brand DS Automobile is manufactured in Rüsselsheim.

“All-new Opel Astra is already a success. Order books are full. And with the Opel Astra Electric, we will consistently continue our electrification offensive in 2023. We already have twelve electrified models on offer. By 2024 our entire portfolio will be electrified, and by 2028 we will only sell electric vehicles in Europe. We are profitable in the long term and want to continue to grow - with sustainable and attractive models," said Opel CEO Florian Huettl during the visit of the Hessian Prime Minister.

“Opel is a piece of Hessian identity. Car manufacturer belongs to Rüsselsheim like an engine belongs to a car. It is therefore very important to us that the structural change in the industry and the associated changes for employees also succeed in Hesse," said Prime Minister Boris Rhein.