World Premiere 70 Years Ago: Opel Olympia Rekord Caravan

• Pioneer: Opel presents the first high-volume production estate from a German carmaker at 1953 IAA
• Successful: Estates become regular fixture in model portfolio
• Innovative: New Opel Astra Sports Tourer Electric one of the first battery-electric estates from a German brand

70 years ago, Opel presented the new Opel Olympia Rekord at the International Motor Show (IAA) and captivated the masses. The new vehicle generation is not only available as a saloon, but also as a “caravan”. By revealing the 1953 Opel Olympia Rekord Caravan, the Rüsselsheim-based brand created a small sensation because it was nothing less than the first mass-produced estate from a German manufacturer. The model, which is as elegant as it is comfortable and at the same time practical, becomes a pioneer. Going forward the mixture of the best traits of saloon and delivery van (caravan = car and van) becomes a mainstay in the model range.

At the IAA Mobility 2023, Opel is once again playing a pioneering role with the latest generation of the compact class bestseller Astra. From September 5 to 10, the new Opel Astra Sports Tourer Electric will celebrate its world premiere in Munich – making it one of the first all-electric estates from a German brand. It offers Opel customers a dynamic, comfortable, extremely practical and, above all, locally emissions-free estate ideally suited for the daily commute or holiday trips with the whole family.

Beginning of a success story: Trend-setting Opel Olympia Rekord Caravan

As early as 1950, the Opel Olympia was available as an express delivery van in addition to the saloon. However, Opel then presented a real revolution at the 1953 IAA with the all-new Olympia Rekord. Because for the first time, in addition to the closed delivery van, an estate version called Caravan is also available ex works. "An ideal vehicle that harmoniously combines beauty and practicality - on weekdays for customer deliveries, on weekends for pleasant relaxation," the Opel advertisement said at the time. With the Opel Olympia Rekord Caravan a German manufacturer combines the advantages of a comfortable saloon and a practical van in a vehicle intended for large-scale production for the first time.

At the front, the so-called shark's mouth fascia, which was characteristic of both variants at the time, takes centre stage. In the case of the caravan, the smooth-surfaced pontoon body transitions into a box-shaped rear end with side windows, so that the passengers in the back row can also enjoy the best views. The Olympia Rekord Caravan no longer has anything in common with a simple delivery van, which means that the estate attracts the attention of buyers.

The elegant four-seater impresses with a large load compartment, which can easily be doubled by folding down the rear seats. Split backrests that can be folded in at an angle make it easier for passengers to get in; the wide tailgate makes it easy to load and unload work utensils or bulky material. In addition, the booth can take a payload of up to 480 kilograms is possible and is designed so that it can be easily cleaned.

However, the Olympia Rekord Caravan does not just prove its efficiency with its design and flexible usability, but also with its 40 hp, economical 1.5-litre engine, which accelerated the estate to a comfortable cruising speed of up to around 115 km/h. This makes the Olympia Rekord Caravan a hit with the customers, and at the same time lays the foundation for the future Opel models. The caravan or estate version becomes an integral part of the line-up. Almost ten years after the premiere of the first mass-produced estate from a German brand, the Kadett A Caravan followed in 1963. It was the first compact estate from Opel and quickly helped the brand become the market leader in this body segment.

Spacious, locally emissions-free driving fun: New Astra Sports Tourer Electric

In a few days, Opel will open the next chapter in the long history of successful estates from Rüsselsheim with the new Opel Astra Sports Tourer Electric celebrating its premiere at the IAA Mobility 2023. At the same time, the brand with the Blitz is once again underscoring its pioneering role in making innovative technologies and concepts available to a broad group of buyers – Opel Astra Sports Tourer Electric is one of the first fully electric estate from a German manufacturer.

Like all Astra variants, Opel Astra Sports Tourer Electric doesn’t just impress with its bold and clear design, but also with its responsible performance. The new all-electric estate from Rüsselsheim conveys pure locally emissions-free driving fun. The electric motor delivers 115 kW/156 hp and a powerful 270 Newton meters of maximum torque – both available from the first touch of the accelerator pedal ensuring brisk starts and convincing acceleration. And while many other electric cars are limited to 150 km/h or 160 km/h, the new Astra Sports Tourer Electric has a top speed of 170 km/h. Even with the rear seats up, Opel Astra Sports Tourer Electric offers 516 litres of luggage space in the boot – with the seats folded down, the capacity increases to up to 1,553 litres. The batteries are practically housed in the underbody so that no space for passengers or luggage is lost in the interior.

Opel Booth Concept at IAA Mobility 2023: Forward Looking, Focused and Sustainable

• Two locations: Opel presence at IAA Summit as well as Open Space in Munich city
• Three world premieres: Opel Experimental, new Opel Corsa Electric and new Opel Astra Sports Tourer Electric
• Modern German: Bold and pure booth design with Opel.AI functions and digital experience
• Detox: Highlights in focus; Open Space blends harmoniously with city surroundings
• Greenovation: Booth components and materials reusable and recyclable; minimal footprint
• Pushing the boundaries: Visionary Opel Experimental in video

Opel is celebrating three world premieres at the IAA Mobility 2023. While the visionary Opel Experimental concept car gives an insight into the brand’s upcoming models and technologies, the new Opel Corsa Electric and the new Opel Astra Sports Tourer Electric demonstrate how locally emissions-free driving enjoyment is possible today. The cars are expressions of the three brand pillars “Modern German”, “Detox” and “Greenovation”. This is also clearly reflected in Opel’s presence at the IAA Mobility from September 5 to 10 – at the IAA Summit (Hall B2, booth number B20) as well as at the Open Space (Odeonsplatz Munich, booth number OP.390)

Transparent design and digital experience: Opel shows the future

The bold and pure Opel design philosophy takes centre stage at both locations in an open and inviting set-up. Semi-transparent materials and large format screens greet the public and symbolise the evolution of the brand’s corporate identity. The tones, materials and textures harmonise with the ones developed for the Experimental concept car. The monitors also contribute to the interactive digital experience for visitors. Using Opel.AI – a generative image artificial intelligence specially developed for Opel – and a special terminal on the booth, they can create various backgrounds for the screen behind the concept car. Then they can download the image via QR code to their mobile device and share it on social media.

Opel Experimental is the physical representation of Opel’s drive to push the boundaries of what is possible; a concept car that gives a clear vision of not just a model but the entire Opel brand. The innovative Experimental as the symbol of all that Opel is striving to achieve can be seen in the video “What if…”.

The use of screens as partition walls also underlines the “Detox” concept of the Opel presence. There are no superfluous displays, backgrounds or materials – everything is clearly focused on the all-electric Opel premieres. Visitors to the Opel booths at the Summit or the Open Space will not find any oversized structures that look out of place in their surroundings. Instead, the forward-looking, minimalistic and transparent Opel appearance blends harmoniously with the city setting.

Greenovation: Sustainable concept for a smaller CO2 footprint

The focus on the essentials also serves the third aspect of the stand concept in Munich. Like Opel, the IAA Mobility wants to significantly reduce the CO2 footprint. The “Detox” design philosophy of the two Opel booths contribute to this goal. Primarily lightweight materials are used, which require fewer resources from production to delivery and removal.

The booth concept has also been designed with a circular economy in mind. Many components can be reused and recycled. The screens that act as walls can be used for future trade fairs or events. LED technology reduces power consumption, and the floors are made of recyclable material. Everything is aligned with the ambition: “Leave a mark, not waste”. In this way, journalists at the IAA Summit as well as the general public at the Open Space will experience an all-new Opel appearance that will engage and transport them into the future of the brand – modern, detoxed and sustainable.

Leadership Change of ADAC Opel Electric Rally Cup

• Second half of ADAC Opel Electric Rally Cup “powered by GSe” underway
• Calle Carlberg wins ADAC Saarland-Pfalz Rallye comfortably from Max Reiter
• Swede now leads World’s First Electric One Make Rally Cup

With an outstanding performance, Calle Carlberg won fifth round ofADAC Opel Electric Rally Cup “powered by GSe” as part of ADAC Saarland-Pfalz Rallye. 23-year-old Swede, as always guided by his father Torbjörn in “hot seat” of Opel Corsa Rally Electric, set best time in nine of 10 special stages and finally celebrated with a lead of 35.4 seconds over Max Reiter (23) and his co-driver Conny Nemenich his second win of season.

Ttitle fight between Carlberg and Reiter has now really flared up. While the Scandinavian travelled to St. Wendel five points behind local hero, Carlberg now leads overall standings of world's first electric one-make rally cup by the same distance ahead of Reiter.

“I'm really happy about my second victory in ADAC Opel Electric Rally Cup,” beamed Carlberg. “We found a good rhythm in cockpit right from start. However, I was quite tense for a long time because I really wanted to win. It wasn't until midday on Saturday, when lead had grown a bit, that I relaxed. It's good to be at top of table now. But nothing changes in my prognosis: title will only be decided at  finale!”

“We tried everything, but in end it wasn't enough,” said three-time winner of season, Reiter. “In stage 5 we cracked a wishbone, which cost us some time. Towards end it became clear that we wouldn't catch Calle, so we wanted to at least score full points on Power Stage. Unfortunately, I made a big mistake right there, so we ended up empty-handed. I congratulate Calle on the win and at the same time I promise him a tough fight for coming rallies.”

Behind two permanent rivals, Joe Baur, with Fabian Peter at his side, drove onto podium for first time in his still young rally career and was correspondingly pleased: “It finally worked out,” said the 24-year-old. “We were quite close a couple of times, but here we managed a clean rally from first to last stage. This makes ADAC Opel Electric Rally Cup even more fun!”

Sarah Rumeau, however, was unlucky. 28-year-old Frenchwoman and her co-driver Julie Amblard were once again aiming for their first podium finish when they were slowed down by a transmission issue in their Opel Corsa Rally Electric on fourth special stage. They were back in action the following day, but they could not get more than eighth place and a point for fifth in “Power Stage”. In overall standings, Rumeau/Amblard are now 16 points behind the Austrians Luca Pröglhöf/Dina Ettel, who had to settle for fourth place. Fifth were Christian Lemke and Stefan Schneeweiß, who also hold this position in the standings.

For their sixth showdown of year, Cup teams will travel to France week after next, where another highlight of season awaits electric rally cars, Rallye Mont Blanc Morzine.

Standings ADAC Opel Electric Rally Cup 2023 (after 5 of 8 rounds):

1. Carlberg, 156 points.

2. Reiter 151.

3. Pröglhöf 105.

4. Rumeau 89.

5. Lemke 74.

6. Baur 62.

7. Van Hoof 56.

8. Gudet 46.

9. Tarta 39.

10. Callea and Wittenbeck, 27 each.

Saving Lives: 50 years of Seat Belts in all Opel Vehicles

• Ahead of the times: In 1973, Opel introduced seat belts as standard across range, three years before they became mandatory
• Start 1968: Opel Kadett, Admiral and Diplomat already available with front seat belts
• Comfortable: Opel Omega 1986 - first car with height-adjustable belts as standard
• Fine-tuned: New Opel Astra Electric with further developed “belt anti-lock braking system”

Newly developed electric motor, class-leading IntelliLux LED Pixel Light with a total of 168 LED elements, head-up display or natural voice recognition "Hey Opel" – first electrified Opel Astra is full of technical highlights. But the engineers have also further developed compact class bestseller in less visible areas. One safety specific feature now makes new Opel Astra Electric even safer: adaptive belt force limiter. It controls the belt force, which acts on the body during an impact, even more precisely in order to reduce injuries as far as possible and at the same time protect the driver as much as possible.

Adaptively controlled restraint system uses sensors to recognize severity of accident and optimally adapts belt force to course of crash. A plus in safety that can make all difference. Despite all airbags and assistance systems: “Seat belt is still the most important lifesaver in the car,” says Peter Schüßler, Manager of Passive Restraint Systems at Opel in Rüsselsheim. And the most important of all safety features is celebrating an even-number anniversary this summer: 50 years ago, in 1973, Opel began to install three-point belt systems with practical one-hand operation as standard in all models – and that three years prior to wearing seat belts became compulsory in Germany. A lot has happened in 50 years: an average of 15 metres of seat belts are installed in every Opel model. In total, after five decades, this results in around 750 million metres of seat belt webbing. This corresponds to 18 circumnavigations of equator.

Safety comes first at Opel: Seat belt as a lifesaver

As early as the 1960s, Opel engineers were testing seat belts as a life-saving restraint system in cars. As early as April 1968, Opel Kadett, Admiral and Diplomat, among others, could be ordered with front seat belts. Classic Opel Manta A coupé followed in October 1970. Opel lifesaver was also available as standard in sporty models – for example in Opel Kadett B Rallye from 1967 and in Opel Commodore A GS a year later.

At same time, Opel actively campaigned for acceptance of seat belts early on and thus assumed a pioneering role. In 1969, Opel engineers demonstrated results of their accident research programme to representatives of media at Dudenhofen Test Centre. 

Most important message: more than half of all accident victims could still be alive if they had worn seat belts. At the beginning of 1972, Opel’s management sent a letter to all employees, asking them to wear their seat belts – and offered all employees discounted belts for retrofitting. Offer proved hugely popular with 12,000 sets being provided within a very short time.

Significance recognised early on

General public were somewhat more reluctant to accept seat belt as an indispensable part of vehicle safety. Millions of people initially refused to “buckle up” when it became compulsory to wear seat belts as of January 1, 1976. At that time, many considered it to be too cumbersome to wear a seat belt. Especially when car was used by different family members and the seat belt had to be adjusted in each case. This problem was soon solved by the automatic seat belt retractor. For a long time, however, there seemed to be no cure for various prejudices such as: Belt curtails personal freedom, and its safety effect is questionable. But the concerns were silenced when the number of road fatalities began to fall.

Simultaneously, the safety specialists were constantly improving the systems. In 1986, Opel Omega was first car in world to offer height-adjustable seat belts at front and rear seats as standard. In 1991, Opel presented belt tensioner in Opel Astra F, followed by full-size airbag and active safety systems such as Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and Electronic Stability Program (ESP).

Airbags, in particular, further reduce risk of injury significantly – assuming that driver and passengers are actually buckled up. One system restrains body in event of a collision, other cushions impact. Seat belt absorbs around two-thirds of energy of an impact. First belt force limiters were used from 2000s to avoid peak loads. Other improvements increase comfort, such as electric seat belt feeder in convertibles.

Crucial millimetres: Collapsible steering column

Opel engineers identified another key factor for more safety back in 1960s: safety steering column. Preventing steering wheel and column from penetrating passenger compartment is still one of starting points of safety strategy. In event of an impact, steering column collapses slightly. In this way, system, in combination with seat belt and airbag, enables a dynamic crushable distance of up to 100 millimetres – crucial millimetres that minimise the risk of injury.

Adaptive belt force limiter now installed in Opel Astra Electric has an even more refined “anti-lock braking system” for belt. “Belt force is electronically controlled during the course of the impact,” the specialists explain. “In order to measure biomechanical load acting on the chest, four sensors are installed in THOR crash test dummy.” In earlier versions, only single measurements were possible. This increase in sensitivity was made possible by the latest generation of crash test dummies, which have been in use since 2020.

Sensors galore: New dummies provide crucial insights

Development of the safety belt is inextricably linked to the further development of the intelligent high-tech dummies that are used in tests to simulate the effects of an impact on the human body before a safety system is approved for series production. Youngest generation is known as THOR.  Abbreviation stands for “Test device for Human Occupant Restraint”. Equipped with over 120 sensors, THOR electronically senses and communicates what happens to it in event of an impact. With this dummy’s help, adaptive belt force limiter was developed, which was first used in Opel Mokka and now in Opel  Astra. It is another milestone in decades-long development of passive safety features. And possibilities are far from exhausted.

New challenges posed by automated driving

From 2026, for example, consumer protection tests are to evaluate injury values that consider the more fragile bone structure of senior citizens. Team in Rüsselsheim also has its sights firmly set on more distant future: Automated driving will alter a lot completely. Above all, because vehicle occupants will no longer necessarily sit facing forwards, but may face each other. And some could even be lying down. Seat belts could be fully integrated into seats. “We are already working intensively on what this means in detail for the restraint systems,” explains Peter Schüßler. With automated driving, the success story of seat belts, which has lasted for five decades, will then enter a new era of saving lives.

Opel Corsa Rally Electric: Electrifying Title Fight Enters Crucial Phase

• Second half of 2023 ADAC Opel Electric Rally Cup “powered by GSe” begins
• Electric rally Cup resumes on August 18/19 with ADAC Saarland-Pfalz Rallye
• Close leadership contest between Max Reiter and Calle Carlberg

ADAC Saarland-Pfalz Rallye opens the second half of this season’s ADAC Opel Electric Rally Cup “powered by GSe”. The asphalt stages around St. Wendel are among the most demanding in Germany – a stern test for the teams and the Opel Corsa Rally Electric. For the first time this weekend, the whole field of battery electric rally cars will be updated with the characteristic Opel Vizor brand fascia.

Duel for the lead of the overall standings is heating up. Max Reiter (23) slightly extended his advantage over his closest rival Calle Carlberg (22) with his third win this year on the recent Rallye Weiz in Austria. But with four rounds still to go until the grand finale at the Central European Rally (a new addition to the World Rally Championship), five points are hardly a comfortable cushion. Especially as the slightest mistake could decide the title.

Even if the rest of the field, led by Luca Pröglhöf and Sarah Rumeau, are meanwhile following the leading pair at a respectful distance, Reiter and Carlberg cannot relax. The 24-year-old Austrian clearly demonstrated his ambition on home soil at the Rallye Weiz, where he scored his second podium in succession. And after three fourth-place finishes, the 28-year-old Rumeau is determined to get on the rostrum. Additional contenders for the podium are Joe Baur (24) and Christian Lemke (23), who already placed third on the Rallye du Chablais in Switzerland.

Also closing in on the leaders is the five-time French hillclimb champion Cindy Gudet (27), who is adapting fast to the Corsa Rally Electric. “The car is totally different to the prototype I drive on the hills. Rallying itself is something else. The stages are longer, you have a co-driver and you drive on pace notes. It’s another world, but I’m learning step by step.”

Start in St. Wendel on Friday, August 18, is at 4.10 p.m. before the battery-electric rally cars head out for the first four special stages. Another six stages await the teams on Saturday between 8.50 a.m. and 6.00 p.m.

Standings ADAC Opel Electric Rally Cup 2023 (after 4 of 8 rounds): 

1. Reiter, 126 points

2. Carlberg 121

3. Pröglhöf 84

4. Rumeau 78

5. Lemke 55

6. Van Hoof 42

7. Tarta 39

8. Baur 36

9. Gudet 34

10. Callea and Wittenbeck, 27 each

Goodyear collaborates with Opel to create tire concept for Opel Experimental

Goodyear, a world leader in tire technology, has joined forces with German automotive brand Opel to develop an innovative custom tire designed specifically for revolutionary Opel Experimental concept car. This collaboration between two brands showcases Goodyear's unwavering commitment to marrying exceptional design with cutting-edge automotive engineering.

Tire's unique features, including a custom sidewall, tread design, and compound, seamlessly complement the striking aesthetics of Opel Experimental concept, highlighting Goodyear’s dedication to delivering unforgettable design alongside this esteemed OEM.

Goodyear's pioneering expertise successfully integrated tire sidewall with Ronal rims featured on Opel Experimental, achieving aerodynamic efficiency synonymous with Opel's renowned cars. Through meticulous engineering, Goodyear has tailored tire's capabilities to enhance the vehicle's aerodynamic performance, resulting in great energy efficiency.

Goodyear has incorporated colored flakes into the tire’s compound for this special concept project, aligning with Opel's critically acclaimed Bold and Pure design philosophy. This innovative integration further enhances uniqueness and distinction of tire, adding an extra layer of aesthetics.

Laurent Colantonio, Goodyear’s Senior Director Technology Consumer EMEA, enthuses, "Opel Experimental concept provides perfect canvas to showcase Goodyear's design capability. This visionary car embodies Opel's commitment to extreme precision and high attention to detail, which resonate strongly with our own values. We are truly honored to have been chosen as partners for this exhilarating venture and to have the opportunity to craft a bespoke tire that perfectly complements this extraordinary concept car."

Opel Experimental featuring custom Goodyear tire will be presented to an international audience at the IAA Mobility in Munich (September 5 to 10, 2023).

Opel Experimental Gives Clear Vision of Future of the Brand

• German Energy: Opel Experimental embodies three brand pillars
• Bold and Pure: Next chapter of Opel design philosophy with 4D Opel Vizor
• Painting with light: Electrochromic fabrics immerse occupants in atmospheric light

Opel is showing how it will be approaching the future with its stunning new Opel Experimental concept. With an ultra-modern exterior design, the Opel Experimental gives a clear vision of where the Opel brand will be heading in the coming years. Highlights include the cutting-edge aero-efficiency features, the spacious, illuminated interior with lightweight seats and next-level head-up display. The battery-electric crossover will celebrate its world premiere at this year’s IAA Mobility in Munich (September 5 to 10, 2023), where it will surely turn heads and introduce a new audience to Opel’s vision for sustainable individual mobility.

 

“Opel Experimental gives an outlook on upcoming models and technologies, on the future design, even on a new era and the future of the brand. This stunning concept car represents a guiding light and showcases once again Opel’s pioneering spirit,” said Opel CEO Florian Huettl.

“Our new Opel Experimental gives a more extreme interpretation of our Bold and Pure design philosophy. It gives shape to our vision of the future. Many of the elements of its design and the mindset behind it will be visible in future production vehicles. The exterior design delivers an optimised aerodynamic performance in combination with a stunning silhouette while the interior offers an immersive and emotional user experience,” added Mark Adams, Vice President Design.

One of the most eye-catching things about the sleek silhouette of the Opel Experimental is the absence of chrome. Instead, the addition of exterior lighting and bold contrasting graphics add personality and sophistication to the already impressive proportions. Overall, the efficient battery-electric crossover is based on a state-of-the-art Stellantis BEV platform, and also equipped with electric all-wheel drive. The dramatic tapering profile has a bold and pure design with clean surfacing to enhance its stunning presence. Even traditional wing mirrors have made way for fully integrated 180-degree cameras on the C-pillars while sharp, muscular wheel-arch blisters emphasise the confident stance.

At the front, the new illuminated Opel Blitz sits proudly at the centre of the signature Opel Compass, the guiding element of Opel’s design philosophy. It is flanked by the elongated wing signature lighting on the horizontal axis while the illuminated centre crease adds further drama. This then repeats at the rear with the distinctive compass signature braking light created by edge lighting technology and sophisticated glass transparency. This combines with bold Opel lettering – instead of the Blitz logo at the rear – to form the central element. Around the front compass sits the next generation 4D Opel Vizor. Extra dimension is the addition of the advanced sight technologies including sensors, the lidar, radar and camera systems.

Clever aero solutions and space detox

The sleek and gliding silhouette of the Opel Experimental is set around very efficient packaging while the concept car also offers clever and optimised aero solutions. Aero-flaps at the front and rear increase aerodynamic efficiency as does the rear end diffusor. It extends or retracts depending on the prevailing driving situation. Elsewhere, the tyres developed in cooperation with Goodyear are made from recycled rubber and sit on 3-zone Ronal wheels with an active feature to increase aerodynamic efficiency even further.

While the exterior dimensions put the Opel Experimental in the compact C-segment the interior boasts D-segment spaciousness. This has been enabled by the liberation of space (space detox) inside the Opel Experimental. The steering wheel folds away seamlessly when not required. This is made possible by the steer-by-wire system, which further reduces weight by eliminating mechanical steering components. Elsewhere, the lightweight adaptive seats combine a lean but durable structure with 3D mesh-technology fabrics. These ensure the outstanding seating comfort that customers have become accustomed to from Opel vehicles, while contributing further to the liberation of space inside the concept car.

Pure Experience, Pure Pad – pure pleasure

Detox approach is continued with the Pure Experience. Drivers can personalise the information according to their needs on the slim Tech Bridge, a new interpretation of the Pure Panel seen in current Opel models. Instead of conventional screens, information or entertainment is presented using augmented projection technology supported by artificial intelligence and natural voice control.

Floating, transparent Pure Pad sits ahead of the front armrest. It can be configured according to the driver’s personal preferences, thus allowing instant access to the most frequently used controls.

While the Opel Experimental embodies all of Opel’s brand pillars – Detox, Modern German, Greenovation – it also goes a step further by expressing the brand’s emotional approach to sustainable mobility. Electrochromic fabrics immerse occupants in atmospheric light that create a perfect environment for wellbeing. In addition, the reactive fabrics can enhance functional attributes. For example, when a vehicle enters the blind spot, a warning appears in the respective door insert as well as on the head-up display thus providing additional safety for occupants and other road users.

With its focus on showing a clear vision for the brand, the Opel Experimental continues the long and successful tradition of concept cars “made in Rüsselsheim”, a tradition that started in 1965 when Opel became the first European brand to present a design study in the form of the legendary Experimental GT.

Vauxhall Electric Models Tops Sales Charts In Three Segments In Latest SMMT New Car Sales Figures

• Three Vauxhall electric passenger car models achieve best-selling status in their segments for the month of July
• Vauxhall Corsa Electric remains the best-selling Small Electric Car (Electric B-Hatch) this year, according to SMMT figures
• Vauxhall Mokka Electric continues to top the sales charts in the Small Electric SUV (Electric B-SUV) category for 2023
• Vauxhall Vivaro Electric Life is the UK’s best-selling electric MPV so far this year
• Vauxhall will be an electric-only manufacturer by 2028, seven years ahead of the UK Government deadline

Vauxhall’s electric car range continued its strong UK sales performance in July, topping the charts in three segments according to the latest new car registration figures published by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).

Vauxhall Corsa Electric was the best-selling Small Electric Car (Electric B-Hatch) in July and continues to lead the segment for 2023, with 2,141 sold year-to-date. Meanwhile, the Mokka Electric topped the Small Electric SUV (Electric B-SUV) sales chart for the month and is the best-selling model in its class in 2023 so far, with 5,573 sold year-to-date.

Vauxhall Vivaro Electric Life is also the UK’s best-selling electric MPV, with 1,175 registered so far this year.

Elsewhere, Vauxhall Corsa was the top-selling B-Hatch in July and is the second best-selling car in the UK market so far in 2023, with 23,751 units sold year-to-date.

Vauxhall will become an electric-only brand by 2028, seven years ahead of the UK Government deadline.

James Taylor, Managing Director, Vauxhall, said: “I’m thrilled to see three of our electric models topping the sales charts in their respective segments, highlighting the depth of our electric line-up and proof that Vauxhall is leading the way in helping Britain make the transition to electric.”

OpelConnect Bundles: Three New Easy-to-Use Service Packages

• Three OpelConnect packages: Connect ONE, Connect PLUS and Connect PREMIUM
• Always on-board: Connect ONE with eCall and roadside assistance as well as vehicle status and information
• Diverse services at introductory price: Connect PLUS from €6 per month & €60 per year 1
• Coming soon: Connect PREMIUM to complete offer soon

Cars that are engaging to drive and accessible to a wide clientele – that is Opel. The brand with the Blitz applies the same ambition to its technologies and services; they must be safe, practical and easy to use. Opel has therefore now revised its numerous connected services for all passenger cars and light commercial vehicles, and bundled them in three transparent packages: Connect ONE and Connect PLUS are available now, while Connect PREMIUM will follow soon.

Advantage for customers is that they can activate the cleverly bundled packages with a few clicks via the myOpel app or the OpelConnect store, instead of having to activate various services individually. In addition, the offer is enhanced by many new services – from the EV Trip Planner for electric vehicles such as the new Opel Astra Electric or Opel Corsa Electric, to the practical remote-control function that makes it easier to find parked vehicles. The services are available at a particularly attractive introductory price and are valid with immediate effect for all new vehicle orders placed after July 3.

Connect ONE: Peace of mind package without extra charge

Connect ONE package includes the eCall for emergencies and B-Call for roadside assistance. By pressing and holding the B-Call button, the roadside assistance service is informed, which first asks for all the information required for an initial remote diagnosis and then sends the recovery service if necessary.

In addition, drivers receive reports on the vehicle status and information about the condition of various vehicle systems, from the drivetrain to the brakes, tyre pressures and on-board electronics via the myOpel app. If a warning message is issued, the user can request an appointment from a dealer. The complete Connect ONE package is included with the purchase of the vehicle and is valid for 10 years; eCall and B-Call are active without extra charge for the entire life of the car 2.

Connect PLUS: Comprehensive services without extra charge for first six months

Connect PLUS offers a complete package with a wide range of services, from connected navigation and vehicle functions via app to new services especially for electric models –without extra charge for the first six months. In this way, customers can test the advantages of the different services and then decide later whether they want to continue using the package. Anyone who opts for an annual subscription during the test period will enjoy an additional benefit: the complete Connect PLUS package is then available for a limited period at the attractive entry-level price of only €60 per year or €6 per month without navigation system (usually €80/€8) and €100 per year or €10 per month (instead of €120/€12) with navigation services (all RRP including VAT in Germany). Connect PLUS services include 3:

Live Navigation:

Live Navigation includes live traffic and weather information, a point-of-interest search and a parking space finder. In addition to the normal route planning, which can be set via the app and then sent to the navigation system, there is a new EV Trip Planner for electric models. Charging time, live traffic and vehicle compatibility are considered in order to calculate the best route including the necessary charging stops. In addition, filling stations and charging stations can be localised. Depending on the model, drivers can simply communicate with their navigation system using natural speech recognition; monthly map updates are carried out over-the-air for the first time without additional tools.

Remote Control and E-remote Control:

The doors can be unlocked and locked and the headlights or horn activated via smartphone. This helps when locating your own vehicle in a large parking lot. The app can also be used to check whether the car is actually locked.

Drivers of electric Opel models can use E-remote to start and stop charging via an app. The myOpel app can also be used to create and set charging plans and timetables for pre-conditioning the vehicle.

Connected Alarm:

This new service is expected to be available as of the end of 2023 and can be activated for all vehicles that are factory-equipped with an anti-theft alarm system and a OpelConnect box. If the alarm is triggered, push notifications in the app provide detailed information about the vehicle, the date and time, and the reason for the alarm.

Additional OpelConnect services are expected to follow soon and will be presented in the Connect PREMIUM package.

[1] Limited-time introductory offer. Applies to new vehicles ordered after July 3, 2023. Connect PLUS requires a special subscription and is available at no additional cost for a period of 6 months from the start of the warranty. After this trial period, Connect PLUS is available for a fee.

[2] Applies to new vehicles ordered after July 3, 2023. Connect ONE services are available free of charge for 10 years after the start of the guarantee.

[3] The availability of the services may vary depending on the model and equipment of the vehicle.