Opel Corsa Electric is “EV of the Year 2024” in the Netherlands

• Expert opinion: Hosted by Association of Business Drivers in the Netherlands, jury members from Autoweek and more
• Jury full of praise: Range and charging speed rated as especially impressive
• Award-winning supermini: Previous awards include Autonis Design Award in Germany

Opel Corsa Electric (image source: vzr.nl)

Opel Corsa Electric has been named the “2024 EV of the Year” by the Association of Business Drivers in the Netherlands in the so-called 'Mid-Segment' category. The perennial bestseller from Rüsselsheim impressed the jury with its range of up to 405 kilometres (WLTP1) and its charging speed. Furthermore, the ongoing sales success and popularity of the Opel Corsa contributed to this excellent assessment.

EV of the Year 2024 (image source: vzr.nl)

“EV of the Year” award has been held by the Association of Business Drivers in the Netherlands for six years now. The jury includes subject experts from Leaseplan Nederland, media outlet AutoWeek and charging solutions provider Eneco eMobility. The nominated cars are divided into three categories: Mid-Segment, High-Segment and Top-Segment. In addition, there is a “Promise of the Year Award”, which goes to a promising electric car that has only just entered the market or will be introduced soon. The nominated models are assessed based on various criteria, including range, charging speed, driving characteristics, towing weight, ease of use, (lease) price and availability.

“EV of the Year 2024” award in the Netherlands is the latest in an ever-growing list of accolades for the small car from Rüsselsheim. Last year alone, the Opel Corsa won multiple awards. It was judged the best-looking car in its segment by more than 14,500 readers of auto motor und sport, who voted the Corsa the “Best New Design of 2023”. Corsa also scored strongly in the UK. There it won the title of “Best Small Car of the Year” (The Sun) as well as “Best Fleet Supermini” (Fleet World) and “Best Used Small Car” (Carbuyer).

Latest award in the Netherlands is further proof of the ongoing popularity of the Opel Corsa. According to official data published by the German Federal Office for Motor Traffic (KBA), the Corsa was the best-selling vehicle in the B segment in the country for the third time in a row in 2023. Total new registrations of almost 54,000 ensured that the small car from Rüsselsheim took first place in its segment. This represents an increase of around 7 per cent compared to 2022 and also means that Corsa registrations reached their highest level since 2016. Around every fourth newly registered Corsa was a battery-electric Opel Corsa Electric.

Elsewhere, Vauxhall Corsa remains equally popular in the UK where it was the best-selling supermini for the third year in a row, according to the 2023 new car registration figures published by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). With 40,816 units sold, the Corsa not only proved to be the most popular supermini on the market in 2023 but was also the country’s third best-selling car overall. It outsold the second best-selling model in the supermini segment by 55.5% (14,568 cars).

Since its premiere in 1982, well over 14.5 million units of the Corsa have been sold worldwide. Last year, Opel launched the current edition of the bestseller – with the characteristic Opel Vizor brand face, intuitive cockpit design, new IntelliLux LED Matrix Light and numerous other top technologies.

Combined values for Opel Corsa Electric with 115 kW (156 hp) according to WLTP 1: energy consumption 14.6 kWh/100 km, CO2 emissions 0 g/km; CO2 label: A.

[1] A vehicle's values not only depend on the vehicle's efficient use of fuel, but are also influenced by driving behaviour and other non-technical factors.

Vauxhall Astra wins ‘Best Medium Car’ at 2024 Business Motoring Awards

• Vauxhall Astra named ‘Best Medium Car’ at 2024 Business Motoring Awards.
• Judges praised Astra’s driving experience, low ownership costs and build quality
• Available as fully electric Vauxhall Astra Electric with a range of up to 258 miles (WLTP)
• Customers can also choose from petrol, hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains

Vauxhall Astra has been named ‘Best Medium Car’ at 2024 Business Motoring Awards.

Business Motoring Awards are now in their tenth year and continue to provide a valuable spotlight on the market leaders in SME sector. Awards are judged by an independent panel of automotive experts and members of  Business Motoring editorial team, who praised Astra’s driving experience, low ownership costs and impressive build quality.

Available as a hatch or Sports Tourer estate, with petrol, hybrid, plug-in hybrid and fully electric variants, Vauxhall Astra caters for a wide range of drivers. With zero-emissions-in-use, the Astra Electric qualifies for a Benefit-in-Kind rate of just 2% (2023/24), making it particularly well suited to both fleet and business users.

Chris Wright, Editor, Business Motoring, said: “Latest Astra is a great to drive as ever but more importantly, brand has worked hard to bring down ownership costs so car is now even more accessible. Build quality is also excellent and whole package feels well thought out.”

James Taylor, Managing Director, Vauxhall, said: “Vauxhall’s success at Business Motoring Awards is proof that Astra is a more attractive proposition than ever. With low running costs and a wide range of powertrains to choose from, including fully electric Astra Electric, Astra is an ideal choice for businesses of all sizes.”

Astra Electric is powered by Vauxhall’s next-generation 54kWh battery and a 156hp electric motor. It achieves impressive efficiency of 4.2 miles per kWh, providing up to 258 miles of range (WLTP). 

Vauxhall will offer a fully electric version of every model in its line-up by end of 2024.

Covers all Bases: Opel’s Exciting Battery-Electric Portfolio

• Efficient, locally emissions-free and versatile: All-electric passenger cars from Opel Corsa Electric and Mokka Electric to Astra Electric and Zafira Electric
• Electric mobility for two: Opel Rocks Electric enables individual mobility from the age of 15 
• Without compromise: New generation of Opel Combo Electric, Vivaro Electric and Movano Electric light commercial vehicles
• Clear electrification strategy: New Opel Frontera Electric to arrive later this year

Anyone looking for the right vehicle for everyday, locally emissions-free mobility need look no further than Opel’s comprehensive portfolio. German brand already offers 15 electrified models – many of them fully electric. Portfolio ranges from small Opel Rocks Electric to bestselling Corsa Electric and Mokka Electric to people carriers such as new Combo Electric and Zafira Electric. This means that Opel has everything from quadricycles to spacious passenger cars in its range – and what's more, the new Opel Astra Sports Tourer Electric is one of the first battery-electric estates on market.

In addition, business owners can also find right model for almost every purpose at Opel. New generation of Opel commercial vehicles is currently being launched with Opel Combo Cargo Electric, Vivaro Electric and Movano Electric leading the way in terms of sustainable transportation solutions. They all have a class-leading range of state-of-art assistance systems and make no compromises in terms of loading volume and capacity in everyday working life.

And the brand with the Blitz will continue down the path of consistent electrification this year – the 125th anniversary of automobile production at Opel. Opel will offer at least one purely electric model in every carline by the end of the year. One of the newcomers will be the completely new Opel Frontera SUV, which will also be available as a battery-electric vehicles.

Two bestsellers, four versions: Opel Corsa Electric and Opel Mokka Electric

It's not for nothing that Opel Corsa has been Germany's most popular small car in recent years. It impresses with its characteristic design including Opel Vizor brand face, space for up to five people and technologies that make every journey more relaxing. In addition, it offers locally emissions-free driving pleasure in two versions: customers can choose from two battery-electric performance levels. With new 115 kW/156 hp drive and 51 kWh battery, up to 405 kilometres (according to WLTP 2) can be covered between charging stops. With the 100 kW/136 hp and 50 kWh battery variants, up to 357 kilometres (WLTP 2) are possible. And even when Corsa Electric needs recharging, only a short pitstop is necessary. At a 100 kW direct current fast charging station 80 percent of battery capacity can be recharged in around 30 minutes. And ordering the small car bestseller is now particularly worthwhile – Corsa Electric is currently available as a special edition “Yes” in dynamic GS look at a highly attractive price of just €29,990 (RRP including VAT in Germany).

With its bold and pure design, Opel Mokka Electric is an extraordinary eye-catcher. In addition to the proven electric drive with 100 kW/136 hp and 260 Newton meters of torque, it has also recently been introduced with 115 kW/156 hp and a new 54 kWh battery. This means that instead of up to 338 kilometres, Opel Mokka Electric drivers can now travel up to 407 kilometres in accordance with WLTP 2 with zero local emissions – an improvement of 20 percent! As with all fully electric Opel models, the battery is installed in the underbody. In this way, no space is lost in passenger or luggage compartment and Mokka Electric is firmly planted to road – for pure driving pleasure with responsibility!

Electric pioneers: Opel Astra Electric and new Opel Astra Sports Tourer Electric

Llatest generation of compact class bestseller Opel Astra also ensures this. While many other electric cars are limited to 150 km/h or 160 km/h, the Astra Electric and Astra Sports Tourer Electric can reach a top speed of 170 km/h – and it's pleasantly quiet and light-footed. Thanks to their compact packaging, both the five-door and the estate are real lightweights in their segment. This also helps ensure that passengers in the Astra Electric and Astra Sports Tourer Electric can travel up to 418 kilometres and 413 kilometres (according to WLTP 2) respectively without stopping – and all this while enjoying the highest level of comfort, optionally with AGR-certified ergonomic active sports seats, and an intuitively operated Pure Panel cockpit including the latest infotainment technology and latest generation of glare-free IntelliLux LED Pixel Light.

As one of first fully electric estates on market, Opel Astra Sports Tourer Electric is a pioneer in its segment. Fact that it is a true all-rounder that combines sporty styling with locally emissions-free driving is also demonstrated by its loading qualities: luggage compartment of Opel Astra Sports Tourer Electric, which is suitable for everyday use, work and travel, offers 516 litres of loading volume. When the seats are folded down, the capacity increases to up to 1,553 litres. Not only can it safely carry numerous suitcases and work utensils, but it can also take more voluminous items such as transport boxes. But no matter what the load, packing Opel Astra Sports Tourer Electric is pleasantly easy thanks to the 60-centimetre low loading sill.

For families, leisure and VIP service: New Opel Combo Electric and Opel Zafira Electric

New Opel Combo Electric 3 and Opel Zafira Electric 2 are also perfect for leisure, vacation or as shuttle vehicles. All of this with the outstanding comfort and maximum safety: Two newcomers have up to 18 assistance systems that make every journey more relaxing. These include features such as the high-resolution 180-degree rear-view camera and new features such as Full LED headlights and even class-leading IntelliLux LED Matrix Light available for Combo.

New Opel Combo Electric, which will be available to order shortly, is the ideal family vehicle. Customers can choose from two vehicle lengths: 4.41-metre version offers space for up to 5 people, while the 4.76-metre version (Combo XL) can optionally accommodate up to seven passengers in three rows. If desired, the Combo Electric offers additional flexibility with three individual seats in the second row. Depending on the seating configuration, the newcomer offers between 775 (Combo) and 4,000 litres (Combo XL; up to the roof) of load volume. The unique access option to the cargo area via the separately opening window in the tailgate and the horizontally foldable passenger seat backrest are particularly practical when loading the vehicle. Soon, occupants will be able to travel up to 343 kilometres (according to WLTP 2) on a single charge – around 60 kilometres more than the outgoing model. This is made possible by the further development of the fully electric drive train and the highly efficient heat pump, which helps to conserve battery range in low temperatures.

New Zafira Electric is available with either a 50 kWh or 75 kWh battery. With further developed 75 kWh battery, a range of up to 350 kilometres (WLTP 2) is possible between charging stops. Large people carrier is available in two lengths (4.98 metres and 5.33 metres) and offers space for up to eight people. If desired, it can be particularly comfortable in the rear with four independent, vis-a-vis seats. Sensor-controlled, electric sliding doors on both sides of the vehicle make it easier to get in and out of rows two and three. New Opel Zafira also offers load volume ranging between 1,500 litres and 4,900 litres. Further practicality is provided by new Opel Zafira Electric’s height – at just 1.90 metres it is fully suitable for underground car parks.

Young, innovative, individual: Opel Rocks Electric

Opel Rocks Electric is the smallest battery-electric vehicle in Opel’s portfolio. Agile, locally emissions-free and, above all, accessible for young people over the age of 15 1,  Opel Rocks Electric is the ideal vehicle for affordable individual mobility. Smart entry-level electric quadricycle with space for two and a panoramic glass roof as standard offers a range of up to 75 kilometres which can be covered at up to 45 km/h. And with a turning circle of just 7.20 meters, the 2.41-metre short and just 1.39-metre wide (without exterior mirrors) Opel Rocks Electric can be easily handle tight corners or fit into small parking spaces. And electric quadricycle is an unconventional eye-catcher – also because two doors are designed identically. Passenger door swings forward as usual, while driver's door swings backwards in the opposite direction.

Ready for business: New Opel Combo Electric, Vivaro Electric and Movano Electric

Elsewhere, Opel’s electric light commercial vehicle (LCV) line-up is equally impressive – as shown by by the recently launched new Opel Combo Electric, Vivaro Electric and Movano Electric. All newcomers that can already be ordered have one thing in common: They bring a breath of fresh air to LCV segment with new styling – they have characteristic Opel Vizor brand face for first time. Highlights of further developed, modern-looking cockpits include new Apple CarPlay and Android Auto-compatible infotainment systems, which can be used to wirelessly connect and charge the corresponding smartphones. Colour touchscreens up to 10 inches in size guarantee the best overview without distraction and easy operation. A wide range of state-of-art electronic helpers also ensure maximum safety. New Opel Movano Electric has up to 22 assistance systems on board, which enable level 2 automated driving for first time in long history of series.

All this is combined with usual light commercial vehicle qualities. Opel Combo Electric, Vivaro Electric and Movano Electric continue to offer the full operational capability of their counterparts with conventional drives. Thanks to state-of-art battery technologies and improvements such as increased drive efficiency, all three models have class-leading locally emissions-free battery-electric ranges: new OpelCombo Electric can travel up to 346 kilometres between charging stops, Opel Vivaro Electric up to 350 kilometres and Opel Movano Electric with 200 kW/272 hp, 410 Newton meters of torque and 110 kWh battery even up to 420 kilometres according to WLTP 2.

In addition, three LCV models score with exemplary loading volumes as well as loading and towing capacities. As a panel van, new Opel Combo Electric offers up to 4.4 m3 of loading volume. Class-leading payloads of up to 780 kilogrammes and a trailer load of up to 750 kilogrammes are class-leading. Depending on the version, new Opel Vivaro Electric can load up to 6.6 m3 and shoulder more than 1.2 tons. And the largest of the commercial vehicle trio, Opel Movano Electric, boasts a cargo volume of 17 m3 which is enough for five Euro pallets.

Opel customers can already choose from a wide range of battery-electric, locally emissions-free models for leisure, family and work. At same time, German brand is consistently pushing forward the transition to electromobility in its anniversary year. New Opel Frontera and next generation Opel Grandland with fully electric variants will soon add to Opel’s extensive electric portfolio.

[1] AM-class driving licence in Germany. 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.

[2] Range values 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.

[3] Vehicle not available yet. All data on vehicles is preliminary.

[4] All prices RRP in Germany

Two new women's teams in ADAC Opel Electric Rally Cup 2024

• French Motorsport Federation continues its promotion of young talent 
• Two FFSA women's teams take up challenge in Opel Corsa Rally Electric 
• Talents Emma Chalvin and Alizée Pottier are at beginning of their careers

French motorsport association FFSA (Fédération Française de Sport Automobile) is consistently continuing its promotion of young female rally drivers in ADAC Opel Electric Rally Cup "powered by GSe". In 2024 once again, two all-female teams will challenge their male opponents in world's first electric rally brand cup, following in footsteps of their successful predecessors Sarah Rumeau/Julie Amblard and Cindy Gudet/Jeanne Rey. With Alizée Pottier (23) and Emma Chalvin (22), FFSA is filling its two Opel Corsa Rally Electric cars with two promising rally talents who are still at beginning of their motorsport careers.

Alizée Pottier lives in Champfleur, a small town in Département Sarthe around 50 kilometers north of Le Mans, where she runs a communications and coaching agency. It was only two years ago that Alizée switched from rallycross to rallying and took her first steps as a co-driver before taking wheel herself for first time. Her co-driver Lou Murcia is only 26 years old, but has ten years of experience in rallying under her belt.

Emma Chalvin comes from Les Deux Alpes, a winter sports resort in Département Isère around 70 kilometers southeast of Grenoble. Like the first champion of  ADAC Opel Electric Rally Cup, Laurent Pellier, Emma works as a ski instructor during winter months. She also gained her first motorsport successes in rallycross. Her co-driver is Emy Ailloud-Perraud, with whom she already competed in her first rallies last year.

"Last year we were very impressed by consistency and professionalism with which FFSA promotes young talent," says Opel Motorsport Director Jörg Schrott. "Cindy and Sarah with their co-drivers were a real enrichment for ADAC Opel Electric Rally Cup, both in terms of motorsport and character. I am convinced that Emma and Alizée will exactly follow up to their two predecessors. FFSA is an important and pleasant partner for us, and I am very pleased to be able to continue and intensify this cooperation. We are all excited to see how Emma, Emy, Alizée and Lou will perform in Opel Corsa Rally Electric, but I am sure that the boys will have to wrap up warmly."

Fourth season of ADAC Opel Electric Rally Cup "powered by GSe" starts on the first weekend in May with  ADAC Rallye Sulingen. Eight events are scheduled, including three in France and one each in Netherlands and Austria. As last year, season finale will be held as part of Central European Rally, new World Rally Championship round with special stages in Germany, Czech Republic and Austria.

Driving Pleasure up, Emissions Down: New Opel Grandland Hybrid

• Electrified, efficient, practical: Top-of-Line Opel SUV with 48-volt technology for first time
• Optimal coordination: Combination of new petrol engine and electric motor cuts consumption by around 15 per cent
• Perfect also for urban environment: Pure electric driving at low speeds in city
• Attractive entry-level price: New Opel Grandland Hybrid from €36,120 (RRP including VAT in Germany)

Powerful, stylish and highly dynamic – Opel Grandland is suitable as a sporty, elegant company car as well as a practical, comfortable SUV for an active lifestyle. Top-of-line SUV from Opel offers driving pleasure with responsibility thanks to a wide selection of drive alternatives – which is now even broader. New Opel Grandland Hybrid with 48-volt technology now complements range of electrified plug-in hybrid drives and efficient combustion engine variants. Comprehensively equipped, New Opel Grandland Hybrid starts at an attractive entry price of €36,120 (RRP including VAT in Germany).

Hybrid technology offers a wide range of advantages thanks to recuperation, especially for “newcomers to electrified mobility” and for journeys with a lot of stop-and-go traffic: Compared to their pure internal combustion engine counterparts, fuel consumption and CO2 emissions are reduced by around 15 percent. At low speeds, Opel Grandland Hybrid customers can drive with zero local emissions. And because battery recharges when decelerating, Opel Grandland Hybrid drivers do not have to recharge their SUV externally via a power outlet or charging station. Thanks to optimal coordination of entire system, Opel Grandland Hybrid customers also enjoy a high level of driving comfort. And thanks to compact design of hybrid system, no space is lost in interior.

“New Opel Grandland Hybrid with 48-volt technology has all the qualities we are used to in our top-of--line SUV, from groundbreaking technologies such as optional IntelliLux LED Pixel Matrix light to a highly comfortable interior. With new electrified hybrid system, driving pleasure in Opel Grandland is now even more efficient. Consumption and emissions decrease, driving comfort increases without drivers having to get used to it – and all of this at a very attractive starting price,” said Patrick Dinger, Head of Opel in Germany.

Efficient hybrid system: consumption down, driving and operation remain same

Drive system of new Opel Grandland Hybrid includes a lithium-ion battery that charges automatically under certain driving conditions, as well as a new 1.2-liter turbo petrol engine. Three-cylinder engine with 100 kW/136 hp was developed specifically for hybrid use and comes in combination with a new electrified six-speed dual-clutch transmission and a 21 kW/28 hp electric motor.

Thanks to combination of petrol engine and electric motor, consumption and CO2 emissions in Opel Grandland Hybrid (fuel consumption according to WLTP 1: 5.7-5.5 l/100 km, CO2 emissions 128-124 g/km; each combined) are down compared to those of a comparable non-electrified Opel Grandland 1.2 Turbo with eight-speed automatic (fuel consumption according to WLTP 1: 6.7-6.4 l/100 km, CO2 emissions 151-145 g/km; each combined) by around 15 percent.

Technology is especially effective in city traffic. Electric drive supports petrol engine when accelerating and starting from a standstill. Electric motor contributes torque, especially at low engine speeds, which benefits driving dynamics and CO2 savings. At low speeds, electric motor also enables fully electric driving for up to one kilometre or up to 50 per cent of time driven in city (thanks to recuperation) – for example when manoeuvring. When Opel Grandland Hybrid slows down at higher speeds, petrol engine switches off while electric motor acts as a generator to recharge 48-volt battery of hybrid system. Optimally coordinated system is designed to always provide best performance with the lowest energy consumption.

Depending on their driving preferences, Opel Grandland Hybrid drivers can choose between three modes Eco, Normal and Sport. From a standing start, new Opel Grandland Hybrid accelerates to 100 km/h in just 10 seconds. Electrified Opel SUV can reach a top speed of up to 200 km/h.

New Opel Grandland Hybrid not only offers efficient driving pleasure, it is also extremely practical: thanks to compact design – electric motor is integrated into transmission housing, 48-volt battery is located under left front seat – hybrid drivers can use full loading capacity of Opel Grandland of up to 1,652 liters. Opel Grandland Hybrid also offers a towing capacity of up to 1,250 kilograms – ideal for professional, leisure and family trips with heavy luggage.

Fully digital driver information display: clear view of hybrid-specific details

As with every Opel Grandland, the drivers of the hybrid variant can keep an eye on the most important information via fully digital, 12-inch driver information display. In addition to usual displays, interface provides further interesting hybrid-specific details. It informs the driver with a permanent power display, a blue speed display for purely electric driving and a white display for combustion engine operation. In addition, a display shows the energy flow between the battery, petrol engine and wheels as well as the battery charge status in different colours. And most important data on distance travelled, journey time, average consumption, remaining range and percentage of route driven purely electrically is summarised when vehicle is switched off.

For outstanding comfort: seamless hybrid system, extensive features

Another advantage of hybrid system and its components: driver and passengers enjoy a high level of driving comfort thanks to optimal coordination and seamless gear changes. Opel Grandland Hybrid underlines this with a large selection of technology and comfort features, which already come as standard depending on trim level. In addition to numerous standard, state-of-art assistance systems, technologies such as glare-free IntelliLux LED Pixel Matrix light integrated on both sides of Opel Vizor brand face with a total of 168 LED elements or 360-degree camera ensure highest level of safety for all road users. Keyless Open & Start as well as hands-free tailgate are also available.

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatible multimedia infotainment systems with colour touchscreen guarantee best entertainment and connectivity. Depending on variant, smartphones charge wirelessly as standard or as an option. If desired, driver and front passenger can enjoy comfortable AGR-certified ergonomic active seats.

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

Painting with Light: Opel Experimental Can See in Dark

• German Energy: Opel Experimental fills brand pillars with new life
• Pioneering: Innovative brand concept shows future of intelligent light
• Deep learning: Artificial Intelligence (AI) can help cars recognise danger sooner

Visionary Opel Experimental, which CEO Florian Huettl presented to public for first time at last year's IAA Mobility in Munich, gives a glimpse of  brand's future. This can be characterised in three words: 

• Greenovation: Opel Experimental is fully electric with a reduced carbon footprint
• Detox: It is bold and pure in design; and focussed on essentials
• Modern German: It impresses with its proportions, intelligent aerodynamics, highly efficient use of space and state-of-art lighting technology, including for first time illuminated Opel Blitz logo

Opel Experimental expresses this German Energy in Painting with Light video. It takes viewers on a night-time experiment and shows future lighting technologies. At same time, it demonstrates that future innovative lighting technology will be capable of much more than simply illuminated road and surrounding area. It will increase safety and comfort while also sparking emotions.

IntelliLux LED: Democratisation of lighting technologies has long tradition at Opel

Making pioneering lighting technologies available to customers is a long-standing tradition at Opel. This is demonstrated by the continuous development of IntelliLux LED Matrix and Pixel Light, which Opel offers for many models, from Corsa to Astra, Mokka and Grandland to new Combo. Thanks to adaptive IntelliLux LED headlights, Opel drivers always have optimum vision in the dark, without dazzling other road users.

“Development is making great strides here,” says Philipp Röckl, Global Lead Complex Lighting at Stellantis. “A few years ago we were able to hide individual 'blocks of light', but areas that need to be hidden can now be captured more precisely and seamlessly.” This is made possible by, among other things, micro-LED-based HD pixel systems that have an even higher resolution than before and also offer highest level of energy efficiency. “In addition, we will have to think about light digitally in the future. Today's standard lighting control modules are no longer sufficient given high number of pixels. We are already working on vehicle architectures that enable graphical representation of light,” adds Röckl.

Electrochromic materials and AI: Lighting is more than “just” headlights

Ground-breaking Opel Experimental, a symbol of “German Energy”, shows what this future can look like – inside as well as outside. In  interior, electrochromic materials immerse passengers in atmospheric light and thus convey a feel-good factor. Reactive materials also have practical properties. For example, if a vehicle, cyclist or pedestrian is in blind spot of Opel Experimental, a coloured warning appears on inside of respective door as well as in head-up display. In addition, external side view recorded by cameras is projected onto inner door surface. This creates a visual “transparency effect” that allows a view outside to further increase visibility. New reactive technology can lift the mood and increase feel-good factor in cabin while also improving safety of driver, passengers and other road users with atmospherically changing light. This is exactly what Opel calls “Painting with Light”.

In “Painting with Light” video, Opel Experimental also shows how future lighting technology can expand view in completely extraordinary ways. Thanks to immersive, digital safety technologies, vehicles like Opel Experimental can recognise pedestrians quickly – and more clearly than ever before. Augmented reality-based technology then pulsates as a warning signal and displays other important messages and signals for drivers and road users through holograms.

“We want to optimise light for the driver and also for the camera, so that with help of AI it can recognize people and animals even better,” explains Röckl. Lighting, camera and sensor technology as well as algorithms must work together for future development so that car's predictive and therefore safety-enhancing capabilities can be optimised in every situation.

Opel Pixel Vizor with clear statements: Light as communications tool

Opel has already shown with award-winning Manta GSe how light signals can arouse emotions and increase safety. Wherever ultra-modern one-off in retro look appears, it attracts admiring glances. This is due not least to innovative Opel Pixel Vizor at front of Opel Manta GSe. Vehicle can communicate with its surroundings via Pixel Vizor. Statements like “My German heart has been ELECTRified” or “I am on a zero e‑mission” are written across front.

Engineers are continuously working on this "light communication of future" to increase safety of all road users. New, atmospheric “Painting with Light” video already gives an indication of how these developments could look like in future.