People Carrier is Ready to Go: Order Books Open for New Opel Combo Electric

• For family, travel and everyday tasks: New Opel Combo Electric from €38,600 (RRP incl. VAT in Germany)
• Up-to-date: With Opel Vizor brand face for first time, glare-free IntelliLux LED Matrix Light, up to 18 assistance systems, and best-in-class connectivity
• Electric increase: Opel Combo Electric now with up to 345 kilometres of locally emissions-free range (WLTP 1)
• Plenty of space: Opel Combo Electric with a load volume of up to 4,000 litres

Opel has already shown first pictures and highlights of the next Combo generation. Now the new people carrier from the brand with the Blitz is also available to order. The new, locally emissions-free Opel Combo Electric is available from €38,600 (all prices RRP incl. VAT in Germany). The new generation of the practical, electric everyday and family van is clearly recognisable at first glance with its characteristic Opel Vizor brand face. In addition, Opel Combo offers the class-leading adaptive glare-free IntelliLux LED Matrix Light for the first time in its history. The intuitive multimedia infotainment system with 10-inch colour touchscreen as well as wireless smartphone connection ensure the best entertainment and connectivity right from the entry-level version. 

Numerous assistance systems – Opel Combo Electric has up to 18 electronic assistants on board – make every journey safer and more relaxing. And the all-electric newcomer now offers a driving range of up to 345 kilometres (WLTP 1) – around 60 kilometres more than before.

“Shuttle services, outdoor enthusiasts and families can now order the next generation of their mobile all-rounder – the new Opel Combo Electric. Top technologies, an all-electric and locally emissions-free drive combined with plenty of space make the flexible van a modern, comfortable and sustainable companion. And with its sharpened design including Opel Vizor front, new Opel Combo is an eye-catcher in everyday life as well as at vacation destinations,” said Patrick Dinger, Head of Opel in Germany.

Increased range: Opel Combo Electric now with up to 345 km (WLTP 1) on a single charge

Battery-electric Opel Combo Electric offers travel-friendly and resource-saving mobility without compromises. New electric people carrier enables a silent and locally emissions-free journey of up to 345 km (according to WLTP 1) on a single charge. This is made possible by the further development of the fully electric drivetrain and the highly efficient heat pump, which helps to conserve battery range in low temperatures. And thanks to the practical underfloor location of the battery, passengers benefit from exemplary space in the cabin.

Powered by the electric motor with 100 kW (136 hp) and 270 Newton metres of torque, the new Combo Electric can reach a top speed of 135 km/h. Depending on their personal preference, drivers can choose between the Eco, Normal and Power driving modes. The new regenerative braking system can be adjusted in three recuperation levels using paddle shifters behind the steering wheel. With the 11 kW on-board charger (standard in Germany), the battery can be quickly supplied with alternating current. It can also be recharged to 80 per cent of its capacity in around 30 minutes at a 100 kW DC fast-charging station.

New Opel Combo generation: Maximum flexibility with up to 7 seats and plenty of space

New Opel Combo generation is the ideal family vehicle. Customers can once again choose from two vehicle lengths: the 4.41-metre version with space for up to five people, while the 4.76-metre version (Opel Combo XL) can optionally accommodate up to seven passengers in three rows. If desired, Opel Combo Electric offers additional flexibility with three individual seats in the second row. Depending on the seating configuration Opel Combo XL offers up to 4,000 litres (up to the roof and with front passenger seat folded down) of load volume. Features such as the separately opening window in the tailgate make it easier to access the cargo area. 27 storage options in the cabin as well as the optionally available panorama roof with versatile overhead storage offer up to 186 litres of space for everyday items.

Wide choice: Many top technologies and state-of-the-art assistance systems

New Opel Combo generation offers numerous top technologies that make everyday mobile life more relaxed and safer. For the first time in its history, spacious Opel Combo comes with the adaptive, glare-free IntelliLux LED Matrix Light – class-leading. Highlights of the up to 18 state-of-the-art driver assistance systems include Adaptive Cruise Control with stop & go function as well as the high-resolution 180-degree rear-view camera. In addition to many standard systems, other electronic helpers such as blind spot warning or IntelliGrip complement the extensive portfolio. And the redesigned ergonomic cockpit, which can be ordered with the fully digital 10-inch driver information display, delivers all important information including data on energy consumption and charging.

[1] 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.

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

ADAC Opel Electric Rally Cup: Dominant Home Win for Luca Pröglhöf at Rallye Weiz

• Pröglhöf leads at halfway point of ADAC Opel Electric Rally Cup “powered by GSe”
• Austrian claims third win of season on home event at Rallye Weiz
• Strong performance from motorbike ace Matthias Walkner in Opel Corsa Rally Electric debut

Luca Pröglhöf celebrated his third win of the season in this year’s ADAC Opel Electric Rally Cup “powered by GSe” at weekend. Even a heavy storm that struck Weiz Rally service park on Friday afternoon, damaged team tents and caused entire rally to be interrupted until next morning could not stop him. Alongside his co-driver Christina “Dina” Ettel, 24-year-old Austrian showed a phenomenal performance at his home rally, was the fastest in 10 of 11 special stages and had a lead of 2:11 minutes over runners-up, the Frenchmen Anthony Rott and Hervé Faucher, at the finish on Saturday evening. Third place went to Spanish duo Alex Español Jove/Patricia Sáiz Ruiloba.

“Mission accomplished,” rejoiced Pröglhöf, who increased his lead in overall standings to 31 points at halfway point of season. “We had prepared as best as possible, studied a lot of onboards from last year and made perfect pace notes. We quickly got into rhythm and were able to set a fast pace without having to take too many risks.” On ninth special stage, Austrian even set 10th fastest time in overall field in his Opel Corsa Rally Electric, which boasts 100 kW (136 hp) and 260 Nm of torque; Pröglhöf/Ettel left behind some all-wheel drive cars that were twice as powerful. “Downhill it's just fire away!” laughed Pröglhöf. “Opel Corsa Rally Electric handles fantastically, and after three years I trust myself and car so much that I can push myself to limit in these sections. It was great fun again.”

Rott was also happy with his performance again, but  Alsatian wants more: “We had prepared very well for Rallye Weiz after things didn't go so well here last year. I benefited a lot from Hervé's experience. We got a good feel for the changing grip conditions and felt comfortable in car. Now we hope that we can do a little better in Stemwede and put more pressure on our friend Luca.” With podium finish, Alex Español moved up to third place in the overall rankings: “It was a difficult rally, we struggled to find our rhythm on the first day. Congratulations to Luca, he was unbeatable here. But all in all, I am also happy with my performance.”

Fastest woman in field this time was Belgian Lyssia Baudet, with Frenchwoman Lea Sam-Caw-Frève in co-driver’s seat. Baudet, supported by Belgian automobile association RACB, finished fourth ahead of  French FFSA sponsored drivers Emma Chalvin/Emy Ailloud-Perraud, who thus retained their fourth place in the interim rankings. “First rally with Lea went really well,” said Lyssia Baudet happily. “Rally was very challenging due to constantly changing grip conditions, but we got better and better. Fourth place is great, but I won't be really happy until we can move up a bit.”

Austrian Matthias Walkner also made a great impression. Winner of the motorcycle classification of the 2018 Dakar Rally put on a brilliant performance alongside co-driver Thomas Haider in what was only his second car rally and was very fast as the pilot of the course car. “I have to say that this electric rally one-make cup works very well,” said Walkner. “We felt perfectly at home and had a lot of fun. I was pleasantly surprised at how well balanced Opel Corsa Rally Electric is. With every kilometre we got better at handling the car and built up more and more confidence. I'm looking forward to hopefully more!”

Journalist Reiner Kuhn and co-driver Ilka Minor also did well in their first outing in Opel Corsa Rally Electric – apart from lightly touching a wall in the first special stage. “After that, we took it a bit easier,” said the experienced rally writer with a smile. “When I got used to the car and became more confident, the fun increased. I achieved my goal and brought the car safely to the finish line.”

Fifth round of ADAC Opel Electric Rally Cup “powered by GSe” will take place on August 9/10 as part of  ADAC Rallye Stemweder Berg around Lübbecke.

Standings ADAC Opel Electric Rally Cup “powered by GSe” after 4 of 8 rounds:

1. Pröglhöf                              130 points.

2. Rott                                      99.

3. Español                               74.

4. Chalvin                               68.

5. Hangodi                              64.

6. Baudet                                48.

7. Lemke                                42.

8. Pottier                                38.

9. Melse and Wittenbeck       37 each.

11. Kamermans                     16.

12. Bayer                               14.

Opel Corsa: Best-Selling Small Car in Germany in First Half of 2024

• Hugely popular Opel Corsa with over 20,000 new registrations in Germany so far this year
• Opel Corsa Electric also leading the segment of battery-electric small cars
• Opel achieves growth of almost 18% in June, passenger car market share up significantly to 5.8% 

Opel Corsa continues to go from strength to strength. The small car bestseller from Rüsselsheim was Germany's most popular small car in the first half of 2024. According to the Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA), the Corsa leads the ranking in its segment after the first six months of the year with 20,231 new registrations across all drive variants. Opel Corsa Electric is also number one among battery-electric small cars so far this year. Opel Corsa is thus writing another chapter in its long-standing success story and supports the company's clear electromobility strategy.

Since its debut in 1982, more than 14.6 million Corsa cars have been sold worldwide. In Germany, Opel Corsa has been the most popular model in the small car segment for the past three years.

Corsa has always stood for Opel's brand promise of making mobility and technical innovations accessible to a wide range of customers. Equipped with Opel Vizor brand face, Opel Corsa offers an intuitive digital cockpit as well as numerous top technologies, such as the new glare-free IntelliLux LED Matrix Light.

Elsewhere, Opel also achieved very strong overall results in Germany both in June and the first six months of 2024. According to the KBA, 17,107 Opel passenger cars were registered in June – an increase in new registrations of 17.9 % compared to the same month of 2023. The passenger car market share was 5.8 percent, significantly higher than in June 2023 (5.2%). 77,235 Opel passenger cars were newly registered in the first half of the year giving Opel a market share of 5.2 per cent in Germany. This represents growth of 15.5% compared to the same period of 2023 (market share 2023: 4.8%).

“Opel has achieved an excellent result so far this year. Among the German brands, Opel even achieved the largest increase in registrations in June. As the segment leader in the first half of the year, our bestseller Corsa made a major contribution to this. The significant growth in new registrations of Opel passenger cars shows that our model range is well tailored to the needs of customers,” said Patrick Dinger, head of Opel Germany.

All-New Opel Grandland: When Visionary Dreams Become True

• From concept to reality: All-New Grandland brings Opel Experimental ideas to life
• Design of future today: Blitz logo and Opel lettering at rear illuminated for first time
• Resource-saving mobility: All-electric Opel Grandland Electric, no chrome, interior fabrics made of 100%  recycled materials

“German Energy” –  Opel Experimental shows what that means down to the smallest detail. The concept car, which was first presented at the IAA Mobility last year, gives a glimpse of the brand's future. Opel Experimental is much more than a design study. Since its premiere, it has shown what will characterise future Opel models – with bold and pure design, optimal use of space as well as the latest technologies and all-electric drive. The first production model to make many details of  Opel Experimental come true is the recently presented all-new Opel Grandland. Just a few months after the premiere of Opel Experimental, Opel Grandland is already bringing the spirit of the concept car to life and putting many features into production. All-new Opel Grandland is therefore a prime example of how the designers and engineers at Opel make pioneering automotive dreams reality – true to the “125 years of automobile manufacturing at Opel” anniversary motto “Forever forward since 1899”.

Opel Experimental: Three key elements for the future of the brand

With the visionary Opel Experimental, the designers and engineers gave the first glimpse of future mobility at Opel. And this can be characterised with three key terms:

• Detox: Opel Experimental has a bold and pure design and focuses on essentials
• Modern German: It impresses with its proportions, intelligent solutions, highly efficient use of space and latest lighting technology, including first-ever illuminated Opel Blitz emblem
• Greenovation: It is fully electric and reduces CO2 footprint

All this – Detox, Modern German and Greenovation – is “German Energy”, which makes every model with the Blitz unmistakably an Opel. And the result of this “German Energy”, which is already visible today as the newest production model, is the new Opel Grandland, designed and developed in Rüsselheim and made in Eisenach, which will soon be available to order.

All-New Opel Grandland: Mobility of the future already today

All-new Grandland breathes life into all three Opel claims – Greenovation, Detox and Modern German. Its impressively bold and pure styling is immediately noticeable both inside and out. The newcomer projects pure confidence. The sharp design of the Opel brand face makes a significant contribution; the new 3D Vizor integrates the Opel Blitz, illuminated for the first time, and the innovative “Edge Light” technology. At the same time, the new Grandland also takes up the “Opel Compass” design of the Opel Experimental study – the vertical crease and the horizontal Vizor converge with the “electrified” Opel Blitz emblem in the centre.

New illuminated Opel Blitz is not the only lighting innovation in the new Grandland. The industry-leading IntelliLux Pixel Matrix HD Light is also making its debut. For the first time, the system has more than 50,000 elements and enables high-resolution light distribution. The new greeting and farewell animations, which are projected as graphics in front of the vehicle, also give a first impression of what lighting developments will be possible in the future.

Rear view reveals another premiere: all-new Grandland is the first Opel production model to integrate the illuminated OPEL lettering inspired by the Opel Experimental into the centre of its compass light signature. In addition, Opel is emphasising the “Greenovation” approach of designing and building a car in a way that conserves resources: model name GRANDLAND no longer appears in chrome letters but is embossed in the middle of the tailgate.

Focussed on the essentials: resource-saving and locally emissions-free

Interior of all-new Opel Grandland is also designed to be bold, pure and resource efficient. Horizontal lines – such as those from the instrument panel to the doors – reinforce the feeling of space and roominess, while the 16-inch central display, which is slightly tilted towards the driver, and the high centre console project sportiness. Behind the steering wheel, a wide, fully digital display provides the most important information. Together with the Intelli-HUD head-up display, it ensures that drivers can always keep their eyes on the road and enjoy the drive. Pure Mode can also be selected manually or automatically. This reduces the content of the Driver Information Centre, the head-up display and the central screen to a necessary minimum, which further minimises distraction – “detox” in its clearest form. True to Opel's “Greenovation” approach, all fabrics and covers in the interior are made from 100 percent recycled material.

All-new Opel Grandland, of course, continues the Opel electrification strategy. It is also the first Opel to benefit from the Stellantis STLA medium platform, which was specially designed for battery-electric models. The new architecture – together with the new flat battery packaging with a battery capacity of up to 98 kWh, the new generation electric motor and other energy-saving features such as the heat pump (standard in Germany) – ensure that the new Opel Grandland Electric can travel up to around 700 kilometres locally emissions-free according to WLTP 1. 

When the SUV does need to recharge, it only needs around 26 minutes at a public fast-charging station to charge to 80 per cent of the battery capacity. New Opel Grandland Electric thus offers a new level of electric mobility and makes the vision of Opel Experimental a reality in terms of resource-saving mobility without compromise.

1] Preliminary 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.

Order Books Now Open: New Opel Frontera Electric Available from €28,990, New Opel Frontera Hybrid from €23,900

• Electrified mobility for all: Competitive pricing for family-friendly SUV
• Eyecatcher: Rugged interpretation of Opel design philosophy
• Space aplenty: Up to 1,594 litres of luggage space, seven-seater option also available
• Simplified offer: Two drivetrain concepts, two trims, two optional packages

After recently celebrating the world premiere of the new Frontera Electric and the new Frontera Hybrid in Istanbul (Türkiye), Opel has today opened the order books and revealed the prices for the family-friendly newcomer. Customers can call the new five-seater Frontera Electric their own from prices starting at €28,990 (all prices RRP in Germany) while the new Frontera Hybrid is available from €23,900. But that is not all. New Opel Frontera also offers the choice between five and seven seats. The two additional seats for the Hybrid only cost an additional €800 making the newcomer a perfect shuttle for family and friends.

“Our new Opel Frontera offers great packaging and value for money. The rugged interpretation of our bold and pure design philosophy combined with the highly competitive prices for the all-electric or electrified version will delight customers. This newcomer shows our ambition to further democratise electromobility,” said Opel CEO Florian Huettl.

Robust appearance and numerous practical features as standard

Striking design of the new Opel Frontera makes it stand out immediately. Opel Frontera is the first production model to proudly bear the new Opel Blitz emblem in the centre of Opel Vizor brand fascia. Prominent wheel arches and sills as well as the eye-catching C-pillar design underline the robust character. 

Modern looks with a focus on the essentials continue seamlessly in the interior. The driver and passengers look at a cockpit with a newly designed steering wheel and two optional 10-inch widescreens. 

Alternatively, Opel Frontera also offers the innovative Smartphone Station, which enables customers to utilise the power of their own smartphone as the infotainment system.

Suitability for both short journeys as well as long trips is a top priority for new Opel Frontera. At the front, the driver and front passenger can, if desired, sit on the new patented IntelliSeat with a slot in the middle that relieves pressure on the tailbone. 460 litres of luggage can be stored in the boot; with the seats folded down even up to 1,594 litres. Additional versatility is provided by the 60:40 split of the rear bench while a second load floor comes as standard. Furthermore, customers who need to take even more luggage can choose the optional functional roof rails.

Simplicity is key: Two drivetrain concepts, two trims, two optional packages

Intuitive, accessible and focused on the essentials: Opel meets these requirements in every respect with the new Frontera – from the choice of drivetrain to the equipment options and the ordering process.

New Opel Frontera is available either as a hybrid with 48-volt technology or fully electric. At a starting price of €23,900, the Frontera Hybrid has a 74 kW (100 hp) 1.2-litre petrol turbo engine developed specifically for hybrid use. This operates in combination with a 21 kW (28 hp) electric motor and an electrified six-speed dual clutch transmission, so that fuel consumption and CO2 emissions are significantly lower compared to a conventionally powered model. In addition, Opel Frontera Hybrid is also available with a 100 kW (136 hp) 1.2 turbo engine for prices starting at €25,700.

Customers in Germany who want to travel locally emissions-free can order the battery-electric Frontera Electric with a range of up to 305 kilometres (according to WLTP 2) for €28,990. As a “Long Range” version, the new Opel Frontera Electric will be able to travel up to around 400 kilometres (WLTP 2) without stopping to charge.

Regardless of which drivetrain the customer chooses, they can look forward to a high level of driving pleasure thanks to the specific chassis set-up. The engineers in Rüsselsheim paid close attention to optimising body control and delivering Opel typical driving characteristics – even when travelling at higher speeds on the German Autobahn.

Frontera's equipment trims are equally clearly laid out for customers. The newcomer is available either as the Frontera Edition or as the Frontera GS. Even the entry-level version is extensively equipped. The GS variant will also have standard features such as multimedia infotainment with a 10-inch colour touchscreen and integrated navigation as well as a rear-view camera. Frontera customers can further customise their vehicle with two optional packages (“Comfort” and “Tech”) to ensure that the newcomer meets their personal preferences.

[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.

[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.

New Assistance Systems Mandatory from July: Opel Models are Ready

• Safety first: Many assistance systems already standard in best-selling Opel Corsa small car
• Best vision: IntelliLux Pixel HD Light with over 50,000 elements in all-new Opel Grandland
• Always one step ahead: Opel models have always featured groundbreaking technologies

From July 7, 2024, EU will make additional assistance systems mandatory for new registrations of passenger cars (class M1) and light commercial vehicles (class N1). The aim is to reduce the number of accidents on the roads and thus save lives. Opel is well positioned here. For the passenger car models from the Corsa to the Combo, Mokka and Astra to the Grandland, as well as for the new generation of light commercial vehicles (LCV) Opel Combo, Vivaro and Movano, the manufacturer offers numerous advanced electronic assistants that make traffic safer for drivers and passengers as well as for all other road users. New Opel LCV vans will in future be equipped with up to 21 assistance systems – segment leading! And even in the small car bestseller Opel Corsa, many systems are already on board as standard, well ahead of the legal requirement. “Safety first” is Opel's motto when developing new vehicles: this is once again demonstrated by the recently introduced new Opel Grandland, which will soon be available to order, for example with its industry-leading IntelliLux Pixel HD Light. Safety is a tradition at Opel and has been for 125 years of automobile production in Rüsselsheim.

Emergency braking, lane keep assist, speed assistant: Already standard at Opel

In addition to the systems that have long been required by law, new cars registered from July onwards must also have additional assistants on board. These include emergency braking assistant, intelligent speed assistant, lane departure warning system, reversing assistant and drowsiness detection. An emergency brake light and a “black box” data recorder are also among the mandatory features in the future.

Opel has been offering many of the systems mentioned for its models for years. Safety features for the brand with the Blitz are not a question of vehicle class. Even the smallest in the portfolio, Germany's best-selling small car of several years, Opel Corsa, offers numerous assistance systems as standard. The extensive range of modern electronic helpers already includes:

• Forward collision alert with automatic emergency braking and pedestrian detection: It monitors distance to vehicle in front. If Opel Corsa approaches a vehicle in front or a pedestrian too quickly, driver is informed by a warning tone and a display in driver information display. If there is a risk of collision, system initiates emergency braking, and at speeds below 30 km/h even to a complete standstill. System is also available in combination with cyclist detection.
• Intelligent cruise control and limiter: In conjunction with traffic sign recognition, the system allows the speed to be quickly adjusted.
• Lane keep assist: If the driver unintentionally leaves the lane (between 65 and 180 km/h), an indicator light appears in the driver information display. Lane keep assistant also draws attention to the danger by gently temporarily counteracting the steering. As an option, Corsa and Co. can also be equipped with active lane keep Assist. This actively keeps the vehicle in the previously selected position within the lane by gently and continuously counter-steering (both hands on the steering wheel are mandatory!).
• Drowsiness detection: System detects signs of fatigue in the driver based on the steering behaviour and the length of the journey and issues a visual and acoustic warning that increases in three stages.
• Adaptive brake light and
• Parking pilot at rear.

Additional systems provide an even more comprehensive overview when manoeuvring, including the combination of front and rear parking sensors with audio-visual warning and the 130-degree or optional 180-degree rear view camera (also the 360-degree camera on the Astra and Grandland). In addition, the side blind spot alert, which is standard or optional depending on the equipment level, further increases safety with a symbol in the respective exterior mirror that warns of approaching vehicles. Also, the optional automatic speed assistant with stop function ensures that the set speed and the distance to the vehicle in front are maintained in accordance with the traffic situation. The car brakes automatically if necessary and accelerates again as soon as the distance to the vehicle in front increases again. In combination with automatic transmission, the system also has a Stop & Go function, so that the vehicle is automatically braked to a standstill in the event of danger and can independently follow the vehicle in front even in traffic jams.

Compact class bestseller Opel Astra and top SUV Opel Grandland combine many of the above-mentioned assistants in Intelli-Drive system and expand the range to include the rear cross-traffic alert system. This uses radar sensors to detect moving objects when reversing (from pedestrians and cyclists to motorcycles, cars and trucks) and warns with visual and acoustic signals.

Optimal illumination of the road ahead is crucial for a safe and relaxed journey in poor visibility conditions. Opel has been a pioneer in this area for years with its adaptive IntelliLux technology, which is now being used for the first time in the new Combo. The latest lighting innovation from Rüsselsheim is celebrating its premiere in all-new Opel Grandland: the industry-leading IntelliLux Pixel Matrix HD Light. For the first time, the system has more than 50,000 elements and enables high-resolution light distribution. Depending on the traffic situation, the camera detects road users ahead and oncoming traffic, and IntelliLux Pixel Matrix HD Light cuts them out even more precisely than previous matrix light technologies. The system delivers an even brighter and more even light distribution without glare for others.

Safety for all: New Opel Grandland, Astra, Corsa and Co. in best tradition

Offering the highest safety standards for everyone – that is what the Opel brand has always stood for. This began 125 years ago with the Opel Patentmotorwagen “System Lutzmann”, which had chain-controlled steering for smooth, precise operation. In the years and decades that followed, developments such as the Opel 10 PS with four-wheel brakes and the unitary all-steel body of the Opel Olympia 1935 followed.

Opel Rekord C was also an innovation in 1967 – with coil springs on the rear axle, disc brakes at the front, brake booster and, above all, the Opel safety steering, in which the collapsible steering column protected against serious injuries to the head and chest in the event of a collision. As early as 1973, the manufacturer equipped all models with seat belts as standard. In Opel Astra F, seatbelt tensioners ensured that the belt was pulled tight by up to 16 centimetres in milliseconds in the event of an impact, thus keeping the passenger safely in their seat.

In 1993, Opel Corsa B celebrated a double premiere of increased safety: double steel beam reinforcements in the doors for side impact protection and the full-size driver airbag further minimized the risk of injury. In 1995, Opel was the first German car manufacturer to introduce full-size airbags for the driver and front passenger as standard in all new cars.