Vauxhall Astra Crowned ‘Best Family Car’ at 2024 Business Car Awards

• Vauxhall wins two awards at the 2024 Business Car Awards
• Vauxhall Astra named ‘Best Family Car’ for the third year running
• Vauxhall also wins the ‘Best Fleet Website’ award for the second time
• Judges praised the Astra’s eye-catching design, low running costs and high equipment levels
• Available as the fully electric Astra Electric with a range of up to 258 miles (WLTP)
• By the end of 2024, all Vauxhall cars and vans will be available with a fully electric version

Vauxhall Astra has been named ‘Best Family Car’ at the 2024 Business Car Awards, for the third year in a row. Vauxhall was also awarded with the ‘Best Fleet Website’ prize at the ceremony held in London last night.

The annual Business Car Awards recognise and reward excellence in the automotive fleet sector, highlighting innovation and expertise amongst suppliers and fleet operators. The Vauxhall Astra was once again praised by judges for its low running costs and eye-catching design.

Available as a hatch or Sports Tourer estate, with petrol, plug-in hybrid and fully electric options, the Astra caters for a wide variety of needs. With zero-emissions-in-use, the Astra Electric qualifies for a Benefit-in-Kind rate of just 2% (2024/25), making it particularly well suited to both fleet and business users. The Astra Sports Tourer Electric is one of the few all-electric estate cars available on the market, providing greater choice and practicality to customers and fleet operators.

Martyn Collins, Editor, Business Car, said: “For the third year in a row, Vauxhall’s Astra is again our favourite family car. Not many rivals can offer the version and body style options of the Astra. Its design remains eye-catching and attractive, with low running costs, and all are well-equipped.”

Vauxhall’s website was praised for its vibrant design and clarity for potential fleet customers, making it simple and accessible for decision makers wanting to find out more about how the brand can meet their needs.

Martyn Collins commented: “Vauxhall’s bright website design was praised by our editorial team. In our opinion, it’s the best all-round website, as we felt it had an exceptional fleet focus. As such, it wins our Best Fleet Website accolade again for 2024.”

James Taylor, Managing Director, Vauxhall, said: “Vauxhall’s continued success at the Business Car Awards, with the Astra being named Best Family Car for the third year in a row, demonstrates that our model line-up is as appealing as ever. It’s also rewarding to see the quality of our website recognised by the judges once again. Whether it’s fleet or private buyers, Vauxhall is committed to driving Britain towards an electric future and supporting those who want to make the switch.”

By the end of this year, Vauxhall will offer a fully electric version of every car and van in its line-up. Vauxhall was the UK’s best-selling electric van manufacturer in 2023 and is the leading electric car brand year-to-date across retail and Motability channels combined.

Hydrogen newcomer: Opel Movano HYDROGEN celebrates world premiere at IAA Transportation

• Efficient and fast: Refill with hydrogen for over 500 kilometres range (WLTP 1) in less than five minutes
• All electric: Opel Combo Electric and Opel Rocks Electric with KARGO kit also on display
• Strong portfolio: Xavier Peugeot and Opel Chief Executive Officer Florian Huettl present innovative Pro One and Opel solutions

“Globally, we sold over 125,000 light commercial vehicles last year and we were able to substantially grow our battery-electric LCV sales by 41 percent. We want to continue this success in our LCV business. To do so, we are presenting new, trend-setting products for our customers here in Hanover,” said Opel CEO Florian Huettl at the IAA Transportation today while teasing the imminent world premiere of the Opel Movano HYDROGEN. At the joint Stellantis Pro One booth C70 in Hall 13, Xavier Peugeot, Senior Vice President Stellantis Commercial Vehicles Business Unit, and Florian Huettl presented the strong commercial vehicle portfolio of Stellantis and the innovative newcomers of the Opel brand.

Clever, efficient, timesaving: New Opel Movano HYDROGEN

The highlight of the Opel line-up was the Opel Movano HYDROGEN. “For the first time, we will offer the largest member of the Opel LCV family as a hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle,” said Huettl. “Back in 2021, we launched the Opel Vivaro HYDROGEN, the first hydrogen transporter from a vehicle manufacturer. Today, with the introduction of the Movano HYDROGEN, we are now taking the next step and creating an even stronger offer.”

With its combination of hydrogen fuel cell drive and plug-in battery, the new Opel Movano HYDROGEN can travel over 500 kilometres (WLTP 1) and can be refuelled with hydrogen in under 5 minutes. This is an ideal solution for customers who need to drive long distances with zero local emissions and not lose time refuelling. The electric motor offers 110 kW (150 hp) of power and a maximum torque of 410 Newton meters. The 11 kWh lithium-ion battery provides support when starting or accelerating. Another major advantage of the system: braking energy can be recuperated and fed into the battery as electricity via the electric motor working as a generator.

“Obviously, our newcomer inherits all the virtues of its battery-electric and diesel siblings.” This includes a wide range of electronic “helpers” that put the Opel Movano at the forefront of its segment. It is also one of the first vehicles in its class to achieve level 2 assisted driving and impresses with a loading volume of up to 17 cubic metres – and thus makes no comprises in terms of everyday functionality regardless of the drivetrain. “The new Movano has everything it needs to meet the demands of our customers – even if they need to transport a Rocks Electric,” said Huettl while simultaneously revealing the next member of Opel’s IAA Transportation line-up.

Battery-electric light motor vehicle as a micro-LCV: Opel Rocks Electric

Opel Rocks Electric had a very special appearance in Hanover. The smallest vehicle in the Opel portfolio, which young people aged 15 and over can drive in Germany, was in the hold of the new Movano HYDROGEN – equipped with the practical KARGO kit. The battery-electric light motor vehicle with ultra-compact dimensions of 2.41 x 1.39 x 1.52 metres (length x width x height) and the KARGO kit has additional modularly divisible loading volume available. This turns the two-seater into a practical delivery vehicle in no time.

Transporter with passenger car design and technologies: Opel Combo Electric

The third member of Opel’s IAA Transportation also proposes a convincing offer. The new Opel Combo Electric impressively demonstrates how Opel brings passenger car innovations onto the LCV market. The new edition of the compact Opel LCV is instantly recognisable and unmistakable, with a newly designed front and the characteristic Opel Vizor brand face. In addition to all the proven qualities of the previous version, the new Combo can illuminate the road ahead for the first time with the glare-free IntelliLux Matrix Light. This makes the compact van the first to bring state-of-the-art adaptive lighting technology to this market segment. The battery-electric vehicle, which can be ordered from €31,250 excl. VAT in Germany, now offers a locally emissions-free range of up to 354 kilometres (WLTP 2), around 80 kilometres more than its predecessor. Together with the Vivaro Electric, the fourth member of the Opel LCV family, the brand can offer a strong all-electric solution for almost any user profile.

The IAA Transportation 2024 in Hannover runs until Sunday, September 22 and is open to visitors daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

[1] Provisional 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. Vehicle not yet available.

[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.

All-New Opel Grandland: Greenovation Made by Opel

• Electric top SUV: Travel up to around 700 kilometres (WLTP 1) without charging, locally emissions-free, with Opel Grandland Electric, batteries as part of circular economy
• Sustainable, practical, comfortable: Fabrics for seats, door panels and instrument panel made from recycled materials
• Design meets resource conservation: model name embossed in tailgate, body without chrome elements

All-new Opel Grandland shows what the brand means by “German Energy”. The top SUV features an inspiring design and innovative solutions, focusses on the essentials in terms of operation, and is electrified in every variant. All-new Opel Grandland combines a stylish appearance with practical details and many features that reduce the carbon footprint. These include locally emissions-free driving along with recyclable, repairable batteries, as well as the use of recycled materials in the interior and the absence of chrome elements on the body. The newcomer therefore exemplifies “Greenovation made by Opel”.

Stylish, sustainable design: Clear appearance, no chrome elements

The exterior of the all-new Opel Grandland sets precedents. All-new Opel Grandland is the first production model to feature the illuminated Opel “Blitz” emblem and integrates this and the innovative “Edge Light” technology into the new 3D Vizor. The lighting uses only energy-saving LED headlights up to and including the industry-leading adaptive IntelliLux Pixel HD Light.

The rear view of the all-new Grandland also combines style with resource conservation. For the first time, customers see an illuminated OPEL lettering, while the model name GRANDLAND no longer appears in chrome letters but is embossed in the middle of the tailgate – just one example of how Opel has dispensed with chrome applications in the Grandland's body design.

Practical, comfortable, sustainable: recycled materials in the interior

During development, the designers and engineers paid attention to every detail to find resource-saving solutions to reduce the carbon footprint and at the same time bring a future-oriented, attractive and comfortable SUV onto the road. The cockpit and cabin of the all-new Opel Grandland were designed to be just as resource-saving as the body. The standard IntelliSeats, with their recess running down the middle of the seat cushion to relieve pressure on the coccyx, offer relaxed driving pleasure. 

Not only are they designed to be extremely comfortable, they are also produced sustainably. True to Opel's “Greenovation” approach, 100% of the fabrics are made of materials with a recycled content. This applies to the seats as well as to the door panels, instrument panel and centre console. Three trims will also be vegan, and even the Alcantara trim will be based on 50 % recycled materials.

However, the developers of the all-new Opel Grandland were not satisfied with that. They placed great importance on not only making the visible parts and components from recycled or recyclable materials, but also the parts that are initially hidden from the eye. For example, all-new Opel Grandland is made of recycled aluminium as well as steel with recycled content. In addition, all-new Opel Grandland contains more than 40 polymer parts that consist of up to 80 % “green” materials. In total, more than 500 kilogrammes of the Grandland's weight is made up of recycled and renewable raw materials.

Reducing CO2 emissions: All-New Opel Grandland electrified in every variant

Of course, Opel also takes the “Greenovation” approach into account when it comes to drivetrains; every Grandland is electrified – as a hybrid with 48-volt technology, fully electric or as a plug-in hybrid – and thus reduces CO2 emissions. This is made possible by the STLA medium platform, which was specially designed for battery-electric vehicles and is being used for the first time in an Opel with the all-new Grandland. The architecture can integrate a particularly flat battery pack with a battery capacity of up to 98 kWh. In this way, all-new Opel Grandland Electric will in future drive up to around 700 kilometres locally emissions-free without stopping to charge (WLTP 1). And the highly efficient heat pump which comes as standard has a positive effect on the range when temperatures drop.

Another factor in minimising the carbon footprint is the batteries themselves. They are part of the resource-saving circular economy promoted by Opel, which is based on the so-called four “Rs”: repair, remanufacture, reuse and recycle. To make this possible, a “Battery Shop” was set up specifically at the production site of the all-new Opel Grandland in Eisenach.

[1] Range determined according to WLTP test procedure methodology (R (EC) No. 715/2007, R (EU) No. 2017/1151). Actual range can vary under everyday conditions and depends on various factors, in particular on personal driving style, route characteristics, outside temperature, use of heating and air conditioning and thermal preconditioning. Preliminary values; vehicle not available yet.

ADAC Opel Rally Electric Cup: Luca Pröglhöf Still Title Favourite

• Guest victory: Guest driver Jérôme Chavanne wins Rally Mont-Blanc Morzine
• Fifth in France: Luca Pröglhöf is still favourite to take title with a lead of 41 points
• Pure excitement: Two races of the current Cup season still outstanding

Luca Pröglhöf remains the favourite to win the title in this year's ADAC Opel Electric Rally Cup "powered by GSe" despite on finishing fifth over the weekend. Due to technical problems, Pröglhöf and his co-driver Christina Ettel were unable to challenge for the podium at the Mont-Blanc Morzine Rally. But with a 41-point lead in the overall standings over his direct Cup competitors Anthony and Adrien 

Rott, 25-year-old Austrian Pröglhöf is still in a commanding position. Theoretically, he can win the 2024 title at the next race with his 100 kW (136 hp) Opel Corsa Rally Electric. The French Rott brothers came third at the foot of Mont Blanc.

The victory at the weekend was celebrated by guest drivers Jérôme Chavanne and Emilie Galleano, who made full use of their knowledge of the route and, after a hard fight, beat Christian Lemke and Jan-Eric Bemmann by just 0.6 seconds in the last special stage. However, since Chavanne/Galleano were neither entitled to points nor prize money, the duo Lemke/Bemmann scored the full 30 points for their second triumph of the season. “It was a fantastic rally, great stages, a wonderful backdrop,” said 24-year-old Lemke. “We had a really great flow at times, which was incredibly fun. Unfortunately, a puncture in the last stage cost us victory, which was obviously frustrating. On the other hand, we took full points for the cup standings, so everything is on track.”

From the start there was an exciting battle at the top. The Spaniards Alex Español Jove/Daniel Rivera De La Red initially took the lead until they damaged their car and lost around two minutes. After Pröglhöf also lost time one stage later, Christian Lemke took the lead at the end of the first stage. After two best times in a row, guest driver Chavanne moved to the front of the back on Saturday morning and never looked back. The Rott brothers received the points for second place, Español those for third place. “It was a great rally against this wonderful backdrop. But I’m not entirely satisfied with my performance,” the Iberian admitted. “The mistake when we were in the lead robbed us of any chance of a top result. More would have been possible here.”

Due to his comfortable lead this year's ADAC Opel Electric Cup, Pröglhöf, who placed fifth in Morzine, was not too disappointed: “It was a mixed rally. After a good start, we unfortunately lost a lot of time twice. With the best time and maximum points in the Power Stage, we limited the damage and are still on course for the championship.” Anthony Rott knows what a difficult task lies ahead of him if he wants to intercept Pröglhöf. “We're not giving up, but it will be hard. At first, we had a bit of a hard time here, but we got better and better. It was a fantastic rally,” said Rott.

Dr. Gerd Ennser also had an exciting guest appearance. ADAC Sport President confidently drove the VIP Corsa Rally Electric alongside his son Fabian through the difficult mountain stretches and clearly enjoyed his rally debut: “Opel and ADAC are doing a brilliant job together. That's exactly what I wanted to experience firsthand in the Opel Corsa Rally Electric – and I have to say: I'm thrilled! Being able to drive in a rally as great as this one at Mont Blanc is a lot of fun. I congratulate everyone involved and believe the ADAC Opel Electric Rally Cup has a great future.”

The seventh and penultimate round of this year's ADAC Opel Electric Rally Cup “powered by GSe” will take place at the Rallye Coeur de France around Vendôme in central France on 28/29. September.

Standings ADAC Opel Electric Rally Cup “powered by GSe” after 6 of 8 rounds:

1. Pröglhöf                  189 points.

2. Rott                          148 pts.

3. Español                    122 pts.

4. Lemke                      103 pts.

5. Chalvin                     80 pts.

6. Wittenbeck              70 pts.

7. Hangodi                   64 pts.

8. Baudet                     63 pts.

9. Pottier                      48 pts.

10. Melse                     37 pts.

11. Kamermans          33 pts.

12. Bayer                     20 pts.

Opel increases passenger car market share in Germany to 6.2 % in August

• Combined market share of passenger cars and light commercial vehicles at 6.3%
• Opel Astra registrations more than doubled compared to the same month last year
• Significant increase of 14.2% in registrations so far this year

Strong August for Opel in Germany: According to the Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA), the Rüsselsheim-based manufacturer achieved a passenger car market share of 6.2 percent in a declining overall market. In the same month last year, this figure was 5.4 percent.

According to preliminary internal figures, the total market share for passenger cars and light commercial vehicles was as high as 6.3 percent in August (2023: 5.7 percent). The best-seller in the Opel portfolio was the Opel Astra with over 4,300 new registrations. This more than doubles the result from the same month last year.

Overall, Opel has recorded significant growth in the important German home market so far this year. According to preliminary internal figures, more than 120,000 vehicles were registered in the first eight months of the year - an increase of around 14.2 percent with a market share of 5.7 percent (2023: 5.1 percent). Another driver of growth is light commercial vehicles, where Opel increased by more than 67 percent.

"In August, we continued the positive trend for the year on our German home market. The Opel Astra in particular made a significant contribution to this. Our state-of-the-art product portfolio, which we will continue to expand in the second half of the year, is giving us further momentum for the remainder of the year," says Opel Germany brand boss Patrick Dinger.

Start of professional life for 170 apprentices at Opel

• High-quality and contemporary training in ten apprenticeships and six degree courses
• Training offer aligned with Opel’s electric strategy
• Close integration of theory and practice during training

Welcome to Opel: A total of 170 young people starting their vocational training today at Opel's German locations, 120 of them at the headquarters in Rüsselsheim alone. 28 newcomers began their vocational training at the Kaiserslautern plant, 15 at the Eisenach location and seven at the Bochum logistics center.

Opel offers its new employees attractive future prospects and career opportunities in the company in ten apprenticeships and six courses of study. The training offered is geared to the specific future needs of the respective location. Practice and theory are always closely intertwined. During their training, the young people work on specific projects for various departments of the company. This means that they are directly involved in day-to-day business and learn about important procedures and processes at an early stage.

"Our young skilled workers start a solid training course at Opel under the most modern conditions, supervised by a committed and experienced training team. We have continuously and consistently aligned our training program with Opel's electric strategy and the changes in the automotive industry. That is why topics such as electrification and automation as well as networking and artificial intelligence are playing an increasingly important role," explains Ralph Wangemann, Managing Director of Human Resources and Director of Labor at Opel, who welcomed the trainees at the Rüsselsheim site.

The dual degree programs with a focus on computer science, IT and electromobility also address the important future topics that accompany the transformation in the automotive industry. This year, the degree programs "Applied Computer Science" and "Computer Science - Technical Computer Science" have also been added.

Training at the German brand Opel has traditionally stood for high quality. 162 years ago, the first trainee began his apprenticeship with company founder Adam Opel. Since then, around 27,000 young people have completed their training at one of the company's German locations.

And Opel is already writing the next chapter of this success story, as the application process for the 2025 training year has already started. Here  you can find all the important information about vocational training at Opel.

Opel Presents Eye-Catching Opel Corsa Rally Electric in Gamescom Look

• Trade fair highlight: Unique Opel Corsa Rally Electric on display until Sunday, August 25 at Gamescom in Cologne in Hall 10.1, stand B031
• Electrifying: Rapid Opel rally car demonstrates fascination of electric rallying
• ADAC Opel Electric Rally Cup as pioneer: World’s first all-electric one-make rally cup is now in its fourth season

Emotional, all-electric and full of energy – this is the ADAC Opel Electric Rally Cup “powered by GSe” and the Opel Corsa Rally Electric. How the rapid electric car combines locally emissions-free rallying with show character is demonstrated on rally special stages, and now also at Gamescom in Cologne, Germany. At the world's largest trade fair for computer and video games as well as consumer electronics, the Opel Corsa Rally Electric is an extraordinary eye-catcher. It can be admired in a special “Gamescom look” at the ADAC stand B031 in Hall 10.1.

Coloured entirely in yellow, black and white, Opel Corsa Rally Electric is once again a unique show car. Bright yellow wheels and brake calipers increase the wow effect and make the fully electric rally car an absolute eye-catcher. The creatives at @blackfishgraphics are responsible for the unmistakable design.

The “Gamescom Special Edition” demonstrates what is possible: progressive design paired with production technology and state-of-the-art motorsport components. Opel Corsa Rally Electric thus continues Opel's pioneering achievements. With the ADAC Opel Electric Rally Cup “powered by GSe”, the manufacturer and the automobile club have launched the world's first electric one-make rally cup and successfully established it in the rally scene. The international cup is currently in its fourth season and inspires fans and spectators as much as the participants.

Anyone who wants to experience the “Gamescom Opel Corsa Rally Electric” live can do so until Sunday, August 25. The trade fair is open to visitors daily until 8 p.m.

ADAC Rallye Stemweder Berg: Overall Leader Luca Pröglhöf Wins After Tough Fight

• Around Lübbecke: Fifth round of the ADAC Opel Electric Rally Cup “powered by GSe”
• Season victory number four: Austrian Pröglhöf extends his lead in the overall standings
• Electrifying experience: Actresses Gesine Cukrowski and Lina Helfrich thrilled by the ride in the Opel Corsa Rally Electric

Luca Pröglhöf is unstoppable in the 2024 ADAC Opel Electric Rally Cup “powered by GSe”. Perfectly guided as always by co-driver Christina Ettel, the 25-year-old Austrian celebrated his fourth win of the season at the ADAC Rallye Stemweder Berg and extended his lead in the overall standings to 42 points. “That was hard work,” sighed Pröglhöf, who had started the fifth of eight rallies of the season feeling unwell. “We had to give everything from start to finish and couldn't afford to make any mistakes. But that's how I like it best – fighting hard and celebrating hard at the end.”

In fact, the Austrian had to work much harder for his triumph than he did in his home victory in Weiz. In addition to the leader of the rankings, who was the fastest in four of the 10 special stages over a total of 101 kilometres, Christian Lemke put in an impressive performance with four best times. In the end, the 24-year-old and his co-driver Jan-Eric Bemmann crossed the finish line in second place, 12.9 seconds behind Pröglhöf, and thus jumped up to fourth place in the overall table. “After the setbacks of the last rallies, this second place is really good,” said the winner of the season opener in Sulingen. “We showed that we have the speed to fight at the front if everything goes right.”

Second in the rankings remains Frenchman Anthony Rott, who climbed onto the winners' podium again with his brother Adrien in third place. “I'm satisfied, but not extremely satisfied. There's still a little bit missing, but we're getting closer,” commented the Alsatian. Fourth place went to Spaniards Alex Español Jove/Daniel Rivera De La Red, who, like the Rotts, also set a best time. Johannes Wittenbeck also drove a strong rally. The German and his co-driver Maximilian Kugler got off to a perfect start in the rally with the second fastest time in SS1 and maintained a fast pace, which ultimately gave them the best result of their cup career with fifth place. “Simply fantastic,” beamed Wittenbeck. “We were well prepared and had agreed for the first time that I would not find out any times, but would just drive at my own pace. I could feel in the cockpit that things were going really well. We are very happy!”

Kilian Nierenz and Milena Raithel came sixth, although they did not receive any points as guest starters on their debut in the world's first electric one-make rally cup. “It was great fun! The car is super, we got better and better and felt right at home in the cup right from the start. We definitely want to be there next year,” said Nierenz.

Claire Schönborn also made an impeccable debut in the cup. The 25-year-old German, who has made a name for herself as a fast hill climb driver, made an excellent start to her first rally alongside her experienced co-driver Lisa Kiefer, finishing sixth in the first special stage. On the second day, the rally novice also completed the demanding asphalt stages without making any major mistakes and ended up in eighth place. This made Schönborn the second-best woman in the field behind the Belgian Lyssia Baudet and her co-driver Lea Sam Caw Freve.

Enthusiasm from actresses Gesine Cukrowski and Lina Helfrich

Actresses Gesine Cukrowski and Lina Helfrich were enthusiastic about their visit to the ADAC Rallye Stemweder Berg, which was marked by many strong impressions in the Opel service park as well as at the spectator points along the rally special stages. The highlight for mother and daughter was the ride alongside Opel racing legend Volker Strycek in the right seat of the VIP Corsa Rally Electric, which as course car drove ahead of the cup participants on the special stages.

The sixth round of the ADAC Opel Electric Rally Cup “powered by GSe” will take place on September 6 and 7. The teams will then meet at the Rallye Mont-Blanc Morzine at the foot of the highest mountain in the Alps.

Standings ADAC Opel Electric Rally Cup “powered by GSe” after 5 of 8 rounds:

1. Pröglhöf                                165 points.

2. Rott                                        123.

3. Español                                 96.

4. Lemke                                   71.

5. Chalvin                                  68.

6. Hangodi                                64.

7. Baudet                                  63.

8. Wittenbeck                           53.

9. Pottier                                   38.

10. Melse                                  37.

11. Kamermans                       16.

Compact Van Pioneer: Opel Zafira Celebrated its World Premiere 25 Years Ago

• Revolutionary: Flex7 seat concept set new standards for interior variability in 1999
• Award winning: Opel Zafira receives prestigious “Golden Steering Wheel” several times
• Fuel cell pioneer: Locally emissions-free HydroGen vehicles based on Opel Zafira
• Modern, flexible “spacecraft”: Opel Zafira, Combo and soon new Frontera

Emotional, efficient and, above all, highly practical, with lots of flexible space for the whole family or for use as a VIP shuttle – these are the qualities that make Opel's people movers stand out. The current Opel Zafira can accommodate up to eight people, while the Combo can carry up to seven passengers. This portfolio will soon be complemented by the new Opel Frontera, which recently celebrated its world premiere in Istanbul and made its public debut in Rüsselsheim to mark the anniversary “125 years of automobile manufacturing at Opel”. Opel Frontera will also have space for up to seven people as an option.

However, these modern “spacecraft” from the brand with the Blitz would hardly be conceivable without a very special model that is also celebrating an anniversary this year – in 1999, exactly 25 years ago, the groundbreaking Opel Zafira was launched. With its innovative Flex7 seating system, it revolutionised the compact van segment and set new standards for interior variability, for which it subsequently received numerous awards. At the same time, it paved the way for today's hydrogen fuel cell drive of the Vivaro HYDROGEN and the future Movano HYDROGEN, by serving as the basis for several HydroGen test fleets. Opel Zafira was a pioneer in numerous respects and brought automotive solutions to the fore that are now taken for granted.

Practical, space-saving, easy: Pioneering Opel Zafira onboard seat system

In the spring of 1999, production of a model that would make history began: the first examples of the new Opel Zafira rolled off the production line. The 4.32 metre long, 1.74 metre wide and 1.68 metre high compact van was designed for lightweight construction. The first generation weighed just 1,390 kilogrammes when it was launched. Efficiency was as important to Opel then as it is today. With a drag coefficient of 0.33, the Zafira offered top aerodynamic performance in its class. With its clear design and long wheelbase, it combined elegance with functionality. The vehicle's low centre of gravity and the ultra-modern DSA (Dynamic SAfety) chassis ensured driving stability and the best possible safety.

But Opel Zafira made headlines 25 years ago for another reason: it was the first compact van to offer flexible space for up to seven people without the need to laboriously remove heavy seats. This was made possible by the intelligent, patented Flex7 seating system. With this unique mechanism, Opel set new standards for fully integrated onboard flexibility in the interior. In just around 15 seconds, the compact van could be transformed from a seven-seater into a two-seater with up to 1,700 litres of luggage volume. After unlocking and retracting the headrests, the seats in the third row could be easily folded up and stowed in appropriately shaped recesses in the vehicle floor, creating a completely flat loading area. The annoying removal from the vehicle and storage of temporarily unused seats were now a thing of the past.

Same applied to the second row: it could be folded up, pushed forward and secured behind the front seats to save space. The front passenger seat could also be folded into a horizontal position. This meant that objects up to three meters long could be loaded into the Zafira and four passengers could be accommodated at the same time.

Award-winning concept: Opel Zafira wins “Golden Steering Wheel” three times

Success was not long in coming. In the year of its launch, the trendsetter received the “Golden Steering Wheel” for the first time. This was just a taste of what was to come. With the second generation of the Zafira in 2005, Opel engineers optimised the handling of the second row. The seats could be folded down in a 40:20:40 ratio, so that adults could also sit comfortably on the outer individual seats. The reward for the effort: with the further developed Flex7 seating system, the Zafira B was set another benchmark for interior flexibility – and once again won the “Golden Steering Wheel”.

Opel Zafira was accompanied by a premium partner in Opel Zafira Tourer and immediately won another “Golden Steering Wheel”. In addition to the flexible interior, the newcomer impressed with lounge comfort, panorama glass sunroof and innovations such as radar-based speed control and Forward Collision Alert. With this serial success, Opel Zafira alone, in its various generations, has contributed three times to Opel’s award series at the prestigious “Golden Steering Wheel”.

Opel Zafira for all occasions: From top athlete to locally emissions-free pioneer

In 2001 – two years after the introduction of the first generation Zafira – Opel asked: “Can a sports car have seven seats, or put another way: Can a compact van have sporty driving characteristics?” The Zafira OPC gave a clear answer. It combined two ostensibly different segments: the practical variability of a compact van with the driving characteristics and performance of a sports car. In figures, this means a 141 kW (192 hp) 2.0-litre turbo engine, 250 Newton metres of torque, zero to 100 km/h in 8.2 seconds and a top speed of 220 km/h. This made Opel Zafira OPC, which was launched in autumn 2001, the fastest van in Europe at the time.

Combining emotions with maximum efficiency – this is the motto that Opel followed then and still follows today. In the same year as the sporty Opel Zafira OPC, a completely different drivetrain also made its debut. In addition to fuel-efficient petrol and diesel engines, the compressed natural gas Opel Zafira 1.6 CNG complemented the portfolio as a particularly economical and resource-saving vehicle. It significantly reduced emissions compared to conventional petrol engines and retained full interior variability thanks to the practical packaging of all components. The gas tanks were installed under the floor and thanks to the “Monovalentplus” concept, the driver could simply switch to petrol operation when required.

Compact van is also a pioneer in locally emissions-free hydrogen fuel cell drive. In 2000, Opel’s fuel-cell development took to the streets with the Zafira-based HydroGen1. Its hydrogen fuel cell supplied electricity for a three-phase asynchronous motor giving 55 kW (75 hp) and 251 Newton metres of torque. A buffer battery covered power peaks. In 2001, a fleet of 20 HydroGen3 models was driven by test customers. Power was increased to 60 kW (82 hp), giving a top speed of 160 km/h. In the 2004 Fuel Cell Marathon, two HydroGen3 vehicles covered nearly 10,000 km across Europe, from Hammerfest in Norway to Lisbon in Portugal. At the wheel of a HydroGen3, F1 and Opel DTM driver Heinz-Harald Frentzen also won the 2005 Monte Carlo Rally for cars with alternative propulsion. The Zafira-based HydroGen vehicles paved the way for today's Opel Vivaro HYDROGEN van. Soon the range of locally emissions-free commercial vehicles that can be quickly refuelled with hydrogen will be even larger, with the new Opel Movano HYDROGEN.

Space for family, team and colleagues: Opel Zafira, Combo and new Frontera

While the first-generation Zafira from 1999 is considered a pioneer of interior flexibility with space for the whole family, Opel today offers a wide range of spacious vehicles for comfortable shuttle services as well as for relaxed vacation trips. These include the current Zafira with eight seats as well as the Combo with up to seven. And the next multi-seater will follow this year: with the recently presented new Frontera, Opel has for the first time a compact SUV that can carry up to seven people. Spacious and comfortable, focussed on the essentials and electrified in every variant, the Frontera with its characteristic, robust design is the ideal car for outdoor fans and families. The attractive newcomer, which will be available to order shortly, comes with many practical solutions, including an innovative smartphone station and a comfortable Intelli-Seat feature for the front seats. It is available either as a hybrid with 48-volt technology or all-electric. The new Opel Frontera thus offers resource-saving driving pleasure including locally emissions-free operation and continues the brand's electrification offensive.

Ready to Go: New Opel Zafira Electric Available to Order Now

• Ideal as shuttle or family van: Prices for new Opel Zafira Electric start at €47,550 (RRP including VAT in Germany)
• More design: For the first time with characteristic Opel Vizor brand fascia
• More flexibility: Two lengths, space for up to 9 people or 4,900 litres of luggage
• More safety: Top technologies and up to 18 assistance systems including high resolution 180-degree rear view camera
• More range: Up to 347 kilometres locally emissions-free driving range (WLTP 1)

New Opel Zafira is ready to go. Having already shown the first pictures of the next Zafira generation, Opel is now opening the order books for the spacious people-mover. The new, locally emissions-free Opel Zafira Electric is now available from €47,550 (all prices RRP including VAT in Germany). Each Zafira Electric has the unmistakable Opel Vizor brand fascia. Inside, the electric van offers plenty of space as a shuttle as well as an everyday and holiday vehicle for the extended family; depending on the variant, the new Zafira has up to 9 seats or a maximum of 4,900 litres of storage space. There are also numerous state-of-the-art assistance systems – up to 18 optionally – which increase both safety and comfort. Passengers are well entertained and connected even on longer journeys with the intuitively operated infotainment systems based on the cockpit platforms from Qualcomm Technologies, Inc 3.

“Opel Zafira Electric has made a name for itself as a modern and comfortable lounge on wheels. With up to 9 seats and plenty of space for passengers and luggage, it is the ideal locally emissions-free people-mover for shuttle services as well as for everyday use and leisure. With the start of orders for the next generation, the Zafira Electric adds the unmistakable Opel Vizor design and state-of-the-art technologies,” said Patrick Dinger, head of Opel Germany.

New Opel Zafira Electric: Comfortable, modern VIP shuttle for up to nine people

Latest Zafira generation is the first to feature the Opel Vizor brand face – like all new Opel models – and draws attention with the bold and pure design of the front fascia, which flows seamlessly into the LED headlights. The new Zafira Electric impresses not only with its design, but above all with its practical strengths. The battery-electric van is available in two lengths (4.98 metres and 5.33 metres), in two equipment variants (Edition and GS) and with numerous customisation options, while the XL version offers optional space for up to 9 people. The rear is particularly comfortable with four independent, face-to-face seats, which turn the new Zafira Electric into a VIP shuttle. Entry and exit to rows two and three is made easier by optional sensor-controlled, electric sliding doors on both sides of the vehicle (standard with GS equipment). The optionally available panorama glass roof creates an even airier atmosphere.

New Opel Zafira Electric in the 9-seat configuration has a loading volume of up to 1,500 litres; with 5 people, luggage with a volume of up to 3,000 litres can be transported, and with 2 or 3 people on board, 4,900 litres. Particularly practical in shuttle services from hotels and the like: similar to its predecessor, the new Zafira measures just 1.90 metres in height and is therefore fully suitable for underground parking.

Travel further: All-electric range up to 347 kilometres (WLTP 1) without charging stop

All-electric Zafira Electric is even better than before in terms of efficiency and range. It is available with either a 50 kWh or a 75 kWh battery. With the further developed 75 kWh battery on board, a range of up to 347 kilometres (WLTP1) is possible without stopping to charge – over 20 kilometres more than before. In order to be particularly energy-efficient on the road, the Zafira Electric (like its “little brother”, the Opel Combo Electric, which is also already available to order) has a regenerative braking system that can be set to three recuperation levels using the paddle shifters behind the steering wheel. The shuttle, family and travel all-rounder can be quickly charged with alternating current (AC) using the 11 kW onboard charger that comes as standard in Germany. At a 100 kW DC fast charging station, a stop of around 38 minutes for the 50 kWh battery and 45 minutes for the 75 kWh battery is necessary to charge to 80 per cent of the battery capacity.

New Opel Zafira Electric is powered by a 100 kW (136 hp) electric motor; the maximum torque of 260 Newton meters is available at the first touch of the pedal, as is typical for electric vehicles, so that the locally emissions-free van can accelerate quickly to a top speed of 130 km/h. Depending on their preference, drivers can choose between the three driving modes Normal, Eco and Power.

Safety and comfort: Top infotainment, up to 18 modern assistance systems

Safety is also part of a relaxed journey. And this is a top priority for the new Opel Zafira Electric. The spacious people-mover offers up to 18 state-of-the-art driver assistance systems. Highlights include the adaptive cruise control with stop and go function as well as the high-resolution 180-degree rear view camera (standard on the GS). It makes turning and manoeuvring easier with additional sensors at the front and rear as well as flank guard and blind spot warning. Numerous other systems including Intelli-Grip with hill descent assist for traction on difficult surfaces such as snow, mud or sand complement the portfolio. For optimum vision in the dark, Full-LED headlights are standard in every variant.

Ergonomic cockpit also increases safety and comfort. The optional fully digital 10-inch digital driver information centre (standard on GS) provides all important information, including the navigation system and also offers data on energy consumption and charging. The new infotainment systems with 10-inch colour touchscreen use the integrated Snapdragon Cockpit and Auto Connectivity platforms from Qualcomm Technologies and enable, among other things, state-of-the-art graphics, multimedia and connectivity functions such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and 4G. In addition, important functions can be operated using the natural speech recognition “Hey Opel”. Compatible smartphones can be connected wirelessly to the Zafira's multimedia systems using Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and can now also be charged inductively.

[1] Range values determined according to WLTP test procedure methodology (R (EC) No. 715/2007, R (EU) No. 2017/1151). The actual range can vary under everyday conditions and depends on various factors, in particular on personal driving style, route characteristics, outside temperature, use of heating and air conditioning and thermal preconditioning.

[2] 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.

[3] Snapdragon is a trademark or registered trademark of Qualcomm Incorporated. Snapdragon is a product of Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. and/or its subsidiaries.