ADAC Opel Electric Rally Cup 2025: Exciting Battles at Season Opener

• Kick-off at the ADAC Rallye Sulingen: Spaniard Alex Español celebrates first win of the season
• Top placings: With Christian Lemke and Kilian Nierenz, two German drivers finish on the podium

ADAC Opel Electric Rally Cup has made a successful start to its fifth season at the ADAC Actronics Rallye Sulingen. After an exciting battle, which was sometimes decided by fractions of a second in the Opel Corsa Rally Electric, the Spaniard Alex "Sito" Español and his co-driver Borja Odriozola prevailed. After around 108 kilometres of special stages and two special stage best times, the Iberians were 8.1 seconds ahead of the Germans Christian Lemke/Jan-Eric Bemmann and the newcomers Kilian Nierenz/Milena Raithel. “That was a great start,” said a delighted Español. “In the first special stages we had to find our speed first, but from Saturday morning the confidence was back. That was a hard piece of work, so we're all the happier with the win.”

Last year's Sulingen winner Christian Lemke was also satisfied with his start to the season: “We worked a lot over the winter – in terms of cooperation in the cockpit as well as in the car set-up. All of this has borne fruit. We didn't risk anything on the last stages. Sito drove a great rally, and the competition is extremely strong again. The goal has to be to pick up points regularly in order to hopefully be among the front runners at the end of the season." Elsewhere, newcomer Kilian Nierenz was beaming: “It just went great. We didn't expect to challenge for the lead and even win the Power Stage in the end. We gave everything and are now really happy. Of course, we will continue to do our best.” Fourth place went to the winners of last year's Cup final at the Central European Rally, the Belgians Tom Heindrichs and Jonas Schmitz.

Close together: Strong field of participants promises exciting season

Balance in the field of 15 Opel Corsa Rally Electric was remarkable. In addition to the four drivers already mentioned, the Frenchmen Anthony and Adrien Rott as well as the Austrian Maximilian Lichtenegger and his German co-driver Pascal Raabe each achieved a special stage best time. Guest driver Sebastian Lange was also strong. The winner of the 2024 ADAC Clubsport Rally Sprint and his Cup-experienced co-driver Paul Gehbauer made their mark with a fifth and sixth fastest time, among other things, but slipped into a ditch twice and thus out of the standings.

Aoife Raftery and Hannah McKillop made a successful debut in the ADAC Opel Electric Rally Cup. The Irish, who otherwise compete in the Junior European Championship, got along better and better with the Corsa Rally Electric, which was new to them, and finished eighth in the end. “It was not only our first rally in the Cup, but also our first rally in Germany. There was a lot to learn,” admitted Raftery. “I was surprised by the good performance of OCorsa Rally Electric, especially the high grip level that the car offers. It's important to take the speed with you and let the car run. We will benefit from this experience in other rallies. We felt very comfortable in the Cup. Everything is well organised, all crews have the same material, so everything is fair. It was a great experience.”

Opel Motorsport boss Jörg Schrott drew a thoroughly positive conclusion from the start of the fifth season of the world's first electric rally one-make cup: “15 teams from seven nations fought an exciting battle. Above all, I was impressed by the numerous newcomers, even if in the end the veterans prevailed again. Our new charging infrastructure worked perfectly, as did the vehicles. This start to the season has whetted the appetite for more."

Second round of the ADAC Opel Electric Rally Cup 2025 will take place on May 23/24 as part of the ELE Rally around Eindhoven in the Netherlands.

Standings ADAC Opel Electric Rally Cup after 1 of 7 races:

1. Español                                30 points

2. Lemke                                  29

3. Nierenz                                 27

4. Heindrichs                            22

5. Kamermans                          18

6. Wittenbeck                           14

7. M. Neulinger                        12

8. Raftery                                 10

9. Jungnickel                             8

10. Rott                                     6

11. Steitz and Lichtenegger   both 5

One Million Mark Cracked: Current Opel Corsa an Absolute Bestseller

• Customers’ favourite: Opel Corsa top-selling small car in Germany four times in a row
• Europe-wide success: Current Opel/Vauxhall Corsa also tops registrations in the UK and Greece
• Recipe for success: Flexible, agile, ultra-modern and with a wide range of drive systems from battery-electric and hybrid to efficient combustion engines

Opel Corsa continues to go from strength to strength. Opel's small car bestseller is a perennial favourite which is loved by customers and experts alike. Now Opel and the Corsa are celebrating the next major milestone: Since the launch of the current generation F in 2019, more than one million Corsa have left the production halls at the Zaragoza plant in Spain and made their way to customers. And demand also increased in the first quarter of 2025: the number of new registrations in Europe (E29) rose by 18 per cent compared to the previous quarter. Since the premiere of the first Opel Corsa in 1982, around 15 million units have been sold worldwide.

“Our Corsa is an absolute bestseller. One million Corsa of the current generation show that customers really love our small car. With its fresh design, affordable top technologies and high flexibility packed in compact dimensions, it appeals to the most diverse groups of customers. This unique combination makes it a fundamental guarantee for success in our portfolio,” said Florian Huettl, CEO Opel & Vauxhall and Managing Director Stellantis Germany.

Its great success is also reflected in other figures: According to registration statistics from the German Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA), the current Corsa has been Germany's best-selling small car in each of the past four years. It was also the top-selling car in its segment in the UK for three years in a row (2021 to 2023). In these two important markets, the Corsa once again led the B segment in the first quarter of 2025. From January to March 2025, the popular small car also made it into the top three in its segment in further countries such as Croatia, the Netherlands, Norway and Slovenia. And in Greece, the Corsa was even the best-selling passenger car in the overall market in 2023. Numerous awards from public and experts such as the ‘Best in Class’ Award 2025 for the Opel Corsa Electric as ‘Best Electric City Vehicle’ also pave its way.

Formula for success: Continuous development of flexible small car

There are multiple reasons for the ongoing success: The current Opel Corsa generation impresses with its characteristic design including the Opel Vizor front, has space for up to five people and offers affordable top technologies such as the adaptive, glare-free Intelli-Lux Matrix light making journeys relaxing and safe. Customers also have an extremely wide selection of drive options, ranging from two battery-electric variants to modern hybrids with 48-volt technology and efficient combustion engines. Thus, Opel Corsa offers the right drivetrain for almost every usage profile and need.

Furthermore, Opel is continuously developing its small car, making it even more attractive and suitable for everyday use for customers. Take Opel Corsa Electric, for example: With its 51 kWh battery and an output of 115 kW (156 hp) it now enables a locally emissions-free range of up to 429 kilometres (WLTP 2) – around 6% or up to 24 kilometres more than before. Best of all, customers can enjoy the extended range without facing any additional costs. And as special edition Opel Corsa YES the small car bestseller becomes an extremely colourful head-turner which is also available with battery-electric drive. All of this makes the latest Opel Corsa generation a firm favourite with the customers which will continue its success story in the future.

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

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

35 years of Opel in Eisenach: CEO Florian Huettl hands over all-new Opel Grandland Electric to the automobile welt eisenach museum

• From Eisenach for Eisenach: CEO Florian Huettl hands over new Opel Grandland Electric to Automobile Museum
• First: Top SUV is first electric car in exhibition at “automobile welt eisenach”
• Tradition: Opel firmly anchored in Thuringian city and region for 35 years

Brand new and already in the museum: Opel CEO Florian Huettl presented a new Opel Grandland Electric to the collection of "automobile welt eisenach" ("awe") on Wednesday. The new Opel flagship was unveiled in Eisenach a year ago and has been delighting customers and the trade media ever since.

The top-of-the-line SUV is the first Opel to be based on the state-of-the-art STLA medium platform, optimized for electric vehicles. The model, in all its powertrain variants, is manufactured at the Eisenach plant, which also received its own battery shop. Another special feature:all-new Opel Grandland is the first Opel model with batteries from a European manufacturer—produced by ACC in Douvrin, France.

"All-new Opel Grandland Electric is a true game changer with an electric range of up to around 700 kilometers 1. It was designed and developed in Germany and rolls off the production line exclusively here in Eisenach. It is therefore a great honor for me that our latest model completes the presentation of Eisenach automobile manufacturing since 1898 in the 'awe' museum – and a great pleasure that the range of Opel models on display from Eisenach is also enriched by a state-of-the-art electric SUV," said Florian Huettl, CEO of Opel & Vauxhall and Managing Director of Stellantis Germany.  

Dr. Jessica Lindner-Elsner, Scientific Director of the "awe" Museum and Archives, emphasized: "We are delighted that today the first representative of e-mobility – built in Eisenach – is making its way into our vehicle presentation and would like to thank Opel for this generous support. This not only expands our exhibition to include the current Opel model from Eisenach, but also builds a bridge to the beginning of vehicle production here in the city in 1898. Even back then, electric motors were already in use in the Wartburg Motorwagen."

Opel and Eisenach have enjoyed a close relationship for 35 years. The brand with the lightning bolt was one of the first companies to become involved in the former East German states in 1990, the year of reunification, laying the foundation for a success story with cars "made in Eisenach" that continues to this day. A few months after the founding of Opel-AWE-Planungs-GmbH in March 1990 and just two days after the official reunification, the first Opel Vectra rolled off the assembly line in an AWE factory on October 5, 1990. Three months later, the foundation stone for the new factory in the Wartburg town was laid.

Christoph Ihling, Mayor of Eisenach, emphasized: "It fills me with personal pride that all-new Opel Grandland is not only being built in Eisenach, but is being presented in a fitting manner at an authentic site of Eisenach's automotive history. The fact that Opel has been based in Eisenach for 35 years now demonstrates that the combined transformation efforts after reunification were no flash in the pan. To this day, they continue to have a positive impact far beyond the plant, securing jobs and prosperity throughout the entire region. I am committed to ensuring that this continues in the future."

The plant in Eisenach is well prepared for the future. The company has invested €130 million in the site for the production of all-new Opel Grandland and has developed it into a true 'electric plant' – with a battery shop and a production facility where the top SUV, with all drive variants, can roll off a single line with full flexibility.

[1] The stated – provisional – range was determined based on the WLTP test procedures (Regulation (EC) No. 715/2007 and Regulation (EU) No. 2017/1151). The actual range may vary under everyday conditions and depends on various factors, in particular personal driving style, road conditions, outside temperature, use of heating and air conditioning, and thermal preconditioning. Vehicle with 97 kWh battery not yet available.

Opel to Present World Premiere at XS CARNIGHT Wörthersee 2025

• Makes fans’ hearts beat faster: Legendary tuning festival returns to Austria from May 28 to June 1 with a total of six events
• Strong partner: Opel thrills with many highlights and a special world premiere

XS CARNIGHT stands for unique automobiles and show cars that make fans' hearts beat faster. This year, the legendary tuning event is returning to Lake Wörthersee – with Opel set to take centre stage. From May 28 to June 1, the festival will attract the community to Klagenfurt with a mixture of vehicle exhibitions and further activities for the public. 

Opel will once again play a significant role: With its own hall and a very special world premiere on Friday, May 30. Only this much can be revealed at this point: It will be bold, it will be rough, it will be extraordinary in every respect.

The brand with the iconic Blitz emblem has already caused a stir at CARNIGHT events in the younger past – with Opel models that the XS specialists transformed into cars for aficionados thanks to eye-catching decals. The unique models of recent years include the current Astra in XS design as well as its highly dynamic estate counterpart, the Astra Sports Tourer.

However, the XS CARNIGHT festival is not just an event for tuning fans and car enthusiasts – instead they fill it with life. Thus, the Opel hall at the Klagenfurt trade fair will also feature numerous privately owned vehicles that have been modified with great attention to detail. All fans who want to visit the XS CARNIGHT Wörthersee on May 30 at the Klagenfurt Exhibition Centre and experience the Opel world premiere live can order tickets here.

For all who want to know more about Opel at this year’s XS CARNIGHT Wörthersee: Stay tuned – detailed information will follow soon.

Easter Egg Hunt - Opel Way: Find Sharks in All-New Opel Grandland

• Dive into depths of New Opel Grandland: Several sharks hide in new top SUV
• Iconic idea: Shark tradition at Opel began around 20 years ago with a boy's brainwave
• Attention to detail: Designers fill Opel's pure and bold design philosophy with life
• To be continued: Small sharks also in new Opel Frontera and further models

Many families are already to go on an Easter egg hunt together. But why should it always be the classic Easter nests in the garden or chocolate bunnies that provide surprises? Opel has a completely different, even more exciting and above all ‘weatherproof’ suggestion – and those familiar with the brand will guess what it is: Why not dive into the depths of an Opel model and keep an eye out for well-hidden little sharks? Miniature predators have been delighting drivers and passengers alike for almost 20 years now – and continue to do so in all-new Opel Grandland.

New top SUV from Opel offers plenty of everything: innovative technologies such as the adaptive, glare-free IntelliLux HD light, maximum comfort with Intelli-Seats as standard, clever solutions such as the translucent Pixel Box in the centre console and many other surprises such as the cute sharks – which appear in whole swarms in some places on the latest ‘Golden Steering Wheel’ winner 1. But you will need to do a bit of detective work to find out exactly where, as the sea dwellers are shy by nature. 

They can hardly be seen at first glance; instead, one lid has to be opened, another tray turned or the surroundings of the wirelessly charging smartphone viewed from a completely new perspective. Electrified in every variant and produced with many recycled materials, the Grandland also conserves resources in line with Opel's ‘Greenovation’ approach and thus ensures that the iconic sharks feel even more at home in the vehicle.

“The sharks have become iconic among the community. And they show the attention our designers pay to even the smallest detail,” said Design Director Karim Giordimaina. “Many customers are already looking forward to searching for the sharks when they buy their next Opel model. So, the playful sharks are also proof of how we inspire enthusiasm and emotions with our vehicles, on a large as well as on a small scale.”

Iconic brainwave: Opel sharks story began in 2004

Thus, it is no wonder that the miniature sharks have been making their way into every new model for many years. But how come that they were allowed to become a regular feature in Opel cars at all? A brief look back: One Sunday afternoon in 2004, designer Dietmar Finger was at home working on a sketch for the Corsa D which was to be launched two years later. He was designing the ordinary outer panel of the glove box, which is mostly invisible because it is hidden by the closed passenger door. However, when the glove box is opened, this panel must ensure stability – which it does with ribs integrated in the plastic surface. Finger was designing the ribs when his son looked at the sketch and said, “Why don’t you just draw a shark?” “Why not!” thought the designer and gave the ribs their characteristic shape! The next day, he showed the shark profile to Niels Loeb and the then Corsa Chief Designer was immediately sold on the idea. The shark in the glove box went into series production and the ‘Opel sharks story’ began.

Next came Opel Zafira, where Karim Giordimaina, then in charge of the interior design, hid three sharks in the compact van’s cockpit. Further permanent ‘shark appearances’ followed, first in the Opel ADAM and subsequently in all other car models up to the current generation Astra and Astra Sports Tourer as well as the new Grandland, where several tiny sea creatures are hidden in various places.

This has created an iconic ritual. Since the mid-2000s, every interior chief designer has made sure that at the end of the development process of a new model they have at least one shark somewhere in the interior. The exact locations always remain secret, even from top management. The fish therefore often stay hidden until the launch, which makes for an interesting search for shark lovers both inside and outside the company.

Consequently, the ‘Opel sharks story’ continues. Customers will soon be able to go on a shark hunt with the whole family in the new Opel Frontera. And in future Opel vehicles, too, the mini predators will be making their rounds, sometimes more, sometimes less hidden. Depending on the model, they may well change their territory in the depths of the interior and bodywork. So it remains exciting for customers to see where and how many sharks they will discover in their new Opel model.

[1] AUTO BILD edition 46/2024 and BILD am SONNTAG edition 45/2024, category ‘Best car under €50,000’.

New Opel Mokka: First-class Digital Infotainment Experience

• Cockpit based on the next generation Snapdragon® Cockpit Platform and Snapdragon® Auto Connectivity Platform from Qualcomm Technologies, Inc.
• Highly customisable 10-inch digital driver information and colour touchscreen as standard
• Colour touchscreen can be operated via widgets like a smartphone
• Natural voice recognition ‘Hey Opel’ in combination with navigation system
• Intelligent ChatGPT functionalities for the first time in new Opel Mokka
• 180-degree HD rear-view camera ensures excellent visibility when manoeuvring in city

While new Opel Mokka is as eye-catching as ever thanks to its gently sharpened exterior design, it truly impresses with its refreshed interior with new technologies and innovations. Thanks to the new cockpit and infotainment, Mokka drivers can look forward to an even more connected and relaxed journey. This is ensured by Snapdragon®'s state-of-the-art technology platform as well as standard equipment with 10-inch screens that can be personalised in many ways. With ChatGPT 2, artificial, co-learning intelligence comes into play in Opel Mokka for first time, making every car journey more pleasant and entertaining. New Opel Mokka is stylistically refined on outside and on a new level on inside – bold, pure, intuitive and forward-looking    

Intelligent, intuitive, customisable: Upgraded Opel Mokka infotainment system

New multimedia and navigation infotainment system takes Opel Mokka to next level. Cockpit utilises Qualcomm Technologies’ next generation Snapdragon Cockpit Platform and Snapdragon Auto Connectivity Platform 1 to enable premium in-vehicle experiences, including state-of-the-art graphics, multimedia and enhanced connectivity capabilities such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and 4G.

Further developed bestseller now offers a 10-inch digital driver information display and an equally large colour touchscreen as standard. Latter can be easily operated via widgets, just like a smartphone – alternatively and in combination with the optional navigation system, a ‘Hey Opel’ is enough to use  natural voice recognition. Both displays can be personalised in many ways. System recognises driver's personal profile on connected smartphone; connection is always wireless in new Opel Mokka. Various virtual shortcuts can be set up on central screen and up to seven different colour schemes for preferred ambience offer further customisation options.

When ordered with integrated navigation system, map updates are made available automatically over-the-air. System also constantly learns and – based on habits of linked driver profile – independently suggests destinations and routes. myOpel app can also be used to easily send the destination and the corresponding route to the vehicle. Another advantage for drivers of all-electric Opel Mokka Electric: After entering the desired destination, the remaining charge level of the battery upon arrival is displayed. This is determined according to the previous driving style. Route can also be planned including charging stops along the way. System then calculates possible driving and charging times. And the screen of the battery-electric SUV provides customers with a wide range of information and statistics on energy consumption, charge level and remaining range, as well as energy recuperation.

So much information: ChatGPT makes new Opel Mokka even smarter

In addition, Opel offers an innovative solution for new Mokka and other models to make it easier to find your way around in unfamiliar surroundings or simply to make long journeys more entertaining: ChatGPT 2, which is available in conjunction with Connected Navigation. With functionalities of this generative AI technology, Opel drivers and passengers have access to a wide range of information from a long list of topics. Technology, developed by OpenAI, can return it to its users in a sophisticated and precise way.

For example, when looking for a restaurant in an unfamiliar city, ChatGPT 2 can make suggestions based on personal preferences and offers routing to the chosen destination. It can also answer questions such as which artist performed a certain song, who starred in a blockbuster movie – it can even create a quiz to increase the entertainment factor.

Thus, ChatGPT 2 is another example of how Opel is making top technologies accessible and affordable for a wide range of customers. This has also been recognised by the high-profile international AUTOBEST jury which awarded Opel and other Stellantis brands with the ‘SMARTBEST 2025’ for the introduction of ChatGPT 2 in their models. Award recognises pioneering solutions for onboard connectivity in vehicles.

Enhance convenience and security: Digital displays, multiple connectivity options

In addition to wireless connection of compatible smartphones to infotainment system, personal mobile device can also be charged wirelessly in centre console of new Opel Mokka. Furthermore, portable devices such as smartphones and tablets can also be connected via the USB-C socket in the centre console.

Elsewhere, the new high-definition 180-degree rear-view camera ensures excellent visibility when manoeuvring in the city. When reverse gear is engaged, the view behind the vehicle is displayed on the 10-inch infotainment monitor. In addition to visualisation, signal and warning sounds support manoeuvring in tight spaces.

In all of this, clarity and intuitive operation of assistance systems, infotainment and setting options such as air conditioning were focus of development of Opel Mokka cockpit. Engineers and designers have integrated some settings that could previously be controlled via buttons into the central colour touchscreen. And assistance systems, which are not essential for every situation, can be easily deactivated and switched on again at the touch of just one button. Entire cockpit design appears fresher and more desirable, as if from a higher vehicle class. For example, design of remaining switches for the electric parking brake and the selectable driving modes (on Opel Mokka Electric and automatic variants) comes from all-new Opel Grandland.

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

[2] This new service uses the power of generative artificial intelligence including the technologies of the SoundHound Chat AI platform. Version 3.5 of ChatGPT uses data dating back to January 2022 at the latest, and therefore has no knowledge of events and data after that date.

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

Contract Extended: Florian Huettl to remain CEO of Opel and Vauxhall for Three More Years

Florian Huettl will remain CEO of Opel/Vauxhall. The supervisory board of Opel Automobile GmbH has extended the 48-year-old's contract by another three years. Florian Huettl has been at the helm of the Opel and Vauxhall brands since June 2022 and has also led Stellantis' activities in Germany since December 2024.

"Over the past three years at the helm of Opel/Vauxhall, Florian Huettl has demonstrated that he can consistently position the traditional brands for the future, even in challenging times. He is a proven industry expert with outstanding leadership skills and experience in the international market environment. We are convinced that Florian will successfully shape the further development of Opel, Vauxhall and the German Stellantis organisation," said Xavier Chéreau, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Opel Automobile GmbH and Chief Human Resources, ESG, ICT & Heritage Officer.

All-New Opel Grandland with Intelli-Air: Allergy Sufferers can Breathe Freely

• GRAND Air: Highly efficient air quality system with automatic air exchange
• Effective against hay fever: Powerful activated carbon filters stop unwanted particles
• Correct behaviour: Tips for what to do when pollen levels are high

All-new Opel Grandland is not just good – it’s GRAND!” The top-of-the-line SUV delivers precisely what the international #GOGRAND campaign promises. This applies to state-of-the-art technologies as well as comfort and safety. This is particularly important for allergy sufferers most of the year and especially in the coming months: clean air in the interior so occupants can breathe freely and always have a clear view without tears in their eyes. This is ensured by the state-of-the-art Intelli-Air ‘Clean Cabin’ air quality system, which is available for all-new Opel Grandland.

Advantages of the interior air quality created by ‘Clean Cabin’ are manifold:

• It contributes significantly to the well-being of the driver and passengers.
• Effective cleaning mechanisms prevent annoying itching of the eyes and nose of allergy sufferers and enable all passengers to breathe freely.
• This increases the safety of all road users.

Intelligent and highly effective: Keeping an eye on interior air quality with Intelli-Air

In the ‘Golden Steering Wheel 2024’ 1 winning Opel Grandland an intelligent, particularly effective air quality system called Intelli-Air is optionally available. It combines highly effective air and particulate filters with an air quality monitoring system. It continuously controls the state of the interior air, initiating an automatic exchange when the air becomes stale. The air quality is controlled by the position of the recirculation vent. When the exterior air quality is poor, the car’s air quality sensor (AQS) closes the vent so that no pollutants can enter the car’s interior. However, if the interior air is stale or tainted, e.g. through smoking or dust on clothing, the vent opens to supply the passengers with fresher air.

Thanks to Intelli-Air, the interior air of all-new Opel Grandland remains as clean as possible. The passengers can even see this for themselves: the system informs them of the air quality via the large colour touchscreen. It displays a car-shaped emoji that is based on the international AQI (Air Quality Index). The colour of the emoji changes according to the standard of the air in the interior. The standard of the air in the passenger compartment is monitored by a PM 2.5 sensor that can detect particulates up to 2.5 micrometre in size.

Doubling up: Active carbon combination filters gases and odours

Intelli-Air ensures good air quality standards in all-new Grandland in combination with Opel original particulate and activated carbon combination filters, that are also available in many other Opel models. These consist of two layers and can therefore not only keep particles out the interior, but also filter out odours and gases such as ozone. Best of all, pollen is almost 100 per cent eliminated.

The quality of the filters meets the highest standards. The filter material is water-repellent, which prevents it from freezing in winter or becoming home to bacteria. Despite the high filter performance, good air permeability is ensured. The filter should be changed once every 12 months to ensure clean interior air all year round. A filter management system informs the driver when an exchange is necessary.

Ideal behaviour during pollen season

Everyone can play a part in protecting themselves from a hay fever attack while driving. With high pollen concentration, you should only drive a car with the windows closed and let Intelli-Air and the filters take care of the rest. This also benefits road safety – if drivers have to sneeze more often, the risk of accidents increases. In downtown traffic, for example, a car can travel 20 metres in the time it takes to sneeze; at 100 km/h the driver might not have their eyes on the road for more than 50 metres. It is best to get advice beforehand about the current pollen forecast, for example, from the local weather service.

In addition, motorists should refrain from medication, because the so-called antihistamines can cause drowsiness. Clothes should be taken off in the bathroom, not in the bedroom, and hair washed in the evening so that pollen does not get on the pillow. A rinse with sodium chloride in the morning and evening calms an irritated nose and a damp cloth over the eyes soothes the itching. Furthermore, pollen protection and fine dust grids on windows offer an additional barrier and help keep indoor air clean.

[1] AUTO BILD edition 46/2024 and BILD am SONNTAG edition 45/2024, category ‘Best car under €50,000’.

Eye-catching and Practical: New Opel Vivaro Electric Sportive

• Stylish: With sporty stickers, 17-inch alloys and characteristic design elements
• Standard: Numerous packages with technology and comfort features
• Locally emissions-free: 100 kW electric motor, 75 kWh battery, up to 352 km range (WLTP1)
• Workhorse: Up to one tonne payload and 5.8 m3 loading volume
• Available to order: Opel Vivaro Electric Sportive panel van from €48,500, Vivaro Electric Sportive double cab from €51,500 (RRP excl. VAT in Germany)

Opel Vivaro Electric is not only an all-rounder that fits almost every application profile, it is also the perfect business card for companies – even more so as the stylish new Opel Vivaro Electric Sportive, which can be ordered now. With its characteristic design details, it becomes an eye-catcher on every work trip. In addition, the 4.98 metre long and around 1.90 metre high van, which is therefore fully suitable for underground parking, offers numerous packages with many technology and comfort features as standard in this special edition. Opel Vivaro Electric Sportive is equipped with a 100 kW (136 hp) electric motor and 75 kWh battery and can be ordered as a panel van for €48,500 and as a double cab from €51,500 (all prices RRP excl. VAT in Germany).

Van becomes a design statement: ‘Sporty’ styling details

From the outside, the ‘Sportive’ attracts attention with its characteristic vehicle stickers. The sporty black stripes with yellow highlight on the bonnet extends to the Opel Vizor brand face. There, standard LED headlights and LED daytime running lights ensure the best visibility. Bumpers, door handles and the sliding door rail trim are painted in the body colour, the side mouldings and the exterior mirror caps are black. The pattern, which runs along the sides to the rear wheel arches, reflects the sporty striped design of the bonnet. The 17-inch alloys of Opel Vivaro Electric Sportive underline the high-quality look. In the interior both the dashboard and the door panels are held in black.

Dynamic Surround View and navigation system: Numerous packages as standard

Numerous additional packages that are already included as standard represent another advantage for Vivaro Electric Sportive drivers. With many technical and comfort details, they make daily commutes easier, safer and more relaxed.

‘Sight & Light’ package with fog lights and electrically adjustable, heated and folding exterior mirrors not only increases safety, but also practical use with a 12-volt socket in the glove compartment and on the D-pillar on the driver's side. The ‘Sportive’ comes with a highlight in the ‘Dynamic Surround View’ package with the digital rearview mirror. The system consists of two cameras, one above the rear doors and the other under the passenger side mirror. The images captured by the cameras are displayed on the digital screen. While driving, the driver can see the area behind the rear of the Vivaro. When the indicator is activated, the driver can also see the normally lateral blind spot on the passenger side. Compared to conventional mirrors, the system offers a better, more comprehensive overview.

Entire cockpit is designed to be highly ergonomic. With the ‘Connect Nav’ package, Vivaro Electric Sportive drivers have the high-quality IVI high audio system. Routes can be planned using the navigation system with a 10-inch touchscreen. In addition, the digital, colour 10-inch driver information display provides all important information. Features included in the ‘Comfort’ package such as the two-zone automatic climate control, the inductive charging cradle for wirelessly charging compatible smartphones, the keyless system and the heated leather steering wheel also offer car-level comfort. The ‘Winter’ package with seat heating for all seats in the front row also increases the feel-good factor on cold days.

In the panel van and double cab, the height-adjustable driver’s seat with lumbar support and armrest makes the journey even more relaxing. FlexCargo double passenger seat, which is also standard in the ‘Sportive’ panel van, expands the loading space with its through-loading function. And the rear compartment itself has enhanced LED lighting.

No compromises: One tonne payload and 352 kilometres range 

Opel Vivaro Electric Sportive is not only well equipped and stylish – it is also locally emissions-free. With its 75 kWh battery, it enables ranges of up to 352 kilometres between charging stops (WLTP 1). And if the electric transporter needs additional energy, it can be quickly charged with alternating current using the standard three-phase 11 kW onboard charger. At a 100 kW direct current fast charging station, a “break stop” of around 45 minutes is necessary to charge to 80 percent of the battery capacity. With all of this, the commercial vehicle all-rounder makes no compromises as a load carrier: Opel Vivaro Electric panel van offers up to 5.8 cubic meters of loading volume and up to one tonne of payload.

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