!NEW! Opel Ampera Wins "eCar Award 2013" As Best Overall Concept

• Opel Ampera wins award in the new category "First Evergreens"
• Opel CEO Dr. Neumann accepts prize at the IAA in Frankfurt

The price has been handed over to Opel CEO Karl-Thomas Neumann by the editors-in-chief Bernd Wieland (on left) and Olaf Schilling. 

In 2010, the revolutionary Opel Ampera won the newly introduced "eCar Award” as the "Innovation of the Year"; in 2011 the series production vehicle was voted "eCar of the Year". And not even two years after its launch, the electric car with the clever range extender concept is already one of the first evergreens in the electric car segment: more than 13,000 readers of Auto Bild and Auto Test chose the Ampera over 15 competitors as the "best overall concept" among the "first evergreens" of electric mobility. At the IAA in Frankfurt the initiators of the "eCar Award", editors-in-chief Bernd Wieland (Auto Bild) and Olaf Schilling (Auto Test), congratulated Opel CEO Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann on this success.

"The trendsetting propulsion concept of our Ampera was convincing from the very start," said Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann at the award ceremony. "The fact that the Ampera is now already regarded as an 'evergreen' and the readers have selected it as the best overall concept shows us that the technology combining electric drive and a range extender is not only well received, but also that it has proven itself in real-world mobility."

As an important boost for the further proliferation of electric mobility, Opel has just lowered the entry-level price for the Ampera to 38,300 Euro (RRP incl. VAT in Germany) – 7,600 Euro less than before. The automaker is thus again making innovative mobility solutions accessible to a broader customer base.

Opel Ampera: Electric mobility suitable for everyday use

The Opel Ampera is the first electric vehicle that does not require any changes in habit or attitude. A unique 16 kWh lithium-ion battery pack feeds an advanced, 111 kW/150 hp electric drive unit to deliver between 40 and 80 km of pure electric operation with zero emissions – depending on terrain, driving technique and temperature – when fully charged. In extended-range mode, which activates whenever the battery has reached its minimum state of charge, power is seamlessly inverted to the electric drive unit from a generator driven by a gasoline engine. This enables a total driving range of more than 500 kilometers without refueling. The Ampera’s electric propulsion system delivers instant torque of 370 Nm that enables zero to 100 km/h acceleration in under ten seconds and a top speed of 161 km/h.

!NEW! Opel Ampera Electric Vehicle Now At Low Price of 38,300 euros

• Clear signal: Price reduction gives electric mobility new boost
• Clear statement: Opel CEO Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann announces E-initiative
• No compromises: Fully-fledged four-seater without range limitation

Opel CEO Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann at the ZEIT Conference with the Opel Ampera.

The Opel Ampera is unique. No other European electric car can transport four people up to 80 kilometers on pure electric power and more than 500 kilometers in bi-fuel operation without making a stop to re-charge. In the framework of the model offensive that is now in full swing, Opel is making another clear statement and investing in the future of electric mobility. The German automaker is significantly reducing the Ampera’s purchase price in selected markets – as a boost for this environmentally friendly type of mobility that is still not widespread enough. In Germany the innovation leader Opel Ampera is now available from just 38,300 euros, a substantial reduction of 7,600 euros.

Opel is one of the pioneers in trendsetting electric mobility. Since its market launch at the beginning of 2012, Opel has made significant progress with its first electric car. By streamlining series production processes, leveraging savings in components purchasing and maintaining an unwavering commitment to making electric mobility affordable for everyone, Opel is now able to considerably reduce the Ampera’s price. In doing so, the automaker strengthens a new, trendsetting technology – for the general benefit of the customers and much to the delight of the Opel CEO. Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann: “The Opel Ampera was the first electric car on the market from a European manufacturer. With our new pricing, we show our straightforwardness and continue to pursue our strategy for sustainable mobility. We at Opel remain committed to investing in electric propulsion and believe in an emission-free automotive future – not in the future, but today.” The Opel CEO announced this good news today at the ZEIT Congress in Frankfurt, a conference for experts on the subject of mobility of the future.

The Opel Ampera is a fully-fledged, four-seat sedan which can cover up to 80 kilometers on pure electric power, meaning completely emission-free in urban areas. When the 16-kWh lithium battery is charged with electricity from renewable sources, its environmental footprint is impeccable. And when the on-board range extender – a 1.4-liter gasoline engine – is used, the Opel Ampera can cover distances up to 500 kilometers without stopping for a battery re-charge.

!NEW! Premiere of Green Mobility Trophy: Opel Ampera Takes Top Honors

EV suitable for everyday use convinces readers of trade magazine Auto Zeitung

Clear vote for the trailblazer in electric mobility: readers of Auto Zeitung have awarded the Opel Ampera the “Green Mobility Trophy 2013” and named the mid-size sedan the best electric vehicle. For the first time, the trade magazine presented 134 models and engines from 34 brands as candidates in seven categories. In the electric vehicle class the Opel Ampera beat out 18 competitors to take the title. The 18,000 participating readers put the two closest competitors – the Tesla Model S and BMW i3 – well behind the Ampera. With the “Green Mobility Trophy” Auto Zeitung honors models and propulsion concepts chosen by its readers that are trendsetting in their class in terms of particularly eco-friendly use of resources.

Title chaser Ampera: Trophy cabinet is getting crowded

Since its introduction in 2011, the Opel Ampera has become a real trophy collector. Its title highlights include “Car of the Year 2012”, “World Green Car of the Year” and victories in the readers’ choice awards from Auto Bild and Autoscout24.de.

“What customers expect from electric cars is clear: they want technology that is more environmentally friendly while offering all the benefits of conventional propulsion systems. The “Green Mobility Trophy” is latest proof that we more than meet these expectations with the Ampera,” says Andreas Marx, Director Marketing Opel Germany.

Opel Ampera: Impeccable environmental balance and driving dynamics

The Opel Ampera is the first electric vehicle that does not require any changes in habit or attitude. A unique 16 kWh lithium-ion battery pack feeds an advanced, 111 kW/150 hp electric drive unit to deliver between 40 and 80 km of pure electric operation with zero emissions – depending on terrain, driving technique and temperature – when fully charged.

In extended-range mode, which activates whenever the battery has reached its minimum state of charge, power is seamlessly inverted to the electric drive unit from a generator driven by a gasoline engine. This enables a total driving range of more than 500 kilometers without refueling. The Ampera’s electric propulsion system delivers instant torque of 370 Nm that enables zero to 100 km/h acceleration in under 10 seconds and a top speed of 161 km/h.

!NEW! From Ampera to Zafira – Real Eco Angels are Called Opel

• Opel Ampera is Europe’s first electric vehicle suitable for everyday use
• ecoFLEX technology reduces fuel consumption in Opel Corsa by 27 percent
• Insignia 1.4 Turbo is one of the most fuel-efficient gasoline models in mid-size segment
• New Euro 6 diesel in Opel Zafira Tourer consumes just 4.1 liters fuel
• Already 21 Opel cars – three times more than in 2012 – with best eco rating A+ 

Opel cuts a fine figure on World Environment Day (June 5, 2013). Since introducing ecoFLEX technology in 2008, the brand has presented a wide spectrum of ultra-efficient models and continuously reduced fuel consumption and emissions. The automaker offers real fuel-saving champions in all model ranges from the electric Ampera to the Zafira Tourer family van. In the process, Opel successfully achieves the perfect balance between economy and performance with its engines. This is impressively documented with the development of the Opel Corsa. The small car was the first Opel model in the consumption-optimized ecoFLEX version with combined consumption of 4.5 liters per 100 km and output of 55 kW/75 hp. Thanks to continuous enhancements, the current Opel Corsa 1.3 CDTI ecoFLEX with 70 kW/95 hp covers 100 km with exemplary consumption of just 3.3 liters (88 g/km CO₂) – while fulfilling the stringent Euro 5 emissions standard.

Opel Corsa 1.3 CDTI  ecoFLEX 

Since 2008 Opel has been able to reduce the popular small car’s fuel consumption by no less than 27 percent while increasing engine performance by just as much! This is a stunningly clear example of engine development as expressed in efficiency.

The white fleet: Clean diesel, efficient gasoline, good alternatives

Opel Ampera EV

Today the Opel economy champs are headed up by an uncompromising electric vehicle. The Opel Ampera is a fully-fledged four-seat sedan that can cover up to 80 km on pure electric power. And if the 16 kWh lithium battery was charged with electricity from renewable energy sources, its eco audit is immaculate. With the help of the on-board range extender – a 1.4-liter gasoline engine – the Ampera can cover up to 500 km before needing to recharge or refuel.

Opel Astra 1.7 CDTI ecoFLEX 

But as it does not do the climate a lot of good if only a few innovative models skimp on fuel, Opel has substantially improved the efficiency of its entire portfolio in recent years. The main Astra model range boasts a number of eco angels. The Astra 1.7 CDTI ecoFLEX consumes just 3.7 liters of diesel per 100 km (99 g/km CO₂) with excellent performance figures: 96 kW/130 hp and 300 Nm maximum torque. Its sister model with a gasoline engine, the Astra 1.4 Turbo ecoFLEX, spoils its owner with 103 kW/140 hp output and consumption of just 5.5 liters fuel (combined per 100 km).

Opel Zafira Tourer 1.6 CDTI ecoFLEX 

Even more impressive are the extremely low consumption figures of Opel’s large model. The Zafira Tourer van carries seven occupants and consumes just 4.1 liters diesel per 100 km (109 g/km CO₂) in its 1.6 CDTI ecoFLEX variant. The four-cylinder from an all-new engine generation has output of 100 kW/136 hp (320 Nm torque) and already fulfills Euro 6 emission standards. So the new diesel not only boasts very low CO₂ emissions, it also drastically reduces nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions. But it’s not over by a long shot with the convincingly economical version of the seven-seater. Depending on driving distance profile and use, the Opel Zafira Tourer can also be ordered as an environmentally-friendly natural gas (1.6 Turbo CNG ecoFLEX) or liquid petroleum gas (1.4 LPG ecoFLEX) version.

The flagship: Turbo gasoline model with diesel-level consumption figures 

Opel Insignia 1.4 Turbo ecoFLEX 

The elegant, 4.83 meter-long Opel Insignia leads the way with the best example: the 1.4 Turbo ecoFLEX is the most economical gasoline engine in the mid-size segment. The sedan consumes just 5.5 liters fuel per 100 km (126 g/km CO₂) with this thrifty engine that delivers 103 kW/140 hp and maximum torque of 220 Nm thanks to overboost technology.

Opel Insignia 2.0 CDTI  ecoFLEX  

The diesel counterpart 2.0 CDTI ecoFLEX with Start/Stop technology is even more frugal and brings the 100 km figure down to a sensational 4.3 liters (112 g/km CO₂). The driver needn’t make any compromises here either. The Insignia delivers 118 kW/160 hp and a whopping 380 Nm when needed. With these top figures, the Opel Insignia gets an A+ CO₂ label – it doesn’t get any better than that.

On the right track: Opel already has over 200 award-winning models

The German Energy Agency awards this CO₂ label. It rates all vehicles in categories from A+ (dark green) to G (dark red), thus providing important consumer information. The good, green area includes the categories A+ to C. Today Opel can offer over 200 different model variants in this economical cars league.

Last year seven Opel models were awarded the best CO₂ label A+, and in mid-2013 it’s already 21 – tripling the total in not even 12 months! In addition, 37 cars are classified as A and another 65 as B. These are impressive figures and proof of the exemplary dedication to vehicle and especially engine development at Opel.

From Ampera to Zafira – real eco angels are called Opel.

!NEW! Israeli ambassador visits Opel

• Ambassador Yakov Hadas-Handelsman meet Opel CEO Karl-Thomas Neumann
• Israel plays important role in the Opel export offensive 

Israeli Ambassador in Germany Yakov Hadas-Handelsman (left) and Opel CEO, Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann

The Israeli Ambassador in the Federal Republic of Germany, Yakov Hadas-Handelsman has met yesterday to exchange information with the Opel CEO, Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann, as well as the Opel Vice President of Public Policy, Joachim Koschnicke. The focus of the talks was the commitment of Opel in the Israeli automobile market. The Ambassador was accompanied by the director of the Israel Trade Center, Hemdat Sagi.

The Ambassador also briefed about the company's strategy for sustainable mobility. This included a test drive the Ampera, the first fully electric vehicle for everyday use on the European market. Was rounded off the visit with a tour of the Rüsselsheim car production and the Opel classic car collection.

Israel is in the Opel export drive has an important place. Already in 2011, Opel has multiplied together with the new importer of Israeli Shlomo Group, the Opel brand in the Israeli market and reorganized the sales from the previous year. In 2012 already around 5,000 new vehicles were sold to Israel. The Opel models are marketed in Israel so far in seven locations, an eighth location was opened in April in Jerusalem.

!NEW! Opel Ampera Braves Freezing Temperatures on Frozen Baltic Sea

Test drives on ice crossings in Estonia underscore winter suitability

Snow covered streets and icy roads are not uncommon in some European countries right now. In Estonia temperatures fall so low that parts of the Baltic Sea can be driven over on up to 50 days a year. This is unique in Europe. Opel now used the frozen Baltic Sea to prove the Ampera’s everyday suitability with a number of teams of journalists. The vehicles covered hundreds of kilometers without a hitch – impressive proof of the Ampera’s winter capabilities. Thanks to the constant battery temperature control system, even freezing temperatures are not a problem for Europe’s best selling electric vehicle.

From ice cover thickness of at least 25 centimeters cars can drive over the socalled ice crossings and so reach islands without having to use a ferry. On a number of stretches up to ten kilometers long, the Ampera proved that electric mobility isn’t stopped by cold. The car can run on pure battery electric propulsion at temperatures down to minus ten degrees.

When temperatures are even lower, the range extending gasoline engine supports the electric motor. In cold weather, the battery is preheated during charging to provide a full power capability. This preserves it during starting and benefits the battery’s capacity. Standard auxiliary heating warms the cabin, ensuring additional comfort and sparing the driver the tedious task of scraping ice off the car.

The Opel Ampera is electrically driven at all times. A unique 16 kWh lithium-ion battery pack feeds an advanced, 111 kW/150 hp electric drive unit to deliver between 40 and 80 km of pure electric operation with zero emissions – depending on terrain, driving technique and temperature – when fully charged. According to the official R(EC) 715/2007 regulation for measuring fuel consumption and CO₂  emissions, the Ampera consumes 1.2 l/100 km fuel and emits 27 g/km CO₂. Instant torque of 370 Nm enables zero to 100 km/h acceleration in under ten seconds and a top speed of 161 km/h. The Ampera offers a unique driving experience in battery operation, delivering nearly silent electric drive and a highly refined NVH performance even in extended range drive mode.

 

!NEW! Opel Ampera at Rallye Monte-Carlo: Mission Title Defense

Electric Vehicle again competing in alternative propulsion category

Opel is taking part in the international Rallye Monte-Carlo for the second time with the Ampera EV. Following last year’s victory and three more top 10 finishes, this year eight Ampera teams are participating to defend the title for vehicles with alternative propulsion.

Organized by the Automobilclub Monaco, the “Rallye Monte-Carlo des Énergies Nouvelles” is taking place for the 14th time. It begins on March 21 in Annecy-le-Vieux, Clermont-Ferrand and Lugano, and ends three days later in Monaco. Due to a higher number of uniformity tests, this year focus on the vehicles’ driving efficiency is even stronger. The goal of the rallye is to cover a specified distance at a constant speed and with the lowest possible fuel consumption.

“The successes last year show the Ampera’s superiority over the competition under extreme conditions as well as in everyday use,” says Dr. Thomas Sedran, Management Board Member for Operations, Business Development & Corporate Strategies at Adam Opel AG. “We want to drive this forward and once again reinforce our leading role in alternative propulsion.”

In order to participate, vehicles may emit a maximum of 115 g/km CO2. The overall standings are determined by a ratio of vehicle weight, CO2 emissions, fuel energy density and consumption. The “Rallye Monte-Carlo des Énergies Nouvelles” is the oldest and most renowned motorsport event for vehicles with alternative propulsion systems. The Automobilclub Monaco has organized the event since 1995.

Opel is a pioneer and trendsetter in sustainable mobility with the Ampera’s multi-award-winning concept. The Ampera is the first electric car suitable for everyday use from a European automaker and the best-selling electric sedan in Europe. A 16 kWh lithium-ion battery pack feeds the 111 kW/150 hp electric drive unit to deliver between 40 and 80 km of pure electric operation with zero emissions – depending on terrain, driving technique and temperature – when fully charged. For longer distances, a gasoline engine serves as a generator to keep the vehicle electrically powered. The Ampera’s electric propulsion system provides instant torque of 370 Nm and enables zero to 100 km/h acceleration in around nine seconds. The electronically limited maximum speed is 161 km/h.

!NEW! Opel Ampera to be trialled by POLICE SERVICE NORTHERN IRELAND

Opel/Vauxhall has handed over a multi awarding-winning Ampera to Police Service Northern Ireland (PSNI) as part of a trial of the revolutionary Extended-Range Electric Vehicle (E-REV).

The cutting edge vehicle was handed over at eDRIVE, an electric vehicle event sponsored by the Northern Ireland Government, Department of Regional Development, held at the Titanic Museum, in Belfast. The revolutionary Ampera is due to go on service with PSNI in Belfast city centre as an incident response vehicle.

Motoring journalist and celebrity Ampera owner Quentin Willson was present at the handover, as was Ian Allen, Chairman of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders’ Electric Vehicle Committee and Vauxhall’s Environmental Strategy Manager, who gave a key note speech at eDRIVE.

“We’re looking forward to putting the revolutionary Ampera through its paces responding to incidents while also reducing our emissions and providing significant savings on fuel costs,” said Marcus Belshaw, Head of Transport for PSNI.

The E-REV technology in the Ampera, which won European Car of the Year 2012, makes it a good option for use in the emergency services as it benefits from both an electric motor and a petrol engine – so there isn’t any concern about range anxiety.

Charging point infrastructure is well developed in Northern Ireland: currently EV owners are no further than ten miles from a charger.

“If the Northern Ireland Police are as happy as I am with my Ampera then I’m sure they will have a long and productive relationship with the vehicle,” said Quentin Willson.

“Opel/Vauxhall is delighted that the Ampera is being trialled by PSNI, and we are confident that they will be impressed by the Ampera’s durability, performance and economy,” said Dick Ellam, Manager, Vauxhall Special Vehicles.

!NEW! Opel / Vauxhall and Disney add new dimension to relationship

General Motors and Disney have added a new European dimension to their 30 year old relationship with the signing of a three year solus vehicle supply deal covering the entire passenger Opel/Vauxhall car range.

The relationship between General Motors and Disney began in 1982 when the first alliance was signed with Walt Disney World, showcasing GM car technology in an Epcot attraction.

Then, in November 2011, General Motors France and Euro Disney Associés S.C.A. announced a partnership agreement covering the use of promotional rights for the Disney and Disneyland Paris brands. As a result, Opel became the official automobile partner of Europe’s number one tourist destination for the next two years.

That relationship has now been reinforced further as the Walt Disney Company has signed a three-year vehicle supply deal with Opel/ Vauxhall covering its whole passenger car range.

Disney will take delivery of Vauxhall-badged vehicles in the UK and Opel-badged vehicles across Europe in Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Israel, Italy, Norway, Poland, Sweden, Switzerland and Turkey.

The agreement is expected to feature three key models very strongly – the Insignia, Astra and Zafira Tourer – while the range extended Ampera electric vehicle is also expected to figure in the fleet mix as a part of Disney’s green approach to the future.

‘This new dimension will reinforce our current strong partnership with Opel on a larger scale,” said Thierry Pedros, Vice President Corporate Alliances, The Walt Disney Company and Disneyland Paris EMEA.

“The inclusion of low carbon producing ecoFLEX models with reduced fuel consumption on the fleet is a major step forward in supporting The Walt Disney Company green responsibilty policy”.

Juan Manuel Sagardoy, Opel/Vauxhall European Corporate Sales Director, added: “We are very much looking forward to working with and supplying Disney with vehicles for all of their European head office operations from our entire passenger car range.”

!NEW! Two Amperas for Efficiency House Plus in Berlin

Two Electric cars from Opel as everyday solution for CO2-neutral housing

Two Amperas brings emission-free mobility for inhabitants of the Efficiency House Plus in Berlin

In Berlin model project "Efficiency House Plus," can people moves now with new Opel Ampera. To guarantee the mobility of the inhabitants of the CO2 neutral house emissions, Opel presents two vehicles available. The test family that lives in the house plus efficiency drives, now for three months, the "Car of the Year 2012". Rainer Bomba, State Secretary in the Federal Ministry of Transport, Building and Urban Affairs (BMVBS), and Gerrit Riemer, Director Future Mobility at Opel, presented now, the two vehicles. 

Gerrit Riemer (Opel) and Rainer Bomba (BMVBS) passes for the residents of the Efficiency House Plus the keys from two new Amperas.

"Opel is participating in the pilot project to demonstrate that electric mobility is perfect for everyday use. Thanks to the self-generated current from the house goes to the Ampera.
 

100 percent organic. With the innovative concept of the Ampera, the best-selling electric car in Europe, Opel is a pioneer and trendsetter in the field of sustainable mobility. For living in the future will increase the efficiency of building a similar pioneering role as the Ampera for sustainable mobility, "said Gerrit Riemer.

The Ampera is the first fully electric vehicle for everyday use by a European manufacturer. A large 16 kWh lithium-ion battery powers the 111 kW/150 hp electric motor with energy. Depending on driving style, road profile and outside temperature can thus distances from 40 to 80 kilometers to cover purely battery powered and completely emission-free. For longer distances, a gasoline engine serves as a generator to the vehicle continues to be driven electrically. This makes traveling more than 500 miles without stopping.
 

From left: Gerrit Riemer, Director Future Mobility at Opel, test family, Rainer Bomba, State Secretary in the Federal Ministry of Transport, Building and Urban Affairs (BMVBS)

The "Efficiency House Plus with Electromobility", Fasanenstraße 87a in Berlin, was in 2012 opened by German Chancellor Angela Merkel, Federal Transport Minister Peter Ramsauer, is a project of the Federal Ministry of Transport, Building and Urban Development. The energy-plus house produces twice as much electricity as it consumes - enough to fill up in addition to electric cars.

!NEW! German Railways (DB) can relies also on Opel Ampera

• Vehicle delivery to the Regional Director of the DB Fleet
• "Car of the Year" segment leader in Germany, the Netherlands and Switzerland
• Ampera's presence in the European fleets increased by 180 percent

Marcus Ziegler (right), Fleet Sales Director for wholesale and commercial customers of Adam Opel AG of ten pieces of the award-winning Ampera to Regional Director of DB Fleet. Thomas Hofmann (left), Director Field Sales DB Fleet received the symbolic key.

If employees of Deutsche Bahn (DB) use the car, they are on their missions in future electric and therefore emission free traveling. Opel now handed ten  pieces of the award-winning Ampera to Regional Director of DB Fleet. This will take advantage of the renewable electricity powered Ampera now as a service vehicle for customer appointments. "Opel Ampera has doubled the European fleet inventory in more than six months - after about 700 pieces in March were in October has nearly 2,000 Ampera in corporate services on the go. This is an increase of over 180 percent, "said Marcus Ziegler, director of sales at wholesale and commercial customers of Adam Opel AG, at the presentation in Frankfurt. Overall, the Ampera in Europe market share is over 21 percent, making the "Car of the Year" for the full year 2012 remain the segment leader.

Opel now handed ten pieces of the award-winning Opel Ampera to Regional Director of DB Fleet

The Opel Ampera is by far the best-selling electric car in Germany and Europe. A lithium-ion battery with 16 kWh of capacity supplied in the "Car of the Year 2012," the 111 kW/150 hp electric motor with energy. Depending on driving style and conditions, on average, 40 to 80 kilometers solely on battery power to be covered emissions. When the battery level reaches a defined minimum, the power of the 1.4 liter gasoline engine with 63 kW/86 hp and automatically drives a generator to power the electric motor. This range extension a journey of more than 500 kilometers is possible without a prolonged maintenance charging the battery is necessary.

!NEW! Opel Ampera No.1 EV passenger car for more than ten months despite tough environment

• Highest European EV market share with 21% (Jan. - Oct. 2012)
• Ampera is segment leader in Germany, the Netherlands and Switzerland
• Sales growth for entire EV market is slowing amid challenging conditions

Opel’s revolutionary and award winning electric car, the Ampera, is still at the top of the electric passenger car league table in Europe based on latest available sales figures (Jan. – Oct. 2012). The news comes despite very challenging market conditions for the whole electric vehicle market with car makers reporting lower EV sales growth figures than predicted earlier this year. The Opel Ampera (“Car of the Year 2012”) enjoys more than 21 percent market share in the European EV segment. It is likely to remain the overall leader of its segment for the whole of 2012.

“The Ampera is still the dominant leader of the European electric passenger car segment,” says Opel Vice President Sales, Marketing and Aftersales, Alfred E. Rieck. “Considering that the demand of the EV market is smaller than originally predicted by analysts and car makers, we are extremely pleased that we have consolidated our leadership position in the market.”

Ampera is top of several key European markets

The strong overall European market share of the Ampera is reflected in its leadership position which has been consolidated in several important European markets.

For example in the Netherlands its market share increased to 66%. In Germany, it remains the leader by a wide margin (28% share) and the same is true of Belgium (22%) and Switzerland (31%).

Although total European EV sales have increased by around 130 percent year on year (Jan - Oct 2011 vs. Jan - Oct 2012), this falls well short of industry expert predictions. Sales of electric vehicles differ widely per market. Whereas only one of every 1000 cars sold in Germany is an electric vehicle (EV), its neighbor country Austria already tracks 3 EVs per thousand cars, France 5 and The Netherlands as high as 8 out of 1000. Top of the ranks in Europe is Norway where 30 out of 1000 registered vehicles are electric cars. Despite this very heterogeneous environment, Opel has managed to grow its European Ampera sales by at least twice as much as the overall European EV market growth.

In November, Opel announced that it had more than doubled its Ampera fleet customer base in the space of just six months, from around 700 in March to almost 2,000 in October across Europe. This is an increase of more than 180 percent.

Opel Ampera with revolutionary electric propulsion

A 16 kWh lithium ion battery powers the 111kW/150 hp electric motor of the Ampera. Depending on the style of driving and road conditions, distances of between 40 and 80 kilometers can be covered in the purely battery operated mode, free of emissions. In extended range mode, which activates whenever the battery has reached its minimum state of charge, power is seamlessly inverted to the electric drive unit from a generator driven by a 1.4 liter, 63 kW/86 hp gasoline engine. Extended range mode enables a total driving range of more than 500 kilometers without refueling.

!NEW! British Embassy in Germany drive electric

In Berlin, the British Ambassador Sir Simon McDonald (left) and his colleagues now electrically go. On Wednesday handed Opel supervisory board chairman and GM vice Steve Girsky the representative of Her Majesty celebrated the keys to his new Ampera and extolled the virtues of the "Car of the Year 2012".

In Berlin, the British Ambassador Sir Simon McDonald and his colleagues are now electrically go. On Wednesday handed Opel supervisory board chairman and GM vice Steve Girsky the representative of Her Majesty celebrated the keys to his new Ampera and extolled the virtues of the "Car of the Year 2012". Especially in the downtown area, the benefits of the permanent electric-powered Ampera show by lowest operating costs and noise, good acceleration and a generous amount of space.

Opel Ampera: fully suitable for everyday use electric mobility

The Opel Ampera is by far the best-selling electric car in Germany and Europe. A lithium-ion battery with 16 kWh of capacity supplied in the "Car of the Year 2012," the 111 kW/150 hp electric motor with energy. Depending on driving style and conditions, on average, 40 to 80 kilometers solely on battery power to be covered emissions. When the battery level reaches a defined minimum, the power of the 1.4-liter gasoline engine with 63 kW/86 hp and automatically drives a generator to power the electric motor. This range extension a journey of more than 500 kilometers is possible without a prolonged maintenance charging the battery is necessary.

!NEW! Opel more than doubles Ampera fleet customer base

• 180 percent increase of Ampera electric vehicle fleet customers
• Rising number of Ampera included in company car policies
• Many companies choose Ampera for usability and green credentials

Opel Ampera as Trigion Airport Security car (NL)

Opel has more than doubled its Ampera fleet customer base in the space of just six months, from around 700 in March to almost 2,000 in October across Europe. This is an increase of more than 180 percent. In Germany, the Ampera’s fleet customer base increased dramatically by more than 50 percent, while in the Netherlands it even grew by 200 percent. The figures include a number of companies that have ordered up to 20 Ampera vehicles. Opel has also noticed an increasing trend that more and more fleet customers include the revolutionary electric vehicle in their company car policies, so that they sit alongside conventional diesel or gasoline powered vehicles as fully usable electric alternatives.

“Not only is the Ampera Europe’s best selling passenger electric vehicle. We now have proof that it is attracting a rapidly growing number of fleet customers,” says Opel Vice President Sales, Marketing and Aftersales, Alfred Rieck. “We are confident that this development will continue because fleet customers understand that the Ampera is one of the very few electric vehicles that is truly suitable for everyday use. Additionally, it is has significantly lower operating costs than equivalent internal combustion engine cars.”

In contrast to many of its rivals, the Ampera is a range extending vehicle. This is extremely important for fleet customers such as Trigion, the subsidiary of the Western European facilities company, Facilicom. Trigion provides security services including video camera monitoring, static guards and mobile patrols.

"Trigion Security is one of the first companies in the Netherlands who deployed the Ampera. We are attracted to its very low fuel consumption,” says Martine Geurts, Vice-President and Director of Facilicom Service Group. “The Ampera is currently being piloted at our Trigion subsidiary and this pilot is being rolled out across the whole group as the next logical step.”

Facilicom is not alone in this view. In early November the Ampera was honoured as Green Vehicle of the Year in the United Kingdom by fleet decision makers at the prestigious 2012 Association of Car Fleet Operators (ACFO) Awards. The awards, which are voted for online exclusively by the ACFO membership, are highly prized because unlike many other awards they reflect the day-to-day operational experience and expertise of fleet decision makers. This prize is the latest in a long line of over 50 accolades for the ground breaking Ampera, which include the current European Car of the Year 2012.

A 16 kWh lithium ion battery powers the 111kW/150 hp electric motor of the Ampera. Depending on the style of driving and road conditions, distances of between 40 and 80 kilometers can be covered in the purely battery operated mode, free of emissions. In extended range mode, which activates whenever the battery has reached its minimum state of charge, power is then seamlessly supplied to the electric drive unit from a generator driven by a 1.4 liter, 63 kW/86 hp gasoline engine. Extended range mode enables a total driving range of more than 500 kilometers without refueling.

Electric Opel Ampera and Chevrolet Volt wins Green Engine Award

• First time ever a range extending powertrain wins an “International Engine Award”
• Revolutionary propulsion concept wins green engine category amid fierce competition
• Unique range extender enables go-anywhere–anytime mobility

The revolutionary Ampera and Volt electric vehicles have been given yet more global recognition by the automotive media. Their range extending 1.4 liter engine has won the “International Engine of the Year Award” for the best green engine in a tough field of 45 other “green” contenders. The Ampera and the Volt are the first electric vehicles in the market that can go anywhere anytime. It is also the first time in the 14 year history of the awards that a range extending powertrain has emerged as a winner. The awards ceremony was held in the German city of Stuttgart.

“Until the Volt and Ampera the short range of battery electric vehicles has limited their suitability for everyday use,” said Uwe Winter, Vehicle Line Director and Chief Engineer, who was handed the prize by the British organizers, the Engine Technology International magazine. “Our revolutionary propulsion system removes this obstacle by uniting the environmental friendliness of electric drive with the long range of a combustion engine. And the Best Green Engine Award is the highest recognition of this achievement.”

 

Seventy-six leading motoring journalists from 35 countries around the world sit on the panel of judges and award prizes in twelve different categories for excellence in powertrain engineering. They agree that this year was one of the toughest to judge so far with 39 all-new engines taking part in the contest.

One of the jury members, Bill McKinnon, explained why there had been strong support for the Ampera/Volt range extender: “Combining pure electric efficiency with petrol versatility and convenience means that this is a leading solution.”

The latest accolade comes against a backdrop of rising global fuel prices, where small, green and electric powertrains are playing an increasingly prominent role in the international automotive trade.

A 16 kWh lithium-ion battery powers the 111kW/150 hp electric motor of the Ampera/Volt. Depending on the style of driving and road conditions, distance of between 40 and 80 kilometers can be covered in the purely battery-operated mode, completely free of emissions. The wheels of the car are always powered electrically. In extended-range mode, which activates whenever the battery has reached its minimum state of charge, power is seamlessly inverted to the electric drive unit from a generator driven by the 1.4 liter, 63 kW/86 hp gasoline engine. Extended-range mode enables a total driving range of more than 500 kilometers without refueling.

The Ampera and Volt together have won numerous international awards including the “World Green Car of the Year 2011” and have just been named the European “Car of the Year 2012”. There have also been accolades for safety like the maximum 5-star Euro NCAP award. Last year, the propulsion system of the Volt was named one of the ten best engines for North America by Ward’s automotive magazine.

Opel Ampera Wins Rally Monte Carlo

• Four Ampera electric vehicles among the top 10 in rally for alternative propulsion
• French team Darniche/Lambert successful against some 130 competitors
• Debuting Ampera succeed in durability and fuel consumption tests

Opel Ampera won Rally Monte Carlo for alternative propulsion

After winning the “Car of the Year 2012” award, the Opel Ampera has now also won the 13. International Monte Carlo Rally for electric cars and alternative propulsion in which it competed for the first time. Four Ampera ranked among the top 10 vehicles. The French duo Bernard Darniche and Joseph Lambert managed to beat the entire competitive field. On Sunday, the final day of the contest, the revolutionary electric vehicle reached the finish line in the capital of the Côte d’Azur principality. Some 130 competitors from about 30 manufacturers took part, among them seven Ampera, including one private Ampera team. The other contenders included a Renault Fluence Z.E., a Tesla Roadster sports car, a Mitsubishi I-MiEV and a Peugeot Ion. Apart from the overall victory, the Ampera teams with Charlotte Berton and Olivier Sussot ranked third, Jean-Claude Andruet and Patrick Lienne came in 7^th and Hanns Werner Wirth and Daniel Riesen finished 8^th, completing the fantastic result.

Opel Ampera on Rally Monte Carlo - German Team

“The Ampera’s success in this versatility contest under very challenging conditions proves its impressive balance between durability and fuel efficiency. This underscores our leadership role in the field of alternative propulsion,” says Opel’s Director E-mobility, Enno Fuchs. The “Rallye Monte-Carlo Des Énergies Nouvelles” took place for the 13^th time and has established itself as the oldest motorsport event for vehicles with alternative propulsion. The Monte Carlo Automobile Club has organized the competition since 1995.

Endurance test for alternative propulsion

The rally started in the three towns of Annecy-le-Vieux, Clermont Ferrand and Lugano for 550 kilometers via Digne-les-Bains, the capital of the French district (département) Alpes-de-Haute-Provence to Monaco. On the second day, the teams had to complete a distance of 272 kilometers, leading them through Monaco and the original route of the Monte Carlo Rally through the French Maritime Alps. In these two days the teams were subjected to regularity tests and had to prove their driving skills by pushing their vehicles to the limit.

Apart from the regularity tests, the focus lay with fuel consumption. With the help of a ratio derived from vehicle weight, CO₂ emissions, the energy density of the fuel and its consumption, the organizers were able to calculate a comparison value and draw up an overall ranking. “The sophisticated technology of the Ampera was always reliable and enabled our tremendous success,” says the French rally co-pilot, Joseph Lambert who celebrated the victory with driver Bernhard Darniche. Darniche already won the legendary Monte Carlo Rally in 1979 and has more than 10 times been successful in winning the special stage over the famous Col de Turini.

Opel Ampera on Rally Monte Carlo - French Team

 

The Opel Ampera is the first electric vehicle that can go anywhere anytime. A 16 kWh lithium ion battery powers the 111kW/150 hp electric motor. Depending on the style of driving and road conditions, distance of between 40 and 80 kilometers can be covered in the purely battery-operated mode, completely free of emissions. The wheels of the Ampera are always powered electrically. In extended-range mode, which activates whenever the battery has reached its minimum state of charge, the gasoline engine drives a generator that supplies the electric drive unit. The range extender enables an operating radius of 500 kilometers. On the road, the Ampera’s electric propulsion system provides instant torque of 370 Nm enabling zero to 100 km/h acceleration in around nine seconds and a top speed of 161 km/h.

Opel Ampera on Rally Monte Carlo - German Team

Opel Ampera Debuts At Rally Monte Carlo

For the first time in its history, Opel is providing its award-winning electric cars for the prestigious international Rally Monte Carlo. Six electric Opel Ampera will make their debut in the “Alternative Energy” version of the rally which commences in Annecy-le-Vieux, Clermont-Ferrand and Lugano on March 22 and finishes three days later in the capital of Monaco, Monte Carlo. In order to take part, competing vehicles must have a maximum of 115g/km CO2 emissions. The main aim of the rally is to cover a certain distance, maintain a constant speed and use as little energy as possible. Some 150 vehicles are expected to take part this year.

By entering its electric vehicles with range extending capabilities in the international rally, Opel is once again showing that it is a global leader in the field of e-mobility. “Spectators will have the chance to see our electric cars in action under the challenging conditions the rally has to offer.” says Enno Fuchs, Opel’s Director E-Mobility.

The Opel Ampera is the first electric vehicle that can go anywhere anytime. A 16 kWh lithium ion battery powers the 111kW/150 hp electric motor. Depending on the style of driving and road conditions, distance of between 40 and 80 kilometers can be covered in the purely battery-operated mode, completely free of emissions. The wheels of the Ampera are always powered electrically. In extended-range mode, which activates whenever the battery has reached its minimum state of charge, the gasoline engine drives a generator that supplies the electric drive unit. The range extender enables an operating radius of 500 kilometers. On the road, the Ampera’s Voltec electric propulsion system provides instant torque of 370 Nm enabling zero to 100 km/h acceleration in around nine seconds and a top speed of 161 km/h.