IMAGinE and Opel: For safer, more cooperative driving in the future

• Under Opel leadership: Vehicle communications project reaches completion
• Since 2016: 12 partners work on development of innovative assistance systems for cooperative driving
• Objective: Safe, accident-free driving through extended interaction among vehicles

Optimisation of traffic flow, the prevention of accidents and safer, more relaxed driving – these are the objectives of IMAGinE 1, a German research project for the automation of intelligent manoeuvres and cooperative risk avoidance in real time that has now reached its successful completion. Under the leadership of Opel and project coordinator Nikolas Wagner, Manager ADAS Innovations from the Technical Center Central Europe at Opel Automobile GmbH, 12 partners from the automobile industry, research and road network operation have been working since September 2016 on the development of innovative assistance systems for the cooperative driving of the future. The developments were then tested in simulations as well as in various real cars, including Opel models. “IMAGinE achieved a milestone on the way to cooperative driving in the future “, said Nikolas Wagner. Frank Jordan, Head of Automotive Research and Advanced Engineering Opel/Stellantis, added: “IMAGinE enables increased safety while simultaneously reducing emissions through networked driving”.

Five research areas for future cooperative driving

Current assistance systems share safety related information with the driver or take immediate action themselves, but the information is hardly ever shared between different vehicles. Challenge for IMAGinE was to improve connections between road users to counteract the risk of accidents effectively and promptly. Project team therefore investigated five subject areas:

1) Cooperative manoeuvre coordination

Coordinated manoeuvre planning was investigated for the first time in IMAGinE. Project team used current technologies such as V2X communication as well as the exchange of communication in simulations and in cars and trucks on proving grounds. Cooperative manoeuvre coordination makes it easier and safer to manage traffic situations.

2) Cooperative environment model

Sensors of individual vehicles are limited by the environment and the prevailing weather conditions. Project therefore created a cooperative environment model, in which the awareness of all road users was increased by the exchange of information via V2X. For example, cars could promptly recognise “hidden” objects thanks to information received via V2X.

3) New communication mechanisms

Project investigated new message formats that can do more than existing V2X communications. Cooperative driving manoeuvres can be coordinated via MCM (Manoeuvre Coordination Message). Also, messages are shared between road users, i.e., IDSM (IMAGinE Driving Strategy Message) and ITDM (IMAGinE Traffic Distribution Message). Latter enables a more efficient traffic flow, which is free of congestion as far as possible.

4) User focused man-machine interaction

Assistance concepts that encourage more cooperative behaviour on the road must be intuitive and easy to understand. According to studies among test participants, acceptance is higher when the displays and controls in the vehicle are designed for the end-user. IMAGinE man-machine interactions were created correspondingly to inform the driver about cooperative driving manoeuvres and to motivate more cooperative behaviour.

5) Environment simulation

As more and more road users cooperate, the exchange and the search for solutions in the whole system becomes increasingly complicated. Participating partners therefore tested the manoeuvre coordination via simulation in every phase of the research project. Cooperative driving functions were finally integrated in ten real test cars, including Opel models, and tested on proving grounds.

[1] IMAGinE = Intelligente Manöver Automatisierung – kooperative Gefahrenvermeidung in Echtzeit

!NEW! “e” for Electrifying: Opel Ampera-e World Premiere in Paris

• e-Premiere: revolutionary electric car at Paris motor show
• e-fun to drive: acceleration and overtaking ability like a sportscar
• e-connectivity: always online with IntelliLink infotainment and Opel OnStar

Electrifying: Opel will revolutionize electromobility with the new Ampera-e.

Opel will revolutionize electromobility at the up-coming “Mondial de l’Automobile” in Paris. From October 1-16 the Opel Ampera-e – an electric car that electrifies in every way – makes its world premiere (hall 5-2, booth 501). The car with the lightning flash logo combines pioneering battery technology and localized emissions-free operation with a fun-to-drive experience, as the maximum torque of 360 Nm provides impressive acceleration figures and overtaking ability.

“The Opel Ampera-e makes electromobility fully feasible for everyday use and ready for the future” says Opel CEO, Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann. “The Ampera-e demonstrates impressively how well sustainability and driving pleasure can form a unity. And with its strong-as-an-ox electric motor, it delivers pure fun-to-drive.”

The maximum torque of 360 Nm is responsible for the electrifying temperament of the new Opel. The power output of the electric motor is 150 kW/204 hp (PS). Standing starts at traffic lights and entering the motorway belong to the Opel Ampera-e’s favorite disciplines. The compact car sprints to 50 km/h in only 3.2 seconds, acceleration from 80 to 120 km/h for overtaking is accomplished in just 4.5 seconds (provisional figures). The Ampera-e thus performs at the same level as OPC models, the sporty spearheads of Opel.

Fun-to-drive with the Opel Ampera-e also means swift cruising at up to 150 km/h. At the same time, the Ampera-e also offers a significantly longer range than most other electric cars. The unique, compact proportions of the Ampera-e are driven by the battery pack being mounted flat, under the vehicle floor. The efficient packaging of the battery also enables a roomy interior providing comfortable seating for five passengers and trunk space comparable with that of a car in the compact class.

Best entertainment: download your favorite films and music

Driving pleasure for the passengers over long distances is provided. In addition to the excellent feeling of roominess, there comes the best in digital connectivity, in typical Opel fashion. The Ampera-e has the newest generation of IntelliLink infotainment as well as Opel OnStar onboard. Subject to availability, the award-winning connectivity and service assistant simultaneously offers up to seven mobile devices access to its powerful Wi-Fi hotspot. The Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatible IntelliLink systems bring the world of smartphones into the Ampera-e, so that passengers have full access to their favorite music or can download at will their preferred films – just a few examples of the many functions of the multifaceted entertainment.

!NEW! Opel at RETTmobil 2016: Car of the Year for Emergencies

• New Astra Sports Tourer heads Opel’s emergency vehicle line-up
• Movano-based rescue and multi-purpose vehicle for fire brigades
• Wide range of Opel conversions at 16^th show for emergency vehicles  

Mobile HQ: New Opel Astra Sports Tourer makes its debut at RETTmobil 2016 as a command vehicle for the fire service.

Insignia Sports Tourer, Zafira Tourer, Mokka and ADAM – Opel now extends its broad portfolio of emergency vehicles with the new Astra Sports Tourer. The 2016 Car Of The Year celebrates its premiere as an emergency vehicle at the RETTmobil show in Fulda, Germany, May 11-13. The Opel Mokka on show in Fulda is designed for the same purpose. Equally wide is the range of commercial vehicle conversions from Opel. The Movano, for example, appears at RETTmobil as a rescue and multi-purpose vehicle for fire brigades. On stand 505 in hall 5, Opel shows how it tailors production cars and light commercial vehicles to the special needs of the police, fire brigades and ambulance services.

Help is on its way:  Opel Astra Sports Tourer mobile HQ

The new Opel Astra Sports Tourer is ready for action, not only as Car of the Year for private and fleet customers, but also as a future mobile headquarters for emergency services. Opel already equips its new station wagon in the factory with a signal system and front flashing blue lights, as well as blue warning lights at the rear – all in LED technology. The accompanying BT 220 controls sit close-at-hand in the center console. Additional equipment includes digital radio complete with multiple roof-antennas, a microphone for making public announcements and an engine relay system. Opel will start taking orders for the Astra Sports Tourer with bright red decals from the design112 company this fall.

Compact station wagon for emergencies: New Opel Astra Sports Tourer makes its debut at RETTmobil 2016 as a command vehicle for the fire service.

The youngest generation of Opel’s compact station for emergency services delivers a lively performance, thanks to the up to 190 kg lighter vehicle architecture and lively engines – such as the 100 kW (136 hp) 1.6 CDTI diesel with six-speed automatic gearbox (4.6-4.5 l/100 km fuel consumption NEDC combined; 122-119 g/km CO2 emissions NEDC combined). Prior to conversion into an emergency vehicle, the Astra Sports Tourer already brings state-of-the-art communications and safety technology, including the OnStar personal connectivity and service assistant with Wi-Fi hotspot for multiple mobile devices, NAVI 900 IntelliLink and the pioneering, glare-free IntelliLux LED Matrix lights.

Specialized: Variety of Movano conversions

Opel’s “commercials” are also ready for action. In cooperation with approved conversion specialists, Opel shows how the Movano can become a lifesaver in various forms. Hensel Fahrzeugbau has converted a Movano Trabus (L3H2) into a multi-purpose vehicle for fire brigades, capable of bringing the crew and their tools quickly to the scene of the emergency. The Movano L2H2-based rescue vehicle provides rapid transport from accident-scene to hospital. The conversion with high-tech equipment is from Binz Ambulance- und Umwelttechnik. When RETTmobil is over, this particular Movano will travel to Rüsselsheim, where it will go into service with the plant fire brigade.

All-rounder: As multi-purpose vehicle for fire brigades, Opel Movano Trabus is capable of bringing the crew and their tools quickly to the scene of the emergency.

!NEW! First Quarter Opel Sales up by Around 8 Percent in Europe

• Good start to new year: Best opening quarter since 2011
• Opel breaks through the 300,000 new vehicle barrier in the first quarter
• Volume increases in 17 markets, market share up in 15 markets
• Opel Astra Sports Tourer and Opel Mokka X add further impetus

Astra-nomical: New Opel Astra was sold 37,000 times in the first quarter – an increase of around 40 percent compared to its predecessor last year.

Great start to the year for Opel: The brand sold around 303,000 vehicles across Europe in the first quarter – an increase of almost 24,000 vehicles or 8 percent compared to the same period of 2015. Opel has managed to break through the 300,000 new vehicle barrier for the first time in five years thanks to the successful ongoing product offensive. The brand with the Blitz showed a stronger development than the overall European market, which only grew by 5 percent from January to March. Opel’s market share was thus up by around 0.2 percentage points to 6 percent. The company therefore recorded it best first quarter sales figures and market share for five years.

Germany, Spain, France or Belgium are the prime examples for Opel’s ongoing upwards trend. First quarter sales were up in 17 markets, the market share grew in 15 markets. The development in Spain was particularly satisfying with Opel taking top spot on the passenger car market in Q1. Furthermore, Opel is the fastest growing brand in the top 5 in Belgium (+11 percent). Elsewhere, Opel’s market share in the Netherlands was up by almost a quarter to 7.4 percent.

The new Opel Astra is largely responsible for the Rüsselsheim-based carmakers recent success. The five-door variant of Europe’s “Car of the Year 2016” was sold 37,000 times in the first quarter – and increase of around 40 percent compared to its predecessor last year. Opel has already received around 150,000 orders for the new Opel Astra from across Europe even though the important station wagon variant, the Astra Sports Tourer, is only just being introduced to dealers across Europe.

“A good start to the year. The customers across Europe really like our young and attractive model range with the Opel Astra and the Astra Sports Tourer as the current highlights. Opel Mokka X will add further impetus later this year. We are well on track to increasing our sales considerably in 2016,” said Peter Christian Küspert, Vice President Sales & Aftersales Opel Group.

!NEW! Opel Germany Reports Best First Quarter in Five Years

• Passenger car market share grew to 7.5 percent from January to March
• Opel Astra success story: Already more than 140,000 orders in Europe

Opel Astra success story: Already more than 140,000 orders in Europe.

Thanks to its successful model offensive, Opel has started this year on its domestic German market stronger than in the last five years. In the first quarter, the Rüsselsheim automaker increased passenger car sales by around 7,500 units or 14.5 percent to 59,000 cars. So in the first three months of the year, Opel’s growth was more than three times that of the overall German passenger car market, which only reached a plus of 4.5 percent. Opel’s market share increased between January and March by about 0.7 percentage points to around 7.5 percent. With this, Opel recorded the best first quarter since 2011 both in terms of market share and volume.

Following strong growth in January and February, Opel continued its upward trend in March and increased both sales and market share. Sales volume last month grew by around 1.3 percent to about 23,400 units, while the overall German passenger car market was practically stagnant with a total increase of just 41 units.

The strong start to the year was again mainly due to the high demand for Europe’s “Car of the Year 2016”, the new Opel Astra. Over 7,200 units of the current generation of the five-door model were sold in the first quarter – a plus of more than 80 percent compared to sales of the predecessor model during the same period last year.

The station wagon variant, the Opel Astra Sports Tourer, makes its premiere at German dealerships on Saturday, April 9. 

More than 140,000 orders have already been received in Europe for the new Opel/Vauxhall Astra.

Another success story was Opel’s flexibility champion Meriva, which recorded strong growth of nearly 19 percent. With more than 4,000 units sold, it was number one in the MPV B segment, just like the Opel Mokka in the SUV B segment. Sales of the Opel Zafira Tourer family van grew by an impressive 16 percent

!NEW! Great Tradition: Techno Classica under the spell of the Opel GT

• Hall of fame: Opel presents the GT legend at Techno Classica
• Essen-premiere: Geneva show-star Opel GT Concept makes German debut
• Highly tuned display: Famous GT conversions from Conrero, Gerent and Irmscher

Still working that magic: Alongside the original 1968 Opel GT production model, the futuristic Opel GT Concept makes its first appearance in Germany at this year’s Techno Classica.

The legendary Opel GT weaves its magic again at this year’s Techno Classica in Essen (April 6-10). Alongside the original GT sports car of the late nineteen-sixties and seventies, the futuristic GT Concept – the star of this year’s Geneva International Motor Show – will celebrate its German public debut.

The legend began in 1965 when the Opel Experimental GT design study became the shooting star of that year’s Frankfurt International Motor Show. Designer Erhard Schnell’s vision of a sleek, uncompromising yet affordable sports car received such an enthusiastic reception that Opel decided to put it into production. Three years later and based on proven Kadett B technology, the GT hit the market. The rest, as they say, is history.

Back then the Kadett was the touring car to beat in motorsport, and the tuning community was eager to lay its hands on the new sports car built from affordable mass-produced components. At the Techno Classica Opel will therefore present – in addition to a classic production-GT in red – three conversions from tuners Conrero, Gerent and Irmscher.

Six-pack: At this year’s Techno Classica the futuristic Opel GT Concept will celebrate its German public debut alongside the original Experimental GT study, the production GT and three conversions from tuners Conrero, Gerent and Irmscher

In its heyday the Gerent GT in “Group 4 Appendix J” specification was a frequent contender for 2.0 liter class victories, while the example from the Italian Conrero racing team was the hero of the 1971 Targa Florio, where it finished ninth overall. Thanks to the ingenuity and race-craft of Conrero Squadra Corse, the Opel GT not only earned the respect of its 2.0 liter classmates – mostly Porsche 911 and 914/6 – it also managed to beat them. The Opel GT from Irmscher is an immaculate restoration.

The GT hall of fame in Essen will be completed by the Opel GT Concept. The avant-garde yet purist sports car renounces everything that disturbs the pure form. The GT Concept has no door handles or exterior door mirrors, and no superfluous decorative elements. It is a dynamic driving machine as symbolized by the typical sports car proportions, with a long bonnet and ultra-short overhangs, and the bold red signature line that graphically splits the vehicle body horizontally. The absence of a trunk lid, the intriguing and innovative door design, the central dual exhaust, the looks of the steering wheel and of course, the name all refer to the original GT. However, apart from striking red tires that also adorned the equally avant-garde Motoclub 500 Opel motorbike of 1928, the GT Concept does not mime its ancestor. Instead, without nostalgia or retro-design, the GT Concept re-invents the innovative, daring and exciting spirit of the original, opening a new chapter in the GT-legend.

!NEW! Strong February for Opel: Sales Increase of more than 28 Percent

• Market share in Germany now at 7.7 percent
• Best February market share for Opel since 2012
• Opel Astra leads the way with more than 130,000 orders across Europe

Driving force: New Opel Astra is well received by the customers and registered a year-on-year sales increase of 84 percent in February.

Opel registered its second record-breaking month in a row on the German market in February. The brand’s passenger car sales were up by over 28 percent to 19,160 units compared to the same month of last year. The Rüsselsheim-based carmaker thus outgrew the overall market significantly with overall figures increasing by over 12 percent. Opel’s market share increased by around 1 percentage point to 7.7 percent – the best February result since 2012. Opel recorded an overall increase of more than 25 percent (or 7,200 units) in the first two months of 2016, outgrowing the overall market threefold (increase of 7.8 percent). Opel’s market share grew by over 1 percentage point to 7.6 percent in this period.

The strong performance in February is once again based on the high demand for the new European “Car of the Year” – the new Opel Astra. The latest generation compact car was sold more than 2,300 times in February – an increase of around 84 percent compared to the performance of the previous model last year. Across Europe Opel has already received around 130,000 orders for the bestseller.

The Opel Corsa was also a guarantee for success. Sales for it were up 29.5 percent in February and registrations of 4,486 units gave it second place in its segment (Car-B and KBA small car segment). Elsewhere, Meriva registrations were up by almost 22 percent. The Opel flexibility champion defended pole position in the MPV-B segment. The Opel Mokka also succeeded in holding off the competition in the SUV-B segment.

“After an already good January we managed to put in an even better performance in February. It shows just how attractive our current portfolio is. The new Opel Astra, the European ‘Car of the Year’ is exceptionally well received and registered growth of 84 percent in February,” said Jürgen Keller, Executive Director Sales, Marketing & Service Germany.

!NEW! Opel Records January Sales Increase of over 10 Percent across Europe

• Opel outgrows the overall market considerably
• Highest European sales and market share since 2011 

Huge success: Sales of the new Opel Astra were up by more than 43 percent in January.

Opel has started the year positively across Europe. New registrations of around 80,000 gave the company its highest January sales figures and market share since 2011. According to preliminary data, sales increased by 7,500 units or 10.4 percent compared to January 2015. Thus, the Rüsselsheim-based carmaker registered significantly more growth than the overall European market (growth of 2.6 percent). Opel’s market share was up by 0.4 percentage points to 5.75 percent.

Extremely popular: New Opel Astra was sold over 17,500 times across Europe.

“Our excellent start to the year once again shows that our product offensive is appealing to the taste of our customers,” said Peter Christian Küspert, Vice President Sales & Aftersales Opel Group. “The new Opel Astra is a resounding success with an increase of over 43 percent in January.

The new Opel Astra Sports Tourer and the new Opel Mokka X will continue to drive sales during the course of the year.”

Opel’s strong display in the opening month of the year is mainly based on the demand for the new Astra. The current generation, available at dealerships in most European countries during the course of November, was sold more than 17,500 times. The winner of six national Golden Steering Wheel and nine Car of the Year awards has already been ordered more than a 100,000 times across Europe. In addition, the Opel Mokka registered an increase of 5.4 percent in January and recorded sales of around 12,500 units.

Opel registered an increase in sales in 14 European markets in January including the three large western European markets Germany (+20.5%), France (+16.6%) and Spain (68.8%). In Germany, Opel posted its highest January sales and markets share since 2008. In Spain, the increase saw the company record its highest sales since 2008 and its highest market share since 2001.

!NEW! Opel Passenger Car Sales up Almost 22 Percent in January

• Great start to 2016 with best January result since 2008
• Market share in Germany up by 1.2 percentage points
• Opel Astra shines with over 100,000 orders across Europe
• Further momentum expected from Opel Astra Sports Tourer Launch

Shooting star: Sales of the new Opel Astra topped 1,700 in January, an increase of more than 120 percent compared to sales of its predecessor in January of last year.

Opel has delivered excellent January result on the important German market: Opel passenger car sales were up by almost 22 percent compared to the same month of last year to around 16,500 cars. The Rüsselsheim-based carmaker’s best January result since 2008 saw the brand outgrow the overall passenger car market considerably – it grew by 3.4 percent. Opel’s passenger car market share also grew by 1.2 percentage points to 7.6 percent – the highest January value for eight years.

Popular compact class car: 1,700 units of the new Opel Astra were driven away by customers across Germany in January.

Opel’s excellent start to the year is mainly based on the high demand for the new Astra. Over 1,700 units of the current generation, only launched last October, were sold in January – an increase of more than 120 percent compared to sales of its predecessor last January. The Astra claimed second please in the compact class segment (C-Segment). Over 100,000 orders for the winner of the Golden Steering Wheel have already been placed across Europe.

Opel Meriva was another driver for success on the German market: New registrations for Opel flexibility champion were up by roughly 22 percent to more than 1,300 units giving it first place in the MPV B-Segment.

Successful Meriva: Sales for the Opel flexibility champion were up by around 22 percent in Germany to more than 1,300 units

“We managed to take the momentum into January after posting good 2015 end of year results. We really got off to a perfect start: our product offensive is paying dividends. We expect a further boost from the Opel Astra Sports Tourer which will be delivered in Germany as of April,” said Jürgen Keller, Opel's Executive Director Sales, Marketing & Service Germany.

¹ Numbers based on preliminary figure of the Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA)

!NEW! Buick Avista Receives EyesOn Design Excellence Award

Buick Avista concept received the EyesOn Design Award for Design Excellence – Concept Car at a ceremony today at the North American International Auto Show.

The Design team poses with the Buick Avista Concept after winning the EyesOn Design Award for Design Excellence – Concept Car, Tuesday, January 12, 2016 at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan. It was the second consecutive year Buick received the award, which was bestowed on the Avenir concept in 2015

It was the second consecutive year Buick received the award, which was bestowed on the Avenir concept in 2015. EyesOn Design – a benefit for Henry Ford Health System’s Detroit Institute of Ophthalmology – recognizes the best production and concept vehicle designs making their worldwide debut in Detroit.

“Design has always played a large role in Buick's rich history and recent success,” said Bryan Nesbitt, executive director, Buick Global Design. “The Avista concept has been a labor of love by the team of designers, sculptors, engineers and talented craftspeople, including our UAW partners, who created this beautiful statement of Buick design. Avista represents the future essence of Buick design.”

A sleek, sweeping proportion is the foundation for this vision of a contemporary grand tourer, with a 400-horsepower twin-turbocharged V6 driving the rear wheels. The Avista’s uninterrupted body lines stretch front to rear, suggesting motion – resembling Buick’s design language introduced on the Avenir concept and carried into production on the 2017 LaCrosse.

Like the exterior, the Avista’s 2+2 interior is defined by flowing, uninterrupted lines conveying elegance through simplicity – with intense technical and surfaces details, in everything from 3D-printed door and seat trim to a future vision of Buick’s IntelliLink, with touchscreen controls on a widescreen instrument panel display.

Exposed carbon fiber and aluminum accents throughout reinforce the precision of the performance-oriented driving experience.

!NEW! Buick Introduces Avista Concept

Design elegance, performance heritage conveyed in turbocharged 2+2 coupe 

2016 Buick Avista Concept 

Ahead of its public debut at the North American International Auto Show, Buick today revealed the Avista concept – a 2+2 coupe that pushes the brand’s contemporary design ethos and rekindles its historic performance roots.

A sleek, sweeping proportion is the foundation for this vision of a contemporary grand tourer, with a 400 horsepower twin-turbocharged V6 driving the rear wheels and a driver-focused cockpit offering a comfortable, connected center of control.

“The Avista embodies the dynamic soul of Buick,” said Duncan Aldred, vice president of Global Buick Sales, Service and Marketing. “It is a modern expression of the brand’s heritage of sophisticated performance, communicated with beautiful elegance.”

The Avista’s uninterrupted body lines stretch front to rear, suggesting motion – resembling Buick’s design language introduced on the Avenir concept and carried into production on the 2017 LaCrosse. The absence of conventional B-pillars between the doors and rear side windows enhances the flowing profile.

“There is elegant simplicity in the Avista’s surfaces, which speak to the purity of the car’s performance, and a timeless beauty that’s a hallmark of Buick design,” said Bryan Nesbitt, executive director Global Buick Design. “It was designed to capture the spirit of the perfect drive.”

Marking the front and rear, Buick evolves its signature wing-shaped lighting with “soft curtain” elements that create illuminated “halos” around lamps’ edges, suggesting a three-dimensional shape and sculpture. Their design forecasts the evolution of Buick’s production lighting features, while the Avista’s grille features the brand’s new winged tri-shield insignia set against a three-dimensional mesh background.

Additional exterior features include:

• A 110.7 inch (2,811 mm) wheelbase and 63 inch (1,601 mm) front/62.9 inch (1,598 mm) rear tracks for sporty proportions and an aggressive stance
• Twenty-inch aluminum wheels with color-toned accents match the car’s Dark Sapphire Jewel exterior
• Front fender vents with chrome accents evolve Buick’s signature fender ports.

Performance-oriented, modern cockpit

Like the exterior, the Avista’s 2+2 interior is defined by flowing, uninterrupted lines conveying elegance through simplicity – with intense technical and surfaces details, in everything from 3D-printed door and seat trim to a future vision of Buick’s IntelliLink, with touchscreen controls on a widescreen instrument panel display.

The center console also incorporates touchscreen controls and extends to the rear seating area. Open side storage compartments built into the front of the console are enabled by the new Electronic Precision Shift, similar to the 2017 LaCrosse.

A Superior Blue foundation color echoes the exterior and is complemented with Mist Gray leather seating inserts, console trim and door trim. Exposed carbon fiber and aluminum accents throughout reinforce the precision of the performance-oriented driving experience. The fading pattern on the seats, console and doors were inspired by waves receding at a beach’s edge.

“Waves, whether from the sea or in the sand, are all about motion and flow,” said Nesbitt. “That’s exactly what this concept is all about – flowing design and the purity of the driving experience.”

Buick designers enhanced the passengers’ sensory experiences with next-generation QuietTuning and air-quality control, including advanced noise cancellation technology, ionic air purifiers and aromatherapy.

The Avista also advances Buick’s legacy of turbocharged performance, which carries forward in the 2016 Regal GS and other models. Similar to the 2017 LaCrosse, the concept twin-turbocharged 3.0L V6 features fuel-saving Active Fuel Management (cylinder deactivation) and Stop/Start technology to complement its power with efficiency. The engine is backed by an eight-speed automatic transmission and Magnetic Ride Control delivers more precise body motion control.

!NEW! Opel Goes On the Offensive with Fuel Consumption and Emission

• Engineering initiative for more transparency and credibility
• From Q2 2016, Opel will start publishing WLTP cycle fuel consumption numbers for specific models reflecting more everyday driving conditions
• Engineers developing improved SCR diesel applications – improvement towards RDE NOx specifications, including voluntary customer satisfaction field action

Opel is voluntarily taking the next step to meet future emissions guidelines, both on CO2 and NOx. From Q2 2016, and in addition to the official fuel consumption and CO2 information, fuel consumption numbers recorded under the WLTP cycle will also be published. In addition, diesel engineers have recently started working on an initiative to implement NOx emission improvements on SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction) diesel applications. This is a voluntary and early improvement towards the so-called RDE (Real Driving Emissions) legislation that goes into effect in 2017. Opel is committed to providing the testing authorities transparency.

“The events and discussions in the last weeks and months have shown that there is a tremendous focus on the automotive industry and it is now time to act based on the learnings,” says Opel Group CEO Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann. “It is obvious to me that the diesel discussion is a turning point. The world is not as it was before. We cannot ignore this and it is in the hands of the automotive industry to change the perception of the new reality.”

Fuel Consumption and CO2

From Q2 2016, and in addition to the official fuel consumption and CO2 information of Opel models, fuel consumption numbers recorded under the WLTP cycle will be published, starting with the new Astra. This procedure has broad industry acceptance and has been developed to be more representative of what customers will experience in use.

According to EU plans, the “New European Driving Cycle” (NEDC) will be replaced starting in 2017 with the more modern standard “Worldwide Harmonized Light Duty Vehicles Test Procedure” (WLTP). The WLTP – also a test conducted in laboratory conditions – is based on stringent test procedures, more consistent with fuel consumption and CO2 emissions in real-life road traffic. This new test cycle is important to maintain standardized, reproducible and comparable results.

SCR Technology

Related to NOx emissions, Opel is also acting right now. The Rüsselsheim automaker has started working on improved solutions for the effectiveness of exhaust gas treatment systems in Euro 6 diesel engines with SCR technology to make improvements in the direction of future RDE guidelines. RDE is the real driving emissions standard which supplements current test methods and measures a car’s emissions directly on the road.

"Our analyses in the last months show that we have no devices that tell us if our vehicles are in a test cycle or not. Nevertheless, we also believe that we are capable of further improving the effectiveness of reduction of oxides of nitrogen emissions from our Euro 6 diesels with SCR technology and so we are making an improvement towards future RDE specifications,” emphasizes Dr. Neumann. “We will use SCR as the mainstream system for Euro 6 diesel going forward as we continue to develop improved technologies to explore higher efficiencies.”

The work on this Euro 6 SCR improvement has started and we expect a production implementation as of the summer of 2016. This activity will also include a voluntary customer satisfaction field action that will involve 43.000 vehicles that are already on the road in Europe (Zafira Tourer, Insignia and Cascada).These vehicles will get a new calibration once it becomes available.

Opel CEO Dr. Neumann also calls for improving the transparency between automakers and authorities in Europe. “In the USA, the companies disclose their complete calibration philosophy to authorities. I would like to see us embrace this practice in Europe.” In this context, the Opel CEO also wants to suggest that all automakers that are active in Europe take part in a negotiated agreement for more transparency.

!NEW! First in Compact Class: New Opel Astra with IntelliLux LED Matrix Light

• Bright future: New light generation IntelliLux LED in Opel bestseller from autumn
• Light as day at night: LED Matrix system offers constant, glare-free high beams
• Highest efficiency: More intensive and longer lasting than conventional headlamps

Opel IntelliLux LED on: Consisting of 16 LED segments – eight on each side of the vehicle – the new LED Matrix system automatically and constantly adapts the length and distribution of the light beam to every traffic situation.

The intelligent lighting system of the future will make its premiere in the new Opel Astra generation at the International Motor Show in Frankfurt (September 17 to 27, 2015). With the new Astra, the ground-breaking Full-LED Matrix Light IntelliLux that enables driving with glare-free high beams will be available in the compact class for the first time, making top-of-the-range lighting technology accessible to the largest audience ever. After having introduced Bi-Xenon adaptive lighting in the current generation Astra, Opel again takes on a pioneering role in lighting technology with its next compact bestseller.

Opel IntelliLux LED off: Consisting of 16 LED segments – eight on each side of the vehicle – the new LED Matrix system automatically and constantly adapts the length and distribution of the light beam to every traffic situation.

“We are democratizing technology by making innovations affordable and bringing them to high volume vehicles. Our new LED Matrix Light, IntelliLux, is a perfect example. With the introduction of this lighting technology to the Compact Vehicle Class, Opel is the first automaker to offer this highly efficient and high performance lighting system in this segment. Our integration of the LED Technology provides outstanding night time performance enhancing safety for the driver and those around them,” says Charlie Klein, Vice President Vehicle Engineering at Opel.

Bright as day: High beam lighting for driver without dazzling other road users

After having already made Bi-Xenon adaptive lighting more affordable and available in most of its models, including the current Astra, of which more than 200,000 have been sold with the system, engineers at Opel’s International Technical Development Center in Rüsselsheim turned their attention to developing, enhancing and fine-tuning the lighting system of the new generation. After years of preparation Opel’s new, patented IntelliLux Full-LED is now ready to go into production. To date, this type of system has been reserved for upmarket vehicles in the luxury class. Opel will introduce it in the new Astra generation making its premiere at this year’s International Motor Show (IAA) in Frankfurt in September. This was possible with intelligent solutions and the latest generation of LEDs, which provide bright illumination, close to daylight.

Consisting of 16 LED segments – eight on each side of the vehicle – the new LED Matrix system automatically and constantly adapts the length and distribution of the light beam to every traffic situation. In the process, it works with the Opel Eye front camera that, for instance, detects the presence of other vehicles in motion so that the individual LED segments that would dazzle oncoming drivers are automatically switched off and on.

As soon as the vehicle exits urban areas, the high-beam lighting is automatically switched on – and it always remains on. This leads to a considerable increase in safety, as confirmed in a study conducted by the Technical University of Darmstadt and the European LightSightSafety Initiative. The study shows that at driving speeds of 80 km/h, drivers detect objects at the side of the road around 30 to 40 meters sooner than with conventional Halogen or Xenon low beam lighting. This gives them around 1.5 seconds more time to react, for instance when animals suddenly cross the road.

Not only Opel Astra drivers benefit from this – while they enjoy excellent light and visibility conditions, they do not dazzle other road users. When the camera detects light sources from oncoming or preceding traffic, individual LEDs in the relevant zone are deactivated, simply “cutting out” the area around the vehicles. The rest of the road and its surroundings remain brightly illuminated. With this degree of precision and adaptation, LED Matrix Light elevates lighting technology to the next level.

Opel lighting engineers have not made an intelligent, Full-LED system more affordable, they have also taken it to a new level of intelligence. As not all Astra customers will opt for an imbedded navigation system, the lighting system needs to be able to recognize if the vehicle is in an urban area or on a highway for instance independently. The IntelliLux system in the new Opel Astra will be the first Matrix Light system that continuously optimized in a series production car without being linked to the navigation system. In addition to the many automatic low and high beam pattern variations, IntelliLux LED also provides a special highway light mode that further increases safety at night. And a special welcome light function makes entering and exiting the Opel Astra more comfortable in the dark.

Brighter, longer-lasting, more efficient: Opel’s IntelliLux LED scores threefold

The LED Matrix light’s high efficiency brings added safety and comfort. Not only does the system illuminate the surroundings brighter than conventional lighting systems, it also has a considerably longer running life than headlamps with Halogen or Xenon lamps. Another advantage is that mechanical movements are no longer necessary in the headlamp – the individual LED segments turn on or off according to the situation, which also contributes to a durability that far exceeds the lifespan of a car.

Does not dazzle: When Opel IntelliLux detects light sources from oncoming or preceding traffic, individual LEDs in the relevant zone are deactivated, simply “cutting out” the area around the vehicles. The rest of the road and its surroundings remain brightly illuminated.

Last but not least, the new lighting system has also made the designers very happy. Before, the size of the headlamps’ housing mainly depended on the most expensive technology it protected, but now the base lamp determines the visible part of the headlamp. Thanks to the small LEDs used in the Matrix light, in future, the lamps can be designed more finely and delicately; mechanical, complicated control units that require a lot of space and optically oversized housings are thus outdated.

!NEW! April Showers No Match for Buick’s New Convertible

Water tests simulate record rainfall to ensure Cascada’s watertight seal

How does Buick ensure the 2016 Cascada convertible will stay dry when April showers come calling? By making it rain on the assembly line, assuring cloudbursts will be no match for Cascada when it hits dealerships in early 2016.

“Convertibles are best enjoyed when it’s warm and sunny, but Cascada has been designed and engineered to be used year-round, regardless of the weather,” said John Dolch, program quality manager for Cascada. “Not only is Cascada’s top engineered to be weatherproof in extreme conditions, but each and every Cascada built will also be put through a rigorous water test.”

Specialized water test booths, located at the end of Cascada’s assembly line, will allow freshly built cars to roll off the line and into testing. Each booth has no fewer than 124 individual nozzles, which will quickly immerse the Cascada in a miniature rainstorm for 10 minutes.

Each 2016 Buick Cascada built will undergo extensive water testing as part of the production process, ensuring the interior remains watertight in inclement weather.

Each nozzle emits 1.9 gallons of water every minute. Cascada’s test is designed to produce nearly the equivalent of 1.23 inches of rain in a minute, which matches a world record set in Unionville, Md. in 1956.

Additionally, two Cascadas will be randomly selected daily to undergo another water test, known as the “deluge.” While this test is designed to last only eight minutes, each nozzle blasts roughly three gallons of water each minute.

Much like actual rain clouds, Cascada’s water testing booths are also part of a water cycle. While nearly 132,000 gallons of water – or nearly 5,500 full bathtubs – will be used daily, only 1.5 percent of that volume is lost to evaporation. The other 98.5 percent of the water used will be collected, filtered and recycled for use in later tests.

These tests may seem extreme, but they’re especially important given April showers are more than an old proverb. As winter gives way to spring, rain showers are bound to splash cities across the U.S. with more than a little precipitation.

“Typically, April sees weather patterns bring in more moisture from the Gulf, especially in the eastern half of the United States,” said Jim Piro and Allan Reppert, AccuWeather climatology supervisor and meteorologist, respectively. “Rainfall for the spring looks to be wet along much of the East Coast, from New York south into northern Florida, and stretching along the Gulf Coast into eastern Texas.”

Some spring showers may take drivers by surprise on an otherwise sunny day, but Cascada engineers came prepared. Its power-folding top will be fully deployed in as little as 17 seconds, and at speeds up to 31 mph.

Beginning in early 2016, Cascada owners in arid corners of the U.S. may not have to worry about facing those showers, but they may still appreciate the result of these tests.

“Chances are good you’ll still clean the car with a pressure washer, or run it through an automated car wash,” Dolch said. “The same watertight concerns will still apply, even under clear blue skies.”

!NEW! Official Opening of Global Business Services in Tychy

120 new employees to support Opel/Vauxhall colleagues across Europe

In the presence of Jerzy Majchrzak, Director Innovation and Industry Department in Ministry of Economy, and Ulrich Schumacher, Opel Group Vice President HR & Labor Director, the newly established Global Business Services Center was opened in Tychy today. This new center will offer support to over 20 local Opel/Vauxhall facilities in Europe providing services from serving as the first point of contact for employees in all HR related matters to data maintenance, expense reporting and training. Presently, 90 consultants out of a total of 120 have already been hired.

Jerzy Majchrzak, Director Innovation and Industry Department in Ministry of Economy, Stefan Hoffmann, Assistant Director GBS Europe, Anna Polak-Kocińska, Vice President of Polish Information and Foreign Investment Agency, Andrzej Dziuba, Mayor of Tychy and Ulrich Schumacher, Opel Group Vice President HR & Labor Director (from left to right) at the official opening of the Global Business Services Center in Tychy.

“We welcome the fact that General Motors is opening new kinds of business activities in Poland alongside the traditional automotive business. The new shared service center will create a number of new jobs for the people of the region. This is further proof of GM’s significant commitment to Poland and confirmation that, thanks to the efforts of the Ministry of Economy, a good environment for investors has been created,” said Jerzy Majchrzak at the opening ceremony.

Ulrich Schumacher, Opel Group Vice President HR & Labor Director added: “We are delighted that we have managed to bundle an important part of our service activities for Europe here in Poland. This investment is further proof of the important role that Poland plays in the international Opel/Vauxhall network.”

The newly opened General Motors Global Business Services Center is part of GM Manufacturing Poland and is located in the Tychy plant facilities. GM Manufacturing Poland currently employs a total of 3,900 people in three branches: vehicle manufacturing in Gliwice, engine manufacturing in Tychy and the newly opened Tychy GBS Center. In the second half of this year, the Gliwice plant will begin production of the new generation Opel Astra. Furthermore, a new engine family will be produced in the Tychy plant.

Opel is one of the fastest growing brands in Poland. In 2014, the brand sold more than 28,000 vehicles in the country (+41 percent) and was able to rise to number four of the total vehicle market with a market share of nearly 7.2 percent. The upward trend continued this year: In the first two months of 2015, sales increased by more than 24 percent and market share by around 2 percentage points compared to the same period last year.