Opel Showcases AI - Powered Light Communication in Autonomous Vehicles

• Pioneer in lighting innovations: Sophisticated headlight systems already available in numerous Opel models
• In-house creation: Team in Rüsselsheim creates unique demonstrator car with signature lighting innovations
• Ongoing cooperation: Opel, Stellantis and the TU Darmstadt have been conducting joint research into new lighting technologies since 2022

At this year’s International Symposium on Automotive Lighting (ISAL), which is currently taking place in Darmstadt until September 24, Opel, Stellantis and the Technical University of Darmstadt (TU Darmstadt) are present with a special Opel Grandland. The test vehicle demonstrates how SAE Level 3-capable (hands-off, eyes-off) autonomous vehicles could communicate with other road users via lighting systems in future.

Making pioneering lighting technologies available to customers is a long-standing tradition at Opel. Opel’s lighting innovations currently available in various models with the Blitz include:

•  Intelli-LED: featured in Opel Corsa, Mokka and Frontera
•  Intelli-Lux Matrix: available in Opel Corsa, Mokka, and Combo
•  Intelli-Lux Pixel Light: showcased in Opel Astra and Astra Sports Tourer
•  Intelli-Lux HD Light: debuting in all-new Opel Grandland

At Opel, lighting innovation goes beyond enhancing visibility: it’s about creating safer, smarter interactions on the road. At the International Symposium on Automotive Lighting in Darmstadt, Philipp Röckl, Global Lead Lighting at Stellantis, and Julisa Le, Lead Innovation Engineer, will present a forward-looking concept: how autonomous vehicles can use light to communicate with pedestrians and other road users. To bring this idea to life, the team collaborated with the Opel Concept Workshop and students from TU Darmstadt to develop a unique Opel Grandland demonstrator.

“Headlights clearly play an important part in increasing road safety – but modern lighting systems are capable of so much more. For example, lighting signatures can easily be animated and used for animations. And the illuminated Blitz on the Opel Grandland can be substituted by a display that can both show the illuminated emblem and be used to communicate with other road users and pedestrians. By using existing lighting elements, it makes it easy to add communication features once we will introduce autonomous driving features in our cars” said Röckl.

To demonstrate what cars of the future could be capable of, the team first defined the use cases, those being ‘possible danger from a pedestrian or other situation’ and ‘the situation is safe and the danger from a pedestrian is no longer present’. In simpler terms, this represents situations that most motorists have encountered such as a child chasing a ball onto the road or a pedestrian emerging from between two parked cars. With this in mind, the team then fitted the Opel Grandland with a camera system for object and gesture detection, as well as intention prediction using artificial intelligence. And then set about refining the lighting systems.

When operating in SAE Level 3 or higher, the front and rear indicators of the Opel Grandland permanently shine in cyan – giving a clear signal to other road users. At the same time, the remaining signature lighting remains in the usual white. When the camera systems detect a pedestrian in the path of the vehicle, the signature lighting changes to magenta and the display shows a warning signal in the same colour thus visually notifying the pedestrian the car is approaching. At the same time, the vehicle begins to decelerate. 

Once the Opel Grandland has come to standstill, the signature lighting changes to green and the display shows a green walking figure known from pedestrian crossing lights to indicate that the car has recognised the danger, come to a halt and that the pedestrian can now cross. In the event that the situation cannot be managed by the AI algorithm, the driver is prompted to take control of the vehicle, in line with industry standards for ADAS protocols.

“We specifically chose colours that are not already associated with other vehicle functions to avoid misunderstandings. For example, red is intuitively understandable, but it is already used for stop lights or the rear lights of cars. Cyan and magenta have been thoroughly evaluated for perception purposes and are currently not present in any traffic situations. Both ensure clear, unambiguous communication with other road users,” added Le.

This innovation reflects Opel’s commitment to accessible, intelligent safety for all road users while simultaneously building trust in autonomous vehicles.

Opel, Stellantis and the TU Darmstadt started joint research into new lighting technologies in 2022. The cooperation is part of the global Stellantis research network with respected universities. In the so-called ‘OpenLabs’, scientific knowledge is gained for use in technology systems of future vehicle generations. The strategic partnership with TU Darmstadt will enable a new era of lighting technologies. In addition, Stellantis is currently funding three doctoral students at the university’s Department of Electrical Engineering and Information Technology.

Vauxhall scores a 1-2 finish with Corsa and Mokka as UK's two best-sellers in February

• Vauxhall Corsa is once again the UK’s best-selling car so far this year
• Vauxhall has two best-selling cars in February with Corsa and Mokka, making them best-sellers in their segment respectively
• February saw 2,818 Corsas and 1,805 Mokkas registered

Vauxhall Corsa continued success comes on back of being UK’s best-selling supermini in 2022 and best-selling car overall in 2021

Vauxhall has the two best-selling cars in the UK in February, with the award-winning Vauxhall Corsa reclaiming its place as the UK’s best-selling car, and the Vauxhall Mokka as the second-most registered car in the month, according to the latest vehicle registration figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).

With 2,818 new Corsas registered in February, it has reclaimed its crown as not just UK’s best-selling supermini, but the best-selling new car in the country, with a total of 5,243 units registered so far in 2023.   

Car’s continued strong popularity with both private and fleet buyers comes on the back of three consecutive years of strong showings for the Corsa. With 35,910 units sold in 2022, it finished last year as the UK’s favourite supermini, while it was the country’s best-selling car overall in 2021.

With 1,805 sold in February, Vauxhall Mokka joins Corsa at the top of the sales charts, being the second-best selling car in the country for February and the best-selling compact crossover (B-SUV). Both the Mokka and Corsa are available to buyers as fully electric variants – Corsa Electric and Mokka Electric.

James Taylor, Managing Director, Vauxhall, said: “I’m delighted to see Mokka join Corsa at the top of the sales charts in February – a true indication of how latest Vauxhall range is meeting the needs of today’s drivers. We’re looking forward to the arrival of All-New Astra Electric and Astra Sports Tourer Electric later this year, adding further electric options for our customers as part of our commitment to be an all-electric brand from 2028.”

Vauxhall’s electrification strategy includes a commitment to be a fully-electric brand by 2028. It is also one of the few manufacturers in the country able to offer fleets and private buyers an electric van across its entire model range.

Both the Vauxhall Corsa and Mokka are available with efficient petrol engines as well as with a fully electric powertrain. Using the multi-powertrain CMP platform, the electric variants of these cars are powered by a 50 kWh battery and a 136 PS (100 kW) electric motor. Capable of supporting up to 100 kW rapid charging, an 80% charge for both takes just 30 minutes to complete. Corsa Electric has a range of 222 miles (WLTP) while Mokka Electric can reach up to 209 miles (WTLP) on a full charge.

Entire Vauxhall passenger car range can be ordered entirely online via the Vauxhall Online  Store. The Vauxhall Online Store brings the brand’s showroom experience straight into the comfort of buyers’ homes. Customers can arrange a live video viewing of their vehicle via the Vauxhall Virtual  Showroom and proceed to the Online Store to configure their vehicle, personalise finance payments, and place an order, all from the comfort of their home.

AGR-Certified Opel seats: Optimum Ergonomics for every journey

• Decades-long Opel philosophy: Seats must offer support as well as comfort
• Top of the line: State-of-the-art GSe performance seats will lead Opel’s AGR offer
• Wide range: AGR seats for Opel Astra, Crossland and Grandland

 All-new performance seats unique to Opel Astra GSe and Astra Sports Tourer GSe

Opel’s offer of ergonomic seats certified by AGR (“Aktion Gesunder Rücken” – Campaign for healthy backs, an independent German association promoting research related to back-pain prevention) is extensive and a key component of the German carmaker’s customer-centric approach to mobility. Today, Opel buyers can already order ergonomic AGR seats on the new Opel Astra, Opel Crossland and Opel Grandland. However, seat development at Opel never stands still and the next stage will soon be available in the form of all-new performance seats unique to the Astra GSe and Astra Sports Tourer GSe – certified, of course, by AGR.

At Opel, car seats must not only provide comfort, they must also support the occupant’s back; throughout the journey and especially when driving longer distances. It therefore comes as no surprise that the innovative German brand (which this year celebrates its 160th anniversary) was the first to offer back-friendly seats in the mid-size segment in 2003, with the first seal of approval from the ergonomics experts at AGR for the Opel Signum.

That GSe-feeling: Stylish performance seats with ergonomic AGR certification

New GSe performance seats represent the youngest developments in healthy seating technology from Opel. Trimmed in black Alcantara, the stylish front seats in the Astra GSe and Astra Sports Tourer GSe feature especially high upper wings. Unique construction with fully integrated head restraints also displays a distinctive grey accent-stripe electro-welded onto the backrest – a high-precision technology used for the first time on a series production car. Also unique to the GSe is the stitched pattern at the base of the backrest and on the seat cushion, while the unmistakable yellow-on-black GSe logo adorns the top of the seatback.

Take your (AGR) seat: Functions and adjustments for every trip and driving style

Opel already offers a variety of AGR seats with a choice of comfort or more sports-oriented contours. To enable the driver and the front passenger to adopt a comfortable and back-friendly seating position for any journey, AGR seats offer 10 adjustments for the driver and six for the co-driver. Regardless of the seat contour, the multitude of adjustable parameters – many electrically operated on the driver’s seat – include sliding range, height, tilt, backrest tilt, thigh support, lumbar support and seat cushion tilt, as well as heating for the cold season.

Comfort of AGR driver’s seats can be further enhanced – depending on the model variant – with ventilation. In addition, the memory function particularly comes in handy when sharing driving duties over long distances.

With AGR-certified seats, Opel drivers always have the comfort they want and the support they need, regardless of the journey’s type or duration.

All-New Vauxhall Astra named ‘Best Family Car’ at 2022 Business Car Awards

• Business Car has named the All-New Vauxhall Astra its ‘Best Family Car’
• Judges praised the All-New Astra’s attractive design, competitive pricing and value for money
• All-New Astra is available as a Plug-in Hybrid with up to 43 miles of electric-only range
• Fully electric version of All-New Astra & All-New Astra Sports Tourer due in 2023
• Vauxhall is committed to electrifying Britain and will be an electric-only brand by 2028

All-New Vauxhall Astra has won the ‘Best Family Car’ category at the 2022 Business Car Awards.

Annual Business Car Awards recognise and reward excellence in the fleet market, highlighting the best cars for fleets across various categories. All-New Astra received praise from judges for its competitive pricing and eye-catching design.

All-New Vauxhall Astra gives customers the choice of powertrains – offering petrol and diesel variants and a highly efficient Plug-in Hybrid model, capable of travelling up to 43 miles (WLTP, EAER) on electric power alone and therefore in the eight per cent Benefit-in-Kind taxation category. With emissions as low as 24g/km CO2, All-New Astra is ideal for both fleets and private buyers looking to save on running costs. An all-electric version of Astra and Astra Sports Tourer will arrive in 2023. 

Martyn Collins, Editor, Business Car, said: “Vizor front is a highlight, but the new Vauxhall Astra’s overall design is a bit of a head turner. Inside is equally attractive, with its minimalist look. Prices are competitive, plus there are PHEV versions to keep running costs down and standard specifications represent great value for money.”

James Taylor, Acting Managing Director, Vauxhall, said: “It is rewarding to see such a positive response to the All-New Astra. Vauxhall’s success at the Business Car Awards demonstrates our commitment to design, innovation and leading the way in driving Britain towards an electric future, with an efficient Plug-in Hybrid model available from launch and a fully electric Astra arriving next year.”

All-New Astra can be ordered entirely online via the Vauxhall Online Store, bringing the brand’s showroom experience straight into buyers’ homes. Customers can arrange a live video tour of a vehicle via the Vauxhall Virtual Showroom and proceed to the Online Store to configure their vehicle, personalise finance payments and place an order, all from the comfort of their home.

Successful SUV: More than 500,000 Opel Crossland Produced

• Popular: More than half a million units have already rolled off the production line
• Flexible: Sliding rear seat and up to 1,255 litres of boot volume
• Clear and bold: Opel Crossland with unmistakable Opel Vizor and striking rear end

Clear and bold design language, highly flexible and equipped with cutting-edge technologies – Opel Crossland is highly popular with customers. Compact SUV with the Blitz bolt has become a real sales hit since its launch in 2017. Now Opel Crossland has broken through the 500,000 mark.

There are many reasons for its success: At a length of just 4.22 meters, the Opel Crossland combines maximum interior variability with plenty of space for the whole family. This is ensured, among other things, by the 60/40 split-folding rear seat bench, which can be moved longitudinally by up to 150 millimetres, depending on the variant. This increases the boot volume from 410 to 520 litres in no time at all. If the rear seats are folded down completely, there is even room for 1,255 litres.

In addition, it comes with numerous assistance systems that make driving in the Crossland relaxed and safe. Standard electronic helpers include Intelligent Cruise Control and Speed Limiter, Lane Keep Assist and Traffic Sign Recognition, as well as bright Full LED headlights. Systems such as Forward collision alert with automatic emergency braking and pedestrian detection, Driver Drowsiness Alert, Head-up Display, 180 degree Panorama Rear View Camera, IntelliGrip adaptive traction control and more are also available.¨

Opel Crossland not only impresses with its versatility and top technologies, but also with its modern look. Since last year, it has been sporting the unmistakable new Opel design, including the Vizor: For example, only a few elements such as the characteristic Opel Blitz are visible; the front looks as if it has been cast from a single mold and is visually wider. Rear view is equally clear and boldly designed to catch the eye. Here, Crossland has been confidently bearing its name centrally on the tailgate since the beginning of 2021. In Germany, the extensively equipped Opel Crossland Elegance starts at 25,540 euros (RRP incl. VAT) 1.

Successful model is produced at the Zaragoza plant in Spain. Opel has already announced that the successor, like every new Blitz model, will also be electrified. From 2028 onwards, Opel will purely sell electric vehicles in Europe.

[1] Opel Crossland Elegance 1.2 Direct Injection Turbo with 81 kW/110 hp and 6-speed manual gearbox. WLTP combined fuel consumption: 6.1-5.7 l/100 km, CO2 emissions 137-129 g/km. Fuel consumption and CO2 emissions figures mentioned comply with the WLTP homologation (regulation EU 2017/948). From 1 September 2018, new vehicles are type-approved using the World Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP), which is a new, more realistic test procedure for measuring fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. WLTP fully replaces the New European Drive Cycle (NEDC), which was the test procedure used previously. Due to more realistic test conditions, the fuel consumption and CO2 emissions measured under the WLTP are in many cases higher compared to those measured under the NEDC. Fuel consumption and CO2 emissions figures may vary depending on specific equipment, options and format of tires.

Opel celebrates Corsa Jubilee with Limited Edition “40 Years”

• First pictures: Special model in red with black ornamentation
• Timeless pattern: Modern interpretation of Opel Corsa A tartan seat trim
• From 0001 to 1982: Each car has its own label in the interior
• Six generations of success: 14 million units of Opel Corsa produced in 40 years

As the first Opel Corsa rolled off the assembly line in 1982, it opened the first chapter of an ongoing success story. Today, 40 years and six model generations later, more than 14 million units have left the plants; demand for the bestselling small car is as high as ever, especially for the all-electric Corsa-e. Opel will celebrate the jubilee with the “Corsa 40 Years” special model, which will go on sale in the coming weeks in selected markets in Europe. German carmaker released the first pictures today.

Limited edition – Opel will produce only 1,982 units – comes with a new colour for the bodywork called “Rekord Red” that is highly reminiscent of the red used on the original Opel Corsa A. Contrast is provided by the black roof and black coloured décor such as the Opel Blitz emblem, the tailgate opener and the centrally located Corsa nameplate. Seventeen-inch light alloy wheels in glossy black with inserts in matt grey underline the dynamic appearance.

Inside,  “Corsa 40 Years” is not only nostalgic but also highly modern. Interior is unconventionally stylish, just like the first generation, especially the modern interpretation of the original tartan seat trim. Buyers will also be able to display the timeless pattern themselves – at no extra charge – with limited edition tartan socks in today’s design as well as that of the original.

Limited edition badge is equally unique. Each “Corsa 40 Years” will possess its own label numbered from 0001 to 1982, located on the black décor of the passenger-side instrument panel. In addition, like every Opel Corsa, the special model offers numerous comfort and safety features as standard. List ranges from the Multimedia Radio (compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto) and Full LED headlamps to electronic driver assistance systems such as front collision alert with automatic emergency braking and pedestrian detection.

Opel Corsa is the bestselling small car on the German market. In addition, Opel Corsa-e also topped sales of all battery-electric cars in Germany in May.

Opel Corsa-e: Most popular Electric Car in Germany in May

• After last year's success, Opel Corsa will also be the best-selling small car in 2022
• Opel Mokka convinces purely electrically and as a combustion engine in the compact SUVs
• Overall, Opel passenger cars in May with a significant increase in market share compared to the previous year

Opel Corsa-e

Opel Corsa-e , winner of the "Golden Steering Wheel 2020" 1 , is not only well received by the trade press - customers are also enthusiastic about the small car with the lightning bolt: So much so that the Corsa-e was the best-selling battery-electric vehicle (BEV) was ever in Germany. According to official figures from the Federal Motor Transport Authority, Opel Corsa-e thus secured a strong 6.5 percent BEV market share.

Head of Opel Germany - Andreas Marx

In addition to the Corsa-e, the stylish Opel Mokka‑e , winner of the “Golden Steering Wheel 2021” 2 , continues to enjoy great popularity: the all-electric compact SUV has held a strong second place in its segment over the course of the year to date.

Opel Mokka-e

“This result shows how well our models appeal to customers and that we are on the right track with our e-offensive. From Corsa-e to Zafira-e Life – Opel already offers twelve battery-electric models for all situations and user profiles. Future of mobility is electric, and we are excellently positioned for it. The two new models Astra and Grandland will also electrify their segments,” says Opel Germany boss Andreas Marx.

Opel Zafira-e

Great success of the Opel Corsa and Mokka model series is also underpinned by a look at the total figures across all drive trains: Opel Corsa is the best-selling small car on Europe's largest automobile market in the year to date, the Opel Mokka is number 3 in the compact SUV segment in Germany. Overall, Opel significantly increased its share of the passenger car market in the important German home market in May compared to the same month last year . With a market share of 6.3 percent, brand with the lightning bolt recorded an increase of 0.8 percentage points compared to May 2021.

[1] AUTO BILD and BILD am SONNTAG issue 45/2020, “Small car” category.

[2] AUTO BILD issue 45/2021 and BILD am SONNTAG issue 46/2021, category "Best car under 25,000 euros" (taking into account the BAFA environmental bonus).

Opel in May with significant increase in market share in Germany

• Increase of 0.8 percentage points compared to the same month last year
• Bestseller Opel Corsa best-selling small car 2022
• Market share of 7.7 percent for battery electric vehicles
• More than every fifth newly registered Opel is now electrified

Opel Corsa

Opel significantly increased its share of the passenger car market in the important German home market in May compared to the same month last year. According to official figures from the Federal Motor Transport Authority, the brand with the lightning bolt had a market share of 6.3 percent - an increase of 0.8 percentage points compared to May 2021. This growth was driven by the Opel Corsa , the best-selling small car on the German market, the new Opel Astra and the Opel Mokka .

Opel Mokka & Opel Mokka-e

Development of the battery-electric models (BEV) was particularly pleasing. According to preliminary figures, Opel closed the month with a BEV market share of 7.7 percent. "We offer our customers a large selection of battery-electric passenger cars. Portfolio ranges from the Corsa-e to the Zafira-e Life - and is very well received by customers," says Opel Germany CEO Andreas Marx.

Opel Zafira-e Life

Proportion of electrified Opels in the model mix also continues to grow. In May, every fifth newly registered Opel was already a battery-electric model or a plug-in hybrid. Brand with the lightning bolt expects additional impetus from the new Astra plug-in hybrid.

All-New Opel Astra

Diamond Jubilee: Vauxhall celebrates 60 years of manufacturing at Ellesmere Port

• Vauxhall’s Ellesmere Port plant is celebrating 60 years of manufacturing
• Diamond jubilee comes as Ellesmere Port looks ahead to producing the next generation of battery electric LCV and passenger car models
• £100 million investment in Ellesmere Port by parent group Stellantis was announced last year to support its transformation to electric vehicle manufacturing
• Stellantis commitment to net zero globally by 2038 and to halve carbon impact by 2030

Celebrations coincide with final Vauxhall Astra rolling off the production line with more than 4 million built at Ellesmere Port across seven generations

Vauxhall is celebrating an incredible 60 years of manufacturing at its Ellesmere Port plant ahead of its £100 million transformation into the first Stellantis plant to produce solely battery-electric models by the end of the year.

Ellesmere Port opened in 1962 and began as a production plant for the Vauxhall Viva. Since then it has produced iconic models from the Vauxhall range including the Chevette and successive generations of the Vauxhall and Opel Astra. In total, more than 5.2 million vehicles have rolled off the production lines at Ellesmere Port over the past 60 years.

The diamond jubilee comes as Ellesmere Port readies itself for a £100 million upgrade to become the first Stellantis plant to produce solely battery-electric models, from early next year.

The popular Vauxhall Combo-e and its Opel equivalent will be some of the first electric vehicles to be produced at Ellesmere when the plant reopens, along with Peugeot e-Partner and Citroën e-Berlingo vans. Ellesmere Port will also produce a range of passenger vehicles across the Stellantis brands including the Vauxhall Combo-e Life, Opel Combo-e Life, Peugeot e-Rifter and Citroën ë-Berlingo MPVs.

These light commercial vehicles, and their passenger car variants, are all powered by a 100 kW (136 hp) motor with a 50 kWh lithium-ion battery.  They can be charged at up to 100 kW and take just 30 minutes to charge from 0% to 80%, capable of up to 174 miles of range under WLTP conditions.

Paul Willcox, Managing Director, Vauxhall & Senior Vice-President, Stellantis, said: “Over the last 60 years, Ellesmere Port has become one of the great British car plants, producing some of the most popular cars on the roads across generations. With one era closing, we’re now looking forward to an all-new electric era at Ellesmere, with the site becoming the first Stellantis plant to produce solely electric vehicles. Vauxhall is fast moving towards an electric future and I’m pleased to see the next-generation of Vauxhall electric vehicles made in Britain.” 

Vauxhall has committed to selling only electric vehicles from 2028, seven years ahead of the Government deadline, and the transformation at Ellesmere Port will ensure the UK remains at the forefront of electric vehicle manufacturing. The plant upgrade also forms a part of Stellantis’ commitment to become a carbon neutral group, globally, by 2038 – and to halve its carbon footprint by 2030, based on 2021 data. 

As Vauxhall looks ahead to the future electric vehicle production at Ellesmere Port, the plant is marking the end of production there for one of the brand’s most iconic models – Vauxhall Astra. Having first produced the Vauxhall Astra from 16th November 1981, then in its first generation, more than 4 million Astra models have been built at Ellesmere Port.

Production of the seventh generation Astra model came to a close on 6th April 2022.  The final Vauxhall Astra model to roll off the production line was an Astra Sport Tourer SRi Nav 1.2 Turbo Manual in Hot Red and the occasion was celebrated with a gathering of the plant workforce as well as former employees.  

6th April 2022: Last Vauxhall Astra rolls off production line

Work will now be undertaken to transform Ellesmere Port into an electric vehicle manufacturing centre when it restarts production in early 2023. 

Eighth generation All-New Astra, and Astra Sport Tourer, are now available to order and deliveries to UK customers are starting imminently.  Available now with plug-in hybrid technology, a fully electric version of both cars will also arrive next year as part of Vauxhall’s commitment to only sell fully electric vehicles from 2028. 

With over 90 years of history of manufacturing in the UK, Vauxhall is currently the only mainstream automotive brand to produce vans in Britain. Alongside Stellantis’ Ellesmere Port plant, Vauxhall continues to make vans at its factory in Luton, which has been operating since 1907 and stands as Britain’s oldest car factory.

Groupe PSA and Punch Powertrain Expand Strategic Partnership in Electrification

• Agreement to establish second Joint Venture
• New Joint Venture to design, manufacture and supply state of the art components and sub-systems for the future generation of the electrified transmission (e-DCT [1])
• e-DCT will equip Groupe PSA’s Mild Hybrid Electric (MHEV) and Plug-in Hybrid Electric (PHEV) vehicles and carmakers globally

Groupe PSA and Punch Powertrain have signed an agreement to establish a second Joint Venture and expand their strategic partnership in the field of electrification, to contribute to fight against climate change.

Punch Powertrain holds majority control in the new Joint 61/39 Venture, which will design, manufacture, and supply Punch Powertrain’s breakthrough DT2 [2] dual clutch transmission for the industry’s next generation of mild hybrid electric (MHEV) and plug-in hybrid electric (PHEV) vehicles. The business will initially supply Groupe PSA’s global operations and aims to supply other vehicle manufacturers worldwide. The Joint Venture agreement is subject to customary regulatory approvals.

“Our clear manufacturing strategy is to have a vertical integration of components, particularly key technologies such as electrified powertrains. We have understood that the future is much more than reducing emissions. The challenge ahead of us is electrification at affordable cost, aligned with our raison d’être (Central Purpose)” said Olivier Bourges, Executive Vice President, Programs and Strategy and Member of the Managing Board.

“We are delighted to launch this second Joint Venture Agreement with Groupe PSA, Europe’s second largest car manufacturer,” said Jorge Solis, Chief Executive Officer, Punch Powertrain. “Over the past 45 years, Punch Powertrain has continuously pioneered innovative and cost-effective transmission technologies. This new venture will spearhead the industrialization of our next generation of transmissions for hybrid electric vehicles for Groupe PSA and other carmakers worldwide.”

Punch Powertrain DT2 48V and PHEV Dual Clutch Transmission

Punch Powertrain will contribute its DT2-related business unit, including world-class engineering, manufacturing, and support functions to the new entity which is expected to be operational by the third quarter 2020. Punch Powertrain will also transfer its current DT2- related facilities in Sint-Truiden, Belgium, and Eindhoven, the Netherlands. In turn, Groupe PSA will make a cash investment in the Joint Venture.

New Joint Venture, “Punch Powertrain PSA e-transmissions”, will supply Punch Powertrain’s innovative, ultra-efficient and compact automatic transmissions. Known as the DT2, this cost-efficient dual clutch transmission is the first in the industry to integrate an electric motor in a mild hybrid electric vehicle.

This latest Joint Venture will supply one of the industry’s first 48V solutions to equip mild hybrid electric vehicles (MHEV), resulting in significant fuel savings and reduction in CO2 emissions, compared to regular internal combustion engine powered vehicles.

A high voltage variant of the DT2 is designed for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV) and allows full electrically powered driving.

In April 2019 Groupe PSA and Punch Powertrain originally signed an agreement to establish their first Joint Venture “Punch Powertrain PSA e-transmissions assembly”. This Joint Venture will assemble the future generation of electrified transmissions (e-DCT) at Groupe PSA ’s facility in Metz, France, starting in 2022. This breakthrough transmission will equip Groupe PSA’s next generation of hybrid vehicles.

[1]  e-DCT ; electrified Dual Clutch Transmission

[2] Dual Clutch Transmission by Punch Powertrain, available in 48V, plug-in hybrid or conventional variants.

Opel Extends Protection of its Performance and Employment

• In the context of energy transition, led by European CO2 regulations, Management and general works council agreed on extensive measures to safeguard the future
• Exclusion of forced redundancies extended by two years to July 2025
• As part of the allocation of the next generation of Opel Astra, new model will be produced in Rüsselsheim, both as hatchback and station wagon
• EMP2 platform will be localized in Rüsselsheim, allowing to build plug-in hybrid
• Decision to invest is linked to Rüsselsheim performance improvements and secures operation in at least two shift.
• Voluntary programme to be reopened for employees in Rüsselsheim, Eisenach and Kaiserslautern

In the context of far-reaching changes with regard to the ever-stricter CO2 regulations that the entire automotive industry is facing, Opel’s management and the Opel general works council have agreed extensive measures to secure employment and further increase Opel’s competitiveness. Exclusion of forced redundancies has been extended by two further years to 2025 for the employees in Germany. Trainees who are currently serving their apprenticeships will be given permanent contracts.

As a result of performance improvement, the company has decided to make further investments in the plant in Rüsselsheim, thus providing the perspective for many years of manufacturing. Rüsselsheim will produce the next generation of the Opel Astra as a five-door as of 2021 and as a station wagon in Rüsselsheim as of 2022, considering that around 95 percent of station wagon are sold in continental Europe. Allocation includes the internal combustion engine and the plug-in hybrid variants. Second plant is still to be confirmed.

This extensive investment decision will secure at least the two-shift operation of the Rüsselsheim plant.

Management and the general works council also agreed that the voluntary leave programme will be reopened for employees in Rüsselsheim, Eisenach and Kaiserslautern. This is limited to a maximum of 2,100 positions. Employees born up to and before 1963 will have the opportunity to participate in partial retirement or senior leave programmes. The voluntary leave programme is based on the principle of double voluntary action. This means employee and the employer must come to a mutual agreement.

“This agreement creates a further considerable improvement of our competitiveness. With the allocation of the next generation of Astra, we aim at safeguarding the future in times of massive transformation. At the same time, this agreement gives our employees long-term security. Protection of employment until 2025 is a strong signal,” said Opel CEO Michael Lohscheller.

Groupe PSA and Punch Powertrain are negotiating terms of a Joint Venture agreement for the Group’s future electrified dual-clutch transmissions

• On September 27, Groupe PSA and Punch Powertrain announce their intention to sign a joint venture agreement, named “Punch Powertrain PSA e-transmissions”, to produce the future generation of the electrified transmission (e-DCT), starting in 2022.

The Metz plant will have an annual production capacity of 600,000 e-DCTs. In preparation for production, Punch Powertrain will carry out industrialization and design of the state-of-the-art production line. 

 electrified Dual-Clutch Transmission (e-DCT)

Informations on the future Joint Venture « Punch Powertrain PSA e-transmissions »:
Headquarters:           Metz (Greater East Region) France
R&D facilities:           Punch Powertrain in Belgium and Netherlands
Production facilites : Groupe PSA – Metz (Moselle) France

Closing of such transaction remains subject to antitrust clearance and employee representative consultation.

This electrified Dual Clutch Transmission (e-DCT) will be:

• Designed and developed in Punch Powertrain research centers in Belgium and the Netherlands
• Manufactured at Groupe PSA’s plant in Metz (Greater East Region), chosen for its cost-efficiency and recognized for its expertise in gearbox production.

With an excellent level of performance, this gearbox will save up to 15% fuel consumption and reduce emissions in the city thanks to the use of ZEV mode in heavy traffic conditions. This e-DCT technology will set the benchmark for dual-clutch transmissions in the passenger car and Light Commercial Vehicle (LCV) segments.

With its revolutionary design, the e-DCT gearbox with a 48V configuration, will equip Groupe PSA’s future Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicles (MHEV).

Rüsselsheim Engineering Center Develops Next Four-Cylinder Petrol Engine Generation for Groupe PSA

• Innovative four-cylinder petrol engine family for highest efficiency and low emissions
• Market-introduction as of 2022 in China, Europe and North America
• Optimised for use with electric motors in hybrid systems
• Global responsibility for new engine family adds to earlier announced competencies in Rüsselsheim

The Rüsselsheim Engineering Center will take on the global responsibility for the development of the next-generation of high-efficiency petrol engines for all Groupe PSA brands (Peugeot, Citroën, DS Automobiles, Opel and Vauxhall). The next generation of four-cylinder engines will be optimised for operation in combination with electric motors and will be used in the drive train of hybrid systems. Market-introduction will begin in 2022.

The new generation of engines is designated for use in all Groupe PSA brands in China, Europe and North America, meeting the future emission standards of these markets. The power units feature state-of-the-art technologies such as direct-injection, turbocharging and variable valve control. The engines are thus highly efficient and will deliver low fuel consumption and low CO₂ values.

“Rüsselsheim already had global responsibility for engine development when we were still part of GM. With the development of the new generation of four-cylinder petrol engines, we can exploit one of our key competencies. The economic direct-injection, in combination with hybrid technology, will consolidate the strong position of Groupe PSA in lowering CO₂ emissions,” said Opel’s Managing Director Engineering, Christian Müller.

The Rüsselsheim Engineering Center has decades of experience in the construction of efficient petrol engines. The engineers are now developing the new engine generation on the basis of the current Groupe PSA four-cylinder PureTech units. These all-aluminium engine, which have a displacement of 1.6 litres, already convince with a high level of efficiency and direct throttle response – virtues that the successor generation will build upon.

The upcoming four-cylinder units form the second petrol engine family of Groupe PSA from 2022 alongside the well-known three-cylinder PureTech turbo engine that only recently won the “Engine of the Year” award for the fourth time in a row. In addition to the responsibility for the new engine family, the engineering team in Rüsselsheim also leads the development of light commercial vehicles (LCVs) for the entire group. This includes the development of LCV platforms and modules from advanced development to production maturity. Furthermore, Groupe PSA has currently established 15 Centers of Competence in Rüsselsheim – from hydrogen & fuel cell to seat development.