Career start for 149 new apprentices at four Opel sites in Germany
Opel recognised twice as ‘Training Champion 2025’ in the automotive industry
Future opportunities based on tradition: 160 years of vocational training at Opel
Today marks a very special moment for 149 young people who are starting their professional careers at Opel. And the manufacturer welcomed its new apprentices at a festive welcome event at Opel's headquarters in Rüsselsheim.
In total, 100 young employees are starting their training in Rüsselsheim, 30 in Kaiserslautern, 12 in Eisenach and 7 in Bochum. They can expect modern and practical training in various technical, commercial and IT professions, as well as in dual study programmes.
Opel’s outstanding offer in vocational training is undisputed and the company was recently named ‘Training Champion 2025’ by the renowned F.A.Z. Institute and the analysis and consulting company ServiceValue – both in classic training and in the field of dual studies. Opel took the top spot among car manufacturers in both categories.
The extraordinary commitment to vocational training has a long tradition at Opel. As a leading training company in Germany, Opel has been opening up attractive future prospects for young people for 160 years – an anniversary that was recently honoured at the plant festival in Rüsselsheim. More than 27,000 young people have successfully completed their training at the company's German sites since the times of company founder Adam Opel.
“The fact that so many young talents have once again decided to start their vocational training at Opel this year fills us with great joy and pride,” said Opel Managing Director Human Resources and Labour Director Ralph Wangemann. “Sound training is the key to professional success – and we offer both modern learning conditions and a wide range of prospects for starting a career. The fact that Opel has twice been named ‘Training Champion 2025’ in the automotive industry is a recognition of the great commitment of our entire team and a strong signal to all those who want to shape their future with us.”
Opel focuses on future-oriented job profiles in its vocational training: In Rüsselsheim, eight apprenticeships and four dual study programmes are currently offered. Two new courses will be added in 2025/2026: Automotive Mechatronics Technician for Body Technology and a cooperative Bachelor of Engineering course in mechatronics with industrial mechanical training. Courses such as Applied Computer Science also reflect the company's technological focus.
And the next chapter is already beginning: The application process for the 2026/27 training year has already started. All important information about training and study opportunities at Opel – in Rüsselsheim as well as at the Kaiserslautern, Eisenach and Bochum sites – can be found here or directly from the contact persons at ausbildung@opel.com
High-quality and contemporary training in ten apprenticeships and six degree courses
Training offer aligned with Opel’s electric strategy
Close integration of theory and practice during training
Welcome to Opel: A total of 170 young people starting their vocational training today at Opel's German locations, 120 of them at the headquarters in Rüsselsheim alone. 28 newcomers began their vocational training at the Kaiserslautern plant, 15 at the Eisenach location and seven at the Bochum logistics center.
Opel offers its new employees attractive future prospects and career opportunities in the company in ten apprenticeships and six courses of study. The training offered is geared to the specific future needs of the respective location. Practice and theory are always closely intertwined. During their training, the young people work on specific projects for various departments of the company. This means that they are directly involved in day-to-day business and learn about important procedures and processes at an early stage.
"Our young skilled workers start a solid training course at Opel under the most modern conditions, supervised by a committed and experienced training team. We have continuously and consistently aligned our training program with Opel's electric strategy and the changes in the automotive industry. That is why topics such as electrification and automation as well as networking and artificial intelligence are playing an increasingly important role," explains Ralph Wangemann, Managing Director of Human Resources and Director of Labor at Opel, who welcomed the trainees at the Rüsselsheim site.
The dual degree programs with a focus on computer science, IT and electromobility also address the important future topics that accompany the transformation in the automotive industry. This year, the degree programs "Applied Computer Science" and "Computer Science - Technical Computer Science" have also been added.
Training at the German brand Opel has traditionally stood for high quality. 162 years ago, the first trainee began his apprenticeship with company founder Adam Opel. Since then, around 27,000 young people have completed their training at one of the company's German locations.
And Opel is already writing the next chapter of this success story, as the application process for the 2025 training year has already started. Here you can find all the important information about vocational training at Opel.
September 1862: Everything began with the first sewing machines
1868: Adam Opel married his wife Sophie and built the first new factory
1886: The first bicycle made in Rüsselsheim was produced
1899: Opel started making cars
2022: Opel is becoming an electric mobility brand
Opel is currently celebrating a very special anniversary. 160 years ago, Adam Opel founded his company in Rüsselsheim. In doing so, he laid the foundations for an internationally active, successful company in a wide variety of sectors. Starting with the production of sewing machines in 1862, Opel became the world's largest bicycle manufacturer and finally an internationally renowned automobile brand. Guideline from the beginning that has always distinguished all products “made by Opel” – make innovations affordable for everyone – remains true today. Opel is fully committed to electrification and offers customers a wide range of models with different variants of electrified drive.
Foundation in 1862: No easy start
As the eldest son of the master locksmith Philipp Wilhelm Opel, Adam's path was actually preordained – he was to take over and continue his father's business one day. But Adam had other plans, his big dream was the city of Paris. After stays in Liège, Brussels and London, he finally made it to his longed-for destination, where he made the momentous decision to enter the sewing machine business. At the end of August 1862, the now 25-year-old returned to his home town of Rüsselsheim and set up his own modest workshop in his parents' house; at that time against the wishes of his father, who had no real interest in sewing machines. After spending time in cosmopolitan cities, the return to his birthplace meant a big change for the young journeyman. But it was here, in the then village of Rüsselsheim with its 2,000 inhabitants, that Adam laid the foundations for the global Opel company.
Assembly of the first sewing machine took months. After completion, the master tailor Hummel from Rüsselsheim bought it and kept it in operation for 40 years. Even then the motto was “Opel, the reliable”. In 1863 Adam Opel set up his first own production facility in an uncle's disused cowshed. From Paris, brother Georg supplied Adam with steel, shuttles, needles and complete sewing machines for resale. A first advertisement appeared and Adam hired his first employee. Opel not only built sewing machines, but also traded in them with great success.
In the following years the sewing machine business flourished and Opel expanded. In 1868 he built a new factory building with a two-storey production hall, steam engine and adjoining residential and office building. After moving in, 40 people were working for the young company. In the same year, he married his wife Sophie, who not only took care of the household, but also the company's bookkeeping, thus bringing a breath of fresh air into the company. Production figures increased rapidly, not least because Opel accommodated individual customer wishes and designed special sewing machines for specific requirements. In 1886, 18,000 machines left the factory. The company became one of the largest sewing machine manufacturers in Germany and exported throughout Europe.
1887: From sewing machines to bicycles
Industrialisation offered the Opel family further business opportunities in the 1880s. On a trip to Paris in 1884, Adam Opel became acquainted with the penny-farthing (in France's capital, bicycles were already a common means of transport).Entrepreneur decided to purchase such a device, but it was several months before the first of his own models left the factory in Rüsselsheim in 1886. In the autumn of 1887, an illustrated price list marked the official beginning of a significant period in the company's history.
As with the sewing machines that went before, Opel was quick to adopt modern technology for its bicycles. In 1888, the penny-farthing, which marked the beginning of bicycle manufacturing in Rüsselsheim, was replaced by the modern low-wheel bicycle. By 1890, 2,200 two-wheelers had been sold. Five sons of Adam and Sophie were the best ambassadors for their own cause with over 550 victories in bicycle races. In the 1920s Opel became the world's largest bicycle manufacturer; 15,000 dealers sold bikes from Rüsselsheim. After the introduction of the assembly line in 1923, a bicycle left the production line every seven seconds.
1899: Opel starts building automobiles
Decisive step in the history of the company – driven forward by the five sons after Adam Opel's death in 1895 – was the start of automobile production in 1899. Opel is thus one of the pioneers in this industry and one of the most tradition-rich automobile manufacturers in the world. On January 21, 1899, Opel acquired the “Anhaltische Motorwagenfabrik” from Friedrich Lutzmann of Dessau. In the same year, automobile production in Rüsselsheim began with the Opel “Patent-Motorwagen System Lutzmann”. In 1906 the 1,000th vehicle was built; the final breakthrough came the following year when the Rüsselsheim carmaker was appointed supplier to the imperial court. However, Opel was also committed to the democratisation of the automobile, for example with the small 4/8 hp “Doktorwagen” in 1909.
In the following decades Opel became a regular trendsetter. Comfort, safety and newest technologies always played a major role. In the process, brand continuously developed without losing touch with its core philosophy – to make mobility accessible for all. 160 years ago, Adam Opel delighted customers with his first sewing machines. Similarly, Opel today brings a modern, future-oriented mobility to the market. Brand already offers numerous electrified vehicles, in three locally emissions-free variants. Bestsellers like the Opel Corsa and Mokka and the LCV-trio Combo, Vivaro and Movano are battery electric while the Opel Grandland and the Opel Astra are plug-in hybrids. The portfolio of electric propulsion systems is currently completed by the Opel Vivaro-e HYDROGEN. Young drivers aged 15 and over can already begin their journey into electric mobility thanks to the Opel Rocks-e two-seat quadricycle.
Now online: New tour shows highlights of Opel history from 1862 to today
For all interests: “160 Years of Opel” complements the previous theme tours “Alternative Drives”, “Rally Racing”, “Roaring Twenties” and “Mobility for Millions”
For fans and friends of the brand: Virtual tours developed with great attention to detail
In 2022, Opel is celebrating the company's 160th birthday. To mark this anniversary, Opel Classic has a special gift for all fans and friends of the brand: they can now immerse themselves in the company's history in the new "160 Years of Opel" theme tour at opel.com/opelclassic. From the comfort of their couch at home, users can take a virtual tour back to the beginnings of the company and enjoy numerous highlights from 160 years of Opel engineering. Opel Classic takes them on a varied tour from the first sewing machines and bicycles "made in Rüsselsheim" to the current "Golden Steering Wheel" title holder Opel Mokka-e 1 – around the clock, 365 days a year.
"New anniversary tour was developed with great attention to detail. Team first had to meticulously archive and document all the exhibits and precisely align them for filming so that online visitors can view the vehicles from all sides. Bilingual '160 Years of Opel' tour offers completely new Opel perspectives to all those interested. It's really worth clicking on and taking the tour," says the new Opel Classic Director Leif Rohwedder, looking forward to numerous online visitors.
"160 Years of Opel": Virtual tour from the beginning to today
New 360-degree tour takes visitors virtually into the "hallowed halls" of the Opel Classic Collection in Rüsselsheim. Here, the brand with the Blitz shelters a veritable treasure trove of 600 historic vehicles and studies as well as 300 other exhibits ranging from Opel sewing machines to aircraft engines. The highlights of the "160 Years of Opel" tour include a look at the beginnings in the 1860s as well as the following decades. By clicking on the yellow info points, Opel Classic reveals important information about the selected exhibits – short and sweet, right to the point.
"Wanderjahre Adam Opels" (Adam Opel's wandering years) are discussed as well as historically valuable exhibits such as the "Quintuplet" – a five-seat bicycle – on which the five sons of the company founder had themselves photographed for publicity purposes at the end of the 19th century. The pioneer among Opel automobiles can also be seen for the first time in a virtual tour: the Patentmotorwagen "System Lutzmann" from 1899, which marked the beginning of car production in Rüsselsheim.
Then interested visitors can continue on various paths through the historic halls. They will not only encounter numerous Opel icons and bestsellers, but also innovative record-breaking vehicles such as the Opel Elektro GT.
Five decades ago, this car demonstrated at the Hockenheimring what is possible with zero emissions. Tour through 160 years of Opel history leads to further groundbreaking developments such as the first fully electric vehicle suitable for everyday use, the Opel Ampera, and the battery-electric Opel Mokka-e. Current e-car with the Blitz won the "Golden Steering Wheel 2021"1 with its convincing driving performance as well as its very own style and rounds off the journey through time in the Opel halls.
"160 Years of Opel" tour now complements the Opel Classic online tours that were successfully launched in 2021. Here, visitors can also explore and enjoy the subjects of "Alternative Drives", "Rally Racing", "Roaring Twenties" and "Mobility for Millions".
[1] “Golden Steering Wheel 2021” Opel Mokka-e (power consumption according to WLTP 16.2-15.8 kWh/100 km, CO2 emission 0 g/km, range up to 338 km, efficiency class A+++). AUTO BILD edition 45/2021 and BILD am SONNTAG edition 46/2021, category for “Best car under €25,000” incl. environmental bonus.
1862-2022: Opel democratises innovations for 160 years
For all: From sewing machines and bicycles to today’s electric vehicles
1899: Opel starts producing cars and quickly makes mobility affordable
Emotional bestseller: From Opel GT and Manta to Corsa and Mokka
Opel success in motorsport: From Kadett Rallye to all-electric Corsa-e Rally
New drivetrains: From RAK and HYDROGEN to pioneering electric brand
In 2022, Opel is celebrating a very special anniversary. For 160 years, the brand with the lightning bolt emblem has been making innovations affordable for a wide audience. This was ensured by Adam Opel himself when he founded the company in August 1862 – and later by his five sons and his wife Sophie, who energetically participated in the further development of the company and can therefore be considered the first female manager of a sewing machine, bicycle and automobile brand.
Offering customers innovations paired with emotion and tradition – the automobile manufacturer has remained true to this commitment to this day. There are numerous models from the legendary 4/12 PS “Laubfrosch”, Kadett and Kapitän to current bestsellers such as the Astra, Mokka and the Corsa, which is celebrating its 40th birthday this year. Just as Opel was a pioneer in the 1920s with the introduction of assembly line technology, the car manufacturer is now on the way to becoming a sustainable mobility brand that will rely entirely on electric vehicles in Europe from 2028.
“Opel has been moving people for 160 years. Today we are driven by the same spirit as the company founder Adam Opel: technology and innovations for everyone – whether sewing machines, bicycles or cars. All this with a clear view of the future, always ready to face new challenges. Many bestsellers from Opel's rich history stand for this, as do our current models, most of which are already electrified. From 2028, Opel will be a purely electric brand in Europe. We are therefore well prepared for the next 160 years,” says Opel CEO Uwe Hochschurtz.
Beginnings: From sewing machines to the biggest bicycle maker in the world
Success story began at the end of August 1862. Adam Opel assembled his first sewing machine in Rüsselsheim, laying the foundation stone for the young Opel company. Production figures quickly rose – not least because Opel accommodated individual customer wishes and designed special sewing machines for special requirements. As early as 1868, Adam Opel and his employees moved into a new factory. Company soon developed into one of the largest sewing machine manufacturers in Germany and exported to the whole of Europe.
After the sewing machines, Opel built up its next successful pillar with the bicycle. In 1886 the first penny-farthing bicycle was built in Rüsselsheim - making Opel one of the first bicycle manufacturers in Germany. Soon the range of models expanded to include tricycles and “Sicherheits-Niederräder” (“safety bicycle” with “low wheels”), and in 1888 the first factory building was inaugurated, reserved solely for the production of bicycles. Opel was quick to adopt modern technology such as pneumatic tyres, ball bearings and free-wheel hubs for its bicycles. From 1894 onwards, Opel introduced bicycles specially designed for women. Success story continued through the decades. In the 1920s, Opel advanced to become the world's largest bicycle manufacturer.
Start 1899: Affordable mobility with advanced technology and production
Decisive developmental step in the history of the company – driven forward by the five sons after Adam Opel's death – was the start of automobile production in 1899. Opel is thus one of the pioneers in this industry and one of the most traditional car manufacturers in the world. Automobile production in Rüsselsheim started with the Opel “Patent-Motorwagen System Lutzmann”.
1899: Opel Patent-Motorwagen System Lutzmann
In 1906 the 1,000th vehicle was built. Final breakthrough came in 1909 with the legendary 4/8 PS “Doktorwagen”. At 3,950 marks, it cost half as much as luxurious competitors and paved the way for a broader section of the population to own their own car. Introduction of the modular system in 1910 also made a significant contribution.
1909: Opel Doktorwagen
Opel was the first German manufacturer to introduce large-scale production using assembly line technology. First car to roll off the assembly line in Germany in 1924 was the 4/12 PS “Laubfrosch”, always painted green. Just three years later, the Opel 4 PS, with a base price of only 2,980 marks, was no longer an expensive luxury item for the well-heeled, but developed into a reliable means of transport for many. At the same time, thanks to rational production, the car became more affordable from year to year - and with continuously increasing performance. Demand for Opel continued to grow, and in 1931 the 1.2 litre became the first true “people's car”.
1924: Opel Laubfrosch
Next revolution in production followed soon after. In 1935, new Olympia model became the first German mass-produced vehicle with a unitary all-steel body, which, thanks to its low weight, ensured improved driving performance and low fuel consumption. For the first time, the new design enabled the so-called “marriage” between the body and the power units. Entire production process was thus faster and more efficient, paving the way for the construction method to enter large-scale production.
1935: Opel Olympia
With heart and mind: Innovative bestsellers and new car classes
Over the decades, Opel has repeatedly set trends with new models and vehicle variants and created true bestsellers. Most enduring and traditional model line was the Opel Kadett, the first version of which saw the light of day in 1936.
1936: Opel Kadett
1962: Opel Kadett A
In 1962, Opel Kadett A became a million-seller: as a compact car, it was the driving force behind the German “economic miracle”, and in the 12th generation – since 1991 under the name Astra – it continues to ensure that innovations find their way into the compact class. Opel remains conscious of its tradition. For example, the side “gill”-look in the all-new Opel Astra hatchback is reminiscent of earlier Kadett generations.
2021: All-New Opel Astra
What is now known as Opel Astra and Insignia Sports Tourer rolled off the production line a few decades ago as the Caravan. Here, too, Opel played a pioneering role. In 1953, carmaker launched Olympia Rekord Caravan, a mixture of “car and van”, first large-series station wagon from a German manufacturer. But Opel was also an early player among the “big stuff”.
1953: Opel Olympia Rekord CarAVan
2021: All-New Opel Astra Sports Tourer
First post-war Opel, a 1.5 tonne Blitz truck, left the factory in 1946. Today, the light commercial vehicles Combo, Vivaro and Movano, all of which have already been electrified, are practical, have a large load volume and are fully up to date – the latter even comes in two CO2-free versions: the battery-electric Vivaro-e and the hydrogen fuel cell transporter Vivaro-e HYDROGEN.
Opel Vivaro-e HYDROGEN
Opel has also enjoyed great success with smaller models over the decades. First and foremost, the Corsa small car, which celebrates its 40th anniversary this year. Right from the start, it quickly became the best-selling vehicle in its segment and continues to be a success. In the current generation, electrified for the first time, it is once again a bestseller in its class.
Opel also established a new vehicle class in 1991 - Frontera, an “all-wheel drive recreational vehicle”, made its debut at the Geneva Motor Show. Compact Opel Frontera Sport was the first to demonstrate what is now widely known as an SUV, and the five-door Frontera with a long wheelbase became the forerunner of the modern off-road vehicle. Around 30 years ago, it immediately became the market leader and triggered a four-wheel drive boom throughout Europe.
In 1999, Opel once again demonstrated how it combines heart and mind with innovative solutions. With Zafira and its highly variable Flex7 concept, Opel defined the new segment of seven-seater compact vans. For the first time, a seven-seater could be transformed into a two-seater with a large load area in the blink of an eye - without having to remove any seats.
Safety and comfort for all: Airbags, IntelliLux LED Pixel Light and AGR seats
Safety and comfort across all vehicle classes have always been Opel's top priorities. From the 1930s onwards, the self-supporting unitary body made the Olympia, Kadett and Kapitän more stable and lighter. Opel Rekord C was also an innovator for the brand. When it was launched in 1967, it was the first Opel car to have coil springs on the rear axle. It also set standards in its class with front disc brakes and a brake booster. In addition, the telescoping safety steering column became standard in Opel models as early as 1968.
In 1991, the Astra was fitted with the Opel Safety System with side impact protection, anti-submarining ramps in the seats and seat belt tensioners. And in 1995, Opel was the first German car manufacturer to introduce full-size airbags for driver and front passenger as standard on all new cars.
Opel also democratises lighting technologies in the medium, compact and small car classes that were previously only available in much higher-priced vehicles. In 2003, Opel was the first vehicle manufacturer to introduce AFL (Adaptive Forward Lighting), dynamic cornering lights and 90-degree cornering lights in the mid-size class; in 2008, the next generation of lights, AFL+, also made its debut with the introduction of the first Opel Insignia.
And in 2015, the Opel Astra was the first to feature the adaptive IntelliLux LED Matrix Light, the latest generation of which, as Pixel Light with a total of 168 LED elements, now provides situation-specific, precise illumination in the Insignia, Grandland and the new Astra without dazzling other road users.
IntelliLux LED Pixel Light
In addition to safety, Opel drivers can also count on comfort. Ergonomic seats available in many models are not only adjustable in many ways and offer options including ventilation and massage functions – they have also been certified by the Aktion Gesunder Rücken e.V. (Healthy Back Campaign).
“Only flying is nicer”: Sporty cars that arouse the emotions
Opel Manta GSe ElektroMOD
Emotions that extraordinary cars can arouse were recently demonstrated by the Opel Manta GSe ElektroMOD - electrified homage to the Opel Manta sports coupé that became a cult car in the 1970s and 1980s. Even back then, Opel Manta A inspired with its design and characteristic front "visor", which today adorns all new Opel models from the current Mokka to the Grandland as the Opel Vizor.
However, the company had already underlined its reputation as a manufacturer of particularly dynamic series-produced models. In 1965, Opel presented the Experimental GT, the first concept car from a European car manufacturer, at the IAA motor show in Frankfurt. The two-seater broke the mould of conventional European car design. Only three years later, the first series-produced Opel GT rolled off the production line. Its performance, unique design and attractive price made the GT a hit with buyers, and it is still a real dream car today.
In 1990, Opel Calibra seamlessly joined this line-up. With its streamlined wedge shape, the sleek model scored points with customers and set a world record drag coefficient of 0.26. The optimum aerodynamics combined with powerful engines producing up to 150 kW/204 hp pushed the maximum speed to 245 km/h.
Sporty cars in search of records - that has always been part of Opel. Most spectacular example from the early days was set on 23 May 1928 by Fritz von Opel, Adam Opel's eldest grandson. With the RAK 2 rocket car, he reached a speed of 238 km/h on the Berlin Avus.
Almost five decades ago, Walter Röhrl put Opel front and centre in motorsport. In 1974, he and co-driver Jochen Berger became European Rally Champions in an Ascona SR, and in 1982, together with Christian Geistdörfer, he won the Monte Carlo Rally in an Ascona 400 against strong four-wheel drive competition, and at the end of the season claimed the World Rally Championship title.
Opel Ascona 400
Opel Corsa-e Rally is currently proving that top performance and environmental compatibility are not mutually exclusive. With the emission-free small car, Opel is the first manufacturer to develop a battery-electric rally car that has been competing in the ADAC Opel e-Rally Cup, the first electric rally one-make cup worldwide, since 2021 and thus demonstrates the future of rallying.
Opel Corsa-e Rally
For the environment: From catalytic converter as standard to electric pioneer
Opel is aware of its responsibility towards the environment and acts accordingly - then as now. As early as 1985, Opel presented the Corsa 1.3i, first European small car with a three-way catalytic converter. And in spring 1989, the brand with the lightning bolt emblem was the first European manufacturer to equip all models from small cars to large limousines with the exhaust gas after-treatment system as standard. To further increase the sustainability of the vehicles and the materials used, Opel is the first car manufacturer to have implemented a recycling cycle for synthetic materials just one year later.
Opel was already on the road electrically at an early stage - and at a “record pace”. As early as 1971, the Elektro GT set six sensational electric car world records on the Hockenheim racetrack.
Opel Elektro GT
Opel continued its role as electric pioneer in series production vehicles as well. With the electrified Opel Ampera, Europe's “Car of the Year 2012", the traditional brand established a new segment in the European automotive market. With its range extender, the coupé-like four-seater was the first electrically driven vehicle suitable for everyday use with a range of around 500 kilometres. Opel Ampera-e, a purely battery-electric compact car, followed in 2016. A single charge of the 60 kWh lithium-ion battery provides a driving range of up to 520 kilometres (according to NEDC). And in 2019, Opel launched the Corsa-e, the brand's first all-electric compact car, affordable e-mobility accessible to many customers across Europe.
Opel Corsa-e
Range of electric models – as plug-in hybrids as well as battery-electric – has continued to grow ever since, so that by 2024 all Opel models will also be available in electrified variants.
Latest addition to the zero-emission range is the new Vivaro-e HYDROGEN fuel cell van. It is no coincidence that an Opel Vivaro-e serves as the technology carrier for the innovative drive concept. Stellantis and Opel have gained a lot of experience in more than two decades of developing hydrogen fuel-cell-drive – from the HydroGen1 feasibility study to the HydroGen4 test fleet in customer use – and have expertise in this field that covers all areas of the system.
World premiere: First rocket-propelled appearance on the Avus in Berlin in May 1928
World-wide star: Fritz von Opel behind the wheel of the legendary RAK 2
World record: “Rocket Fritz” fires 24 solid fuel rockets and reaches 238 km/h
Hats off to an outstanding display: Fritz von Opel is celebrated
after his wild ride in the RAK 2. Opel reworked the original black and
white photograph from 1928 based on historical facts to celebrate to
90th anniversary of the record-breaking run.
10 o’clock in the morning on May 23, 1928: A futuristic racing car
with lateral wings storms along the Avus in Berlin while hissing
sharply. 29-year-old Fritz von Opel, grandson of company founder Adam
Opel, had successively fired the 24 solid fuel rockets in the rear of
his RAK 2 and shot past the packed stands with a fire trail in his wake.
The 3,000 spectators go crazy when the glossy black car with the Opel
writing comes to a standstill: “Rocket Fritz” from Rüsselsheim has just
set a new course speed record with 238 km/h. On top of that he has just
proved to the general public that rocket propulsion is powerful and
controllable. Opel sounds in the era of rockets in front of the
television cameras – and lays the foundations for manned space flight.
Futuristic design: Opel RAK 2 already displayed the aerodynamic
design adopted by the Grand Prix racing cars or the late 1930s in 1928.
Carmaker as rocket pioneer
The history of the Opel RAK 2 dates back to the autumn of 1927. Fritz
von Opel decides to get actively involved in the rocket research
project of publicist and astronomer Max Valier (1895-1930) after meeting
the Austrian. The racing driver, entrepreneur and the qualified
engineer brings his own commitment along with the innovative and
financial strength of Opel to the table. On the one hand, because he is
personally fascinated by rocket technology and on the other, because he
hopes that the visionary plan will have a positive impact on the Opel
brand. Opel asks Friedrich Sander (1885-1938) to join the project for a
fast implementation of the rocket motor as Sander’s company makes solid
fuel signal rockets.
Last touches: Opel mechanics Becker and Treber (right) have
pushed Opel RAK 2 to its starting position. The engineers of Friedrich
Sander wire the rocket charges to the ignition pedal. In the background
film star Lilian Harvey and Avus director Hellmuth Reiners pose for the
cameras.
First drives in Rüsselsheim
The cooperation between Valier, Sander and von Opel started to bear
fruits as early as March 1928. The first rocket-propelled prototypes are
launched on the Opel test track in Rüsselsheim – obviously behind
closed doors. On April 11, the Opel RAK 1 with Opel engineer and racing
driver Kurt Volkhart behind the wheel reaches 100 km/h within eight
seconds. The vehicle, which already has small lateral wings, is based on
an Opel 4/12. It is propelled by twelve Sander rockets with around 40
kilogrammes of explosives. The proof of the usability of rockets is
done. The team agrees that tests with higher speeds should be conducted,
not least based on the overwhelming response in the press. As the test
track in Rüsselsheim is not suitable for such tests, the team choses the
Avus in Berlin – it has two long straights.
Spectacular: Opel RAK 2 races past the stands of the Avus trailing a white plume of smoke.
Futuristic design with 24 rockets
The Opel RAK 2 is especially designed for the record-breaking attempt
on the Avus. It is based on the chassis of an Opel 10/40 and is an
enhancement of the RAK 1 in many areas. It is longer than its
predecessor with a length of 4.88 metres, the aerodynamics have been
fine-tuned, the lateral wings are larger and it has 24 solid fuel
rockets that develop six tonnes of thrust. Elsewhere, the sequential
electric ignition of the charges via a pedal in the footwell was
maintained. The 560 kg futuristic-looking race car neither had an engine
nor a transmission.
Utopia become reality
Don’t try this at home: Fritz von Opel did not wear a helmet for his record-breaking run in the Opel RAK 2.
Fritz von Opel names himself as the pilot – and he plans his
record-breaking show in Berlin meticulously both from a technical as
from an organisational perspective. Around 3,000 people including
journalists, celebrities, athletes and politicians are invited. And the
guests flocked to the event. Film stars Lilian Harvey and Thea von
Harbou, Metropolis director Fritz Lang, popular racing drivers Hanni
Köhler and Carl Jörns along with boxing legend Max Schmeling were all in
attendance. Prior to the start Professor Johann Schütte, Chairman of
the Scientific Society of Aviation, and Fritz von Opel held prophetic
speeches. Then the Opel team gets ready. Mechanics August Becker and
Karl Treber take the tarpaulin off the Opel RAK 2 and carefully push it
to the start. Only then are the rockets installed and connected to the
ignition mechanism. Police clear the track and Fritz von Opel gets
behind the large wooden steering wheel. A handshake pregnant with
meaning with Friedrich Sander follows. The excited spectators suddenly
fall silent. Then everything happens really fast. “I step on the
ignition pedal and the rockets roar behind me, throwing me forward. … I
step on the pedal again, then again and – it grips me like a rage – a
fourth time. To my sides, everything disappears. ... The acceleration
gives me a rush. I stop thinking. I’m acting on instinct alone, with
uncontrollable forces raging behind me,” said “Rocket Fritz” when looking back.
Across the line: Fritz von Opel is congratulated by motorcycle racer
Hanni Köhler. Next to her, Max Valier looks straight into the camera.
Opel racing legend Carl Jörns is on the far left, Lilian Harvey in the
right foreground
The Rüsselsheim-born entrepreneur masters the Nordkurve and
successfully prevents the car from taking off – the wings do not deliver
enough downforce for the breakneck speed. Everything is over after just
three minutes. Opel RAK 2 slowly taxis to a standstill, the large white
plume of smokes disappear into the Berlin sky and are replace by the
thunderous applause from the spectators. A utopia has become reality and
results in a spectacular triumph. Von Opel reaches a speed of 238 km/h
becomes a household name in Germany overnight. The Opel brand is
immediately recognized at the more progressive and innovative car. The
era of rockets has begun.
Innovative spirit and technical competence
Spurred by their success in Berlin, Fritz von Opel and Friedrich
Sander continue their experiments. On June 23, 1928, they set a new
record for rail vehicles when they reach 256 km/h with the Opel RAK 3
rocket handcar. After also conducted tests with a motorbike, the
legendary Opel Motoclub, they turn their attention to aviation.
World record for rail vehicle: Opel RAK 3 rocket handcar reached 256 km/h.
And on
September 30, 1929, they are responsible for yet another pioneering feat
– the first ever public rocket-powered flight in the Opel-Sander RAK 1
high wing aircraft built by Julius Hatry.
First ever rocket car: Opel RAK 1 with Opel engineer and racing driver Kurt Volkhart at the wheel.
Shortly after this, the Opel
rocket experiments were brought to an end by the Great Depression and
the company focused its development capacities on vehicle development.
However, innovative spirit and technical competence are still key
pillars of Opel until this very day. And research and development of new
propulsion technologies is still one of the most important goals of the
company – maybe now more than ever before.
On rail, on the road and in the air: The top speeds of the Opel RAK experiments.
