Opel Classic presents new virtual “160 Years of Opel” anniversary tour

• 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

Virtual Tour Opel Classic

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.

Opel to become Purely Electric in record time

• Opel offer already includes twelve electrified versions
• Electric offer for entire light commercial vehicle line-up
• Electrified version of each model by 2024, purely electric in Europe by 2028
• Opel Crossland and Opel Insignia successors also battery-electric
• Opel Vivaro-e HYDROGEN with fuel cell technology already in use with customers
• New Opel Manta with purely electric drive by mid-decade
• Production of high-performance batteries in ACC giga factory in Kaiserslautern from 2025
• Opel pioneered electric mobility in Europe with Ampera and Ampera-e

Opel is becoming a purely electric brand

Opel is becoming a purely electric brand. By 2028, Rüsselsheim-based carmaker will have switched its entire product line-up to purely electric drives. Today, Opel already offers a comprehensive selection of electrified models. Presently, customers can order twelve electrified variants – from the small Opel Rocks-e to the large Movano-e transporter. A further battery-electric model will follow by mid-decade in the new interpretation of the Opel Manta. And the successors of the Opel Crossland and Opel Insignia will also be electric – and therefore emissions free.

“Opel is on a consistent path to going electric – and in record time. We are thus making an important contribution to reducing CO2. And we will not stop with the conversion of our product range: Together with our partners, we will be manufacturing our own high-performance batteries in Kaiserslautern as early as 2025. In addition, a resource-friendly new campus is being built at our headquarters in Rüsselsheim,” said Opel CEO Uwe Hochgeschurtz, explaining the brand’s strategy.

Opel’s ultimate goal is to offer electric vehicles that perfectly meet the demands of customers: In future, this includes driving ranges between 500 and 800 kilometres and a best-in-class fast-charging capability of 32 kilometres per minute.

Opel customers already have access to a comprehensive range of electrified models. All Opel light commercials vehicles already offer an emissions-free option. Opel Combo-e, Vivaro-e and Movano-e are battery-electric, while Opel Vivaro-e HYDROGEN offers an option with fuel cell technology. 

Opel Combo-e, Vivaro-e and Movano-e are battery-electric

Opel Vivaro-e HYDROGEN 

On the passenger car side, Opel Corsa-e and Mokka-e – winners of the coveted Golden Steering Wheel in 2020 and 2021 – have long since advanced to bestsellers. In Germany, the share of the battery-electric variants of these models already makes up more than 25 percent of all sales. New Opel Grandland and the new-generation Astra are both available as plug-in hybrids. Next year, the battery-electric Opel Astra-e will follow – as a five-door and Sports Tourer variant. Offer of emissions-free electric vehicles is rounded off by Opel Rocks-e, an urban electric vehicle for young people from the age of 15.

Twelve electrified Opel models already available in 2022.

Opel Manta to return: New interpretation with electric drive

By mid-decade, Opel will reinvent Manta as a purely electric car. Opel Manta, befitting the times we live in – emissions-free and versatile, a car that fans crave.

New Opel Manta-e

“New Opel Manta will be a highly emotional car once again. With electric power that ensures first-class acceleration on tap. Our Manta will once again stand for pure driving pleasure. We will build a fascinating, astoundingly spacious new interpretation,” said Hochgeschurtz.

Production to start in 2025: Giga factory in Kaiserslautern

Together with partners Total/Saft, Stellantis and Opel founded the “Automotive Cells Company” (ACC). A few months ago, Mercedes-Benz joined this joint venture. With this partnership, the parties are creating a world-class player in the field of developing and producing high-performance batteries for automotive industry. In addition, partners announced that they would increase ACC's industrial capacity in Kaiserslautern to up to 32 GWh. This will see a true giga factory for modern battery cell production created in Kaiserslautern, a traditional location for component and engine production.

Brand with the Blitz: Pioneer of electric mobility

Opel was even ahead of its time when it came to the market launch of electric cars that were fully suitable for everyday use. As early as 2012, an international jury of experts voted the Opel Ampera "Europe's Car of the Year" (COTY). Opel Ampera was a coupé-like four-seater with a so-called range extender. As with today's plug-in hybrids, the battery was charged externally. When driving, a combustion engine combined with a 54 kW generator provided enough electricity at all times. The Ampera could already drive up to 80 kilometres purely electrically - with range extender support, the range grew to around 500 kilometres.

2012: Opel Ampera "Europe's Car of the Year"

A purely battery-electric compact car followed in 2016 with Opel Ampera-e, a car that put an end to range anxiety in one fell swoop. A single charge of the 60 kWh lithium-ion battery covered a distance of up to 520 kilometres (according to NEDC) - at this point around 30 percent more than the closest competitor in the segment. In addition, electric vehicle offered a performance of 150 kW/204 hp and acceleration from zero to 50 km/h in just 3.2 seconds, which is comparable to a sports car. In addition to its liveliness, 4.16-meter-long Opel Ampera‑e impressed with plenty of space for up to five passengers.

2016: Opel Ampera-e

Opel Ampera and Ampera-e were especially popular in the Netherlands and Norway, markets that were already supporting electric car purchases at the time. At the latest with the introduction of the Opel Corsa-e, Opel made affordable electric mobility accessible throughout Europe.

Opel Corsa-e

Opel is Electric: Battery Refurbishment Center in Rüsselsheim for Best Service

• High-voltage: Experts test and service lithium-ion batteries
• Decade of experience: Electric drive systems refurbished in Rüsselsheim for ten years
• Unique: Only facility in the company for rapid customer support across Europe

Opel customers have had the choice of driving electrically or combustion engine powered cars for ten years. The first was the Opel Ampera in 2011, followed by the Ampera-e and the current models, from Corsa-e to Zafira-e Life. Alongside the e-vehicles, Opel has established a service for the maintenance of high voltage batteries. The facility set up ten years ago for the Ampera has been brought right up to date. The center now checks and, if necessary, repairs the batteries of all company vehicles on the eCMP platform (currently Opel Corsa-e, Mokka-e) and the Combo-e, Vivaro-e and Zafira-e Life. By the end of this year, Opel will be on the road with nine electric models and will offer an electrified version in each series by 2024.

“Over the years we have gained a lot of experience with lithium-ion batteries”, says Opel’s Managing Director Engineering, Marcus Lott. “A failure is very rare, but if it happens, investigating the cause and making repairs are jobs for specialists. We now put our competence at the disposal of the whole company and provide fast support.”

Opel has significantly expanded and modernised the “Battery Refurbishment Center” in Rüsselsheim. All the employees are professionals in electricity and trained to high-voltage level 5 standard. Technicians take care of the cases that dealers from all over Europe cannot handle. Last year, that amounted to around 100 defects among up to ten-year-old cars in which a control unit, or in the worst case, a battery cell failed to function. The battery then comes to Rüsselsheim, where the sealed pack is opened by the high-voltage experts. The malfunctioning cell is exchanged and the whole battery returned to the customer. In the event of more serious damage – such as after a collision – sufficient reconditioned batteries are always available in Rüsselsheim. In return the customer receives an exchange battery as replacement.

Only the Rüsselsheim battery centre is allowed to open the faulty battery. Sealed unit must be cut open by the high voltage experts. Damaged cell is replaced and the fully functional battery is then sent as a replacement battery to the warehouse.

Happy Tenth Birthday Opel Ampera – Opel’s Pioneering Electric Car

• Revolutionary: Opel Ampera established new vehicle segment in Europe in 2011
• Convincing concept: Opel Ampera voted “European Car of The Year” in 2012
• Powerful: 110 kW (150 hp) electric drive unit develops 370 Nm maximum torque
• Stylish and practical: Sleek, futuristic looks, four-seat cabin, five-door versatility

Opel Ampera 

If we want to reach the future climate goals, the share of electric vehicles must increase considerably”, says Opel CEO, Michael Lohscheller. Accordingly, Opel will have nine electrified vehicles (EV) on the market by the end of this year – from Corsa-e, Mokka-e, Zafira-e Life, Grandland X plug-in hybrid and the next generation Astra, to the Combo-e, Vivaro-e and Movano-e light commercial vehicles. By 2024, the brand will offer an electrified variant of every model in its portfolio.

However, Opel already made its first contribution to raising EV sales ten years ago, in 2011. With the launch of the Ampera – the first electric car with extended range from a European brand – Opel established itself as a pioneer on the road to electric mobility. The revolutionary, sleek and practical Ampera was Europe’s first electric vehicle to enable “go anywhere at any time” mobility. When it went on sale at the end of 2011, the Ampera founded a completely new vehicle segment in the European automobile market.

Success: Opel Ampera convinces media, excites customers and wins Monte Carlo rally

Opel Ampera received enthusiastic receptions across the board. More than 5,000 “e-pioneers” declared themselves as potential customers even before the car went on sale.

Media were equally impressed, the jury of leading international journalists electing the Opel Ampera and its Chevrolet Volt sister model as winners of the “2012 European Car of The Year” award. In a long term test started that same year by the ADAC German automobile club, the Ampera demonstrated its durability by covering more than 200,000 km in eight years.

Not content with popularity and awards alone, the Ampera proved its mettle in competition too. In 2012, Opel’s extended-range electric vehicle (EREV) won the 13th International Monte Carlo Rally for electric cars and alternative propulsion systems. Winning Opel Ampera was driven by French rally legend, Bernard Darniche and Joseph Lambert, three more finished among the top ten.

Ampera confirmed Opel as an innovation-leader and immediately became Europe's best selling electric car in 2012, with 6,631 units and circa 21.0 per cent share of the European electric passenger car segment. The leading market for the EREV was the Netherlands, followed by Germany and the United Kingdom. Following the end of production in 2015, registrations of the Ampera totalled more than 10,000 units.

Voltec electric propulsion with range extender

The front wheels of the Ampera are electrically driven at all times. A 16 kWh lithium-ion battery pack feeds an advanced, 111 kW/150 hp electric drive unit to deliver between 40 and 80  km of pure electric operation with zero emissions – depending on terrain, driving technique and temperature – when fully charged. According to the regulations for measuring fuel consumption and CO2 emissions at the time, the Ampera consumed 1.2 l/100 km and emitted 27 g/km CO2 combined in the NEDC cycle.

On the road, the Ampera’s Voltec electric propulsion system ensures lively performance. Instant torque of 370 Nm enables zero to 100 km/h acceleration in around nine seconds and a top speed of 161 km/h. The Ampera delivers nearly silent electric drive under battery power and a refined performance even in extend-range drive mode.

Thanks to the Ampera’s intelligent and practical extended-range capability, drivers enjoy peace of mind because they will never be left stranded with a depleted battery.

In addition to a pure battery, zero-emissions driving range sufficient to meet the daily needs of most European drivers, the Ampera also provided a total driving range of more than 500 kilometres thanks to its range-extending petrol engine. This is seamlessly engaged to generate electricity when the battery has reached its minimum state of charge.

Electric drive unit, located under the hood alongside the gasoline engine, consists of an electric traction motor, an electric generator/motor, and a planetary gear set that improves overall efficiency by reducing the combined rotational speed of the electric motors. Unlike a conventional powertrain, there are no step gears.

In extended-range mode, which activates whenever the battery has reached its minimum state of charge, motive power from a generator is seamlessly delivered to the electric drive unit. The generator is driven by a highly efficient 1.4-liter, 63 kW/86 hp gasoline engine.

Most of the time, drivers selected one of the two main driving modes: Normal and Sport. ‘Sport’ mode increases the sensitivity of the accelerator pedal. There are two additional modes for special driving situations: ‘Mountain’ mode ensures sufficient battery energy is available for sustained driving on alpine roads. ‘Hold-charge’ mode preserves the remaining energy capacity of the battery pack by activating the gasoline engine.

T-shaped, 198 kg, 16 kWh (installed capacity) battery pack is positioned in the centre tunnel of the vehicle. It comprises 288 lithium-ion battery cells, configured for optimum performance and durability. It uses a liquid thermal management system and at the time was the only mass-produced battery pack that could be warmed or cooled – an industry first.

Opel Ampera was delivered with a six-meter long charging cable conveniently stowed in the trunk. Using a 230V/6 or 10A power outlet, owners could fully recharge the battery in around nine or five hours respectively and programme the charging time.

Exterior and interior design: Electrifying good looks

Equally as revolutionary as its unique Voltec electric propulsion system was the Ampera’s eye-catching design. Sleek, aerodynamically efficient styling encapsulates a cabin that replaces conventional dials and gauges with high-definition colour displays and touch-screen functionality.

Cabin reflects the ground-breaking nature of the Ampera’s propulsion system. Two interactive, high-definition colour screens denoted the car’s unique character. Replacing conventional instruments in front of the driver is the driver information centre, a reconfigurable graphic display.

Cabin offers all the space, comfort, and convenience features you would expect from a modern compact car: five-door flexibility, comfortable accommodation for four adults, and a seat up/seat down load carrying capacity of 310/1,005 litres.

Fun-to-drive chassis developed for European demands

Ampera handles like a typical Opel. Developed by Opel engineers in Rüsselsheim, its chassis characteristics were honed to satisfy the expectations of discerning customers.

Front suspension is by McPherson struts with aluminium lower control arms and hydraulic ride bushings. Semi-independent rear suspension features a compound crank (torsion beam) which combines the packaging advantages of a conventional torsion beam axle with low weight and consistent wheel camber control.

Advanced friction brake blending system maximizes the energy generated during braking. It allows for maximum regenerative braking through the electric motor, recharges the battery when braking, and seamlessly engages the friction brakes when the pedal is stepped on harder for a fast stop.

Pacesetters: Long Tradition of Opel Electric Cars

• E-pioneers: Ancestors of Opel Corsa-e and Grandland X plug-in hybrid
• Since 1968: More than five decades of research into electric propulsion systems
• Way ahead of its time: Opel Ampera
• HydroGen test fleets: Hydrogen fuel cell propulsion has high future potential
• Opel goes electric: All models electrified by 2024

Opel Electro GT

With the new Opel Corsa-e and the Grandland X plug-in hybrid, the newest electrified cars from Opel are just taking to the roads. All-electric Opel Vivaro and the electrified Opel Mokka X successor will follow later this year, while the Opel Combo-e, Opel Zafira-e Life and the Astra successor will join the team in 2021. All passenger car and light commercial vehicle models will be electrified by 2024. Opel is going electric and can look back on a long tradition of test, record and production vehicles. Opel has been conducting research and development work in the field of electric propulsion for more than five decades. This makes the Rüsselsheim automaker one of the e-pioneers in the industry.

Already back in 1968, Opel Kadett B Stir-Lec I featured the principle of the “range extender” that would later go into production with the Opel Ampera. The Stir-Lec study was powered by 14 lead-acid batteries and the electricity that kept the batteries constantly charged was generated by a rear-mounted Stirling combustion engine.

Opel Kadett B Stir-Lec I

Only three years later, Georg von Opel, the grandson of the company founder, broke six electric vehicle world records at the wheel of a 188 km/h Opel Electro GT powered by two coupled electric motors producing 88 kW/120 hp. Energy was supplied by a 590 kilogramme nickel-cadmium battery pack and at a constant speed of 100 km/h, the car had a range of 44 kilometres.

Opel Electro GT powered by two coupled electric motors producing 88 kW

Sustainable electric impulse: Opel Impuls and Opel Twin

Opel Kadett Impuls

Research took a step forward with the Opel Impuls programme during 1990-97. Impuls I was a Kadett-based vehicle powered by a 16 kW direct-current electric motor using nickel-cadmium battery cells with a liquid electrolyte. It had a range of around 80 km and a top speed of 100 km/h. This was followed a year later by Impuls II, based on an Astra estate. It used 32 lead-acid batteries to power two three-phase asynchronous motors giving a total of approximately 45 kW/61 hp. 

Opel Astra Impuls II

From 1993 to 1997, Opel carried out its first large-scale electric vehicle test program with Impuls III. A fleet of ten Impuls III cars was tested on the German island of Rügen, covering a total of more than 300,000 km. Five vehicles were fitted with nickel-cadmium batteries (45 kW/61 hp) and the other five used sodium/nickel-chloride high-energy batteries (42 kW/57 hp). All ten Impuls III vehicles were equipped with a three-phase asynchronous motor.

Opel Astra Impuls III

Meanwhile, in 1992 the widely acclaimed Opel Twin concept car was revealed. A three-cylinder, 0.8-litre petrol engine delivering 25 kW/34 hp was available for highway driving, while an electric unit with two 10 kW/14 hp wheel-hub motors came into play for city and short-distance driving. The Opel Twin driver had a central forward position, with three passenger seats in the back. In 1995, Opel took electro-mobility into the commercial vehicle segment with the Combo Plus concept van, which featured two sodium/nickel-chloride high-energy batteries operating in combination with a 45 kW three-phase asynchronous motor.

Fuel cells in everyday testing: emission-free HydroGen fleets

Opel HydroGen1

In 2000, Opel’s fuel-cell development took to the streets with the Zafira-bodied HydroGen1. Its hydrogen fuel cell supplied electricity for a three-phase asynchronous motor giving 55 kW/75 hp and 251 Nm of torque. A buffer battery covered power peaks. In 2001, a fleet of 20 HydroGen3 models was driven by test customers. Power was increased to 60 kW/82 hp, giving a top speed of 160 km/h.

Opel HydroGen3 

In the 2004 Fuel Cell Marathon, two HydroGen3 vehicles covered nearly 10,000 km across Europe, from Hammerfest in Norway to Lisbon in Portugal. At the wheel of a HydroGen3, Grand Prix and Opel DTM driver Heinz-Harald Frentzen also won the 2005 Monte Carlo Rally for cars with alternative propulsion.

Opel HydroGen3 - Monte Carlo Rally for cars with alternative propulsion

Fourth generation of fuel cell vehicles, HydroGen4, is also completely emission-free, with only water vapour coming out of the exhaust. Fuel cell stack consisting of 440 cells connected in series, in which hydrogen reacts with oxygen from the air, is responsible for the environmentally friendly drive. There is no combustion, but an electrochemical reaction that generates electricity. In this way, a continuous output of 73 kW/100 hp and a peak output of 94 kW/128 hp are possible.

Starting in 2008, a fleet of HydroGen4 vehicles began demonstrating its suitability for everyday use in a project sponsored by the Federal Ministry of Transport – the Clean Energy Partnership (CEP) – in Berlin and later also in the states of Hamburg, Baden-Württemberg, North Rhine-Westphalia and Hesse.

Opel HydroGen4 

Range champions: Opel Ampera with range extender and Opel Ampera-e

At the same time, Opel also pursued the development of battery-powered vehicles and presented the innovative Flextreme Concept at the 2007 IAA in Frankfurt, which featured the Voltec extended-range electric propulsion. Opel Flextreme GT/E Concept, presented at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show, illustrated how this drive concept can also be integrated into a mid-size car.

Opel Ampera 

Electric drive with range extender reached series production in 2011 in the Opel Ampera, the first electric car for four people fully suitable for everyday use and travel. Energy for distances between 40 and 80 kilometres (depending on driving conditions) was supplied by the 16 kWh lithium-ion battery, which fed the 111 kW/150 hp electric motor. Whenever the battery charge level reached a defined minimum, the 63 kW/86 hp petrol engine switched on automatically and drove a generator to power the electric motor. This type of continuous energy supply ensures carefree driving – without a charging station and with ranges of several hundred kilometres. Opel Ampera was ahead of its time and was awarded the “European Car of the Year 2012” title.

Opel Ampera-e 

Opel Ampera-e followed in 2016/2017. With a segment-leading pure electric range of 423 kilometres (WLTP), Ampera-e debuted as a true range champion at the Paris Motor Show. Since the batteries are mounted extra flat in an underfloor design, it offers space for five passengers and a boot with the capacity of a full-size five-door compact class model (381 litres). Opel Ampera-e also demonstrates how electric mobility and driving pleasure can form a single unit, as the maximum torque of 360 Nm ensures impressive acceleration and elasticity values. The output of the electric motor is 150 kW/204 hp. Compact car accelerates from zero to 50 km/h in 3.2 seconds, and covers the intermediate sprint from 80 to 120 km/h when overtaking in just 4.5 seconds.

It is a convincing concept: in autumn 2017, Opel was awarded the internationally renowned “Golden Steering Wheel” in the small and compact car class for the Opel Ampera-e. And the AUTOBEST jury had already voted the Opel Ampera-e ECOBEST 2016. Opel dealers still have a few Ampera-e, but their place in the showroom will soon be taken by the new Corsa-e, which has already won the AUTOBEST “Best Buy Car of Europe” award.

Made in Germany: Opel Celebrates 120 Years of Automobiles

• When the horses moved under the bonnet: Opel starts with Patentmotorwagen in 1899
• Mobility for the masses: Doktorwagen, Laubfrosch and Kadett pave the way
• From Lutzmann to Insignia; 120 years of car manufacturing in Rüsselsheim
• Company goal until this very day: Opel democratises technologies

The first Opel: Patent Motor Car, System Lutzmann, 1899

Opel is one of the carmakers with the richest tradition in the world. Next year, the brand will celebrate 120 years of automobiles. After listening to the advice of her sons Karl, Wilhelm and Friedrich, Sophie Opel decided to start producing cars in 1899 – four years after the death of company founder Adam Opel. What started in a garage in Rüsselsheim am Main with 65 hand-made Opel Patentmotorwagen “System Lutzmann”, has long become a mass phenomenon will more than 70 million vehicles built to date. From the very beginning, Opel championed the cause of producing cars as efficiently as possible and thus making them affordable for a broad audience. For example, Opel was the first German manufacturer to introduce the especially economic assembly line production as early as 1924. This helped the Opel 4/12 PS “Laubfrosch” and all later Opel 4 PS variants become bestsellers. The Rüsselsheim-based company already produced technologically-advanced vehicles for the masses with the Opel P4 and the Kadett (already with a self-supporting body) in the 1930s. Made in Germany and German engineering became affordable and accessible. Opel even stayed true to this democratising of mobility when developing a sports car: An affordable dream car hit the roads in 1968 in the Opel GT.

The brand has played a leading role in all segments – models such as the Opel Kadett, Rekord and Kapitän characterised the period of reconstruction and the period of the economic miracle. Stylish icons such as the Opel GT, Manta and Monza then followed. In the 1980s and 1990s models such as Corsa, Astra and Zafira then became bestsellers and symbols of reunification. After the fall of the Berlin Wall and the opening of the plant in Eisenach, Opel became more popular than ever before. The first generation Astra was produced 4.2 million times between 1991 and 1998 making it the most built Opel model ever. Until this very day, the Rüsselsheim-based carmaker is firmly anchored in the centre of society and offers technologies that are normally reserved for expensive premium cars. Innovative solutions such as the IntelliLux LED Matrix light in the compact Astra (Car of the Year 2016) as well as in the Insignia flagship, the AGR-certified active ergonomic seats (available in many carlines) or the extensive array of assistance systems for more safety and comfort (all carlines) are typical for Opel.

From Lutzmann to Opel Doktorwagen: The pioneering years

Opel joins the ranks of the automotive pioneers of the late 19^th century that include Daimler, Benz and Peugeot by buying Friedrich Lutzmann’s motor car factory. In the spring of 1899, the first Opel patent motor car “System Lutzmann” is built in Rüsselsheim. Two years later, a converted Lutzmann wins the Heidelberg-Königstuhl “Mountain Race” by beating “16 other vehicles made by well-known German carmakers”. Overall, the development in the automotive industry is fast and furious. While the first models are direct descendants of horse-drawn carriages, Opel launches an ultra-modern small car for an extremely competitive price in 1909. The 4/8 hp Opel Doktorwagen already has an Opel engineered and Opel built 4-cylinder in-line engine. In the adverts, Opel promises that it is ideal for “Doctors, veterinarians and lawyers”. The Doktorwagen is available for prices between 4,000 and 5,000 Mark while many other cars made during this period cost 20,000 Mark. It transforms the motor car from a prestigious toy for the rich and the famous into an affordable mobility solution for a broad audience.

4/8 hp Opel Doktorwagen from 1909.

From Opel Laubfrosch to Kadett: Mass mobility

Friedrich – who had since been promoted to chief engineer – and his brother Wilhelm introduce the assembly line production at Opel in 1924. Ford were the first company to introduce this cost-cutting method in America in 1913. Opel always had a keen eye for developments in other countries. Adam Opel became fascinated by the sewing machine during his years of travel in France and later the System Darracq provided a major boost for car manufacturing in Rüsselsheim. The Opel brothers then launch the innovative 4/12 PS “Laubfrosch”. The two-seater with a top speed of 60 km/h is available for 3,900 Goldmark thanks to assembly line production. Later, the “car for everyone” is available for 1,930 Reichsmark. In the following years, an entire vehicle family is created based on the Laubfrosch technology. In total, 119,484 Opel 4 PS models are made until 1931.

4/12 hp Opel “Laubfrosch” (Tree Frog), 1924

What these revolutionary cars are for the 1920s, the Kadett is for the 1930s. Automotive progress is taking huge steps. The Kadett replaces the successful Opel P4 and celebrates its debut with a self-supporting steel body, single-wheel front suspension, 4-cylinder four-stroke engine and hydraulic drum brakes. The prices are well below those of the direct competitors. In 1938, the “normal” Opel Kadett limousine is available for an affordable 1,795 Mark.

The Kadett nameplate is revived in 1962 and Opel ups the ante even further with the Kadett A. While many competitors still rely on two-stroke or air-cooled rear-mounted engine, the newcomers shines with the comfort of a water-cooled 4-cylinder unit, a quiet 4-speed transmissions and body styles ranging from coupé to Caravan.

From Olympia Rekord to the “KAD” models: Prosperity increases

The first all-new Opel after the war is the Olympia Rekord and it sounds in a new era with its ponton-style body and chrome plated shark mouth. The design takes cues from that of large American limousines – and is perfect for the economic miracle that is just beginning. Those who are successful want to show it again. And a new type of vehicle also makes its debut with the Olympia Rekord Caravan – a lifestyle estate for the whole family. An all-new Opel Kapitän arrives in 1954, the Opel Rekord P2 is introduced in 1960 and the Rekord A follows in 1963 with disc brakes and soon afterwards with 6-cylinders. No matter whether as a coupé, estate or limousine – the mid-size Rekord becomes synonymous with the new middle class in the young Federal Republic of Germany. Opel produces 882,433 Rekord A by 1965. This success opens the door for the “big three” and in 1964 the “KAD” – for Kapitän, Admiral and Diplomat – arrive in the luxury class. The second generation of these KAD models can even boast a unique level of driving comfort thanks to the legendary de Dion rear axle. Opel introduces the safety steering column in all passenger car models in 1968. Innovations to help cope with the growing amount of traffic.

From the Opel GT to the Calibra: New sportiness

Opel Experimental GT was shown on a slightly slanted platform at the IAA in 1965 to emphasize the two-seater’s dynamic shape.

Opel becomes the first European manufacturer to open a true, modern design studio in June 1964. And only one year later, the first concept car from a European manufacturer, the Experimental GT, celebrates its debut at the 1965 Frankfurt Motor Show. A further 36 months later, the serial production Opel GT is available from Opel dealers and marks the birth of a sports car legend. The icon is affordable for a broad audience thanks to mass production technology and the GT is the next hit from Rüsselsheim. The company sticks to this approach in the coming years. Opel Manta shares its technology with the Ascona when it is launched in 1970 and the Calibra “borrows” the Vectra’s technology from 1989.

The top-of-the-range variant of the aerodynamics world champion (Cd of 0.26), the Calibra Turbo 4x4 delivers 204 hp and offers the driving performance of sports cars twice its price.

From Opel Corsa to Ampera: Bestsellers and trendsetters

In 1982, Opel made a huge splash with a small car. Corsa A rounded off the company’s offering by sitting neatly under the Kadett. Opel Corsa was an impressive display of getting the most out of a small space without compromising on driving pleasure or cost effectiveness. Every single generation of the Corsa (A to E) has driven and continued the democratisation of individual mobility. To date, almost 14 million Corsa have been registered.

And next year the next generation will follow adding a new chapter to the story – with a fully electric version of the Corsa.

Just as the Corsa has shaped the small car segment, the Zafira has defined the compact van segment with room for seven since 1999. The third row of seats that disappears entirely under the boot floor is simply a stroke of genius. Owners of models made by competitors have to painstakingly remove the additional heavy seats when the boot space is required. Seven people can easily fit into the 4.32 metre long Zafira. Alternatively, the compact van can double as a transporter in a matter of seconds by folding award the seats and created a 1.56 by 1.15 metre loading area with a total capacity of up to 1,700 litres.

The current Opel Zafira is also a master of metamorphosis doubling as a transporter and a lounge on wheels thanks to the Flex7 ^Plus seating system.

A further trendsetter follows in the footsteps of the Corsa and Zafira after celebrating its world premiere at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show: The Opel Ampera, a car that redefines electro-mobility. The 2012 Car of the Year drives electric and also has its own source of power on board with the range extender. This makes the Ampera just as independent from loading stations as a conventional passenger car. 

Opel presents the next generation of the electric car at the 2016 Paris Motor Show. The Ampera-e has an all-electric NEDC range of 520 kilometres thanks to its 60 kWh state-of-the-art lithium-ion battery. And the 150 kW/204 hp electric motor gives it sports car-like acceleration. The next electric car from Rüsselsheim will follow next year already and electro-mobility will get another boost with the Corsa-e – out of the niche and on to the road.

From Opel Astra to Insignia: New efficiency

Opel discovers the new lightness of being with the launch of the current generation Astra in 2015. The compact car weighs up to 200 kilogrammes less than its predecessor did. The engine offering follows the downsizing strategy: with smaller displacement and turbocharging, lower fuel consumption and higher efficiency. For the first time, the Astra is available with a highly efficient 3-cylinder direct injection petrol unit and the revolutionary IntelliLux LED Matrix light. The innovative system turns night into day without glaring other road users – a unique feature in the compact class.

Opel Astra convinces customers and experts alike and is voted “Car of the Year 2016”.

The Insignia A is the first Opel that can recognise traffic signs from 2008 and offers the intelligent AFL+ lighting system. Just like the Astra, the second generation of the Opel flagship has been trimmed for efficiency. The new generation Insignia is lighter, more economic and simultaneously much more spacious. A highlight feature of the Insignia GSi, Country Tourer, Grand Sport and Sports Tourer is the adaptive all-wheel drive with torque vectoring that can accelerate the rear wheels individually in a split-second depending on the driving situation. The Opel Insignia is the first vehicle made by a volume manufacturer to offer this technology in the mid-size segment.

From Opel Mokka to Grandland X: SUV phenomenon

SUV is the buzzword of the hour in the automotive industry. Customers want to sit a little bit higher to have a better overview and to enjoy the flair of long-distance travel and adventure. Opel recognised this trend at a very early stage and proposed a unique offer in the B-segment. The cool sub-compact Opel Mokka is also available with all-wheel drive and proves to be extremely popular from the very start. It is joined in the compact class by the Opel Crossland X and the Opel Grandland X in 2017. All members of the X-Family are available with the AGR-certified (Aktion Gesunder Rücken e.V.) active seats. Ergonomic and comfortable seats have been a part of the Opel DNA for a long time – 120 years ago the Opel Patentmotorwagen “System Lutzmann” already proudly sported leather upholstery.