Future Starts Today: Opel Welcomes New Apprentices

• 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

Start of professional life for 170 apprentices at Opel

• 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.

!NEW! Opel Announces New Battery Electric Car: Ampera-e

• New Opel battery electric vehicle will break down barriers to electric mobility
• Five-door, five-seat Ampera-e will have longer range than most electric cars
• Fun to drive, outstanding connectivity and affordably priced

Game-changer: Five-door, five-seat Opel Ampera-e will have longer range than most electric cars.

Opel will launch a revolutionary new battery electric car next year, as the German brand continues the biggest, most far-reaching model offensive in its history with 29 new models between 2016 and 2020. The new five-door, five seat will be called “Ampera-e”. It will not only have a longer range on a full charge than most electric cars, it will also be affordably priced.

Building on the electrification expertise established with the original Opel Ampera, which set the benchmark for modern electric cars in 2011, the new Opel Ampera-e combines innovative electric-mobility with state-of-the-art connectivity and exciting driving dynamics.

Announcing the Ampera-e today at the CAR Symposium in Bochum, Germany, GM Chairman & CEO Mary Barra said: “GM and Opel have always been convinced that electric cars will play a defining role in future mobility. The game-changing technology of the Ampera-e is a significant step toward realizing that vision. Our new battery electric car is also another boost for Opel’s reputation for making innovative engineering widely accessible.”

In debate: Ferdinand Dudenhöffer, host of the CAR Symposium, and GM Chairman and CEO Mary Barra.

Trends like urbanization and protecting the environment also call for new kinds of mobility and alternative propulsion systems. “Electric vehicles have the potential to make a significant contribution to climate protection and emissions reduction”, says Opel group CEO Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann. “The new Opel Ampera-e will open the road to electric mobility by breaking down the barriers of high price and short driving range.”

The unique, compact proportions of the Ampera-e are driven by the battery pack being mounted flat, under the vehicle floor. The efficient packaging of the battery also enables a roomy interior providing comfortable seating for five passengers and trunk space comparable with that of a car in the compact class.

The Ampera-e will also offer the award-winning personal connectivity and service assistant, Opel OnStar and connectivity and infotainment technologies that will integrate smartphones and other electronic devices seamlessly into the vehicle.

!NEW! Opel Building New Spare Parts Distribution Center in Bochum

• Carmaker investing €60 million in Bochum
• Biggest General Motors investment worldwide in spare parts logistics
• Ultra-modern warehouse with a surface of 95,000 m²
• Groundbreaking ceremony with Garrelt Duin, NRW Minister of Economics

Big investment: Opel will erect a new spare parts distribution center in Bochum.

Opel is building in Bochum: The company will erect a new building complex on the Opel site in Bochum-Landendreer for €60 million. 700 employees will look after European spare parts supply from 2017. More than 100,000 different part items will be stored in the new distribution center with a surface of 95,000 m2.

The groundbreaking ceremony for the project, which represents General Motors’ biggest single investment worldwide in spare parts logistics, took place today. Peter Christian Küspert, Vice President Sales & Aftersales Opel Group, Murat Yaman, Chairman of the Bochum employee's representation, Prof. Dr. Rolf Heyer, Managing Director of “Bochum Perspektive 2022” and two high-ranking political guests: the Minister of Economics of North Rhine-Westphalia Garrelt Duin and Bochum’s Lory Mayor Thomas Eiskirch.

Prof. Dr. Rolf Heyer, Managing Director of “Bochum Perspektive 2022”, Garrelt Duin, Minister of Economics of North Rhine-Westphalia, Peter Christian Küspert, Vice President Sales & Aftersales Opel Group, Bochum’s Lord Mayor Thomas Eiskirch and Murat Yaman, Chairman of the Bochum employee's representation, at the groundbreaking ceremony for the new distribution center in Bochum-Langendreer (from left to right).

“Spare parts logistics are one of our key competences,” emphasized Peter Christian Küspert. “Ensuring fast and smooth parts supply for Opel drivers is an important component of customer satisfaction.”

The project will be realized by building contractors Goldbeck who specialize in industrial facilities. Goldbeck will be responsible for all engineering services from planning to building including the technical building systems.

An area of 10 hectares, which is equivalent to the size of a dozen football pitches, needs to be cleared to make way for the new building. In the next step, the site will then be filled in with 190,000 m3 of earth. Finally, shelving systems with a total length of 13,500 meters will be installed.

“We stood up for this investment along with the conservation and expansion of the distribution center from the very beginning. My 700 colleagues and I are therefore even more pleased to witness this important groundbreaking event today. This is all the more true because we returned to the Opel network at the beginning of the year. The long-term future of the jobs in the Bochum distribution center is therefore secured. It is an import signal and a new chapter of Opel in Bochum has been opened,” said Murat Yaman.

“The construction of the new distribution center in Bochum means that hundreds of jobs are secure in the long term. With DHL already having decided to build a parcel center here this investment is another clear signal for the attractiveness of this site in the heart the Ruhr metropolis,” added Garrelt Duin, Minister of Economics of North Rhine-Westphalia.

The ink on the purchase agreement between the DHL and the development company “Bochum Perspektive 2022” is only just dry with the agreement for the building of the parcel center. This gives the town officials a further reason to be optimistic. “Two large projects have commenced in the matter of a few days. It shows: Bochum is a place worth investing in. Now we need to continue. It is our job to make sure that more investments follow,” said Bochum’s Lord Mayor Thomas Eiskirch.

!NEW! Opel to Operate Distribution Centers in Bochum and Rüsselsheim on Their Own Again

• Car manufacturer will not renew joint venture contract with partner Neovia
• Reintegration into Opel will become effective on February 1, 2016
  
• Distribution center expansion plans for Bochum remain unchanged

The Opel logistics distribution centers, which are currently being conducted in a joint venture with Neovia Logistics Supply Chain Services GmbH, are planned to be reintegrated into Opel on February 1, 2016.

"We have made a decision to consider replacement parts logistics a core competence of our company and to therefore operate the European warehouses in Bochum and Rüsselsheim on our own in the future. The German distribution centers are extremely important and play a crucial role in our plans," explained Peter Christian Küspert, Vice President Sales & Aftersales and Member of the Board, Opel Group. "This direction is purely based on strategic corporate reasons. We have been satisfied with the cooperation. Neovia has proven to be a competent logistics partner," said Peter Christian Kuespert.

Wolfgang Schäfer-Klug, chairman of the German Works Council, declared: „I am very happy, that the colleagues will return to Opel. They will benefit from existing job guarantees for Opel employees.” Regarding Opel`s strategic realignment he said: “The next job should be integrating the warehouses in Bochum and Rüsselsheim into the Opel growth strategy.”

This news is especially important for the Bochum area, where the distribution center plays a key role in Opel’s future set-up. As already announced, the Bochum warehouse will be expanded with an investment of 60 million euro and the number of jobs will increase by 265 to around 700 according to the social tariff agreement. The investment will mainly be used for a new building on the site of what is locally known as plant 2. The Bochum logistics center supplies replacement parts to all markets where Opel cars are sold.

The social tariff agreement will obviously be valid for the 265 employees moving from the Bochum vehicle production to Neovia. For the Rüsselsheim warehouse the same employment guarantees as for all other Opel workers will apply.

The joint venture also operates warehouses for Opel in Rome and Budapest. The decision with regards to the continued outsourcing of the Rome and Budapest warehouses will be evaluated during 2015.

The joint venture, in which Opel has a 20 percent share, goes back to 2006. Based on long-term logistics service agreements the smaller warehouses in Rome, Rüsselsheim and Budapest have a role as so-called Parts Distribution Centers (PDC) and are responsible for supplying the authorized Opel dealers in their respective regions. Bochum as a European Sourcebook Warehouse (ESW) has a central function for the whole of Europe and supplies the Parts Distribution Centers.

!NEW! Employee representatives and management agree on corner points of social collective labor contract for Opel Bochum

IG Metall, the Bochum works council and the management of Adam Opel AG have agreed on major, binding corner points of a social collective labor contract for the Opel plant in Bochum:

•       Car production will end, as announced, on December 31, 2014.

•       Opel to remain in Bochum: the company will invest 60 million euros in the warehouse and increase its workforce in the coming years with a further 265 positions, totaling 700 jobs.

•       At least 200 employees will have the chance to move to other Opel plants.

•       Attractive, individual compensation packages will be offered - including a two-year transfer company.

•       Training continues: 171 apprentices will have the chance to get their degrees over the course of the next years. A further 40 apprentices will start as of 2014.

Ulrich Schumacher, HR Director of Adam Opel AG: "In this difficult situation it has been our goal to come to responsible and socially-acceptable solutions for our Bochum employees.  We have achieved this together - in intense but constructive discussions with the works council and IG Metall. We have reached an agreement concerning the most important cornerstones of a social collective labor contract. I am very happy that we can now provide clarity to our staff. "

Vehicle production at the Bochum site is secure for the whole year 2014 and will end as announced on December 31, 2014.

The existing contract for the warehouse which is currently operated by the logistics company Neovia, will be renewed. In the coming years, Opel will invest 60 million euros in this area. This means the existing 430 jobs can be secured in the long term. In addition, 265 more jobs will be created.

Opel will offer individual packages to the employees affected by the discontinuation of vehicle production. These offers are based on individual needs and will support a reorientation of employees. Attractive compensation, a two-year transfer company and special programs for older employees will create prospects for individuals. A minimum of 200 Bochum employees will have the possibility of moving to other Opel plants.

Particular emphasis will be on the placement and qualification of employees in other fields of activity in the greater region of Bochum. This will be pursued in particular by the ‘Bochum 2022 perspective’. Cooperation with other reputable companies should lead to attractive employment opportunities.

The company will make sure that the training of the current 171 Opel apprentices can be finalized properly in cooperation with TÜV Nord Bildung Opel GmbH. In 2014, 40 additional young people will get the chance to start their apprenticeship.

Together with the ‘Bochum Perspektive 2022’ initiative and the ‘Lernfabrik’ project, we will create the prerequisites to make today's training an integral part of a joint training system equipped for the challenges of the future.

!NEW! Transmission production Anniversary at Opel in Rüsselsheim

• Factory produced the millionth copy of the manual six-speed gearbox
• Overall, more than 11 million transmissions from Rüsselsheim since 1899

Marc Schiff, Executive Director of Manufacturing (2nd from right), plant director Axel Scheiben  (1st from right), production director Michael Eiermann (1st from left) and Albert Hoehn, Director of Transmission Plant (2nd from left) with the anniversary copy.

In the Rüsselsheim plant today was attended by Executive Director Manufacturing, Marc ship factory director Axel discs, the one millionth copy of the manual six-speed gearbox F40 from the assembly line. The 50 kg light transmission with aluminum housing provides maximum comfort and control can transmit up to 400 Newton meters of torque. It comes in the model series Astra, Insignia, Zafira Tourer and Antara used.

Albert Hoehn, Director of the transmission plant: "We work with state of the art manufacturing facilities. Means that only transmissions are shipped in highest quality to our customers, our qualified employees ensure their experience and commitment. "

With its entry into the automobile production in 1899 in Rüsselsheim Opel has started the production of gears. To date, over eleven million units were produced at the site. The current six-speed manual gearbox is manufactured since April 2003. The F40 transmission is produced in three series: a series of front-wheel drive vehicles, for a four-wheel drive vehicles and one for the high-performance OPC models. In its latest generation, it offers the customer Schaltpräsizion and shift comfort at the highest level.

The transmission from Rüsselsheim to be installed not only in the European Opel plants in Rüsselsheim, Bochum, Ellesmere Port (Great Britain) and Gliwice (Poland) in the vehicles - they are also used within the Group of GM. Rüsselsheim provides, for example, in the USA, Canada, Australia and South Korea, where the transmission used in vehicles from Buick and Chevrolet.

!NEW! “Deutschlandplan” - Negotiations Successfully Concluded

• Milestone on road to profitability and future security
• Clear commitment to Germany and its plants
• Opel wants to remain in Bochum: plant can be converted into components site
• Eisenach plant continues to produce two models after 2015
• Second model for Rüsselsheim plant from 2015 in addition to Insignia flagship
• Compulsory separations excluded to end of 2016

The management of Adam Opel AG, IG Metall and the Opel works council today successfully concluded negotiations on the company’s “Deutschlandplan” (Germany wide plan). Main points of the agreement are measures to secure growth and cost efficiency as well as a clear commitment to Germany with its four Opel plants and the successful exclusion of compulsory separations to the end of 2016.

“General Motors fully supports Opel and is securing the necessary financing for the coming years, until we once again return to profitability,” says General Motors Vice Chairman and Opel Supervisory Board Chairman Steve Girsky. In return, tariff-bound pay increases will be deferred. Salary components above the general pay scale – such as Christmas bonuses above the general pay scale – will be excluded.

The most important changes for the German plants are as follows:

Opel is making the offer to not stop the production of complete vehicles in the Bochum plant at the beginning of 2015. Production of the Zafira Tourer can remain there until the model’s phase out. This is expected to be at the end of 2016. “Opel wants to stay in Bochum. We want to keep our warehouse in Bochum. We want to secure a total of around 1,200 tariff-bound Opel jobs in Bochum – and convert the location into a components plant,” says Girsky. Around 600 jobs can stay in the warehouse area, about 600 more in high-quality component production yet to be determined.

Regarding the F13 gearbox in Bochum, Opel is offering to continue production instead of ceasing it at the end of this year as planned. From the second quarter of 2013, production in Bochum will be adjusted from three to two-shift operation. Opel is offering attractive severance packages and partial retirement programs for the 700 affected employees.

Opel GM Bochum plant

With the development agency “Bochum Perspektive 2022” Opel is making every effort to settle new companies and technologies in Bochum and the region. Opel is expecting a four-digit number of high-quality, new industrial jobs.

Negotiations also took place regarding the future of the Eisenach, Kaiserslautern and Rüsselsheim locations:

Opel GM Eisenach plant

Opel GM Kaiserslautern plant

• Eisenach: Opel will continue producing two models after 2015 at the manufacturing site of the small cars Corsa and the ADAM.
• Kaiserslautern: The components plant is also secured beyond 2016. Opel is also planning with around 1,800 Opel employees in Kaiserslautern.
• Rüsselsheim: Opel will produce a second model in its main Rüsselsheim plant also after 2015. The next generation of our award winning flagship Insignia will also be exclusively built in Rüsselsheim. In addition, production of the F40 gearbox remains exclusively in Rüsselsheim.

Opel GM Rüsselsheim plant

The Rüsselsheim development center remains an integral part of the international GM development group. A strategic concept for the future will be developed for the Manufacturing Engineering area by the end of June 2013.

“Today is a good day for Opel and a good day for GM. Opel is and remains a key part of our global GM business. This “Deutschlandplan” is an important milestone for Opel to return to profitability by the middle of the decade. We will get our costs under control with it. The key to sustainable employment is growth. The key to growth is investment. We will support the Deutschlandplan with a multi-billion euro model offensive. 

Opel will enter new segments and markets. This is an important switch point for securing our long-term success and leading the Opel brand to new strength,” says Girsky.  In 2012 Opel was the third largest passenger car brand in Europe – and wants to grow further. More than half of Opel’s 37,000 employees in Europe work in Germany.

!NEW! Hungarian Police relies on Opel

• 1250 Astras expand the national fleet
• Opel is the market leader in the Hungarian car market

Opel Astra Classic

 The Hungarian Police has opted for Opel. Expanding its fleet by 1250 Opel Astra Classic coming nationwide in daily police used. Opel had prevailed in a Europe-wide tender.

The 115 hp version of the Opel Astra Classic vehicles that are equipped with custom special equipment will be assembled at the plant in Bochum. The major contract specifies the work to end of this year an eight additional shifts on weekends. The order is the largest fleet of business for Opel Hungary since the entry of the brand into the Hungarian market in 1991.

938 pieces of Opel Astra F supplied to Hungarian Police in 1997

With a share of 11.5 percent, Opel is the number one in the Hungarian car market. In the first nine months of 2012, the brand with the flash set in new registrations by more than 12 percent over the same period last year. The most successful model is the Opel Astra.

In the location Szentgotthárd near the border with Austria, the Opel GM company manufactures engines since 1992. The plant plays an important role in the Opel model offensive in the coming until 2016 for 13 new advanced engines on the market.

Opel celebrates 150th Anniversary

• From sewing machine manufacturer to one of the biggest European car makers
• Since its founding, Opel always synonymous for affordable mobility
• Leadership role in futuristic E-mobility market

A tribute to industrial history: Adam Opel statue in front of  main gates in Rüsselsheim

Opel celebrates this year 150th anniversary. In 1862, the founding father, Adam Opel, could hardly have envisaged that his firm would one day become one of the biggest car makers in Europe.

The founding father Adam Opel (1837-1895)

In the year 1862, Adam Opel uses his father’s locksmith workshop in Rüsselsheim, Germany, to make sewing machines. The business takes off. Soon bicycles are sold and in 1886, the first bike, the “Velociped” model has its market launch. Bicycles from Rüsselsheim quickly become popular. By the middle of the nineteen-twenties, Opel has established itself as the world’s largest bicycle manufacturer. In the meantime, motorbikes have also been added to the list of products. Opel’s automotive history starts in 1899, making it the second-oldest car maker in Germany after Daimler-Benz.

First car made in Rüsselsheim: Opel Patent motorcar Lutzmann system (1899)

In the fall of 1902, Opel presents the “Lutzmann motorcar patent” with a 10/12 hp engine. The cars soon enjoy growing popularity: by 1906 already more than 1,000 such vehicles have rolled off the production line. By 1914, Opel has overtaken all its competitors and is the biggest car maker in Germany. The brand makes a name for itself as a maker of popular and affordable blockbuster models such as “Doktorwagen” (1909) or “Puppchen” (1914). These models lay the foundations for Opel’s company ethos of delivering high quality, reliable and affordable vehicles for a wide segment of customers.                      

Opel car production - Assembly hall in Rüsselsheim (1906)

Legendary Opel 4/12 hp earned the nickname 'Laubfrosch' (1924)

The 1920s embody the trailblazing spirit of Opel which endures to this day. This is the era of the “Laubfrosch” (engl. tree frog) and “Rakete” (engl. rocket) vehicles. The small 4/12 hp is known by its nickname “Laubfrosch” or “tree frog” because it is painted in bright green colors. In 1924, Opel is the first German car maker to use an automated assembly line. In addition, the company starts carrying spectacular rocket tests that grab the headlines. For example, in 1928  Opel’s rocket car breaks the land speed record on the Berlin Avus race track. Fritz von Opel achieves a speed of 238 km/h; a sheer unimaginable feat in those days. One year later Opel takes to the skies: its Opel Sander RAK 1 takes off from a large plaza in Frankfurt, making it the first ever publicly manned rocket flight, albeit a short one.
 

Fritz von Opel, also known as 'Rocket Fritz' breaks land speed rekord with Opel Sander RAK 2 (1928)

 


1929 marks the start of tough times for the car industry. Millions lose their jobs in the global economic crisis. The world economy collapses like a house of cards in at the end of the “roaring twenties”. However, Opel reacts quickly and finds a strong partner in the American giant, General Motors. The car maker from Rüsselsheim is able to consolidate its market position and in 1935 is able to raise its annual output to above the 100,000 vehicles mark. Among the products is the new “Blitz” truck which is made at the Brandenburg plant. At that time the Rüsselsheim car maker launch a technical innovation: the Olympia is the first German production vehicle with a self-supporting body only made from steel. A year later, the company lays the foundations for a 75 year success story in the compact class that reaches all the way to the present. Starting at the first Kadett, there is an almost seamless tradition to the present day with the Astra family. By 1936, Opel is the biggest car manufacturer in Europe with an annual output of over 120.000 vehicles.

Start of the compact segment: First Opel Kadett rolls off Rüsselsheim assembly line (1936)

After civilian production was suspended in the war year, Opel resumes its work in the period of Germany’s reconstruction. The German economic miracle is associated with many Opel model names such as the Olympia, Olympia Rekord, Rekord P1 and the Kapitän, while many households are equipped with Opel fridges called “Frigidaire” to keep their food fresh. In 1962, which coincides with Opel’s 100^th birthday, the second plant of the brand is opened in Bochum, where the new Kadett is produced. In the nineteen-sixties numerous new models are born that consolidate Opel’s sporty and emotional reputation, including the legendary and iconic Commodore, Manta and GT models. Opel also has a strong presence in the upper segment with its prestigious KAD line-up (Kapitän, Admiral, Diplomat) which are later replaced by the Senator and Monza.                                                 

Opel Olympia on its way to the Glossglockner moutain in Alps (1955)

Opel Kadett A assembly in Bochum (1962)

In 1971, the tenth millionth Opel rolls off the assembly line. In that year, Georg von Opel who drives an Opel GT breaks the speed record for battery propulsion by reaching 188 km/h. This is evidence that Opel has the topic of electro mobility on its agenda – decades before anybody has even thought of it. Nowadays Opel is a pioneer in this field: the 111 kW (150 hp) Ampera which is fitted with the revolutionary range extender is the world’s first production electric vehicle not limited to battery-related range.

'Only flying is better' - This advertising slogan is almost famous as the racy Opel GT

In 1972, Opel is Germany’s most successful car maker. A new range of models is born in Rüsselsheim which focuses on safety, consumption and environmental friendliness. The fifth Kadett generation which appears with front wheel drive for the first time has a drag co-efficient as low as C_D 0.39, making it one of the most aerodynamic compact cars. These record breaking figures are continued with the Omega A (C_D 0.28) and the Calibra (C_D 0.26). In the 1980s the subject of emission control becomes a focal point. Opel is among the pioneers. The Rüsselsheim brand is the first German company to offer a complete fleet with catalytic converters. From 1989, all its models are fitted with this technology.  

 

Opel Omega A (1986)

 

Opel Calibra (1989)

 In 1991, the Opel safety system has its debut in the Astra. It comprises side impact protection, supports in the seats and belt tensioners. The brand once again shows that it is a trend setter with the new Frontera. The leisure vehicle is one of the predecessors to the SUV movement and rapidly rises to the position of segment leader. In 1992, Opel opens the gates of its Eisenach plant – at the time the most modern plant in the world. Then Opel launches several models: 1997 Opel becomes the first European manufacturer to offer an economical three cylinder by bringing the Corsa to market. In 1999, the Zafira makes its debut. The Rüsselsheim company lays the foundations for the booming compact monocab segment and sets new standards for flexibility in the interior of family vehicles. Also in that year, Opel celebrates a glamorous product jubilee: 50 million Opel cars have so far left its auto plants.  

Opel Astra F - side impact protection (1991)

Opel Astra F - seats and belt tensioners (1991)

With the launch of the Insignia in 2008, Opel carries out a repositioning of the brand. The new flagship models start a new brand philosophy: to combine sculptural artistry with German precision. This idea is continued with the recent Zafira Tourer and the Astra GTC.   

 

Opel Insignia assembly in Rüsselsheim (2009)

Opel and its British sister brand Vauxhall now sell cars in more than 40 countries. The company has a workforce of around 40.500 at plants and engineering centers in six European nations. In the year 2010 alone, Opel/Vauxhall sold more than 1.1 million cars and light commercial vehicles and achieved a market share of 6.2 percent in Europe. With the launch of the electric Ampera, the traditional brand starts a new segment in the European automotive industry and underscores its role as a trendsetter for progressive mobility solutions.