Almost 175,000 new registrations in Germany – market share of 5.6%
Light commercial vehicle sales up by 40%
Opel achieved strong results in Germany last year in a challenging economic environment: According to preliminary internal figures, almost 175,000 cars and light commercial vehicles of the brand with the Blitz were registered over the course of the last 12 months. This represents an increase of 6.4% compared to 2023. The market share increased to 5.6% (2023: 5.3% ).
Opel light commercial vehicles were an important driver of growth. With more than 26,000 units of the Combo, Vivaro and Movano sold, the 2023 results were exceeded by an impressive 40%. The market share in the light commercial vehicle segment was up significantly by more than two percentage points to 9.1%. In addition, Opel also increased its passenger car sales last year. According to the Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA), 147,833 new registrations ensured a passenger car market share of 5.2 % (2023: 5.1%).
“We achieved very good results on our important German home market in 2024. This was primarily due to our attractive portfolio of light commercial vehicles and our bestselling Astra. This confirms our course and gives us further tailwind for a confident start to 2025 – with the new Mokka, the new family-friendly Frontera and the Grandland, our new top-of-the-line SUV,” said Patrick Dinger, head of Opel Germany.
Safety first: Many assistance systems already standard in best-selling Opel Corsa small car
Best vision: IntelliLux Pixel HD Light with over 50,000 elements in all-new Opel Grandland
Always one step ahead: Opel models have always featured groundbreaking technologies
From July 7, 2024, EU will make additional assistance systems mandatory for new registrations of passenger cars (class M1) and light commercial vehicles (class N1). The aim is to reduce the number of accidents on the roads and thus save lives. Opel is well positioned here. For the passenger car models from the Corsa to the Combo, Mokka and Astra to the Grandland, as well as for the new generation of light commercial vehicles (LCV) Opel Combo, Vivaro and Movano, the manufacturer offers numerous advanced electronic assistants that make traffic safer for drivers and passengers as well as for all other road users. New Opel LCV vans will in future be equipped with up to 21 assistance systems – segment leading! And even in the small car bestseller Opel Corsa, many systems are already on board as standard, well ahead of the legal requirement. “Safety first” is Opel's motto when developing new vehicles: this is once again demonstrated by the recently introduced new Opel Grandland, which will soon be available to order, for example with its industry-leading IntelliLux Pixel HD Light. Safety is a tradition at Opel and has been for 125 years of automobile production in Rüsselsheim.
Emergency braking, lane keep assist, speed assistant: Already standard at Opel
In addition to the systems that have long been required by law, new cars registered from July onwards must also have additional assistants on board. These include emergency braking assistant, intelligent speed assistant, lane departure warning system, reversing assistant and drowsiness detection. An emergency brake light and a “black box” data recorder are also among the mandatory features in the future.
Opel has been offering many of the systems mentioned for its models for years. Safety features for the brand with the Blitz are not a question of vehicle class. Even the smallest in the portfolio, Germany's best-selling small car of several years, Opel Corsa, offers numerous assistance systems as standard. The extensive range of modern electronic helpers already includes:
Forward collision alert with automatic emergency braking and pedestrian detection: It monitors distance to vehicle in front. If Opel Corsa approaches a vehicle in front or a pedestrian too quickly, driver is informed by a warning tone and a display in driver information display. If there is a risk of collision, system initiates emergency braking, and at speeds below 30 km/h even to a complete standstill. System is also available in combination with cyclist detection.
Intelligent cruise control and limiter: In conjunction with traffic sign recognition, the system allows the speed to be quickly adjusted.
Lane keep assist: If the driver unintentionally leaves the lane (between 65 and 180 km/h), an indicator light appears in the driver information display. Lane keep assistant also draws attention to the danger by gently temporarily counteracting the steering. As an option, Corsa and Co. can also be equipped with active lane keep Assist. This actively keeps the vehicle in the previously selected position within the lane by gently and continuously counter-steering (both hands on the steering wheel are mandatory!).
Drowsiness detection: System detects signs of fatigue in the driver based on the steering behaviour and the length of the journey and issues a visual and acoustic warning that increases in three stages.
Adaptive brake light and
Parking pilot at rear.
Additional systems provide an even more comprehensive overview when manoeuvring, including the combination of front and rear parking sensors with audio-visual warning and the 130-degree or optional 180-degree rear view camera (also the 360-degree camera on the Astra and Grandland). In addition, the side blind spot alert, which is standard or optional depending on the equipment level, further increases safety with a symbol in the respective exterior mirror that warns of approaching vehicles. Also, the optional automatic speed assistant with stop function ensures that the set speed and the distance to the vehicle in front are maintained in accordance with the traffic situation. The car brakes automatically if necessary and accelerates again as soon as the distance to the vehicle in front increases again. In combination with automatic transmission, the system also has a Stop & Go function, so that the vehicle is automatically braked to a standstill in the event of danger and can independently follow the vehicle in front even in traffic jams.
Compact class bestseller Opel Astra and top SUV Opel Grandland combine many of the above-mentioned assistants in Intelli-Drive system and expand the range to include the rear cross-traffic alert system. This uses radar sensors to detect moving objects when reversing (from pedestrians and cyclists to motorcycles, cars and trucks) and warns with visual and acoustic signals.
Optimal illumination of the road ahead is crucial for a safe and relaxed journey in poor visibility conditions. Opel has been a pioneer in this area for years with its adaptive IntelliLux technology, which is now being used for the first time in the new Combo. The latest lighting innovation from Rüsselsheim is celebrating its premiere in all-new Opel Grandland: the industry-leading IntelliLux Pixel Matrix HD Light. For the first time, the system has more than 50,000 elements and enables high-resolution light distribution. Depending on the traffic situation, the camera detects road users ahead and oncoming traffic, and IntelliLux Pixel Matrix HD Light cuts them out even more precisely than previous matrix light technologies. The system delivers an even brighter and more even light distribution without glare for others.
Safety for all: New Opel Grandland, Astra, Corsa and Co. in best tradition
Offering the highest safety standards for everyone – that is what the Opel brand has always stood for. This began 125 years ago with the Opel Patentmotorwagen “System Lutzmann”, which had chain-controlled steering for smooth, precise operation. In the years and decades that followed, developments such as the Opel 10 PS with four-wheel brakes and the unitary all-steel body of the Opel Olympia 1935 followed.
Opel Rekord C was also an innovation in 1967 – with coil springs on the rear axle, disc brakes at the front, brake booster and, above all, the Opel safety steering, in which the collapsible steering column protected against serious injuries to the head and chest in the event of a collision. As early as 1973, the manufacturer equipped all models with seat belts as standard. In Opel Astra F, seatbelt tensioners ensured that the belt was pulled tight by up to 16 centimetres in milliseconds in the event of an impact, thus keeping the passenger safely in their seat.
In 1993, Opel Corsa B celebrated a double premiere of increased safety: double steel beam reinforcements in the doors for side impact protection and the full-size driver airbag further minimized the risk of injury. In 1995, Opel was the first German car manufacturer to introduce full-size airbags for the driver and front passenger as standard in all new cars.
German Energy: Opel Experimental fills brand pillars with new life
Pioneering: Innovative brand concept shows future of intelligent light
Deep learning: Artificial Intelligence (AI) can help cars recognise danger sooner
Visionary Opel Experimental, which CEO Florian Huettl presented to public for first time at last year's IAA Mobility in Munich, gives a glimpse of brand's future. This can be characterised in three words:
Greenovation: Opel Experimental is fully electric with a reduced carbon footprint
Detox: It is bold and pure in design; and focussed on essentials
Modern German: It impresses with its proportions, intelligent aerodynamics, highly efficient use of space and state-of-art lighting technology, including for first time illuminated Opel Blitz logo
Opel Experimental expresses this German Energy in Painting with Light video. It takes viewers on a night-time experiment and shows future lighting technologies. At same time, it demonstrates that future innovative lighting technology will be capable of much more than simply illuminated road and surrounding area. It will increase safety and comfort while also sparking emotions.
IntelliLux LED: Democratisation of lighting technologies has long tradition at Opel
Making pioneering lighting technologies available to customers is a long-standing tradition at Opel. This is demonstrated by the continuous development of IntelliLux LED Matrix and Pixel Light, which Opel offers for many models, from Corsa to Astra, Mokka and Grandland to new Combo. Thanks to adaptive IntelliLux LED headlights, Opel drivers always have optimum vision in the dark, without dazzling other road users.
“Development is making great strides here,” says Philipp Röckl, Global Lead Complex Lighting at Stellantis. “A few years ago we were able to hide individual 'blocks of light', but areas that need to be hidden can now be captured more precisely and seamlessly.” This is made possible by, among other things, micro-LED-based HD pixel systems that have an even higher resolution than before and also offer highest level of energy efficiency. “In addition, we will have to think about light digitally in the future. Today's standard lighting control modules are no longer sufficient given high number of pixels. We are already working on vehicle architectures that enable graphical representation of light,” adds Röckl.
Electrochromic materials and AI: Lighting is more than “just” headlights
Ground-breaking Opel Experimental, a symbol of “German Energy”, shows what this future can look like – inside as well as outside. In interior, electrochromic materials immerse passengers in atmospheric light and thus convey a feel-good factor. Reactive materials also have practical properties. For example, if a vehicle, cyclist or pedestrian is in blind spot of Opel Experimental, a coloured warning appears on inside of respective door as well as in head-up display. In addition, external side view recorded by cameras is projected onto inner door surface. This creates a visual “transparency effect” that allows a view outside to further increase visibility. New reactive technology can lift the mood and increase feel-good factor in cabin while also improving safety of driver, passengers and other road users with atmospherically changing light. This is exactly what Opel calls “Painting with Light”.
In “Painting with Light” video, Opel Experimental also shows how future lighting technology can expand view in completely extraordinary ways. Thanks to immersive, digital safety technologies, vehicles like Opel Experimental can recognise pedestrians quickly – and more clearly than ever before. Augmented reality-based technology then pulsates as a warning signal and displays other important messages and signals for drivers and road users through holograms.
“We want to optimise light for the driver and also for the camera, so that with help of AI it can recognize people and animals even better,” explains Röckl. Lighting, camera and sensor technology as well as algorithms must work together for future development so that car's predictive and therefore safety-enhancing capabilities can be optimised in every situation.
Opel Pixel Vizor with clear statements: Light as communications tool
Opel has already shown with award-winning Manta GSe how light signals can arouse emotions and increase safety. Wherever ultra-modern one-off in retro look appears, it attracts admiring glances. This is due not least to innovative Opel Pixel Vizor at front of Opel Manta GSe. Vehicle can communicate with its surroundings via Pixel Vizor. Statements like “My German heart has been ELECTRified” or “I am on a zero e‑mission” are written across front.
Engineers are continuously working on this "light communication of future" to increase safety of all road users. New, atmospheric “Painting with Light” video already gives an indication of how these developments could look like in future.
Kaiserslautern currently supplies six Stellantis brands
Europe's Car of the Year 2023, Jeep Avenger, will also come from West Palatinate
Planning for Gigafactory at Kaiserslautern site continues
With production of components for more than 30 vehicle models from Stellantis world, the Kaiserslautern plant has developed into a key location in the international production network.
Employees in Kaiserslautern currently produce components for numerous vehicles from six different automobile brands, including Opel models Corsa, Mokka, Crossland, Combo Life as well as Astra and Astra Sports Tourer. Also in cars from Peugeot (208, 2008, 308, new 3008 and new 5008, 408, 508, Rifter) and Citroën (C3, C4, C5 Aircross, Berlingo) as well as in DS 7 Crossback, in Fiat 500 and in Europe's car Year 2023, Jeep Avenger is fitted with parts from Palatinate, latter with reinforcements in door area.
Even beyond classic components business, automotive location in West Palatinate is strategically well positioned for mobility of future. Automotive Cells Company (ACC) joint venture, in which Mercedes-Benz and TotalEnergies are involved alongside Stellantis/Opel, will build a Gigafactory on same site in which battery cells for electric vehicles will be produced from 2025. Planning for this billion-euro project is progressing well.
“Kaiserslautern is ideally positioned for age of electromobility. We are looking into future with confidence,” said factory manager Rafal Trojca. Especially since components for cars from several Stellantis brands will also be produced in West Palatinate on new STLA Medium platform in the future.Vehicle platform, designed for purely electric cars, crossovers and SUV models from C and D segments, has state-of-the-art performance features such as a range of 700 kilometers, which is unmatched in this class.
Stellantis has formulated ambitious goals in its “ Dare Forward 2030 ” strategic plan. CO 2 emissions are to be halved by 2030 compared to 2021 and goal of net zero CO 2 emissions is to be achieved by 2038. Remaining emissions (in single-digit percentage range) are to be offset. In this context, the aim is to achieve, among other things, a sales share of 100% battery-electric passenger cars in Europe and 50% for passenger cars and commercial vehicles in United States by 2030.
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.
Complete van portfolio on the road with zero emissions
Opel e-LCV range: Opel Combo-e, Vivaro-e and Movano-e
Opel has significantly increased sales of its light commercial vehicles across Europe in the first 11 months of 2021. Compared to the same period last year, sales grew by 12.1 per cent to around 100,000 units1. Results in important markets such as Germany (+9.0 per cent), United Kingdom (+8.1 per cent), France (+25.2 per cent) and Spain (+6.0 per cent) contributed significantly to this development.
Growth of the battery-electric Vivaro-e from Opel and its British sister brand Vauxhall between January and October is particularly pleasing. In Europe, the Vivaro-e leads the D segment with a share of 21 per cent. In the overall ranking of all electrified commercial vehicles, the midsize van is in a convincing third place – also thanks to the high sales figures in the UK. There, the Vivaro-e holds a market share of almost 50 per cent in the segment. In Germany, the Opel Vivaro-e has reached third place in the top list. Demand for the only recently introduced Combo-e is already equally good.
“Our light commercial vehicles are holding their own very successfully in the market and have by no means exhausted their full potential,” said Opel CEO Uwe Hochgeschurtz. “Now that all our LCVs – the Opel Combo-e, Vivaro-e and Movano-e – are available for battery-electric, zero-emissions transportation, we will generate further impetus.”
Opel's light commercial vehicles are highly regarded by customers and the media. For example, the Opel Combo (2019) and the Opel Vivaro-e (2021) were named Van of the Year by an international jury of experts. Another big fan of the electric vans from Rüsselsheim is mountaineering legend Reinhold Messner, who uses the Opel Zafira-e Life and Opel Vivaro-e for emissions-free shuttle operations and deliveries to his mountain museums.
Fleet customers are currently particularly interested in the zero emissions Vivaro-e. Opel's sister brand Vauxhall has already signed contracts for 3,000 battery-electric Vivaro-e vehicles with British Gas and for a further 655 vehicles for the service company Mitie. In Germany, registrations of the Combo increased by 27 per cent compared with the same period last year, the highest growth within the Opel LCV fleet.
In addition to the Opel Combo compact van and the Vivaro midsize van, Opel also offers the Movano large van as the battery-electric Movano-e – as with all Opel's electrified commercial vehicles, with full functionality and unrestricted load volume compared to the conventional variants. This makes the brand with the Blitz currently the only one to offer its entire LCV portfolio battery-electric, emission-free and immediately orderable.
Strengthened position in Europe with an increased market share of +0.3pt
Start of production at the Kenitra [1] plant to support commercial offensive in Middle East & Africa
Ongoing electrification on the launch pad with 9 [2] electrified models
Despite the decline of the global automotive markets for this first half, our commercial teams have managed to increase market shares in several countries, especially in Europe and Africa. Rigorous deployment of our Core Model and Core Techno strategies is decisive asset to manage profitable sales and enhance customer satisfaction.» says Carlos Tavares, Chairman of the Groupe PSA Managing Board.
Electrification offensive is mastered with the aim to have a 100% electrified [3] range from 2025
All-electric: New Opel Corsa-e
Groupe PSA aims to be a major player in electrified mobility with all new models coming in a hybrid plug-in or an all-electric version : DS 3 CROSSBACK E-TENSE, Peugeot e-208 and e-2008 and Opel Corsa-e in 100% electric version, and DS 7 CROSSBACK E-TENSE 4X4, Peugeot 3008 HYbrid & HYbrid4, Peugeot 508 & 508 SW HYbrid, Opel Grandland X Hybrid4 and Citroën C5 Aircross SUV Hybrid in hybrid plug-in version.
New Opel Grandland X Hybrid4
Groupe PSA is also preparing a full electrified LCV range by 2025, starting with Citroën Berlingo and Peugeot Partner, already available in an electric version. New electrified generation of these vehicles for Peugeot, Citroën and Opel/Vauxhall will be available by 2021. Group presented last April a preview of the electrified versions of Peugeot Boxer and Citroën Jumper at the Birmingham Commercial Vehicle Show. It also announced an electrified version for 2020 in the medium van segment.
Fourteen new electrified vehicles will be launched in just two years.
Europe: profitable growth
In a declining market over the first half year (-2.4%), the Group strengthened its position by achieving a 17.4% market share, growing in all main markets, particularly in Italy (+1.1pts), France (+0.7pt), the United Kingdom (+0.2pt), Germany (+0.1pt), and Spain (+0.1pt).
Performance is driven by the excellent results of Citroën, which has achieved an eight-year sales record with the strongest growth within the Top 12 brands. As a result, the brand has gained 0.3 point in market share in Europe, thanks in particular to the success of its SUV range (C5 Aircross and C3 Aircross).
Opel / Vauxhall has continued its development since last autumn and grew slightly its market share. This market share grew among other markets in France (0.2 pt), UK (+0.2 pt) and Italy (+0.7 pt), while the brand at the same time kept its focus on the deployment of profitable sales. Combo, Crossland X, Grandland X carry most of this performance and Opel / Vauxhall will benefit from the launch of the new Corsa in the second half of the year.
Peugeot market share is stable in Europe. Beyond the continuous success of its SUVs 3008/5008, Peugeot is also progressing well thanks to the award-winning 508 family with the launch of the new 508 SW: 508 sedan is 1st in France since its launch. Peugeot also beats its previous LCV sales record in the 1st semester.
DS Automobiles confirms the brand's sustainable growth (+1.7% vs 2018 H1, and +16% in Q2 vs 2018 Q2) with DS 7 CROSSBACK - leader in SUV Premium in France during the first half - and DS 3 CROSSBACK, launched in May in France and number 1 in terms of registrations of premium SUVs in June in France.
Groupe PSA is also maintaining its leadership in LCVs with a 24.7% market share.
Middle East – Africa: operational industrial footprint
Groupe PSA market share increased in its main markets: Morocco (+4.7pts), Egypt (+3.5pts), Algeria (+2.7pts) and Turkey (+0.5pt). The evolution of sales is impacted by the wind down from Iran [4] and the Turkish market (-44.8%) downturn.
With the start of production at the Kenitra plant in Morocco, the Group will be able to produce models that meet customers’ expectations and achieve its commercial ambitions in the region.
China & South East Asia: improving business model in China
In a declining Chinese market, sales are down 62.1%. DS maintained its market shares. The Group is working on action plans with its partners to tackle current issues and lower the breakeven point of the JVs.
Electric offensive is underway with the launch of Peugeot 508L PHEV, as well as BEV Peugeot 2008 and DS 3 CROSSBACK in 2020.
Exports from the Malaysian hub NAM [5] are now starting for Peugeot 3008 and 5008
Latin America: headwinds in Argentina
Group sales have decreased by 29.3% in Latin America with a strong hit of Argentinean market downturn (-50.3%). However, the group stabilized its market share in Brazil driven by the success of the SUV C4 Cactus and the LCV offensive. It has maintained its position in Chile and improved in Mexico in decreasing markets. Opel made a strong progress in the region increasing its market share.
Some encouraging trend results from the success of SUV models and recent launches: Citroën C5 Aircross and Peugeot 2008 and completed by Citroën C4, Peugeot Rifter and soon DS 3 CROSSBACK. LCV offensive is also ongoing with the recent launches of the new Peugeot Partner, Citroën Berlingo and Opel Combo.
India-Pacific: sales growth (+2.3%)
Recurring success of the Group in Japan continues with sales up 16%. Groupe PSA achieved another milestone by announcing in April the launch of the Citroën brand in India and starting the production of gearboxes (Hosur plant) with its partner AVTEC Ltd (a CK Birla Group Co.).
Eurasia: prepare the relaunch of the Opel brand
New Opel Zafira Life
Facing a downward trend of the Russian market (-2.4%), Groupe PSA market share is slightly declining (-0.2pt). Group is launching DS Automobiles in Ukraine with the first DS Store to open in July. Group is also preparing the relaunch of the Opel brand in Russia starting with the Zafira Life and the Grandland X, first models to be available in few months.
Stronger customer orientation and dealer performance
Focus on high volume and high growth segments with three key launches by 2020: All-New Opel Corsa, Vivaro and Mokka X successor
Ensure CO2 compliance with state-of-the-art
technology: four electrified vehicles by end of 2020; 100 percent
electrification by 2024; further improved combustion engines
Opel is continuing to execute the PACE! plan product
offensive to meet customer needs and ensure compliance with the drastic
Europe-wide CO2 guidelines which become effective in 2020.
The future portfolio will ensure a sustainable, successful future for
both the company and its dealer network. From early 2019 to the end of
2020, the company will launch eight all-new or refreshed models,
investing primarily in high-volume and profitable segments. By then,
Opel will be offering one of the newest portfolios of all volume
manufacturers.
With its PACE! plan, Opel has clearly committed to bringing at least
one all-new model onto the market every year. In 2019 alone, Opel will
launch the new generation of the bestselling Corsa and the successor to
the successful Vivaro as LCV and passenger car variants. Additional
variants and equipment versions of the Combo will also be on sale, thus
significantly renewing the LCV portfolio.
The successor to the hugely
popular Opel Mokka X will follow in 2020 and will play a pivotal role
for the strategy to expand the proportion of the company’s SUV sales
from 25 to 40 percent by 2021.
“Opel goes electric” was one of the commitments made by the company
in November 2017 as part of its PACE! plan. Order books for both the
all-electric new five-seater Corsa and the Grandland X PHEV which will
be produced in Eisenach will be open by the summer of 2019. By the end
of 2020, Opel will have a total of four electrified models on offer,
providing a lot of driving pleasure and transforming e-car demand from
niche to volume. By 2024, there will be an electrified version of every
Opel model. Opel will make highly interesting offers, both technically
and economically, and will democratise electro-mobility while further
improving its combustion engines.
In order to contribute to the CO2 compliance and to focus
on high volume segments, the Opel ADAM, KARL and Cascada will not be
replaced after the end of their life cycles, but will remain on sale
until the end of 2019. With the new portfolio, Opel will continue to
cover around 80 percent of the mainstream market volume in 2020 – with
significantly higher efficiency and customer-orientation while
simultaneously reducing complexity.
“In a context of drastic CO2 norms, it’s our
responsibility to shape a sustainable future for our company and our
dealers with a highly competitive portfolio for passenger and light
commercial vehicles. Opel will offer fun to drive and emotionally
designed models including highly competitive light commercial vehicles
such as the new Combo and Vivaro. The customers will benefit from the
broad introduction of innovative technologies and affordable
electrification,” said Opel CEO Michael Lohscheller. “The most recent
awards – like the IVOTY 2019 for our Combo – demonstrate that we are on
the right path.”
The German manufacturer with almost 120 years of automotive tradition
is leveraging Groupe PSA platforms and innovative propulsion
technologies for all new models. Opel has impressively demonstrated its
efficiency this year: the entire portfolio was and is fully available
from dealers in time for the transition to the new Worldwide Harmonized
Light Vehicles Test Procedure standard (WLTP). Moreover, Opel is already
fully ready for the new Euro 6d-TEMP emissions standard and offers 127
passenger car models that meet the requirements which will come into
effect for all new registrations in September 2019. “Our commitment to
Euro 6d-TEMP is part of our strategy to become a leader in the reduction
of vehicle emissions and a key pillar of our customer-centric approach.
Whoever buys a new Opel now must not fear a city driving ban from
today’s perspective,” said Lohscheller.
All-new: New architecture makes the fifth generation Opel Combo a perfect family car
Your choice: Long or short versions, both as five or seven seat option
XXL: 597 litres minimum and up to 2,693 litres of luggage volume
Typical Opel: Numerous driver assistance systems and great infotainment
Outstanding overview: Head up display and 180° rear view camera
Opel styling cues: Solid and robust design, Opel-typical headlight winglets
Available soon: Start of sales in first half of 2018, deliveries start in second half
Tough character: The side-view of the new Opel Combo Life features protective flank guards and prominent wheelarches.
Opel is continuing its ongoing product offensive by launching a true
all-rounder with the new Opel Combo Life, a wonderful family car full of
innovations that makes everything possible. The fifth-generation Combo
is based on a new architecture. It is immensely spacious, highly
practical and versatile, equipped with one or two rear sliding doors and
can be ordered as a short (4.40 metres) or long (4.75 metres) version
and as a five or seven seater. With the new Opel Combo Life, you will be
the hero of your local sports team when taking an entire seven-a-side
team plus sports apparel to the next match. Your planned family
“extensions” can relax on three individual rear seats all with Isofix
child seat brackets and enjoy a wonderful view of the sky thanks to the
panoramic roof. And your friends will also love the outstanding
spaciousness and ask whether they can borrow your new Opel Combo Life
for their trips to nearest Swedish furniture store.
Just right for active-outdoor lifestyles: New Opel Combo Life is
available in short or long versions, with one or two sliding doors and
up to seven seats.
However, more strikingly the new Opel Combo Life raises the bar in
terms of technical ambition in this segment and takes the level of
safety and comfort to a new dimension. It is fitted with technologies
and driver assistance systems well-known from the compact or SUV segment
such as Driver Drowsiness Alert, Rear View Camera with 180° bird’s-eye
view, Head up display, IntelliGrip, and comfort features such as heated
seats and a heated leather steering wheel. One of the newcomers to the
Opel portfolio of assistance systems is Flank Guard. It supports drivers
when turning at low speeds. And on top of that the new Opel Combo Life
is also pleasant on the eye thanks to bold proportions giving a strong
and robust appearance.
Compact: New Opel Combo Life is notable for its especially short front and rear overhangs.
“The new Opel Combo Life is a key vehicle in our product offensive.
Our newcomer will definitely appeal to families with its versatility and
spaciousness combined with an outstanding offer of ultra-modern driver
assistance systems that make driving safer and travelling more
enjoyable,” said Opel CEO Michael Lohscheller. “This car has a huge
potential to grow the brand and gives us the opportunity to attack the
important small van segment with new vigour.”
Friendly ultra-modern technologies and assistance systems
New Opel Combo Life significantly increases the number of
high-tech safety and comfort features, raising the bar in its segment
significantly. Opel recognised the wish of its customers to make
high-tech solutions accessible to families and have fitted it with a
vast array of technologies that are useful in everyday driving.
These innovative, high-tech, safety-relevant solutions include:
The Head up display reduces the danger of distractions and
projects the most important driving data into the driver’s direct line
of sight, reducing the necessity for the driver to take his eyes of the
road.
Forward collision alert with pedestrian detection and Automatic Emergency Braking[1]
helps avoid accidents. The system not only issues an alarm and a visual
warning but also brakes independently if the distance to a vehicle
moving ahead decreases rapidly and the driver does not react.
The Opel Eye front camera knownfrom Opel bestsellers
such as the Astra, Corsa and Mokka X. It processes diverse data thus
forming the basis for the driver assistance systems such as Speed Sign Recognition and Lane Keep Assist.
Automatic Cruise Control adapting the speed to the vehicle ahead if required.
Intelligent Speed Adaptation informing the driver when a new
speed limit is detected by the Speed Sign Recognition. If the cruise
control or the speed limiter is activated, a pop up message in the
cluster will ask the driver if he or she wants to adjust the set the
speed.
Driver Drowsiness Alert evaluates the fatigue level through
the drive style and suggests that the driver has a well-deserved break
at the next service station.
Parking manoeuvres are made safer and easier by:
Flank Guard[2] - new to the Opel portfolio of
parking/manoeuvring assistance systems. It supports the driver while
turning at low speeds, warning him or her when there is a risk that a
flank of the car will collide into an obstacle (pillars, barriers, wall
or other vehicles). Flank Guard consists of twelve sensors around the
car. They analyse the surrounding area and warn the driver via the
infotainment screen if a potential collision is detected. The visual
warning comes together with an audible one.
The Panoramic Rear View Camera, increases the angle of sight
at the back of the car to 180 degrees so that the driver can see other
road users approaching from either side when reversing.
Advanced Park Assist facilitates parking even further. It
recognises suitable parking slots and parks the vehicle automatically.
It can also exit the parking slot automatically. In both cases, the
driver only needs to operate the pedals and shift gears.
Adventurous families who like venturing off the beaten track will not
have to worry about surface conditions thanks to a clever solution:
IntelliGrip traction control, already known from the Opel
Grandland X, is an optional electronic front differential which adapts
the torque distribution to the front wheels, allows wheel-spin if
necessary, and with the automatic transmission adjusts shift points as
well as throttle response. This ensures best traction and stable
handling regardless of whether the Combo Life is travelling on mud,
sand, wet surfaces or snow.
And winter escapes are made more enjoyable thanks to various comfort features:
The heated leather steering wheel is unique in the segment and ensures that Combo Life drivers will never have to worry about cold hands.
The heated front seats keep the chill at bay and increase well-being.
The auxiliary heater works independently of the engine and
can pre-heat the vehicle before departure. The auxiliary heater can be
activated via a timer or remote control creating cosy and comfortable
temperatures.
Organised: Centre console of the new Opel Combo Life is clearly
influenced by the brand’s German DNA, with the controls for
infotainment, climate control and storage arranged in three levels.
The Combo Life also offers Opel-typical state-of-the-art Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatible infotainment systems
with up to eight-inch capacitive colour touchscreen.
State-of-the-art: New Combo Life profits from Opel’s leading
role in connectivity with infotainment and navigation systems that
include colour touchscreens up to eight inches in size.
The fun-factor for
occupants is further increased by the various charging options. USB
ports in the front and second row ensure that tablets and smartphones
can be recharged even while the children watch their favourite YouTuber.
A 230V power socket in the front footwell even allows one passenger to
plug in a laptop. Furthermore, compatible smartphones can also be
charged wirelessly via the inductive charging pad located below the
air-conditioning controls.
Family friendly: Spacious, comfortable, versatile
Somewhat more expected than the wide range of high-tech solutions
available for the latest member of Opel’s product offensive is its
exceptional versatility. It is available as a 4.4-metre long standard
version or as a 35 centimetres longer large version, optionally with two
sliding rear doors. Both variants have a height of 1.8 metres and both
configurations will be available with either five or seven seats
ensuring that even large families with their two golden retrievers can
enjoy a spacious and comfortable ride.
Versatile: Customers who order the new Opel Combo Life with
individual second row seats can conveniently fold them from the boot.
Transporting a large amount of luggage, a considerable amount of
sports apparel or even large dogs to a holiday destination will also be a
breeze for Opel Combo owners. The five-seat, standard length version
has a minimum luggage volume of 597 litres[3]. People requiring even more space can obviously also opt for the long wheelbase with a minimum luggage volume of 850 litres3.
However, the Combo Life is not only a spacious and highly comfortable
family van. It can also double as a small transporter. With the rear
seats folded down the boot volume of the standard version more than
triples to 2,126 litres[4] meaning that getting camping
equipment, bicycles or large parcels from A to B is no longer a problem.
Again, the longer version of the Opel Combo Life offers even more capacity
when the rear seats are folded down. In this configuration, it can carry
a whopping 2,693 litres4. Furthermore, the developers have
also thought about how to transport long items. Therefore, the front
passenger seat folds flush with the rear seats, extending the length of
the loading area so that even surfboards can be transported. The
designers also ensured that the annoying gap sometimes left between
luggage and tailgate can be utilised thanks to the optional opening
window integrated in the tailgate known from premium SUVs.
The second row seating setup of both variants also caters for
individual preferences. Customers will be able to choose between the
standard second row bench with 60/40 split or alternatively three
individual seats, which can be folded conveniently from the boot[5]. In both cases, each seating position has its own Isofix
child seat bracket as standard allowing for three child seats to be
fitted next to each other, a rarity in the market. Furthermore, each
seat has a top tether anchor point designed to lessen forward movement
of the forward facing child seat in the event of a frontal collision and
thus reduce the risk of injury. Meanwhile, easy access to the passenger
compartment is guaranteed by the sliding doors.
Safe and secure: With each seating position in the second row
featuring its own Isofix bracket, the new Opel Combo Life can
accommodate the youngest passengers in their child seats in a single
row.
Regardless whether children or adults are travelling in the rear, all
of them can enjoy a wonderful view of the sky thanks to the optional panoramic roof. It
permits them to savour starry nights or lap up the warm rays of the
sun. When the sun is too strong for the occupants’ liking, an electric
sunblind, activated though a switch in the overhead console, can be
closed, providing total protection. When open, the panoramic roof also
improves the feeling of space even further while simultaneously creating
a pleasant and light ambience.
Enjoy the view: Not only the driver of the new Opel Combo Life, but
also the rear-seat passengers benefit from the panoramic roof.
Best friend for travelling
Room galore: Split-level glovebox of the new Opel Combo Life
offers plenty of storage space, especially at the top, thanks to the
installation of the passenger airbag in the roof.
The storage possibilities of the Combo Life match the versatility of
the vehicle and are benchmark in the segment. The large compartment in
the centre stack can take anything ranging from 1.5 litre bottles to
smartphones or from wallets to tablets. In addition, front and rear seat
occupants can safely stow items in the large door pockets. Passengers
in the rear can keep their tablets safe in the pockets on the back of
the front seats while the driver and front seat passenger can use either
the top or the lower glovebox. The top glovebox is ideal for larger
items as it is particularly spacious thanks to the installation of the
passenger airbag in the roof. But that is by no means all. When ordered
with the optional panoramic roof, the Combo Life comes with overhead
storage running down the centre of the vehicle with LED lighting as
standard.
The sky’s the limit: Occupants of the new Opel Combo Life will get
stars in their eyes with the optional panoramic roof, which also
features a shelf illuminated by LED lighting in the ceiling.
Furthermore, in this configuration the newcomer is also fitted
with a large 36-litre storage box mounted above the hat tray in the
boot. This enables for some of the space normally not utilised when not
packing up to the roof is used sensibly – without impeding the view of
following traffic through the rear view mirror. The storage box is ideal
for clothes, books or small toys such as the favourite teddy bear. It
can be loaded from the rear when the boot is open or via the optional
opening window integrated in the tailgate and accessed from inside the
vehicle via two sliding doors at the front of the box.
Those in need of even more space and even more storage possibilities
or those who want to tow a small caravan (trailer load up to 1,500 kg)
can obviously also attach a trailer via the optional fixed or removable
towing hook. To ensure the safest possible driving conditions, the Opel
Combo Life comes with Trailer Stability Control (TSC) as standard
when ordered with a towing hook. This additional ESP function
stabilises the swaying of the trailer or slows the vehicle as required.
If these measures are not enough to avert all danger, the system reduces
engine torque even further and brakes the vehicle so that the critical
speed range is left as quickly as possible.
Friendly appearance: Balanced, robust, confident
Robust: High bonnet contributes to the balanced, confident appearance of the new Opel Combo Life.
The new Opel Combo Life does not just stand out from the crowd with its
high-tech solutions, outstanding spaciousness and exceptions
versatility. It also comes with eye-catching proportions. Compared to
other cars in the segment, it has a shorter front overhang and a higher
bonnet. It looks more balanced, robust and confident. From the front, it
displays a typically Opel identity with sculptured details enhancing
the feeling of precision and solidity. The high bonnet with two crisp
lines, which go from the windshield down to the grill, emphasises the
stability of the vehicle. The predominant part of the car is the front
grille, where the headlamps with LED Daytime Running Lights with the
typical Opel winglets band together precisely and amorously as a defined
line. Two chrome wings in the grille embrace the Opel Blitz. Thick
wheel-wells connected via the side sills further emphasise the solidity
of the Opel Combo Life. The rear of the car is very linear following a
vertical design underlining the high practicality of the vehicle and
framing the generous opening to the luggage compartment.
Typically Opel: Styling cues such as the front grille and the LED
winglets over the headlights make the new Opel Combo Life instantly
recognisable.
In the interior, driver ergonomics have played a decisive part
resulting in a well-organised cockpit where all the controls are easy
for the driver to find and reach. The centre console is clearly divided
in three different areas. In its upper part, the infotainment system
takes up most of the space. Down from there, the driver finds the
heating and ventilation controls and in the lower part there is adequate
storage space for a 0.5-litre bottle. Chrome accents on the steering
leather wheel, on the door handles and in the air vents add further
character.
Under the bonnet, Opel Combo Life customers will have the choice
between a variety of turbo-charged, direct injection petrol and diesel
engines. All of the units combine driving pleasure with a high level of
fuel economy. The engines are mated to five or six-speed manual
transmissions with a segment-first eight-speed automatic option also
being available.
[1] Works automatically above 5 km/h and below 85 km/h.
From 0 to 30 km/h the deceleration metric to reduce the impact speed of
the collision is 0.9g. From 30 to 85 km/h the system brakes to the
speed by a maximum of 22 km/h. After this threshold, the driver needs to
brake himself to reduce the speed even further. [2] active below 10km/h [3] Measured until the top of the back seat. [4] Measured up to the roof. [5] Available from 2019
