Hydrogen newcomer: Opel Movano HYDROGEN celebrates world premiere at IAA Transportation

• Efficient and fast: Refill with hydrogen for over 500 kilometres range (WLTP 1) in less than five minutes
• All electric: Opel Combo Electric and Opel Rocks Electric with KARGO kit also on display
• Strong portfolio: Xavier Peugeot and Opel Chief Executive Officer Florian Huettl present innovative Pro One and Opel solutions

“Globally, we sold over 125,000 light commercial vehicles last year and we were able to substantially grow our battery-electric LCV sales by 41 percent. We want to continue this success in our LCV business. To do so, we are presenting new, trend-setting products for our customers here in Hanover,” said Opel CEO Florian Huettl at the IAA Transportation today while teasing the imminent world premiere of the Opel Movano HYDROGEN. At the joint Stellantis Pro One booth C70 in Hall 13, Xavier Peugeot, Senior Vice President Stellantis Commercial Vehicles Business Unit, and Florian Huettl presented the strong commercial vehicle portfolio of Stellantis and the innovative newcomers of the Opel brand.

Clever, efficient, timesaving: New Opel Movano HYDROGEN

The highlight of the Opel line-up was the Opel Movano HYDROGEN. “For the first time, we will offer the largest member of the Opel LCV family as a hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle,” said Huettl. “Back in 2021, we launched the Opel Vivaro HYDROGEN, the first hydrogen transporter from a vehicle manufacturer. Today, with the introduction of the Movano HYDROGEN, we are now taking the next step and creating an even stronger offer.”

With its combination of hydrogen fuel cell drive and plug-in battery, the new Opel Movano HYDROGEN can travel over 500 kilometres (WLTP 1) and can be refuelled with hydrogen in under 5 minutes. This is an ideal solution for customers who need to drive long distances with zero local emissions and not lose time refuelling. The electric motor offers 110 kW (150 hp) of power and a maximum torque of 410 Newton meters. The 11 kWh lithium-ion battery provides support when starting or accelerating. Another major advantage of the system: braking energy can be recuperated and fed into the battery as electricity via the electric motor working as a generator.

“Obviously, our newcomer inherits all the virtues of its battery-electric and diesel siblings.” This includes a wide range of electronic “helpers” that put the Opel Movano at the forefront of its segment. It is also one of the first vehicles in its class to achieve level 2 assisted driving and impresses with a loading volume of up to 17 cubic metres – and thus makes no comprises in terms of everyday functionality regardless of the drivetrain. “The new Movano has everything it needs to meet the demands of our customers – even if they need to transport a Rocks Electric,” said Huettl while simultaneously revealing the next member of Opel’s IAA Transportation line-up.

Battery-electric light motor vehicle as a micro-LCV: Opel Rocks Electric

Opel Rocks Electric had a very special appearance in Hanover. The smallest vehicle in the Opel portfolio, which young people aged 15 and over can drive in Germany, was in the hold of the new Movano HYDROGEN – equipped with the practical KARGO kit. The battery-electric light motor vehicle with ultra-compact dimensions of 2.41 x 1.39 x 1.52 metres (length x width x height) and the KARGO kit has additional modularly divisible loading volume available. This turns the two-seater into a practical delivery vehicle in no time.

Transporter with passenger car design and technologies: Opel Combo Electric

The third member of Opel’s IAA Transportation also proposes a convincing offer. The new Opel Combo Electric impressively demonstrates how Opel brings passenger car innovations onto the LCV market. The new edition of the compact Opel LCV is instantly recognisable and unmistakable, with a newly designed front and the characteristic Opel Vizor brand face. In addition to all the proven qualities of the previous version, the new Combo can illuminate the road ahead for the first time with the glare-free IntelliLux Matrix Light. This makes the compact van the first to bring state-of-the-art adaptive lighting technology to this market segment. The battery-electric vehicle, which can be ordered from €31,250 excl. VAT in Germany, now offers a locally emissions-free range of up to 354 kilometres (WLTP 2), around 80 kilometres more than its predecessor. Together with the Vivaro Electric, the fourth member of the Opel LCV family, the brand can offer a strong all-electric solution for almost any user profile.

The IAA Transportation 2024 in Hannover runs until Sunday, September 22 and is open to visitors daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

[1] Provisional range values determined according to WLTP test procedure methodology (R (EC) No. 715/2007, R (EU) No. 2017/1151). Actual range can vary under everyday conditions and depends on various factors, in particular on personal driving style, route characteristics, outside temperature, use of heating and air conditioning and thermal preconditioning. Vehicle not yet available.

[2] Range values determined according to WLTP test procedure methodology (R (EC) No. 715/2007, R (EU) No. 2017/1151). Actual range can vary under everyday conditions and depends on various factors, in particular on personal driving style, route characteristics, outside temperature, use of heating and air conditioning and thermal preconditioning.

Vauxhall celebrates 60 years of vehicle production at Ellesmere Port

• Stellantis’ Ellesmere Port plant is celebrating 60 years since first car rolled off production line
• Production started in June 1964 with Vauxhall Viva
• Ellesmere Port is UK’s first EV-only manufacturing plant and manufactures compact electric van for Vauxhall/Opel, Peugeot, Citroen & Fiat Pro
• Approaching 6m vehicles built at Ellesmere Port since 1964
• Electric van production to begin at Stellantis Luton plant from 2025

Stellantis is celebrating 60 years of vehicle manufacturing at its Ellesmere Port plant, marking six decades since the first car, a Vauxhall Viva, rolled off the production line on 1 June 1964.

Ellesmere Port was constructed in 1962 and opened in 1964 producing the Vauxhall Viva. Since then, it has produced celebrated models such as the Vauxhall Chevette and, since 1980, seven generations of the hugely popular Vauxhall Astra. During its lifetime, the plant produced more than a million units of the Viva, more than a quarter of a million Vauxhall Chevettes, and more than 4.1 million Vauxhall Astras.

Stellantis Ellesmere Port plant is now a key part of British electric vehicle (EV) production, being the UK’s first EV-only volume manufacturing plant following a £100m investment by Stellantis as part of the company’s Dare Forward 2030 commitment to become carbon neutral by 2038. Production of EVs began at Ellesmere Port in September last year, with Vauxhall/Opel Combo Electric, Citroën ë-Berlingo, Fiat e-Doblò and Peugeot E-Partner being produced there.

In 1970 Ellesmere Port occupied more than 350,000m2, but has since undergone several key changes, including the addition of a battery assembly shop, upgraded General Assembly and relocation of the bodyshop. This has contributed to a 60% reduction of the total site area for improved energy efficiency and productivity. At 118,000m2, the entire plant is now a similar size to the previous bodyshop.

Ellesmere Port’s transition to electric-only production continues Vauxhall’s tradition of building vehicles in the UK, which started at the company’s Luton plant in 1905, having transferred from Vauxhall in London where it started in 1903. From next year, Luton will begin producing medium electric vans for Vauxhall, Opel, Citroën, Peugeot and Fiat Professional.

Present at the 60th anniversary celebrations for plant staff and local dignitaries was Keith Tabiner, who was on the production line at Ellesmere Port in 1964 when the first Vauxhall Viva was produced. His three sons, Mark, Mike and Phil, also work at Ellesmere Port today, meaning that the Tabiner family has a combined 152 years of employment at the plant.  The plant has enjoyed a high level of such loyalty, dedication and length of service from many employees across the decades.

Keith Tabiner said: “Having witnessed the first Vauxhall Viva roll of the production line in 1964, and worked at Ellesmere Port for a total of 40 years, it’s a pleasure to be back and see the plant going from strength to strength making the electric vehicles of the future. I’ve always driven Vauxhalls and with three of my sons following in my footsteps and working at the plant today, everything we have is thanks to Ellesmere Port.”

Diane Miller, Ellesmere Port Plant Director, said: “We are excited to mark such an impressive milestone, celebrating production that began sixty years ago with the Viva, and now continues into the future with electric vans from Fiat, Citroën, Peugeot, Opel and Vauxhall. For six decades, Ellesmere Port has been a central pillar of the local area, and whose people have continually taken great pride in their work at the plant to provide millions of vehicles for the UK and beyond and now continue to do so in the transition to a more sustainable future.”

Maria Grazia Davino, Group Managing Director, Stellantis UK, remarked: “It is gratifying to celebrate six decades of vehicle production at Ellesmere Port, which continues to produce the latest generation of electric vans. Stellantis is the only OEM producing vans, including electric vans, in volume in the UK, and I would like to share my congratulations to the employees at the plant, who continue to work incredibly hard to produce the vehicles that will help to electrify businesses across the UK and in the more than 20 countries to which we export electric vans.”

Vauxhall's all-new Corsa is UK's best-seller for second consecutive month

• All-new Corsa was the UK's best-selling car in July with 5,455 sold, following similar success in June
• Vauxhall light commercial vehicle (LCV) sales up 61% last month versus July 2019

All-New Vauxhall Corsa

Vauxhall's all-new Corsa was the UK's best-selling car in July with 5,455 sold, following similar success in June, according to figures released today by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).

All-new fifth generation Corsa is available as fully electric, or with high-efficiency petrol or diesel powertrains. Corsa has been Vauxhall’s best-selling car for many years, with over 2.1 million Corsas sold in the UK since it launched in 1993.

Vauxhall LCV sales were also strong, up by 61% last month versus July 2019. Vauxhall’s July year-to-date LCV market share increased to 9.9% for 2020 vs 8.0% for the same period last year. Crucial to carrying British business, Vauxhall’s LCV line-up includes Combo Cargo, Vivaro and Movano.

Vauxhall LCV range

As more and more UK cities welcome and mandate emissions-free vehicles, Vauxhall has added the Vivaro-e to its range, its first factory-built, fully-electric van. British Gas has already announced that is has ordered 1,000 Vauxhall Vivaro-e.  This was the largest commercial BEV (battery electric vehicle) order in the UK to date.

Vauxhall Vivaro-e

Off-Roaders: Opel Combo Cargo and Opel Vivaro with All-Wheel Drive

• On all fours: Dangel all-wheel drive system tailor-made for Opel Combo Cargo
• Tackle anything: Opel Combo and Vivaro 4x4 take mud, snow and tough trails in their stride
• Go anywhere: Higher ground clearance and underbody protection
• Class-leading: Opel Combo Cargo with best cargo length and payload of 880kg
• Genuine off-road capability: Opel Vivaro 4x4 panel van available in three lengths

Opel Combo Cargo and Opel Vivaro with All-Wheel Drive

Professionals searching for vans from a German brand, that not only offer class-leading load carrying ability and fuel economy but also the additional grip provided by selectable four-wheel drive, should take a close look at the Opel Combo Cargo and the Opel Vivaro. Thanks to all-wheel drive traction and higher ground clearance, the 4x4 Combo and Vivaro can go anywhere, anytime.

Alsatian traction experts Dangel carry out the 4x4 conversions at prices of €6,400 for the Combo Cargo and €6,665 for the Vivaro (plus €1,000/€300 respectively for conversion-preparation by Opel, all prices in Germany, excluding VAT).

Driver-selectable: “ECO 2WD” front-wheel drive and “AUTO 4WD” driving modes

Opel Combo and Vivaro drivers can choose between the drive modes “Eco” and “Auto 4WD” via a rotary switch on the instrument panel. In “Eco” mode, the 4x4 system is disengaged and the vehicles run in front-wheel drive only, which reduces fuel consumption and emissions, on the autobahn, for example.

If the going gets tougher, the driver can switch to “Auto 4WD” without stopping. Viscous coupling of the central differential then distributes part of the torque to the rear axle as soon as the front wheels begin to lose grip.

In even more demanding conditions drivers can select “R. Lock” to additionally lock the rear axle.

High climber: all-wheel drive tackles up to 41 degree gradients

Opel Combo Cargo 4x4 comes as standard with the active safety of ESP, protection plates for the engine and gearbox and 90 mm higher ground clearance. Additional protection for the fuel tank and rear axle, as well as 20 mm higher ground clearance (for a total of up to 300 mm), are optionally available. With approach and departure angles of 26.6 and 38.3 degrees respectively, and a break-over angle of 26 degrees, Opel Combo 4x4 can climb 41 degree gradients.

Cross-country performance of the Opel Vivaro 4x4 is also comparable with that of sport utility vehicles: With an additional ground clearance of up to 60 millimetres (for a total of up to 245 mm), approach/departure angles of up to 20.4/31.0 degrees and a break-over angle of up to 20.0 degrees.

When it comes to hill-climbing, Opel  Vivaro 4x4 can manage uphill gradients of up to 23.7 degrees, depending on the payload (up to 1,344 kilogrammes) and other factors such as tyres and road surface.

Like the rest of the Opel Combo and Vivaro ranges, the 4x4 versions aim to deliver high efficiency and low cost of ownership. A major contribution to achieving these goals is made by the turbo-diesel powertrains.

Opel Combo Cargo 4x4: Class-leading functionality and driver assistance systems

In addition to a bench seat for three passengers, a class-leading cargo length of up to 3,440 mm and a payload of up to 880kg, the up to 4,753 mm-long 4x4 Combo Cargo also shares the same unrivalled offer of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems as its Combo LCV siblings and the Combo Life passenger car.

Range of useful equipment includes Automatic Cruise Control, Driver Drowsiness Alert, Forward Collision Alert with Pedestrian Detection and Automatic Emergency Braking, Side Blind Spot Alert and a Head-up Display.

Exclusive to all LCV versions of the Combo, including the 4x4 Cargo, is the option of Surround Rear Vision, which increases rearward visibility especially when the vehicle is fully loaded, while a second camera in the passenger side door mirror reduces the blind spot on this side of the vehicle.

Especially useful and exceptional in this market segment is the wide space between the rear wheel arches, so that the Opel Combo Cargo can transport up to two Euro pallets.

One for all: Opel Vivaro 4x4 in three vehicle lengths

Available as a panel van in three lengths – small, medium and large – with strong 2.0-litre diesel engines and up to 6.6 cubic metres of cargo capacity, Opel Vivaro 4x4 also offers genuine off-road capability.

A wide range of assistance systems and advanced technologies are optionally available for the Vivaro 4x4. Front camera and radar-controlled assistance systems include Lane Keep Assist, Speed Sign Recognition, Driver Drowsiness Alert, Semi-adaptive Cruise Control, Forward Collision Alert and Emergency Braking, Blind Spot Alert and Park Pilot front and rear.

Multimedia Radio and Multimedia Navi Pro infotainment systems come with a large 7.0-inch touchscreen. Both feature phone integration via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Multimedia Navi Pro additionally features European navigation with 3D view. With “OpelConnect”, users can access their vehicle’s status and information via smartphone. They can also enjoy the peace of mind offered by on-board emergency and breakdown calls. LIVE Navigation1 provides online traffic information in real time, which allows the rapid detection and avoidance of delays – nowadays an important business factor.

[1] LIVE Navigation services available free-of-charge for 36 months after activation. Payment required thereafter.

Best Connections: New OpelConnect Services Now Available

• Orderable now: OpelConnect from €300 in Germany, standard with navigation systems as well as on Opel Corsa-e and Grandland X plug-in hybrid
• All aboard: eCall, breakdown call and vehicle status
• High comfort: “myOpel” app with remote controls especially for electrified vehicles
• Digitised pathfinder: LIVE Navigation, Trip and Drive Management

OpelConnect

Opel is extending “OpelConnect” with new services. Since summer 2019, buyers of new Opel cars can enjoy additional peace of mind with on-board emergency and breakdown calls. Now they can benefit from numerous other “OpelConnect” services, such as vehicle status and information as well as LIVE Navigation (if the respective car is equipped with a navigation system). Customers of the new Opel electric models Corsa-e and Grandland X as plug-in hybrids can also check the battery’s state-of-charge via “OpelConnect” or programme the air conditioning and charging times. This means that Opel electrified vehicles can be defrosted and warmed up or cooled down comfortably in the summer.

Log in, select service and immediately benefit from OpelConnect

Access to the extended range of “OpelConnect” services is extremely easy. When purchasing a new car, customers simply order the connect box for an additional charge of as little as €300 in Germany. Alternatively, they can equip their new vehicle directly with the Navi 5.0 IntelliLink, Multimedia Navi or Multimedia Navi Pro infotainment systems, in which case the “OpelConnect” box is already standard. OpelConnect box and services are available for Opel models from Corsa to Crossland X and Grandland X, Combo Life and Combo Cargo to Zafira Life and Vivaro.

As an option, Opel dealers can pre-register customers with the necessary data. The new Opel owners can then open an account in the “myOpel” customer portal and activate the services in the “OpelConnect” store. They immediately get the full overview of all available free and paid services. Particularly practical: only one registration is required in future to access and use the “myOpel” app, “myOpel” customer portal and “OpelConnect” store. All three platforms share the same login data.

Standard services: security, comfort, cleverness

Following free services are part of OpelConnect as standard:

• eCall (1): if the airbags or seatbelt tensioners are deployed in an accident, an emergency call is made automatically to the local Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP)2. If no answer is received from the vehicle the PSAP sends details of the accident to the rescue services, including the time of incident, the position of the crashed vehicle and the direction of travel. An emergency call can also be triggered manually by pushing the red SOS button in the ceiling above the mirror for more than two seconds.

• Breakdown call: connects with the Opel mobility service. Important information such as location and diagnosis data, the time of the breakdown, water and oil temperatures and maintenance alerts can be sent automatically, if the customer wishes.

• Vehicle Status & Information service: in future drivers can get information about their car via the “myOpel” app. Depending on the model, the available data includes mileage, average fuel consumption, service intervals and refills, and also a reminder if a scheduled service is approaching. In addition to the owner, the selected Opel dealer is also informed about service intervals and vehicle warnings, so that an appointment can be arranged.

• For electrified Opel models, the “OpelConnect” range also includes e-remote control functions. Customers can use their smartphones to check the battery’s state-of-charge or programme air conditioning and charging times by remote control.

• Drivers of vehicles with navigation system, who want to know more about their own driver profile from “OpelConnect”, can consult Trip & Drive Management. Trip duration, distance and average speed of the last trip are visible here. “Last-mile” guidance via Bluetooth offers car-to-door navigation to the destination (subject to the model).

• LIVE Navigation (3) provides (for three years following activation) online traffic information in real time, which allows delays to be detected quickly and avoided. The system suggests alternative routes and calculates the arrival time. It also gives information about roads with heavy traffic, so that drivers can choose a less busy route. Additional services provide information about fuel prices along the route, available parking spaces and costs, the weather and points of interest such as restaurants and hotels (or in the case of electrified models, the availability of charging stations).

Optional “OpelConnect” services: e-mobility made easy, advantages for fleets

“OpelConnect” and “Free2Move” offer additional, optional, country-specific paid services. These range from Charge my Car with trip planner and charging pass for e-vehicles, to special services for business customers. “Charge My Car” enables access to thousands of charging points throughout Europe via the “Free2Move” app. To make it even easier for customers to choose the right charging point, “Free2Move” makes a preselection based on the distance to the charging point, the charging speed and the charging price of the possible public charging options.

Business customers and fleet managers can benefit from special fleet service options. The scope includes various paid service packages that provide analyses of fuel consumption and driving style or transmit vehicle warnings in real-time as well as maintenance intervals. This makes planning easier and the fleet more efficient.

Coming soon: comfort functions via “myOpel” app

The offer from “OpelConnect” will be continuously expanded in the coming months. Many vehicle functions will be controllable remotely (4) using the “myOpel” app for smartphones. Opel owners can, for example, lock or unlock their car via the app and if they forget where they left the vehicle in a large parking lot, the horn and lights can be activated via the “myOpel” app – voilà, the vehicle is found.

Also coming soon: if the car is equipped with Keyless Open & Start including digital key, the vehicle can be shared with the family. Via smartphone, the owner can allow up to five people to access the car (5).

[1] Requires free contract and agreement to vehicle location at time of order. Dependent on market-availability of “OpelConnect” services.

[2] Available in EU and EFTA countries.

[3] LIVE navigation services available free-of-charge for 36 months after activation. Payment for Live navigation services required thereafter.

[4] Remote control availability expected 2020.

[5] Availability for Opel Corsa expected 2020.

Opel Continues Electrification Offensive: 8 Electrified Models by 2021

• Electrification offensive gaining further momentum
• Electrification of entire portfolio by 2024
• Roll-out of electrification is key pillar of the PACE! company plan

Opel Grandland X Hybrid4 and Opel Corsa-e

Opel continues to push ahead with its large-scale electrification offensive. As early as 2021, the traditional brand from Rüsselsheim will offer a total of eight electrified vehicles in important volume segments.

New Opel Grandland X Hybrid4

“We will electrify our entire product portfolio by 2024. Further models will follow very soon after we made the start with the Opel Corsa-e and the Opel Grandland X Hybrid4 this year,” said Opel CEO Michael Lohscheller.

New Opel Corsa-e

Next year the battery electric version of the Opel Vivaro transporter and the electric version of the Mokka X successor will be added to Opel’s electric line-up. Electric variants of the Opel Combo Cargo and Opel Combo Life along with the electric version of the Opel Zafira Life will be added in 2021. Opel’s portfolio of electrified vehicles will also include an electrified version of the next generation Astra.

“This product portfolio will put us in an excellent position to meet the ambitious future emission targets in Europe," said Opel CEO Lohscheller. "Electro-mobility is an indispensable component in this. But our ultra-modern and efficient combustion engines and research into fuel cells at the Rüsselsheim-based Centre of Competence will also make an important contribution to making our company sustainable and future-proof.”

Opel CEO Michael Lohscheller Announces Next Steps in Opel Electro-Offensive at IAA

• Curtain-up: Opel boss Lohscheller opens stand in hall 11.0
• World premieres: Opel Corsa, Corsa-e and Corsa-e Rally, new Astra and Grandland X plug-in hybrid
• E-offensive for passengers and LCV: Combo Life, Combo Cargo, Zafira Life and Vivaro electrically driven by 2021
• Electrifying range: All Opel models electrified by 2024
• Way ahead: Opel continues fuel cell development with Zafira Life

Opel CEO Michael Lohscheller with Jürgen Klopp and New Opel Corsa-e

Opel boss Michael Lohscheller – together with special guest and Opel brand ambassador Jürgen Klopp – today opened the “OPELHAUS 120” at the 2019 IAA Frankfurt International Motor Show (public days September 12-22). Opel is going electric and the same goes for the show stand D31 in hall 11.0. In a talk with Champions League winner Klopp, Lohscheller presented breaking news about the E-offensive around LCV and eye-catching world premieres. 

Opel CEO Michael Lohscheller with Jürgen Klopp and New Opel Grandland X Hybrid4

The highly efficient new Opel Corsa, the battery electric Corsa-e and Corsa-e Rally make their debut in Frankfurt, along with the first Opel plug-in hybrid, the all-wheel drive Grandland X Hybrid4 with up to 221kW (300hp) system power output (fuel consumption: WLTP 1.4-1.3 l/100km, 32-29 g/km CO2; NEDC 1.5 l/100km 35-34 g/km CO2; all figures weighted, combined and preliminary). Also making their first appearance in Frankfurt are the new Opel Astra five-door and Sports Tourer – the most efficient Astra of all time, with five engines emitting less than 100 g/km CO2and an exceptionally low drag coefficient of 0.26. Also making its premiere at a German motor show is the Opel Zafira Life that offers seating for up to nine and is packed with innovative technologies.

Opel Press conference at IAA 2019

Michael Lohscheller emphasised the importance of Opel’s electric offensive: “In 120 years of automobile production, Opel has always combined German engineering with passionate design, making pioneering technology and innovations accessible for everyone. The same goes today for electric mobility, which is why Opel has selected its most popular model, the Corsa, to finally free e-mobility from its niche existence.” That this not only applies to everyday life, but also to motor sport, is demonstrated by the premiere of the brand new Corsa-e Rally. Opel is the first carmaker to offer a battery electric car for customer rally sport, starting from next year with the ADAC Opel e-Rally Cup.

Opel Press conference at IAA 2019

Not only the passenger cars, but also the LCV will be electrically driven in future. Lohscheller added: “Opel will be sustainably profitable, global and electric. By 2024, all Opel models will be electrified. Electrically driven vehicles will be especially important for the ‘last mile’ in urban areas, for example, for transportation services or businesses. This is why I am delighted to announce today that the Opel Combo Life, Combo Cargo and Zafira Life will already be electric in 2021. And the Vivaro van will be available as an electric version in the course of next year.”

Opel Zafira Life in particular will play a key role in the further development of electric mobility. In addition to bringing hybrid and battery electric vehicles onto the market, Opel also aims to take the lead in the research and development of other pioneering propulsion systems. Lohscheller therefore announced “Opel has many years of experience in fuel cell development, which is why the team in Rüsselsheim has been named as the Groupe PSA global competence centre for hydrogen and fuel cell vehicles. The first-generation Zafira already served as technology platform for HydroGen 1 to 3. We are continuing this tradition: the new Zafira Life will be the brand’s first model to feature the new generation of fuel cell powertrain.”

Next generation small car: Opel Corsa, Corsa-e and Corsa-e Rally

Opel CEO Michael Lohscheller with New Opel Corsa-e

One of this year’s IAA stars is the new 4.06-metre long Opel Corsa. The sixth generation of Opel’s bestselling small car is more modern, dynamic and efficient than ever – in every version. It offers customers the entire drive portfolio – with its particularly economical petrol and diesel engines as well as for the first time the purely battery-electric Corsa-e with a 50kWh battery pack, 100kW (136hp) output and a range of up to 330 kilometres (WLTP3). Moderate fuel consumption and an engaging drive are characteristic of all powertrain options and the exemplary emission values reach all the way to zero when driving the Corsa-e. The sporty overall impression is matched by the reduced weight – the lightest Corsa even undercuts the thousand kilo mark – the low seating position of the driver and the finely tuned chassis. All this comes with everyday suitability and combined with technologies otherwise only known from higher vehicle classes, in particular the adaptive, glare-free IntelliLux LED Matrix light.

Opel CEO Michael Lohscheller with All-New Opel Corsa

Opel also makes a clear statement with the premiere of the Corsa-e Rally based on the production Corsa-e: the company is the first automobile manufacturer in the world to develop a battery-electric vehicle for customer rally sport. From mid-2020, Opel will start the ADAC Opel e-Rally Cup, the first rally brand cup for electric cars in the world. Sporty, emotional and accessible to customers – a project that will point the way ahead for motor sport far beyond the borders of Germany.

Opel Grandland X Hybrid4: introducing the first plug-in hybrid from Opel

Opel CEO Michael Lohscheller with New Opel Grandland X Hybrid4

With its state-of-the-art plug-in hybrid technology, up to 221 kW (300 hp) system power output and all-wheel drive, the Opel Grandland X is the second example of modern, efficient electro-mobility on Opel’s IAA stand. The propulsion system of the Grandland X Hybrid4 includes a WLTP-certified 147 kW (200 hp) 1.6-litre turbocharged direct-injection petrol engine, an electric drive system with two 80 kW (109 hp) electric motors and a 13.2 kWh lithium-ion battery.

Opel Grandland X Hybrid4 will offer four driving modes – electric, hybrid, AWD and Sport. For example, the hybrid mode allows the car to automatically select its most efficient method of propulsion, with the possibility of switching to electric mode for zero-emission driving when reaching a city centre – enabling the car to cover up to 59km in pure electric mode with zero emissions in the WLTP3 driving cycle. Sport mode uses the combined power of the petrol engine and electric motor for higher driving dynamics. Selecting AWD mode activates the electrified rear axle for maximum traction on all kinds of roads. In order to further improve efficiency, the Grandland X Hybrid4 features a regenerative braking system to recover the energy produced under braking or deceleration.

Economical petrol powertrains: Most efficient Opel Astra ever

With the new Astra, Opel keeps its promise to focus on customers and their needs. Instead of prescribing the way forward, the automaker offers the entire drive portfolio – perfectly tailored to individual driving needs. New Opel Astra demonstrates how efficient and economical modern petrol engines can be: with a completely new generation of engines and transmissions and up to 21 per cent lower CO2 emissions, the new Astra is the most efficient ever. Opel Astra also leads the way in terms of aerodynamics. With a drag coefficient of 0.26 for the Astra hatchback as well as the Sports Tourer estate, the new compact Opel is one of the most aerodynamic cars in its class. New Opel Astra is equally exemplary in terms of comfort, assistance and infotainment systems. The portfolio ranges from an even more powerful front camera and digital rear view camera, to wireless charging for compatible smartphones and a heated windscreen.

IAA starts with the press days (September 10 - 11). The show is officially open from September 12-22 (September 12-13 are trade days). From September 14, the general public can take a close look at the new automobiles and developments every day from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Get a grip: Dangel All-Wheel Drive for new Opel Combo Cargo

• No compromises: Dangel all-wheel drive system tailor-made for Opel Combo Cargo
• No job too tough: Opel Combo Cargo 4x4 offers great load carrying, fuel efficiency and traction
• No terrain too rough: Higher ground-clearance and underbody protection

New Opel Combo Cargo 4x4

Professionals who want a compact van from a German brand, which not only offers class-leading load carrying ability, fuel economy and CO2 efficiency but also the additional grip provided by selectable four-wheel drive, can now add the Opel Combo Cargo to their shopping list. Thanks to its powerful all-wheel drive, the new Combo goes anywhere, anytime.

Opel Combo 4x4 conversion is carried out by Dangel at a price of €6,400 (all prices in Germany, excluding VAT). The Alsatian traction experts were deeply involved during the design and development of the new Combo, which was voted “International Van of the Year 2019” by a jury of journalists from 25 European countries. The steering and suspension systems, for example are optimized for all-wheel drive and already installed at the vehicle assembly plant for maximum efficiency.

The four-wheel drive application is therefore tailor-made for the Opel Combo Cargo, which in turn delivers an engaging driving experience.

Driver-selectable: “Eco” front-wheel drive and “Auto 4WD” driving modes

Drivers can choose between two drive modes – “Eco” and “Auto 4WD” – via a rotary switch on the instrument panel. In “Eco” mode, the 4x4 system is disengaged and the Combo Cargo proceeds in front-wheel drive only, which reduces fuel consumption, emissions and tyre wear.

New Opel Combo Cargo 4x4 - Driving modes

If the going gets tougher, the driver can switch to “Auto 4WD” without stopping. The viscous coupling of the central differential then distributes part of the torque to the rear axle as soon as the front wheels begin to lose grip.

In even more demanding conditions drivers can select “R. Lock” to additionally lock the rear axle. A limited-slip rear differential for maintaining traction in the severest driving conditions is optional.

The 4x4 Combo Cargo comes as standard with the active safety of ESP, protection plates for the engine and gearbox and 20 mm higher ground clearance. Additional protection for the fuel tank and rear axle, as well as 80 mm higher ground clearance are optionally available.

Like the Combo Life and the rest of the Combo Cargo range, the 4x4 aims to deliver high efficiency and low cost of ownership. A major contribution to achieving these goals is made by the 96 kW/130 hp 1.5-litre diesel engine with six-speed manual transmission, which already meets the strict Euro 6d-TEMP emissions standard (NEDC fuel consumption1: urban 6.0 l/100 km, extra-urban 5.1 l/100 km, combined 5.4 l/100 km, 144 g/km CO2; WLTP fuel consumption2: 6.8 l/100 km, 179 g/km CO2).

Uniquely business-like: Class-leading functionality and driver assistance systems

In addition to a class-leading cargo-length of up to 3,440 mm and a payload of up to 880kg, the up to 4,753 mm-long Opel Combo Cargo 4x4 also shares the same unrivalled offer of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems as its Opel Combo LCV siblings and the Opel Combo Life passenger car.

The range of useful equipment includes Automatic Cruise Control, Driver Drowsiness Alert, Forward Collision Alert with Pedestrian Detection and Automatic Emergency Braking, Side Blind Spot Alert and a Head-up Display.

Exclusive to all LCV versions of the Combo, including the 4x4 Cargo, is the option of Surround Rear Vision, which increases rearward visibility especially when the vehicle is fully loaded, while a second camera in the passenger side door mirror reduces the blind spot on this side of the vehicle.

Especially useful are the wide space between the rear wheel arches, so that the Combo Cargo can transport up to two Euro pallets, and the optional roof hatch where longer objects, such as planks and ladders, can be stowed upright at an angle.

Opel Combo Cargo’s suitability for professionals is further increased by the practical yet attractive, car-like cabin and state-of-the-art infotainment systems that keep drivers connected and help them find the optimum route. Multimedia Radio and Multimedia Navi Pro systems are simply controlled via the 8.0-inch colour touchscreen. Both are compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Top-of-the-line Multimedia Navi Pro with integrated navigation including European maps and 3D-view also offers TMC (Traffic Messaging Channel) updates.