GSE Success: New Opel Mokka GSE Wins ‘Golden Steering Wheel 2025’

• ‘Best small car’: Fastest all-electric production Opel takes title
• Battery-electric driving pleasure: Opel Mokka GSE brings rally feeling to the road
• Serial success: To date, 22 ‘automotive Oscars’ for the brand with the Blitz

Goosebumps, speed and electric emotions by driving locally emissions-free – the new Opel Mokka GSE stands for all of this. This is underlined by the latest award for the speedy Opel electric car, which is already available to order: Opel Mokka GSE wins the ‘Golden Steering Wheel 2025’ as ‘Best Small Car’ in a strong field of competitors 1. The fastest all-electric production Opel, which celebrated its world premiere at this year's IAA Mobility in Munich, arouses the enthusiasm of experts and the public.

“Our new Mokka GSE brings Opel’s Motorsport know-how to the road – all-electric, practical and highly emotional in every respect. We are extremely pleased that the readers and the expert jury of AUTO BILD and BILD am SONNTAG see it the same way and have recognised Opel Mokka GSE with the 'Golden Steering Wheel',” said Opel CEO Florian Huettl.

“This is rechargeable driving pleasure! With its rally genes, Opel Mokka GSE revives the era of hot hatches. Direct, honest, inspiring – on the road as well as on the racetrack,” summarised Robin Hornig, editor-in-chief of AUTO BILD.

Opel Mokka GSE thus follows directly on the heels of last year's award winning Opel Grandland. After the readers of AUTO BILD and BILD am SONNTAG voted the rally sports car for the road into the final, Opel Mokka GSE faced tough tests and the strict evaluation of the ‘Golden Steering Wheel’ jury of experts at the DEKRA Lausitzring. And the newcomer passed with flying colours. The motorsport professionals, car experts and celebrities named Opel Mokka GSE the ‘Best Small Car 2025’1. In the thrilling finale, they awarded Opel Mokka GSE a total of 3,345 points. It thus comfortably beat its main rivals by 374 and 432 points respectively.

Full electric power: 207 kW (281 hp) and GSE Motorsport technology for the road

The success factors are manifold: Opel Mokka GSE offers high-performance as standard. With a peak output of 207 kW (281 hp), it is just as powerful as its motorsport counterpart, Opel Mokka GSE Rally. And with the immediate torque of 345 Newton meters, it accelerates just as uncompromisingly, completing the dash from 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.9 seconds – and with a top speed of 200 km/h, it is the fastest all-electric production Opel. The sophisticated technology, which was also inspired by the rally car, contributes to the exceptional performance. Thanks to the 54 kWh battery, up to 336 kilometres (WLTP 3) can be covered locally emissions-free before Opel Mokka GSE needs recharging.

In addition, there are numerous design and equipment details that convey pure emotions. These include GSE-specific inserts and lettering on the body, a wheel-tyre combination specially developed for Opel Mokka GSE and clearly visible, yellow GSE four-piston brake calipers at the front. In the interior, the driver and front passenger sit on special Alcantara performance seats with integrated headrests designed in the GSE look. 

The newly developed steering system for Opel Mokka GSE along with the steering wheel which is flattened at the top and bottom promise direct feedback. Acceleration and braking commands are given via aluminium sports pedals. 

Technologies such as the adaptive, glare-free Intelli-Lux Matrix light and the 180-degree panoramic reversing camera are standard, making the journey more pleasant and safe.

Opel and the ‘Golden Steering Wheel’: All 22 winners from Rüsselsheim

New Opel Mokka GSE is the latest in a proud series of Opel winners of the ‘Golden Steering Wheel’. Out of 72 new models, 21 finalists competed in 7 categories this year. After the tests at the Lausitzring, the respective category winners were finally determined. The award, which is presented by BILD am SONNTAG in cooperation with AUTO BILD, is considered the ‘Oscar’ of the automotive industry. In 49 editions the brand with the Blitz has been recognised 22 times. Since 2020 alone, the trophy has gone to Rüsselsheim five times. Opel celebrated its first success in 1978, two years after the award was founded, with the Senator A taking top honours.

[1] AUTO BILD issue 47/2025 and BILD am SONNTAG issue 47/2025, category ‘Small Cars’.

[2] The values of a vehicle depend not only on the efficient use of fuel by the vehicle, but are also influenced by driving behaviour and other non-technical factors.

[3] The stated range was determined using the WLTP test procedures (Regulation (EC) No. 715/2007 and Regulation (EU) No. 2017/1151). The actual range may vary under everyday conditions and depends on various factors, in particular personal driving style, route conditions, outside temperature, use of heating and air conditioning as well as thermal preconditioning.

[4] AUTO BILD edition 45/2021 and BILD am SONNTAG edition 46/2021, category for ‘Best car under €25,000’.

[5] AUTO BILD edition 45/2022 and BILD am SONNTAG edition 46/2022, category for ‘Best car under €50,000’.

[6] AUTO BILD edition 46/2024 and BILD am SONNTAG edition 45/2024, category ‘Best car under €50,000’.

Opel Electrifies with Emotional Line-up at XS Cars'n'Coffee

• Goosebumps, speed and euphoria: Opel Mokka GSE Rally and Opel Mokka GSE at the DEKRA Lausitzring
• Rugged show car for all occasions: Opel Frontera GRAVEL made for adventure seekers
• Opel in the spotlight: After the XS Carnight Festival on Lake Wörthersee, XS fans gather in Brandenburg

On Sunday, motorsport and tuning fans flocked to the DEKRA Lausitzring in Brandenburg where the community celebrated particularly sporty and eye-catching automobiles at the XS Cars'n'Coffee event. And Opel was right in the middle of the action. The brand with the Blitz attracted a lot of interest with its new battery-electric models Opel Mokka GSE Rally and Opel Mokka GSE as well as the extraordinary show car for adventure seekers, the Opel Frontera GRAVEL. A look at the trio was enough to create the proverbial OMG! feeling. Furthermore, Opel once again demonstrated that it has always sent the pulses of motorsport fans racing. The German brand also displayed an Opel Vectra B racing car from the Opel Classic collection.

Pure OMG! GSE power: New Opel Mokka GSE Rally and Opel Mokka GSE

At the Lausitzring, the new Opel Mokka GSE Rally was in its element at the weekend. Because the new rally electric car with the characteristic GSE abbreviation stands for goosebumps, speed and euphoria – perfect for the XS fans who had travelled to the event. From the outside, Opel Mokka GSE Rally, which was recently shown at the IAA Mobility in Munich, attracts attention with motorsport foiling including OMG! GSE lettering, black bonnet, yellow brake calipers and many other rally accents. The key technical data are even more impressive: 207 kW (281 hp) of peak power, 345 Newton metres of torque and sophisticated motorsport technology make the Mokka GSE Rally a unique all-electric rally car.

Best of all, Opel is also bringing this motorsport feeling to the general public in the form of the new Opel Mokka GSE, which is already available to order. With 207 kW (281 hp), the series electric car is just as powerful as its motorsport counterpart. And with the immediate torque of 345 Newton meters brisk acceleration is also guaranteed. Opel Mokka GSE accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.9 seconds – and with a top speed of 200 km/h, it is now the fastest all-electric production Opel. The sophisticated technology, which is also inspired by the rally car, contributes to the extraordinary performance. For example, Opel Mokka GSE has a Torsen multi-plate limited-slip differential as well as a chassis with specifically designed axles and new double hydraulic shock absorbers. All high-voltage components of the production Opel Mokka GSE come from Opel Mokka GSE Rally. The steering system, chassis and brakes have also been designed to be particularly sporty and optimised with Opel's experience from electric rallying.

Adventure calls: With the Opel Frontera GRAVEL show car

Eleswhere, a completely different Opel celebrated its second XS Carnight appearance at the Lausitzring: the Opel Frontera GRAVEL. The bold, all-electric show car had already caused a stir at its first public appearance at the XS Carnight on Lake Wörthersee in the spring. Now the adventurous version of the family-friendly SUV Frontera thrilled visitors to XS Cars'n'Coffee. The exterior design of the Frontera GRAVEL already awakens the desire to head off the beaten track thanks to its characteristic paintwork and foiling. The matt black roof and the matt black bonnet contrast with the ‘Desert Stone’ foil uniquely selected for Opel Frontera GRAVEL. Additional orange accents are provided by the exterior mirror housings, front and rear bumpers, spoiler and the Opel Blitz in the black Opel Vizor.

The rugged look is further enhanced by a front-mounted winch and hook, side storage boxes at the rear, and a robust lattice-style roof rack designed to maximise gear-carrying capacity for all adventures. And in keeping with the tougher challenges of rough gravel and stone surfaces, Opel Frontera GRAVEL stands on special, seven-inch-wide CWE-16-inch BORBET wheels.

Combined values for Opel Mokka GSE according to WLTP1: Energy consumption 17.9-18.5 kWh/100 km, CO2 emissions 0 g/km; CO2 label: A

[1] The values of a vehicle depend not only on the efficient use of fuel by the vehicle, but are also influenced by driving behavior and other non-technical factors.

Serial Success: All-New Opel Astra Wins “Golden Steering Wheel 2022”

• Best car up to €50,0001: All-New Opel Astra and Astra Sports Tourer lead the field
• “Speaks for itself”: Opel wins “Golden Steering Wheel” for third time in succession
• Anniversary victory: This year’s award is 20th “Golden Steering Wheel” for Opel

Opel CEO Florian Huettl

All-new Opel Astra has won the “Golden Steering Wheel 2022”. Also electrified for the first time as a plug-in hybrid, the Astra as five-door and Sports Tourer convinced the readers of AUTO BILD and BILD am SONNTAG as well as the expert jury. Latest generation of the compact class bestseller from the German carmaker beat off strong competition to win one of the most prestigious prizes in the automotive industry as “Best Car up to €50,000” 1.

At the same time, Opel is celebrating an extraordinary series of success with the new Astra. With the “Golden Steering Wheel 2022”, the manufacturer has also won the “triple” for the first time: for the third time in a row, the award has gone to Opel. In 2020, the Opel Corsa-e [2] won the coveted award, and last year the Opel Mokka-e [3]. In addition, the current award is already the 20th “Golden Steering Wheel” for Opel.

“We have really hit the bull's eye with the new Opel Astra,” said Opel CEO Florian Huettl at the award ceremony of the “Golden Steering Wheel 2022” at the Axel Springer Haus in Berlin. “Our latest compact class generation is not only convincing, but also exciting, especially as a plug-in hybrid. We are delighted that the readers of AUTO BILD and BILD am SONNTAG, the expert jury and the editorial team see it the same way.”

“All-new Opel Astra has shaken up the compact class because it has many of the qualities that you need to be successful in this segment. A large display, reasonable trunk volume and the choice of different drives – all of this on a single platform. And if that doesn't convince you, you just have to try the ergonomic seats,” said Tom Drechsler, Editor-in-Chief & Managing Director AUTOMOTIVE of the BILD Group.

Attention to detail: Opel Astra unites bold and pure design with top technologies

True to the motto “New Astra speaks for itself”, newest generation Opel Astra and Astra Sports Tourer are not only more dynamic than ever, but with the new brand face, the Opel Vizor, and the all-digital, intuitive Pure Panel cockpit, they also set standards in the compact class. Top technologies in the new Astra include the latest evolution of the adaptive, glare-free IntelliLux LED Pixel Light headlamps with a total of 168 LED elements. Excellent comfort is provided by the AGR-certified ergonomic seats. With a system power output of 133 kW/180 hp and high torque of 360 Nm, the electrified Astra plug-in hybrid is also great fun to drive (WLTP 4 fuel consumption: 1.1-1.0 l/100 km, CO2 emissions 24-23 g/km, combined). Five-door accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in only 7.6 seconds. The Astra is thus locally emissions-free for the first time.

Opel and “Golden Steering Wheel”: 20 winners from Rüsselsheim

All-New Opel Astra is the latest in a proud line of “Golden Steering Wheel” winners from Opel. The award, which has been presented since 1976 by the Axel Springer publishing house BILD am SONNTAG (as of 2009 in cooperation with AUTO BILD) was won for the 20th time by the German carmaker. It all started in 1978, two years after the award was founded, with the Opel Senator A.

On the way to the “Golden Steering Wheel” victory, the readers of AUTO BILD and BILD am SONNTAG are always first in line. They vote on the new cars and thus choose their three favourites in each category for the final. At the DEKRA Lausitzring racetrack in Germany, a prominent jury of journalists, racing drivers and car experts then examine the individual finalists according to criteria based on the AUTO BILD test scheme.

[1] AUTO BILD edition 45/2022 and BILD am SONNTAG edition 46/2022, category for “Best car up to €50,000”.

[2] AUTO BILD and BILD am SONNTAG edition 45/2020, category for “Small cars”.

[3] AUTO BILD edition 45/2021 and BILD am SONNTAG edition 46/2021, category for “Best car under €25,000” incl. environmental bonus.

[4] Fuel consumption and CO2 emissions figures mentioned comply with the WLTP homologation (regulation EU 2017/948). From 1 September 2018, new vehicles are type-approved using the World Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP), which is a new, more realistic test procedure for measuring fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. WLTP fully replaces the New European Drive Cycle (NEDC), which was the test procedure used previously. Due to more realistic test conditions, the fuel consumption and CO2 emissions measured under the WLTP are in many cases higher compared to those measured under the NEDC. Fuel consumption and CO2 emissions figures may vary depending on specific equipment, options and format of tires.

[5] Range 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.

New Opel Mokka-e wins “Golden Steering Wheel 2021”

• Best car under €25,000: Battery-electric Opel Mokka-e takes the top spot
• Electric car with style: Bold and pure, Opel Mokka-e in tune the times
• Electric success: Opel Mokka-e follows Opel Corsa-e as “Golden Steering Wheel” winner
• Winning streak at “Auto Oscars”: Already 19th “Golden Steering Wheel” for Opel

Opel CEO Uwe Hochgeschurtz 

New Opel Mokka-e has won the “Golden Steering Wheel 2021” 1, defeating strong competition and claiming one of the most prestigious prizes in the automotive industry as “Best Car under €25,000”.

Mokka-e seamlessly continues Opel's series success in this award. Only last year, the battery-electric Opel Corsa-e brought the “Golden Steering Wheel” 2 to Rüsselsheim. After the Opel Ampera-e in 2017 and the Corsa-e in 2020, Mokka-e is now the third electric model and also the first SUV from Opel to take the coveted title. Electric vehicles with the Blitz electrify the experts and readers of AUTO BILD and BILD am SONNTAG just as much as the customers.

“Our Opel Mokka-e is everything but ordinary, and proved it once again at this year's ‘Golden Steering Wheel’”, said Opel CEO Uwe Hochgeschurtz at last night's award ceremony in Berlin's Axel Springer Haus. “With state-of-the-art technologies and uncompromising design, Opel Mokka-e makes e-mobility fun in every way. We are very pleased that our customers, the readers of AUTO BILD and BILD am SONNTAG, as well as the expert jury see it the same way.”

Opel Mokka-e: Battery-electric eye-catcher with the Blitz in the Opel Vizor

New Opel Mokka-e impresses not only with its bold and pure design, but also with its performance. Electric motor with 100 kW/136 hp and 260 Newton metres of maximum torque delivers a powerful, almost silent drive. Thanks to the 50 kWh battery, up to 338 kilometres are possible without a charging stop according to WLTP 3. Electronically limited top speed is 150 km/h. A state-of-the-art regenerative braking system makes the Opel Mokka-e even more efficient, allowing the electric vehicle to recuperate energy during deceleration or braking. Battery can be quickly recharged up to 80 per cent in 30 minutes at a 100 kW DC charging station.

Opel and the “Golden Steering Wheel”: All the Winners from Rüsselsheim

New Opel Mokka-e is the latest in a proud line of “Golden Steering Wheel” award winners from Opel. Award, which has been presented since 1976 by BILD am SONNTAG and from 2009 in cooperation with AUTO BILD has now been won by the brand with Blitz for the 19th time. It all started in 1978, two years after the award was founded, with the Opel Senator A.

On the way to the "Golden Steering Wheel" victory, the readers of AUTO BILD and BILD am SONNTAG are first to vote. They elect their three favourites in each category, sending them to the final. At the DEKRA Lausitzring, a prominent jury of experts consisting of journalists, racing drivers and car experts will then assess the individual finalists according to criteria based on the AUTO BILD test scheme.

1978	Opel Senator A
1979	Opel Kadett D
1981	Opel Ascona C
1982	Opel Corsa A
1984	Opel Kadett E
1987	Opel Senator B
1990	Opel Calibra
1994	Opel Omega B
1995	Opel Vectra B
1999	Opel Zafira A
2002	Opel Vectra C
2005	Opel Zafira B
2009	Opel Astra J
2010	Opel Meriva B
2012	Opel Zafira Tourer
2015	Opel Astra K
2017	Opel Ampera-e
2020	Opel Corsa-e
2021	Opel Mokka-e

[1] AUTO BILD edition 45/2021 and BILD am SONNTAG edition 46/2021, category for “Best car under €25,000” incl. environmental bonus.

[2] AUTO BILD and BILD am SONNTAG edition 45/2021, category for “Small cars”

[3] Range determined according to WLTP test procedure methodology (R (EC) No. 715/2007, R (EU) No. 2017/1151). The 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.

Electrifying News: Opel Corsa-e Wins “Golden Steering Wheel 2020”

• Best small car: All-electric Opel Corsa-e succeeds against strong competition
• Serial winner: Opel Corsa already “Best Buy Car of Europe” and “Company Car of the Year”
• Long tradition: Corsa-e is Opel’s 18th “Golden Steering Wheel” winner

Opel CEO Michael Lohscheller, Head of Communications Harald Hamprecht (left) and Head of Development Marcus Lott.

New Opel Corsa continues its winning ways and has now claimed one of the most important awards in the German automobile industry – the “Golden Steering Wheel 2020”. All-electric Corsa-e received the award today. Opel Corsa-e clearly defeated tough rivals to take the first prize in the small car category. Germany’s best-selling small car is as electrifying for the experts and readers of Auto Bild and Bild am Sonntag as for customers.

Opel CEO Michael Lohscheller with the Golden Steering Wheel in for successful Opel Corsa-e.

“Opel is electric”, says Opel CEO, Michael Lohscheller, “and our new Opel Corsa-e is the best proof. It shows that an electric car today can be not only dynamic and practical, but also affordable for all. We are proud of the way the Opel Corsa-e convinces everyone: our customers, the readers of Auto Bild and Bild am Sonntag, as well as the expert jury and celebrities.”

As usual, the winners had to clear two hurdles on the way victory. First, the readers of Auto Bild and Bild am Sonntag elected their three favourites in each category for the final. A jury of journalists, racing drivers and car experts then tested each finalist on the DEKRA-Lausitzring racetrack, using criteria based on the Auto Bild test method. With a total of 3,218 points, the new Opel Corsa-e ultimately overcame strong “small car” competition from the Hyundai i20 in second and the VW e-Up in third, with an advantage of 141 and 431 points respectively.

Opel Corsa-e: Electric mobility in its finest form

With 100 kW (136 hp) and 260 Newton metres of torque from the first squeeze of the accelerator,  Opel Corsa-e offers state-of-the-art electric mobility. With a range of up to 337 km according to the WLTP 1 cycle, the agile five-seater is suitable for every-day use. Using 100 kW DC, the 50 kWh battery can be fast-charged to up to 80 per cent state-of-charge in 30 minutes. Opel Corsa-e is ready for all charging options – via wall box, high-speed charging or cable for household sockets.

Opel Corsa-e

Entry level Opel Corsa-e already offers automatic climate control with remote control, electric parking brake and keyless start, the Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatible Multimedia Radio with 7-inch colour touchscreen, OpelConnect Services and a digital cockpit. Systems such as forward collision alert with automatic emergency braking and pedestrian detection, lane keep assist, traffic sign recognition and intelligent cruise control are also included at no extra cost.

Current Opel Corsa generation: Best-selling small car

Opel Corsa: “Best Buy Car of Europe 2020”

“Golden Steering Wheel” now takes pride of place in the new Corsa’s trophy cabinet. AUTOBEST jury already named the best-selling small car the “Best Buy Car of Europe 2020”. In Germany, Opel Corsa won the compact category of “Company Car of the Year”. Auto Bild and Computer Bild presented the “Connected Car Award 2019” to the new Opel model. Corsa-e is Opel’s 18th winner of the “Golden Steering Wheel”, continuing a long tradition.

[1] Range determined according to WLTP test procedure methodology (R (EC) No. 715/2007, R (EU) No. 2017/1151). The 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.

!NEW! Opel ADAM and Astra Sports Tourer collect trophies in poll ALD Automotive Fleet Awards 2013

Just third title of Astra Sports Tourer confirms quality of bestseller from Opel brand 

A great result for Opel ADAM - Master of disguise

Outstanding reliability demonstrated by the German agency DEKRA or magazine "auto motor und sport

Andrej Barcak , Marketing Director Czech and Slovak representation of Opel, with trophies Fleet Award for the Opel  Astra Sports Tourer and Opel ADAM

Elegant estate Opel Astra Sports Tourer won the last two editions of the survey ALD Automotive Fleet Awards winning in the category of "Benefit " in the charged segment of official cars. Even from this year of awards this respected national survey, the largest specialized survey focused on the management of fleet and company cars, announced Publishing Club 91 (titles: FLEET company cars, Pneu revue, AutoBusiness, Truck & Business ), popular Astra Sports Tourer don't leave empty: the online vote winner in its segment  officer vehicles !

"Three triumphs Astra Sports Tourer in three consecutive years of the survey - it clearly speaks about the qualities of this model, " says Andrej Barcak, Marketing Director Czech and Slovak representation Opel. " His performance parameters, driveability, providing value and not least an attractive design, the Astra Sports Tourer tip of your segment. And I 'm sure now that under the hood of these cars appear petrol and diesel engines entirely new generation of our bestselling popularity will increase. "

The ceremony ALD Automotive Fleet Awards 2013 will be the Opel took yet another victory : a hundred-member jury composed of managers moving in fleet management, senior company managers, owners, partners, etc. . , Attributed the victory in the " Mini" attractive model Opel ADAM, which attracted mainly by its design, variety and quality sophisticated interior.

"ADAM is in every way an exceptional model - and, of course, pleased that he could convince the jury so difficult, "comments Zbynek Janecek, Fleet Manager Czech and Slovak representation Opel. "Leave behind the Skoda Citigo and Volkswagen up! is for us an extraordinary impulse."

The Top of the Quality and Reliability 

Opel Astra is the third best-selling model in Europe in the context of the most powerful passenger car segment , which accounts for about a quarter of the total European market. Customers clearly hear not only the attractive design of Astra , but also appreciate the quality and reliability of these models, as demonstrated by the traditional survey of the technical condition of used cars " DEKRA Mängelreport 2012" renowned German testing agency DEKRA: Opel Astra achieved the best result of all tested cars in the category individually assessed and models were evaluated as the car with the fewest faults.

The fact that top rating Astra's success is not accidental, but it is the result of systematic pressure carmaker Opel on quality, evidenced by the fact that in previous years, the closely watched ranking DEKRA placed on top of the Opel Corsa and Opel Insignia.

A recent addition to the list of triumphs Opel Astra Sports Tourer is the result of a long-term test for 100,000 kilometers of the German magazine "auto motor und sport": Opel Astra ST passed through it without the slightest defect, and achieved the best rating in its class !

Opel Zaragoza plant celebrates 30 Years and 11 million cars

• Anniversary ceremony held at the plant
• Plant currently makes popular Opel Corsa and Meriva
• Celebrations are part of 150^th anniversary of Opel brand

The Opel/Vauxhall plant in Zaragoza, Spain, has just celebrated its 30^th anniversary, having produced more than eleven million cars. The plant in the region of Aragon currently manufactures the five door Corsa variant and the Meriva. In 1982, the first Corsa rolled off the assembly line. This marked the beginning of the plant’s extraordinary success story that saw the production of six different Opel vehicle labels over the years.

Spanish King inaugurates production Opel Corsa A (1982)

At a ceremony attended by senior government representatives, Managing Director Antonio Cobo, praised the dedication of the employees and their “Passion for Quality” philosophy. Several reports of independent organizations guarantee GM España´s quality products. For instance, the Opel Meriva achieved the lowest defect rate in a TÜV report 2007 and the Opel Corsa is “The Most Reliable vehicle” according to a DEKRA report 2010. 

Opel Corsa A (1982)

Around 6,000 employees work at the plant with more than 4.1 billion euro invested there in total. Since Zaragoza’s opening, 9,161,725 Corsa, 1,331,966 Meriva, 213,369 Combo, 250,728 Tigra, 153,908 Kadett and 52,731 Astra have been produced.

Opel Kadett E (1986)

Opel Astra F range (1991)

Opel Tigra (1994)

 History of Plant Zaragoza

• 1979 Ground breaking
• 1982 Start of production, 1^st Opel Corsa generation
• 1983 Implementation of the second shift
• 1986 Start of production Opel Kadett
• 1988 Implementation of the third shift (First one in the World)
• 1993 Launch of the 2 ^nd Opel Corsa generation
• 1994 Start of production Opel Tigra
• 2000 Launch of the 3 ^rd Opel Corsa generation
• 2003 First Opel Meriva produced in January
• 2006 Assignment of 2^nd Opel Meriva generation
  Launch of the 4^th Opel Corsa generation
• 2007 Start of production Opel Combo
  Corsa 8,000,000 in August and 25^th Anniversary
  Yearly Historical Production Record with 485,857 units
• 2008 World’s largest rooftop solar power station installed
• 2009 Unit  10,000,000 / Opel Corsa ecoFLEX in April
  One-millionth Meriva produced in July
  First Auto Company Certified in Quality Advanced Management
• 2010 New Opel Meriva start of production in April
• 2011 100,000 Opel Meriva B just in 10 months

The Zaragoza celebration comes in the middle of Opel’s 150^th anniversary year. In 1862, the company started out as a sewing machine factory in Rüsselsheim, Germany, then switched to bicycle production and started making cars in 1899.

Opel Corsa Celebrates Its 30th Anniversary

• 1982 – 2012: 30 years, 4 generations, nearly 12 million Corsa built and sold
• In total around 20 million vehicles including global Corsa derivatives within GM family
• There is always something new in the Corsa range
  
  

  

  Opel Corsa A and sporty Opel Corsa OPC "Nürburgring Edition" complete Corsa story.

  Opel Corsa is celebrating its 30^th birthday on August 30. The production of the first generation Corsa started in 1982 at the Figueruelas plant in Zaragoza, Spain, which was founded for Opel´s first modern, small car. Until 1982, the compact Kadett car (length of the 1979 Kadett D: 3.98 m) was the brand´s entry level model. With the arrival of the smaller and even more affordable Corsa A (length: 3.62 m), Opel entered a new, increasingly popular segment and opened a new chapter in its history.
  
  
  In the last 30 years, nearly 12 million Corsa across 4 generations have been built and sold in Europe. Up to and including August 2012, the Spanish plant in Zaragoza has produced 9.3 million Corsa. In addition, 2.5 million units have been built at the other European plant in Eisenach, Germany. Corsa production began there in June 1993. This makes the Corsa the most popular label in Opel´s history. Its worldwide success is even greater: taking into account all the global derivatives within the General Motors family, around 20 million Corsa based vehicles have been produced or assembled and sold around the world, mainly in Latin America (Chevrolet), Australia (Holden), South Africa (Opel) and in China (as Buick Sail).
  
  
  Since 1982, the Opel/Vauxhall Corsa has been a major player in the European market. It offers one of the widest product ranges in the small car segment and is constantly updated by the introduction of new models, technologies and customized variants. It is now available in three distinct body styles: the coupé-like three door, the family friendly five door, and the commercial variant, the Corsa Van.
  
  
  The Corsa currently accounts for more than 28 percent of all Opel/Vauxhall sales making it the second biggest seller of the brand, trailing very closely behind the Astra (around 30 percent). Since 2008, the Corsa three door has continuously taken the number one spot in the 3 door hatchback B segment in Western Europe with a share of 18 percent (2012 year-to-date). Overall, the Corsa (three and five door) is currently the number three in the Western European B segment with a share of more than ten percent. It boasts the top ranking in Greece and is the number two in its respective segments in Germany, the UK and Belgium. In Spain and the Netherlands, the Corsa is the number three in its segment.
  
  
  30 years of Corsa strengths
  Great looks, a roomy cabin, state-of-the-art technology, a high degree of eco-friendliness and its sporty appeal are very important factors in the Corsa’s success, as are the many international awards it has won over the years. Right after its launch in 1982, the first generation Corsa A received the “Golden Steering Wheel” award in Germany. Later several Corsa generations won numerous national “Car of the Year” awards in various countries. The current generation was voted “Autobest 2007”. In 2009 and in 2010, the Corsa was rated number one in its class in the DEKRA used car quality report among millions of used cars.
  
  
  Eco friendliness as a tradition
  The Corsa has always received a lot of praise for its eco-friendliness. The Corsa ECO 3 prototype unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show (IAA) in 1995, was the first low fuel consumption, “3-liter” car. It was soon followed by Corsa production cars that made low fuel consumption a reality and accessible to wider customer groups. The latest 1.3 CDTI ecoFLEX version with 70 kW/95 hp and Start/Stop technology is currently the most fuel efficient Corsa with diesel consumption as low as 3.5 liters per 100 kilometer (94 g/km CO₂)_.
  
  
  High performance OPC versions for pure driving pleasure
  
  Opel also caters for customers who demand high performance and yet affordable small car motoring. So in 1987 a sporty Corsa GSi was launched already at the Frankfurt Motor Show, with a 100 hp 1.6 liter engine featuring electronic fuel injection. 20 years later at the 2007 Geneva Motor Show, the top-of-the-line Corsa OPC with a 1.6 liter Turbo engine (141 kW/192 hp) had its debut. A more powerful version has been on offer since 2011: Corsa OPC Nürburgring Edition. It is the strongest and fastest Corsa ever. Its 1.6 liter turbocharged gasoline engine has an output of 155 kW/210 hp. Its maximum torque of 250 Nm can be increased by an overboost function to 280 Nm. It boasts a top speed of 230 km/h, while acceleration from standstill to 100 km/h is achieved in only 6.8 seconds.
  
  
  Corsa news every six months
  The Corsa family is always evolving with new innovations. Ever since its launch, the current generation has always been updated twice a year with the introduction of new models and technologies. In 2010, everything under the Corsa’s skin was renewed with a host of improvements, especially on the chassis side and the steering, as well as with an enhanced engine range providing more power, more driving fun and more comfort while using less fuel.
  
  
  The Opel Corsa’s makeover continued into 2011 when it was given a fresh look, a re-designed face and sportier appearance inside and out. It was updated with new colors and decors as well as an extensive offer of customized versions making it more attractive than ever. The 94 g ecoFLEX version was launched and Start/Stop technology was introduced in several models. Updates also included a new, multimedia infotainment system called “Touch & Connect” that features a five inch color touch screen, full navigation coverage for 28 European countries, Bluetooth, iPod and USB connectivity at a very competitive price.
  
  
  In 2012, the powertrain portfolio was expanded with a powerful and efficient 88 kW/120 hp 1.4 liter turbocharged ecoFLEX gasoline engine with Start/Stop. Several new, colorful and attractive three and five-door models have been added to the very popular and successful Color Edition line-up: the sporty and elegant Corsa “Kaleidoscope”, the All Black and All White Color Editions and a new and even more trendy, Color Edition Switch pack.
  
  
  The present Corsa line-up offers many innovative features like no other competitor, including a heated steering wheel or the integrated FlexFix bike carrier. Other features are rarely available in the segment, like halogen Adaptive Forward Lighting (AFL), Hill Start Assist (HSA) and a panorama sunroof.
  
  
  The Opel Corsa celebrates its 30^th birthday in the year of another important jubilee: In 2012 Opel marks its 150^th anniversary as a company. Only a few other car manufacturers can boast such a long tradition. This year, there are even two more birthdays to celebrate. The Zaragoza and Eisenach plants will have their 30^th and 20^th anniversary respectively.