Michael Lohscheller Appointed New CEO of Opel

Michael Lohscheller, Chief Executive Officer, Speaker of the Management Board of Adam Opel GmbH

 Opel CEO Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann has stepped down as the Speaker of the Management Board and CEO of Adam Opel GmbH today. He remains a member of the Management Board until the closing of the sale of Opel/Vauxhall to Groupe PSA. Michael Lohscheller, Opel CFO since September 2012, has been unanimously appointed as his successor with immediate effect by the Supervisory Board. This will ensure continuity for the business and its stakeholders as well as a seamless managerial transition with the priority task to build the new strategic plan for Opel. 

Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann (left) and the new Opel CEO, Michael Lohscheller.

According to Dr. Neumann, “it was a difficult personal decision to not continue with the Opel/Vauxhall team when it transitions to Groupe PSA. I am proud of the team for all we have accomplished so far and have no doubt that the move to PSA will make Opel/Vauxhall an even stronger and more successful company in the future. I am committed to completing this transaction and will then take some time to decide what is next for me.”

“We have made tremendous progress in the turnaround of Opel/Vauxhall under Karl-Thomas’ leadership,” said Dan Ammann, Opel Supervisory Board Chairman and President, General Motors. “We thank him for his significant contributions to Opel/Vauxhall and GM over the past four years.”

Dr. Wolfgang Schäfer-Klug, Vice Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Adam Opel GmbH and Head of the General Works Council: “The worker representatives within the Supervisory Board respect Dr. Neumann’s decision. He has managed to regain recognition with Opel, an improved brand image and a strengthened self-awareness, coupled with competitive, outstanding models. The decision to appoint the current CFO and member of the management board Michael Lohscheller as the new CEO is explicitly supported by us.”

Michael Lohscheller said: “I would like to thank the Supervisory Board for the trust. We will stay on the current path and continue to gain strength as part of the Groupe PSA. After the expected closing of the transaction, a new European champion will emerge. I am looking forward to the new task and to working together with the management team to implement a successful future plan for the benefit of all 38,000 Opel/Vauxhall employees and its stakeholders.”

Groupe PSA Statement further to the appointment of Mr Lohscheller as CEO of Opel/Vauxhall

"We fully support the decision to appoint Mr. Lohscheller who will be surrounded by Opel's best talents to bring Opel / Vauxhall to new horizons for the benefit of its employees, customers and partners. My personal interactions with Michael have been extremely positive, where he has shown a great deal of insight of Opel and Vauxhall, as well as a solid understanding of the international marketplace. I am enthusiastic about the idea of contributing to the rebirth of Opel as a sustainable German-based company within Groupe PSA." said Carlos Tavares, Chairman of the Managing Board of Groupe PSA.

!NEW! GM Sold 7.2 Million Vehicles in the First Nine Months of 2015

General Motors Co. (NYSE: GM) sold 7.2 million vehicles globally in the first nine months of 2015. The company posted sales increases in four of its five largest markets, with record sales in China and strong retail sales gains in the United States. Total sales were down 1 percent, due primarily to the company’s previously announced decisions to strategically reduce its presence in certain markets, as well as difficult market conditions in South America.

“Our unwavering focus on the customer is paying off in our largest and most important markets as we execute one successful launch after another in the right segments,” said GM President Dan Ammann. “At the same time, we have reacted quickly to challenging macroeconomic environments in other markets and have shown the discipline to exit situations where we see no long-term path to acceptable returns.”

Examples of GM’s recent success include:

• GM truck sales in North America were up 16 percent in the first nine months of 2015, driven by a 17 percent increase in Chevrolet truck deliveries in the United States.
• Chevrolet had record crossover sales in North America in the same period, up 17 percent year over year.
• In China, crossovers like the Chevrolet Trax and Buick Envision represented more than 17 percent of sales by GM and its joint ventures in September, up from 6 percent a year ago.
• Cadillac had record sales in China with deliveries rising 12 percent to nearly 57,000 units.

GM is preparing to launch even more new trucks and crossovers during the next several months, including the all-new Cadillac XT5, a redesigned Chevrolet Silverado and a diesel-powered Chevrolet Colorado for North America, and the Baojun 560 in China. Key car launches include the all-new Chevrolet Malibu and Cruze in North America and the all-new Opel Astra in Europe.

Additional Highlights (vs. 2014)

First Nine Months 

• In the United States, Chevrolet has reported six consecutive months of retail sales and market share gains and has strategically reduced sales to rental companies by more than 50,000 units through September.
• Opel / Vauxhall increased its European market share and grew sales in 19 countries, including Italy, Spain, France, the U.K. and Germany.
• Buick had record deliveries in China, with sales up 4 percent to nearly 670,000 units.
• Baojun had record sales, with deliveries rising 236 percent to more than 270,000 units.
• GMC’s global sales increased 11 percent, and four of the brand’s SUVs and pickup trucks – the Yukon, Yukon XL, Sierra and Canyon – have the highest average transaction prices of any vehicles in their respective segments in the United States, according to J.D. Power PIN estimates.

Third Quarter

• Among GM’s largest markets, sales rose in the United States, the U.K. and Canada.
• Opel / Vauxhall, Buick, Cadillac, GMC and Baojun all reported higher sales.
• Chevrolet had record crossover sales in the United States, up 24 percent, while Chevrolet U.S. truck sales increased 16 percent.
• Deliveries in South Korea were up 11 percent to record of nearly 43,000 units.
• Global sales were down 3 percent.  

GM Global Sales: January - September 2015

Calendar Year-to-Date
Region	Total  Sales	YOY Change	Pct. Change	Total  Sales	YOY Change	Pct. Change
GM North America	930,758	46,110	5.2%	2,685,342	126,257	4.9%
GM Europe	287,690	3,137	1.1%	898,236	(60,131)	(6.3%)
GM South America	150,142	(66,956)	(30.8%)	485,557	(156,749)	(24.4%)
GM International	191,847	(21,928)	(10.3%)	589,854	(41,525)	(6.6%)
GM China **	773,226	(33,902)	(4.2%)	2,492,428	38,215	1.6%
Total	2,333,663	(73,539)	(3.1%)	7,151,417	(93,933)	(1.3%)

Quarter 3				Calendar Year-to-Date
Sales by Brand **	Total  Sales	YOY Change	Pct. Change	Total  Sales	YOY Change	Pct. Change
Chevrolet	1,078,847	(112,998)	(9.5%)	3,291,133	(252,280)	(7.1%)
Opel/Vauxhall	272,619	14,007	5.4%	864,338	31,256	3.8%
Buick	300,335	10,858	3.8%	852,289	21,635	2.6%
Cadillac	67,895	997	1.5%	198,993	6,228	3.2%
GMC	176,222	11,100	6.7%	499,343	48,933	10.9%
Baojun	110,977	69,395	166.9%	270,488	189,857	235.5%
Wuling	286,155	(55,358)	(16.2%)	1,050,327	(100,110)	(8.7%)
All Others	40,613	(11,540)	(22.1%)	124,506	(39,452)	(24.1%)
Total	2,333,663	(73,539)	(3.1%)	7,151,417	(93,933)	(1.3%)

Notes:

GM North America = United States, Canada, Mexico, and other North American markets*

GM Europe = Western, Central and Eastern Europe

GM International = Asia-Pacific, Africa and the Middle East*

** Includes China retail sales

* Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Syria and Sudan are excluded from sales volume calculations

!NEW! GM Powertrain Europe creating additional jobs and bringing more high-tech equipment to Turin

Dan Ammann, General Motors President visits GMPT-E site, celebrating 10th anniversary

To mark the 10th anniversary of the foundation of GM Powertrain Europe Turin, GM President Dan Ammann (right) visited the engineering site and announced plans to strengthen the collaboration with the Politecnico di Torino. He was welcomed by Pierpaolo Antonioli, GMPT-E Managing Director.

To mark the 10th anniversary of the foundation of GM Powertrain Europe Turin, GM President Dan Ammann visited the engineering site and announced plans to strengthen the collaboration with the Politecnico di Torino, further expanding the engineering development center.

The letter of intent signed today with the Politecnico and the Regione Piemonte reinforces the research collaboration with the university through the growth of projects carried out by Politecnico and GMPT-E Turin as well as a project for the expansion of the area of GMPT-E in the campus of Politecnico named “Cittadella Politecnica”. The new area will measure approximately 2,500 square meters and construction is expected to start at the beginning of 2016. This new building will be fully dedicated to highly specialized labs, offices and powerful computational machines.

GM Powertrain Europe Turin announced plans to strengthen the collaboration with the Politechnico di Torino. From left: GMPT-E Managing Director Pierpaolo Antonioli, GM President Dan Ammann, Vice President Global Powertrain Dan Nicholson and Vice President Powertrain Europe Christian Müller.

Founded in 2005, GM Powertrain Europe is the center of innovation and development for diesel engines and related electronic control of GM globally and designs propulsion systems for Opel/Vauxhall, Chevrolet, and other GM brands. From design to the study of virtual components or tests on the engine benches – everything takes place in the laboratories and test cells of GM Powertrain Europe in Turin.

The site has grown rapidly since its foundation a decade ago: from a temporary office in 2005 to a state-of-the-art facility in the Politecnico campus. The workforce has also grown from the initial 60 people to approximately 650, expressing a highly qualified and international employment with more than 15 nationalities represented, mostly engineers. In 2015, GM plans to create an additional 60 jobs.  

With its state-of-the-art equipment, GM Powertrain Europe Turin represents a strategic asset for GM globally. In Europe, the engineering center provides Opel vehicles with premium diesel technology, like the 1.6 CDTI engine, the quietest diesel in its class that has earned the nickname ‘Whisper Diesel’.

In North America, GMC Canyon and Chevrolet Colorado will be equipped with the new 2.8 liter diesel engine starting from the second half of 2015. These will be the only diesel in the midsize segment, promising excellent fuel economy and torque for maximum towing capability. Diesel engines of the future which are designed in Turin all share common characteristics: high-tech solutions offering moderate fuel consumption and CO2 emissions also thanks to the control system that is completely developed in-house.

“The Turin engineering center and our entire team here plays an important role in our efforts to lead the industry in product and technology” said Ammann. “The team has developed world-class modern diesel engines providing our customers with outstanding performance and efficiency in a fun-to-drive experience.”

“The growth of GMPT-E has demonstrated the importance of the relationship between the industry and the academia. A full generation of young and brilliant engineers took the opportunity to build their future and their career in one of the largest automotive companies. Their energy and strength helped GM to develop a solid diesel line up,” added Pierpaolo Antonioli, GMPT-E Managing Director.

GM to Change Business Model in Russia

• Focus on Cadillac and iconic Chevrolet vehicles
• Wind down Opel brand and sale of mainstream Chevrolet cars
• Idle GM Auto manufacturing facility in St. Petersburg
• Part of GM’s strategy to ensure long-term sustainability in global markets

General Motors today announced plans to change its business model in Russia. GM will focus on the premium segment of the Russian market with Cadillac and U.S. built iconic Chevrolet products such as the Corvette, Camaro and Tahoe. The Chevrolet brand will minimize its presence in Russia and the Opel brand will leave the market by December 2015. 

“This change in our business model in Russia is part of our global strategy to ensure long-term sustainability in markets where we operate,” said GM President Dan Ammann. “This decision avoids significant investment into a market that has very challenging long-term prospects.”

Opel Group CEO Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann said, “We do not have the appropriate localization level for important vehicles built in Russia and the market environment does not justify a major investment to further localize.”

The GM Auto plant in St. Petersburg will halt production by the middle of 2015. GM is planning to idle the plant. Furthermore, the contract assembly of Chevrolet vehicles at GAZ will be discontinued in 2015.

The GM-AVTOVAZ joint venture will continue to build and market the current generation Chevrolet NIVA. GM’s global luxury brand Cadillac will be set up for growth in Russia over the next several years as it prepares for numerous product introductions.

Chevrolet and Opel will work closely with their dealer networks in Russia to define future steps while ensuring the company will honor its obligations to existing customers in the coming years. “We can assure our customers that we will continue to provide warranty, parts and services for their Chevrolet and Opel vehicles. We want to thank our customers and dealers for their loyalty to the Chevrolet and Opel brands,” said Dr. Neumann.

“We had to take decisive action in Russia to protect our business. We confirm our outlook to return the European business to profitability in 2016 and stick to our long-term goals as defined in our DRIVE!2022 strategy,” said Dr. Neumann. By 2022, the company plans to raise its market share in total Europe to 8 percent and to reach a profit margin of 5 percent.

As a result of the decision to change the business model in Russia, GM expects to record net special charges of up to approximately $600 million primarily in the first quarter of 2015. The special charges include sales incentives, dealer restructuring, contract cancellations and severance related costs. Approximately $200 million of the net special charges will be non-cash expenses.

!NEW! GM Expects Improved Profitability in 2015

• Expects higher EBIT-adjusted and EBIT-adjusted margins in 2015
• Reaffirms previously announced 2016 targets and plan to achieve 9- to 10-percent margin by early next decade

General Motors Co. (NYSE: GM) expects its total earnings before interest and tax (EBIT) adjusted and EBIT-adjusted margin to increase in 2015, compared to 2014, after adjusting 2014 for the impact of recall costs. The company also anticipates improved automotive results in all regions.

This outlook is based on modest global industry growth expected in 2015, which will result primarily from continued growth in China, Europe and the United States, and ongoing launches of key vehicles.

CEO Mary Barra, President Dan Ammann, and Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Chuck Stevens shared this outlook with investor analysts attending the Deutsche Bank 2015 Global Auto Industry Conference in Detroit. 

GM reiterated it is on track to meet its previously announced 2016 financial targets to achieve EBIT-adjusted margins in North America of 10 percent; to return to profitability in Europe, and to maintain strong margins in China.

The company also said its plan puts it on the path to achieve 9- to 10-percent margins by early next decade. The strategic plan, shared during the Global Business Conference in October 2014, includes several major initiatives: lead in product and technology; grow the Chevrolet and Cadillac brands globally; continue growing in China; continue growing GM Financial, and deliver core operating efficiencies.

“We had a pivotal year in 2014, outlining a customer-focused strategic plan for the company and delivering on our commitments by achieving strong core operating performance,” Barra said. “We’ll build on this momentum in 2015 and continue executing our plan to become the most-valued automotive company.”

Among key accomplishments for 2014, Barra noted the following:

• Earned the most J.D. Power Initial Quality Study awards for second consecutive year in the United States.
• Launched more models in North America with 4G LTE mobile broadband than all other automakers combined.
• GM and its joint ventures sold a record 3.5 million vehicles in China, up 12.0 percent from 2013.
• Opel/Vauxhall market share in Europe grew for the second year in a row, including increases in 12 European markets.
• Achieved five straight quarters of EBIT-adjusted margin growth in North America through the third quarter of 2014 (excluding recalls).
• Standard & Poor’s upgraded GM and GM Financial to investment grade.
• Returned $2.0 billion to common stock shareholders through dividends.

To support its future growth, GM plans to increase capital expenditures to approximately $9 billion in 2015, reflecting increased investments in products and technologies.

“Overall, 2014 was a very solid year in which we met expectations on core operating performance, despite a number of significant headwinds,” Stevens said.

“Importantly, improvements in 2015 will keep us firmly on track to meet our near-term objectives and demonstrate solid progress toward our targeted margins of 9 to 10 percent by early next decade.”

!NEW! Corsa E in Paris: Opel Celebrates World Premiere with Claudia Schiffer

Fifth generation Corsa and supermodel take center stage at Opel press conference

The stage is set: Opel Group CEO Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann and supermodel Claudia Schiffer presented the new Corsa generation in Paris.

Raise the curtain for the Paris Motor Show: Opel opened the show this afternoon with the world premiere of the new Opel Corsa. The Opel exhibition stand located in Hall 5 paid tribute to the fashion capital and resembled a catwalk. The newest generation of the small car bestseller, driven by Opel Group CEO Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann, graced the stage first, followed by the fashion icon. The supermodel will also be the star of the upcoming advertising campaign for the successful car from Rüsselsheim.

New TV campaign: Tina Müller, CMO Opel Group, and CEO Karl-Thomas Neumann reveal Claudia Schiffer as the star of the new Corsa campaign

“The new Corsa offers pure driving experience for an entry-level price of just €11,980. Outstanding steering precision, first class comfort along with completely new high-torque turbocharged engines – traits normally reserved for much more expensive cars. Furthermore, the interior impresses with highest quality and the Infotainment system guarantees excellent connectivity for Apple and Android devices. You just have to love our fashionable Corsa,” said an enthusiastic Neumann.

Impressive appearance: GM President Dan Ammann (on left) and Opel Group CEO Karl-Thomas Neumann share the stage with supermodel Claudia Schiffer at the world premiere for the Opel Corsa

Supermodel Claudia Schiffer has also already succumbed to the charm of the star of the exhibition. “The Corsa looks great and is very chic – just like Paris. In general, I like the design of all the new Opel cars like ADAM, Mokka and, of course, the Corsa a lot. Now I am looking forward to shooting the Corsa adverts even more,” said Schiffer.

Turbocharged pocket rocket: Opel ADAM S in Paris

Elsewhere, Opel is also presenting the sporty ADAM S in Paris. The lifestyle pocket rocket will be available from November. Its 110 kW/150 hp will propel it from 0 to 100 in 8.5 seconds and enable top speeds of well over 200 km/h.

The lively 1.6 CDTI is part of a new family of Opel all-aluminum diesel engines. The 100 kW/136 hp version reaches 85 hp per liter – unrivalled in its displacement class – and delivers plentiful torque of 320 Nm

The popular Opel Mokka will be fitted with the 100 kW/136 hp ‘whisper diesel’ already known from the Astra and will deliver a combined cycle consumption of 4.1 liters of diesel. Opel has also prepared a new and ultra-modern engine for the company’s flagship, the Insignia, and for the versatile Zafira Tourer. Both will be available with the 125 kW/170 hp and 400 Nm 2.0 CDTI turbo diesel that impresses with low consumption and extraordinary smoothness. The new 2.0 CDTI runs as clean as a gasoline engine thanks to Opel’s BlueInjection selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system.

Opel power: New generation,  2.0 CDTI with 125 kW/170 hp and 400 Nm for Insignia and Zafira Tourer

!NEW! General Motors Delivered 2.4 Million Vehicles Globally in Q1

General Motors Co. dealers delivered 2,416,028 vehicles around the world in the first quarter of 2014, up 2 percent compared with a year ago.

General Motors dealers delivered 2,416,028 vehicles around the world in the first quarter of 2014, up 2 percent compared with a year ago.

Among GM’s top five global markets by volume, China posted the largest year-over-year sales increase, with deliveries up 13 percent to a record 919,114 units. Sales in the United Kingdom and Germany were also up, and Opel/Vauxhall grew its share in 10 European markets.

“We are very encouraged by our results in China, where we outperformed the industry, and in Europe, where Opel’s sales and the economic outlook are improving at the same time,” said GM President Dan Ammann. “We continue to be optimistic about the United States because our award-winning new products are performing well and we have more on the way. South America continues to be challenging for Chevrolet, where we face currency and other challenges, especially in Venezuela.”

First Quarter Highlights (vs. 2013)

• In Europe, GM’s improving market position is linked to the Opel Mokka and the new Opel Insignia flagship sedan. Cumulative Mokka orders have surpassed 215,000 units since it was launched in fall 2012, while Insignia has topped 85,000 units since it was launched in fall 2013.
• GM sales in China set a record in the first quarter. In addition, 2014 deliveries surpassed 1 million units in early April. This is the earliest sales have reached the seven-figure range.
• Buick, which celebrated the best year in the brand’s 110-year history in 2013, posted a 14 percent global sales increase.
• Cadillac’s global sales were up 9 percent and sales in China more than doubled to 15,357 units.

GM’s global market share was 11.1 percent, which is down two-tenths of a point from a year ago. However, Opel/Vauxhall gained market share in 10 European markets, including Germany. GM also gained market share in China due to the ongoing success of Buick and Wuling, as well as the growth of Cadillac.

General Motors Co. (NYSE:GM, TSX: GMM) and its partners produce vehicles in 30 countries, and the company has leadership positions in the world's largest and fastest-growing automotive markets.  GM, its subsidiaries and joint venture entities sell vehicles under the Chevrolet, Cadillac, Baojun, Buick, GMC, Holden, Jiefang, Opel, Vauxhall and Wuling brands. 

!NEW! Opel Invests 245 Million Euros in Ruesselsheim

• Investment for additional vehicle for main German plant at end of decade
• Additional production of a Buick model for North America 
• Change of export strategy for Chinese market 

On top of four Opel Insignia variants and the Opel Zafira Tourer MPV, which will be produced as of January 2015, the Ruesselsheim plant will get two additional vehicles later in the decade. This was decided by the Opel Supervisory Board at its meeting this week.

A significant investment of 245 million euros will be made to build an additional model. Due to competitive reasons, details about this car will not be announced until the end of the year. The Supervisory Board also gave the green light for the future production of an additional variant of the Opel Insignia. The Ruesselsheim plant has been chosen for the assembly of a future model which will be sold in the US under the Buick brand name. Start of production will also be in the second half of the decade.

"With the investment in a new, additional model for Ruesselsheim, we will take another important step in our multi-billion dollar model offensive with which we will pave the way for Opel’s profitable growth,” said GM President and Opel Supervisory Board Chairman Dan Ammann. "And the Buick production in Ruesselsheim will further improve our capacity utilization," added Opel CEO Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann.

”The decisions of the Supervisory Board for the production of a Buick and for the investment in an additional model for the Rüsselsheim plant are based on the recently concluded collective agreement. They are part of our extended growth strategy and are further evidence of GM’s confidence in Opel," said Dr. Wolfgang Schäfer-Klug, Head of the Opel Works Council and Deputy Chairman of the Supervisory Board.

In addition, Opel has decided to change the export strategy for the Chinese market. As of January 2015, sales of the Opel brand in China will cease. "This is a long overdue decision,” said Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann. “It would have cost hundreds of millions of euros to raise awareness of the Opel brand and to expand the distribution network. Buick, however, is one of the market leaders in China and we plan to intensify our future collaboration, with several projects currently under examination."

Last year, 22 Opel dealers in China sold a total of 4,365 vehicles. In comparison, Buick – with 650 dealers – sold about 810,000 vehicles in China, including several that were co-developed with Opel.

Globally, Buick set an all-time global sales record last year, delivering 1.032 million vehicles worldwide. Buick was GM’s third largest passenger car brand after Chevrolet (4.984 million units) and Opel/Vauxhall (1.064 million units).

!NEW! Opel with Three World Premieres in Geneva

Opel at the 84th International Motor Show in Geneva

New Opel ADAM ROCKS and new Opel ADAM S at the Geneva Motor Show

Stylish, sporty, spectacular: Opel presents three hot new models at this year’s Geneva Motor Show. Making their public debut are the cool and charismatic ADAM ROCKS, the racy ADAM S and the super sporty Astra OPC EXTREME. Opel also announces the next level of vehicle connectivity in Geneva: the introduction of OnStar in 2015 will make driving in Europe safer and more comfortable.

Opel CEO Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann presented those two world premieres at the Geneva Motor Show – the sporty ADAM S in Red ‘n’ Roll and the cool crossover ADAM ROCKS.

ADAM ROCKS and the ADAM S as predecessor of the series production version enrich the ADAM family and make it even more attractive. ROCKS also showcases another debut in Geneva: the 1.0 ECOTEC Direct Injection Turbo engine. ADAM is the first car to feature the small powerhouse, which will gradually become available in other models. Opel’s major powertrain offensive is also making strides on the diesel front: visitors to the Opel booth in Geneva can for the first time take a close look at the Astra with the 81 kW/110 hp version of the new generation 1.6 CDTI Turbo diesel. The exceptionally economical and clean whisper diesel is now available in the Opel high-volume model range. But the Astra is not only very quiet, it can also be extremely loud, as evidenced by the OPC EXTREME Concept. The super sporty car is the fastest Astra ever and will soon make its way from the race track to the road – visitors to the Geneva show can enjoy the preview of this performance car.

 Dan Ammann, GM President and Chairman of the Opel Supervisory Board, presenting the Astra OPC EXTREME. From the racetrack to public roads: Fastest-ever Astra on its way.

Mini crossover with maximum charisma: Opel ADAM ROCKS

New Opel ADAM ROCKS

Cool and tough, chunky and funky: Opel ADAM ROCKS combines the joy of driving under an open sky with all the fun of an adventure-loving mini-crossover. Making its world debut in Geneva, ADAM ROCKS is the next addition to the ADAM family. The newest model in Opel’s urban lifestyle family is a 3.74-meter short car with huge zest for life – inside and outside the city. Featuring an electrically operated, retracting, Swing Top canvas roof as standard, signature body cladding all-round and a 15 mm raised ride height, ADAM ROCKS opens a new market niche; it is the first three-door urban pocket-crossover under 4.00 meters in length. ADAM ROCKS will hit the market as soon as this summer.

New Opel 1.0 ECOTEC Direct Injection Turbo with 85 kW/115 hp and 166 Nm max. torque 

ROCKS not only introduces new looks and muscles, but also new generation powertrain technologies into the ADAM. It will accommodate Opel’s all-new 1.0-liter ECOTEC Direct Injection Turbo three-cylinder engine. This high-tech pocket powerhouse that already complies with tough Euro 6 emission standards raises the bar for three-cylinder engine refinement with outstandingly low noise and vibrations and superb comfort. Two versions are available, with 66 kW/90 hp and 85 kW/115 hp, both delivering impressive low-end torque of 166 Nm. Fuel consumption is as low as 4.3 l/100 km (according to NEDC test procedure; preliminary data). The new generation transmission is a highly efficient, compact six-speed manual gearbox, which features superbly smooth, precise and fast shift operation.

Trendy and seductively sporty: Opel ADAM S

New Opel ADAM S - 1.4 Turbo ECOTEC with 110 kW/150 hp and 220 Nm max. torque

But the ROCKS is not the end of ADAM diversity by a long shot. The close-to-production ADAM S version showcases the hot new performance model that will top Opel’s super-cool small car family. Featuring a 110 kW/150 hp, 1.4 liter Turbo ECOTEC engine, sports-tuned suspension, OPC braking system and distinctive ‘Red ’n Roll’ styling, ADAM S impeccably blends punch and power with zestful, sharp-edged responses. The turbo engine propels the racy lifestyle ADAM S to a top speed of 220 km/h. With its sharp Red ‘n Roll styling inside and out, the ADAM S makes no secret of its unique character. The cabin features Recaro Performance seats in front, and occupants in the ADAM family’s top sporty model can enjoy optimum connectivity: Opel’s award-winning, sophisticated IntelliLink system is of course available as an option to have on board.

Performance without compromises: Opel Astra OPC EXTREME

New Opel Astra OPC EXTREME 

Opel’s next Geneva premiere is also an attention-getter: the Astra OPC EXTREME. Developed on the Nürburgring Nordschleife, the most challenging race track in the world, it is powered by a 2.0 liter turbo engine with over 221 kW/300 hp and equipped with all the key high-tech components from its racing peer. The Astra OPC EXTREME was developed directly from the OPC Cup version and brings pure racing technology to the road. The super sporty car is 100 kilograms lighter than a conventional Astra OPC thanks to its high-quality, carbon fiber components. With its technology and design, the OPC EXTREME stands for uncompromising performance and the pure joy of driving. If public reaction is as positive as expected, Opel plans a low-volume production run for the super sporty, street-legal EXTREME.

2.0 liter Turbo engine with over 221 kW/300 hp

Very economical: Opel Astra 1.6 CDTI with 81 kW/110 hp and 100 kW/136 hp

New Opel ECOTEC 1.6 CDTI Euro 6 engine with 81 kW/110 hp 

But Opel is much more than extremely sporty, it is also very economical: this is shown by the new 1.6 CDTI whisper diesel. After debuting in the Zafira Tourer, the all-new turbo diesel now also ensures powerful and clean drive in the heart of the Opel model portfolio. The 1.6 CDTI with 100 kW/136 hp and 320 Nm maximum torque is now also available in the high-volume Astra hatchback, Astra notchback and Astra Sports Tourer models. It boasts superb performance and minimum noise generation while consuming just 3.9 liters diesel per 100 km in the combined cycle (according to NEDC test procedure). The 81 kW/110 hp version of the whisper turbo diesel debuting in Geneva is even cleaner and more economical. The top fuel-saving engine needs just 3.7 liters diesel for 100 km and with CO2 emissions of 97 g/km, undercuts the 100 gram mark.

Best connectivity today and tomorrow: Opel to introduce OnStar in 2015

Opel takes another major step forward on the road to connecting cars with their digital environment. At the Geneva Motor Show, Opel announces the introduction of OnStar, its satellite-based system that connects drivers and their vehicles to rescue coordination centers and many other contacts. OnStar also offers 4G-LTE high-speed internet access and connectivity possibilities for up to seven devices such as smartphones and tablets. With the launch of OnStar in Europe next year, the automaker underlines its pioneering role as the brand for mobile connectivity. The core feature is the multi-award-winning, state-of-the-art IntelliLink infotainment system which enables drivers of Opel models such as ADAM, Insignia, Cascada, Meriva and Zafira Tourer to bring a wide range of smartphone content into their car.

!NEW! Dan Ammann to chair Adam Opel AG Supervisory Board

GM reinforces commitment to Opel with the appointment of further top executives

Dan Ammann is the new Chairman of the Opel Supervisory Board.

The Supervisory Board of Adam Opel AG has elected GM President Dan Ammann (41) to succeed Steve Girsky as its new chairman. Ammann is a member of the Supervisory Board since November 2011. This January, he had been officially nominated by GM for the senior position.

In addition, GM has reinforced its commitment to Opel with the appointments of further top executives to the Supervisory Board: Mark Reuss, Executive Vice President of Global Product Development, Purchasing and Supply Chain; Julia Steyn, Vice President of Global Mergers and Acquisitions; Chuck Stevens, Executive Vice President and CFO and Jim DeLuca, Executive Vice President Global Manufacturing.

In addition to Steve Girsky, Mary Barra has left the Supervisory Board in order to focus on her new leadership role as GM Chief Executive Officer. John Stapleton, who is now CFO of GM North America, has also left the Supervisory Board, while Tim Lee, Executive Vice President, Global Manufacturing, and Chairman, GM China, resigned because he is retiring from the company.

Mary Barra had already praised Steve Girsky in January for his dedication and exceptional performance: “Steve has led the turnaround of GM Europe and brought the region back to the path of profitability. Dan Ammann will maintain this course with the clear aim to reach breakeven by the middle of the decade.”

Dr. Wolfgang Schäfer-Klug, head of the Opel works council and Deputy Chairman of the Supervisory Board: “In his role as GME President and head of the Supervisory Board Steve Girsky has brought GM and Opel together again. In dialogue with the employee representatives he made decisions of high importance for the future of Opel. Dan Ammann has been part of this policy as a Supervisory Board member and I am sure that he will continue this course.”

!NEW! GM CEO Mary Barra visits Opel in Rüsselsheim

• Mary Barra made First overseas trip as GM CEO
• Reinforces GM’s commitment to Opel and additional model for Rüsselsheim
• Joined by new GM President, Dan Ammann, nominated as chairman of the Opel Supervisory Board

GM President Dan Ammann, GM CEO Mary Barra and Opel CEO Karl-Thomas Neumann

Mary Barra made her first overseas trip as GM’s new CEO to Opel headquarters here, where she met with employees, toured the assembly plant and visited the International Technical Development Center (ITDC).

Barra was joined by GM’s new President, Dan Ammann, whom she also announced has been nominated to succeed Steve Girsky as chairman of the Opel Supervisory Board.

“I’m very pleased to have the chance to meet with our employees here,” said Barra, who became GM’s CEO on Jan. 15 this year. “I thought it was very important to reinforce in person GM’s commitment to Opel, its importance to the company and the need to accelerate our progress going forward. I am also pleased to confirm that we will add another model to our Rüsselsheim plant.” For competitive reasons, the company is not in a position to reveal any details at this point of time.

“With Dan Ammann nominated to succeed Steve Girsky as chairman of the Opel Supervisory Board and with KT Neumann leading the Opel team, I’m confident that we can achieve our goal to break-even in Europe by mid-decade,” she added.

Opel CEO Karl-Thomas Neumann, GM CEO Mary Barra and GM President Dan Ammann in front of the new Opel Insignia Country Tourer.

Barra noted that GM is investing €4 billion in Germany and Europe through 2016, which will help bring 23 new products and 13 new engines to market: “We must remain focused on the customer and delivering great, innovative products to the market on a consistent and sustained basis,” she said. “That is how we will win here and all around the world.”

During her visit, Barra toured the Rüsselsheim plant, home to 3,300 employees and where the award-winning Opel Insignia and Astra models are built. She also visited the ITDC, GM’s second largest development center in the world, where more than 6,000 engineers, technicians and designers are working on the latest technologies for future GM vehicles.

GM President Dan Ammann, Opel CEO Karl-Thomas Neumann and GM CEO Mary Barra (from right to left) at the Rüsselsheim assembly plant.

Opel CEO Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann said the Opel team was thrilled to have hosted Barra and Ammann: “We are honored that Mary and Dan chose Opel as the first GM location to visit outside the company’s Detroit headquarters. It reinforced for all of us the importance of Opel to GM and the support we will continue to receive as we drive to return Opel and its products to greatness.”

!NEW! GM Delivered 9.7 Million Vehicles Globally in 2013

General Motors Co. (GM) dealers delivered 9,714,652 vehicles around the world in the 2013, up 4 percent compared with 2012. Among GM’s top five global markets by volume, China and the United Kingdom posted the largest year-over-year sales increases on a percentage basis, with each up 11 percent. GM’s China sales set a new full-year record. Sales in the United States increased 7 percent.

“A healthy auto market in the United States and China, and very successful product launches at all of our brands worldwide drove GM’s growth in 2013 and helped us navigate difficult conditions in Europe and parts of South America and Asia,” said Dan Ammann, GM executive vice president and chief financial officer.

Ammann, who has been named president of General Motors, will discuss the company’s outlook and strategy at the 2014 Global Auto Industry Conference hosted by Deutsche Bank on Wednesday, January 15, in Detroit. GM’s presentation will begin at approximately 7:30 a.m. EST followed by a Q&A session.

A live webcast of the presentation will be available here. Presentation materials will be posted in the Investor section of gm.com shortly before the webcast.

Going forward, GM plans to announce its global sales on a quarterly basis using this new template as part of the company’s effort to provide insightful and easily accessible information about its global growth strategy.

Highlights (vs. 2012)

• Chevrolet sold a record 4,984,126 vehicles in 2013, an increase of 19,304 from the previous record set in 2012. Key product launches included the Silverado, named the 2014 North American Truck of the Year, and the Corvette Stingray, named the 2014 North American Car of the Year.
  
• Cadillac’s global sales were up 28 percent. The brand ended 2013 as the fastest-growing full-line luxury brand in the United States, with sales up 22 percent following the introductions of the all-new XTS and ATS. In China, Cadillac’s sales grew 67 percent to a record 50,005 vehicles. Cadillac broke ground on a new assembly plant in China last year and plans to add one new model per year in the country through 2016.
  
• Buick’s global sales were up 15 percent as it introduced redesigns of the LaCrosse and Regal in all of its major markets and added new models in North America, including the Encore crossover. Dealers delivered 1,032,331 vehicles for the best year in the brand’s 110-year history. The previous record of 1,003,345 vehicles sold was set in 1984, before the brand entered the China market.
• Opel / Vauxhall sold more than 1 million vehicles globally and delivered a slight increase in European market share to the mid-5 percent range, its first in 14 years, following the successful launches of the Mokka and ADAM.

General Motors Co. (NYSE:GM, TSX: GMM) and its partners produce vehicles in 30 countries, and the company has leadership positions in the world's largest and fastest-growing automotive markets. GM, its subsidiaries and joint venture entities sell vehicles under the Chevrolet, Cadillac, Baojun, Buick, GMC, Holden, Jiefang, Opel, Vauxhall and Wuling brands.

   

!NEW! Dan Akerson to Retire as GM CEO in January 2014

Mary Barra to Become Next GM CEO; Dan Ammann Named President

Daniel F. Akerson - GM Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, General Motors Company

General Motors today announced that Dan Akerson, who guided today’s GM to record profits and dramatic improvement in vehicle quality while closing the chapter on government ownership in the company, will step down as chairman and CEO on Jan. 15, 2014.

Mary Barra to become next GM CEO

Mary T. Barra - GM Executive Vice President, Global Product Development & Global Purchasing & Supply Chain

Mary Barra, 51, executive vice president, Global Product Development, Purchasing and Supply Chain, was elected by the Board of Directors to become the next CEO of the company.  Barra will also join the GM Board. 

Dan Akerson, 65, pulled ahead his succession plan by several months after his wife was recently diagnosed with an advanced stage of cancer.

The Board also named Theodore (Tim) Solso to succeed Akerson as Chairman.  Solso, 66, is the former chairman and CEO of Cummins, Inc., and has been a member of the GM Board since June 2012.

Theodore M. Solso - GM Former Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Cummins, Inc.

“I will leave with great satisfaction in what we have accomplished, great optimism over what is ahead and great pride that we are restoring General Motors as America’s standard bearer in the global auto industry,”  Akerson said in a message to employees.

With 33 years of experience at GM, Barra has risen through a series of manufacturing, engineering, and senior staff positions.  She is a leader in the company’s ongoing turnaround, revitalizing GM’s product development process resulting in the launch of critically acclaimed new products while delivering record product quality ratings and higher customer satisfaction.

“With an amazing portfolio of cars and trucks and the strongest financial performance in our recent history, this is an exciting time at today’s GM,” said Barra. “I’m honored to lead the best team in the business and to keep our momentum at full speed.”

Dan Ammann, 41, executive vice president and chief financial officer, was named company president and will assume responsibility for managing the company’s regional operations around the world.  The global Chevrolet and Cadillac brand organizations and GM Financial will also report to Ammann.

Daniel Ammann - GM Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer

Ammann joined GM in 2010 where his first assignment was to manage GM’s initial public offering. As CFO, he has led a transformation of GM’s finance operations into a world-class organization.  He also led the strategy to rebuild the company’s captive finance capability through the successful establishment and growth of GM Financial.

“We have a significant opportunity to further integrate and optimize our operations to deliver even better results,” said Ammann.  “While we have made good progress, we still have much work ahead of us to realize GM’s full potential.”

Ammann will retain CFO responsibilities at least through the release of the company’s fourth quarter and full-year 2013 results in early February 2014.  His replacement as CFO will be named later.

Mark Reuss, 50, executive vice president and president, North America, will replace Barra as executive vice president, Global Product Development, Purchasing and Supply Chain.  Under Reuss’ watch, GM’s North America region has produced consistent profits and improved margins during a product renaissance that includes the launch of award-winning cars and trucks such as the Cadillac ATS, Chevrolet Corvette, Impala and Silverado pickup.

Mark Reuss - GM Executive Vice President and President, North America

“The driver’s seat of designing and engineering the strongest product line up in GM’s history is the best seat to have,” said Reuss.  “We’re going to keep the pedal down on GM’s product resurgence and keep winning new customers.”

Alan Batey, currently senior vice president, Global Chevrolet and U.S. Sales and Marketing, will replace Reuss and is named Executive Vice President and President, North America.  Batey, 50, joined GM’s Vauxhall operation in 1979 and held several sales, service and marketing positions around the world.  In his current position, he has developed the Chevrolet brand’s Find New Roads advertising campaign and has overseen a sweeping upgrade of retail sales and service operations at hundreds of U.S. dealerships.

Alan Batey - GM Senior Vice President, Global Chevrolet Brand Chief & U.S. Sales and Marketing

“North America is the foundation of the GM turnaround story and I’m honored to help continue what Mark started,” said Batey.  “We remain committed to delivering the world’s best retail experience to match the world’s best cars and trucks.”

The company also announced that Steve Girsky, 51, vice chairman, Corporate Strategy, Business Development and Global Product Planning, will move to a senior advisor role until leaving the company in April 2014.  He will remain on the GM Board of Directors.

Stephen J. Girsky - GM Vice Chairman, Corporate Strategy, Business Development & Global Product Planning

Girsky led GM’s turnaround plan for Europe that has put that region’s operations back on a path to profitability.  He has also put GM’s OnStar unit at the forefront of in-vehicle connectivity and helped create GM Ventures to speed the commercialization of new technologies in GM vehicles.

“I share Dan’s pride for what the company has accomplished and his sense of optimism for a bright future,” said Girsky.  “This team is united in its commitment to building on the foundation that we have established.”

Under Akerson’s leadership, GM made swift progress as the company transformed from being majority owned by U.S. Treasury to being publicly traded and investment grade rated.

“My goals as CEO were to put the customer at the center of every decision we make, to position GM for long term success and to make GM a company that America can be proud of again,” Akerson said.  “We are well down that path, and I’m certain that our new team will keep us moving in that direction.”

Akerson was named GM Chairman and CEO on September 1, 2010.  He joined GM in 2009 as a member of its Board of Directors.  Since the company’s November 2010 Initial Public Offering, GM has recorded 15 consecutive quarters of profitability, has earned this year the best overall initial vehicle quality scores of any auto manufacturer, and has re-invested nearly $9 billion and created or retained more than 25,000 jobs at its U.S plants.