Stellantis, Foxconn to Develop Breakthrough Digital Cockpits and Personalized Connected Services with Mobile Drive Joint Venture

• Mobile Drive, with investments from both Foxconn and Stellantis, will accelerate go-to-market timelines for the most advanced in-car and connected-car technologies in the industry

• Mobile Drive brings together expertise in consumer innovations from the sustainable mobility and advanced electronics industries

• Joint venture will competitively bid for global vehicle program contracts with Stellantis and other auto industry companies

Stellantis and Foxconn, together with its subsidiary FIH Mobile, today announced the signing of a non-binding memorandum of understanding to form Mobile Drive, a 50/50 voting rights joint venture aimed at accelerating development timelines to bring innovative in-vehicle user experiences enabled by advanced consumer electronics, HMI interfaces and services that will exceed customer expectations. 

Mobile Drive will combine Stellantis’ global vehicle design and engineering expertise with Foxconn’s global development in the rapidly changing software and hardware realms of smartphones and consumer electronics. Combination will position Mobile Drive at the forefront of global efforts to deliver a new frontier of in-cabin information and entertainment capabilities, seamlessly connected inside and outside the vehicles in which they are installed.

“Today, there’s something that matters just as much as beautiful design or innovative technology, it’s how the features inside our vehicles improve the lives of our customers,” said Carlos Tavares, Chief Executive Officer at Stellantis. “Software is a strategic move for our industry and Stellantis intends to lead with Mobile Drive, a company that will enable the swift development of connectivity features and services that mark the next great evolution of our industry, just as electrification technology has.”

“The vehicles of the future will be increasingly software driven and software defined. Customers today and, in the future, demand and expect ever increasing software driven and creative solutions to connect the drivers and passengers with the vehicle inside and out. Mobile Drive will meet and exceed these expectations with teams of designers and software and hardware engineers,” said Chairman Young Liu at Foxconn. “This is a natural extension of Foxconn’s global leadership in the development and application of smart technologies to improve the quality of life of consumers around the world.”

All development by Mobile Drive will be co-owned by Stellantis and Foxconn. Netherlands-based joint venture will operate as an automotive supplier, competitively bidding to supply software solutions and related hardware for Stellantis and other interested automakers.

“Leveraging Foxconn’s extensive knowledge of user experience and software development in mobile ecosystems, Mobile Drive will offer the disruptive smart cockpit solution that will seamlessly integrate the automobile into the driver’s mobile-centric lifestyle,” Calvin Chih, Chief Executive Officer at FIH. 

“With this partnership, we will push the boundaries in connected car technology and bring immersive experiences yet to be imagined,” said Yves Bonnefont, Chief Software Officer at Stellantis. “Mobile Drive ultimately gives us the agility we need to provide the digital experience of the future at the speed our customers demand.” 

Mobile Drive will focus on infotainment, telematics and cloud service platform development with software innovations expected to include artificial intelligence-based applications, 5G communication, upgraded over-the-air services, e-commerce opportunities and smart cockpit integrations. 

Foxconn and Stellantis previously partnered in the development of the Airflow Vision design concept, displayed at CES, world's most influential technology event. Concept demonstrated the thinking of both companies in a next-generation of premium transportation and user experience.

Stellantis: Building a world leader in sustainable mobility

• A new company with the agility, creativity and efficiency to capture the opportunities of the new era of mobility, offering innovative solutions that will help change the way society moves
• Rich heritage stemming from storied and iconic automotive marques, innovative mobility brands and deep roots in the communities in which it operates
• Well positioned to compete in global markets with 39 electrified vehicles available by the end of 2021
• Significant scale with well-established commercial positions in Europe, North America and Latin America
• Strong opening balance sheet
• Targeting more than €5 billion of annual steady state synergies
• Robust governance structure from Day One dedicated to creating superior value for all stakeholders
• Unwavering commitment of the 400,000 employees to exceed consumer expectations and pursue greatness

Carlos Tavares and John Elkann

Today marks the launch of Stellantis NV [STLA] (“Stellantis” or “the Company” or “Group”), a world leader for a new era of sustainable mobility dedicated to providing freedom of movement with distinctive, affordable and efficient transportation solutions uniquely positioned to capture the exciting opportunities of a global industry undergoing rapid and profound change.

Formed from the combination of two groups with strong track records and sound finances, Stellantis is a truly global company of 400,000 diverse, highly talented and experienced employees who design, develop, manufacture, distribute, and sell vehicles and mobility solutions around the world while remaining deeply rooted in the communities in which they live and work.

11-member Board of Directors is led by Chairman John Elkann. Carlos Tavares as Chief Executive Officer leads one of the most experienced and successful management teams in the industry whose diversity, experience and competitive spirit are amongst its key strengths. With a deep bench of executive talent relentlessly committed to improvement and innovation, Stellantis is well-positioned to continue its founding companies’ track record of value creation for all stakeholders guided by a common principle: challenge the status quo.

With a proud heritage stretching back 125 years, Stellantis is home to a full portfolio of storied brands that have graced the road and conquered the podium in the world of motorsport. Founded by visionaries who infused these marques with passion and a competitive spirit, the brands cover the full spectrum of market segments from luxury, premium and mainstream passenger vehicles to hard-charging pickup trucks, SUVs and light commercial vehicles, as well as dedicated mobility, finance and parts and service brands.

Stellantis already has a well-established presence in three regions – Europe, North America and Latin America – in addition to significant untapped potential in important markets such as China, Africa, the Middle East, Oceania and India. With industrial operations in more than 30 countries, the Company has the ability to efficiently meet and exceed consumer expectations and deliver vehicles and services of unparalleled quality in more than 130 markets.

Stellantis starts from a position of considerable strength with robust operating margins reflecting the Company’s leading positions in North America, Europe and Latin America. Company expects to leverage its size and economies of scale as an enabler to invest in innovative mobility solutions for its customers, targeting annual synergies of more than €5 billion at a steady state. These synergy estimates will be achieved through the implementation of smart purchasing and investment strategies, optimizing powertrain and platform utilization, applying cutting-edge R&D and a continuous focus on manufacturing and tooling efficiencies. These synergy estimates are not based on any plant closures resulting from the transaction.

Nine Governance Committees will ensure an efficient operating structure from Day One, including company-wide performance & strategy, planning, regions, manufacturing, brand and styling.

Stellantis’ portfolio is uniquely suited to offer distinctive, sustainable mobility solutions to meet its customers’ evolving needs, as they embrace electrification, connectivity, autonomous driving and shared ownership.  As the electrified market continues to grow, Stellantis is well positioned today with 29 electrified models available and plans to introduce ten additional vehicles by the end of this year.

Company is strongly committed to playing an active part in contributing to the societies in which it operates, as it works towards achieving a long-term goal of carbon neutrality across all products, assembly plants and other facilities.

Marking the occasion John Elkann said: “It is no coincidence that Stellantis is born precisely when our world requires a new kind of automotive company that will champion clean and intelligent solutions to provide freedom of movement for all. Our global scale and reach provide us with the resources to invest in state-of-the-art technologies, distinctive excellence and unmatched choice for our customers. But it is the geographic and cultural diversity of Stellantis’ people that from Day One is our greatest competitive advantage. It is they, with their energy, their knowhow and their constant commitment who make Stellantis what it is today. And it is they who day-by-day will build an even greater company for this new era of mobility.” Commenting on the first day of Stellantis’ journey, Carlos Tavares said, “This is a great day. One year after we announced this project, Stellantis is born, notwithstanding the unprecedented societal and economic disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. I want to warmly thank all of the teams who made this possible and also thank the entire workforce who continued to move our operations forward during this exceptional year. This demonstrates the agility, creativity and adaptability of our company which aims to be great rather than big, determined to be much more than the sum of its parts. It is also a further signal of the new company’s determination to be a leading player in the automotive industry in this ever changing environment. Stellantis is dedicated to “pursuing greatness” and enhancing the well-being of its employees.”

New company began trading yesterday, January 18, on Euronext (Paris) and the Borsa Italiana (Milan) and today on the New York Stock Exchange.

Full year 2020 results will be reported on March 3, 2021.

Best Wishes from Opel for Happy Holidays and a Healthy 2021

• Well-deserved break: Relax and re-charge over Christmas
• Major event: In Q1 Groupe PSA and FCA will merge to form Stellantis
• Hot wheels: In 2021 Opel Combo, Combo Life, Movano and Astra will also go electric
• Congratulations: Classic models from Opel Kadett to Frontera celebrate important anniversaries in the new year

Best wishes from Opel for a Merry Christmas, a Happy New Year and a successful and healthy 2021. It's worth looking ahead, because the coming year will bring new electrified models from Rüsselsheim, major anniversaries and a new parent company for the brand with the Blitz.

Merger of Groupe PSA and FCA (Fiat Chrysler Automotive) to form Stellantis is scheduled for completion in the first quarter of 2021. Opel will be the only German brand in this global group – with bold and pure design, low-emission powertrains and innovative technologies. So Opel will continue to make good on its word to democratise state-of-the-art mobility. This has a long tradition. Opel has been building cars since 1899 and has made millions of people independent and mobile. Along the way many icons have been created, some of which will celebrate major anniversaries in the coming year: the Kadett will turn 85, Olympia and Kapitän 70, the Opel Rekord D 50 and SUV pioneer Frontera 30 – technology carriers, trendsetters, milestones of the automotive industry.

German manufacturer will also continue its electrification offensive unabated in 2021, when the Opel Combo, Combo Life and new Movano will join the brand's electric models. And the new Astra will also debut as an electrified version. This means that Opel will already have nine electric vehicles in its portfolio in 2021. By 2024, the Rüsselsheim-based company will also offer an electrified version of all models and take a leading role in terms of efforts to lower CO2 emissions.

“New Oel Mokka, next generation Astra– there are many good reasons to look forward to 2021. Excellent technology, electrification, an outstanding and unique design plus top equipment: that's what our new cars stand for and what our customers can look forward to. We meet the strict CO2 targets with our models. That is extremely important, because CO2 is the new currency,” explains Opel CEO, Michael Lohscheller.

Meanwhile, the brand's internationalisation offensive is in full swing. Opel is returning to important markets such as Japan. Currently, the carmaker is opening up new sales channels in South America. Business is already going very well in North Africa and the Middle East. The brand also returned to the Russian market about one year ago.

Corporate PACE! plan of 2017 stated that “Opel will become electric, Opel will become global and Opel will become sustainably profitable”. Company is delivering on all these promises and will continue to steadfastly pursue its strategy in the New Year.

Groupe PSA achieved a new profitability record in 2019

• €74.7 billion Group revenue up 1%
• 8.5% Group adjusted operating margin [1] at €6.3 billion
• 8.5% Automotive division [2] adjusted operating margin up 0.9 pt at €5.0 billion
• Record net result Group share at €3.2 billion
• €3.3 billion Automotive division free cash flow
• PACE! plan target achieved with Opel Vauxhall 6.5% adjusted operating margin

Carlos Tavares, Chairman of Groupe PSA Managing Board said: “Our skilled and committed teams made the difference once again and we have achieved record results in 2019, driven by our agile, customer focused and socially responsible approach. We are ready for the energy transition and all teams are focused to offer a clean, safe and affordable mobility for customers. Based on our business model and fighting spirit which has proved to be efficient, we are eager to enter a new era with the projected merger with FCA.”

A dividend of €1.23 per share [3] will be submitted for approval at the next Shareholders’ Meeting.

Group revenue amounted to €74,731 million in 2019, up by 1.0% compared to 2018. Automotive division revenue amounted to €58,943 million up by 0.7% versus 2018, mainly driven by product mix (+4.3%) and price (+1.2%), which offset the decrease of sales to partners (-1.7%), the negative impact of exchange rates (-0.5%), volumes and country mix (-2.4%) as well as others (-0.2%).

Group adjusted operating income [4] amounted to €6,324 million, up 11.2% with Automotive adjusted operating income up 12.8% at €5,037 million. This 8.5% strong profitability level was reached thanks to a positive product mix and further cost reductions despite exchange rate headwinds and raw material costs increases.

Group adjusted operating margin reached 8.5%, up 0.8 pt versus 2018.

Other operating income and expenses amounted to -€1,656 million, compared to -€1,289 million in 2018.

Group net financial expenses decreased to -€344 million compared to -€446 million in 2018.

Consolidated net income reached €3,584 million, an increase of €289 million compared to 2018. Net income, Group share, reached €3,201 million, up €374 million compared to 2018.

Banque PSA Finance reported adjusted operating income of €1,012 million [5], up 7.8%.

Faurecia adjusted operating income was €1,227 million, down 2.9%.

Free cash flow of manufacturing and sales companies was €2,745 million of which €3,265 million for the Automotive division.

Total inventory, including independent dealers and importers [6], stood at 606,000 vehicles at 31 December 2019, down 74,000 vehicles compared to 31 December 2018.

Net financial position of manufacturing and sales companies was €7,914 million at 31 December 2019 after IFRS 16 effect and Clarion acquisition by Faurecia and including DFG share repurchase debt.

A dividend of €1.23 per share [7] will be submitted for approval at the next Shareholders’ Meeting with an ex-dividend date considered to be on 21 May 2020, and the payment date on 25 May 2020.

Market outlook: in 2020, the Group anticipates a decrease by 3% of the automotive market in Europe and by 2% in Russia as well as a stable automotive market in Latin America.

Operational outlook:

Groupe PSA has set the target to deliver over 4.5% Automotive adjusted operating margin [8] on average for the period 2019-2021.

[1] Adjusted operating income related to revenue

[2] Automotive Division (PCDOV)

[3] Dividend per share calculated on the basis of the total number of outstanding shares of the company minus the treasury shares of the company as of 25 February 2020. The actual dividend per share will depend on the number of treasury shares held at the ex-dividend date and any shares issued or cancelled prior to this date.

[4] Adjusted operating income (loss) excludes from Operating income certain adjustments comprising Restructuring costs, Impairment of CGU’s and Other operating income (expense) considered rare or discrete events and are infrequent in nature.

[5] 100% of the result of Banque PSA Finance. In the financial statements of Groupe PSA, joint ventures are consolidated using the equity method.

[6] Including Peugeot importers outside Europe

[7] Dividend per share calculated on the basis of the total number of outstanding shares of the company minus the treasury shares of the company as of 25 February 2020. The actual dividend per share will depend on the number of treasury shares held at the ex-dividend date and any shares issued or cancelled prior to this date.

[8] Automotive Division (PCDOV) adjusted operating income related to revenue

Groupe PSA and FCA agree to merge

New entity will have the leadership, resources and scale to be at the forefront of a new era of sustainable mobility

• Combines companies’ extensive and growing capabilities to address the challenge of shaping the new era of sustainable mobility
• Combined company will be the 4th largest global OEM by volume and 3rd largest by revenue with annual sales of 8.7 million units and combined revenues of nearly €170 billion [1]
• Creates a diversified business with among the highest margins in its core markets of Europe, North America and Latin America and the opportunity to reshape the strategy in other regions
• Merger will deliver approximately €3.7 billion estimated annual run-rate synergies with no plant closures resulting from the transaction – synergies are expected to be net cash flow positive from year 1
• Strong combined balance sheet and high level of liquidity provide financial flexibility with an investment grade credit rating expected
• Combined company will leverage investment efficiency across a larger scale to develop innovative mobility solutions and cutting edge technologies in new energy vehicles, autonomous driving and connectivity
• Broad portfolio of well-established iconic brands offering best-in-class products covering key vehicle market segments and delivering higher customer satisfaction
• Excellent working relationship between the two management teams, which share successful track records in turnarounds, value creation and successful OEM combinations
• Strong governance structure to underpin combined company performance with John Elkann as Group Chairman and Carlos Tavares as Group CEO, with a majority of independent directors [2]
• Strong support of long-term shareholders (EXOR N.V., Peugeot Family Group, Bpifrance [3] who will be represented on the Board

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles N.V. (“FCA”) (NYSE: FCAU / MTA: FCA) and Peugeot S.A. (“Groupe PSA”) have today signed a binding Combination Agreement providing for a 50/50 merger of their businesses to create the 4th largest global automotive OEM by volume and 3rd largest by revenue. The proposed combination will be an industry leader with the management, capabilities, resources and scale to successfully capitalize on the opportunities presented by the new era in sustainable mobility.

With its combined financial strength and skills, the merged entity will be particularly well placed to provide innovative, clean and sustainable mobility solutions, both in a rapidly urbanizing environment and in rural areas around the world. The gains in efficiency derived from larger volumes, as well as the benefits of uniting the two companies’ strengths and core competencies, will ensure the combined business can offer all its customers best-in-class products, technologies and services and respond with increased agility to the shift taking place in this highly demanding sector.

The combined company will have annual unit sales of 8.7 million vehicles, with revenues of nearly €170 billion[ 4], recurring operating profit of over €11 billion [5] and an operating profit margin of 6.6%, all on a simple aggregated basis of 2018 results [6]. The strong combined balance sheet provides significant financial flexibility and ample headroom both to execute strategic plans and invest in new technologies throughout the cycle.

The combined entity will have a balanced and profitable global presence with a highly complementary and iconic brand portfolio covering all key vehicle segments from luxury, premium, and mainstream passenger cars through to SUVs and trucks & light commercial vehicles. This will be underpinned by FCA’s strength in North America and Latin America and Groupe PSA’s solid position in Europe. The new Group will have much greater geographic balance with 46% of revenues derived from Europe and 43% from North America, based on aggregated 2018 figures of each company. The combination will bring the opportunity for the new company to reshape the strategy in other regions.

The efficiencies that will be gained from optimizing investments in vehicle platforms, engine families and new technologies while leveraging increased scale will enable the business to enhance its purchasing performance and create additional value for stakeholders. More than two-thirds of run rate volumes will be concentrated on 2 platforms, with approximately 3 million cars per year on each of the small platform and the compact/mid-size platform.

These technology, product and platform-related savings are expected to account for approximately 40% of the total €3.7 billion in annual run-rate synergies, while purchasing - benefiting principally from scale and best price alignment - will represent a further estimated 40% of the synergies. Other areas, including marketing, IT, G&A and logistics, will account for the remaining 20%. These synergy estimates are not based on any plant closures resulting from the transaction. It is projected that the estimated synergies will be net cash flow positive from year 1 and that approximately 80% of the synergies will be achieved by year 4. The total one-time cost of achieving the synergies is estimated at €2.8 billion.

Those synergies will enable the combined business to invest significantly in the technologies and services that will shape mobility in the future while meeting the challenging global CO2 regulatory requirements. With an already strong global R&D footprint, the combined entity will have a robust platform to foster innovation and further drive development of transformational capabilities in new energy vehicles, sustainable mobility, autonomous driving and connectivity.

The merged entity will benefit from an efficient governance structure designed to promote effective performance, with a Board comprised of 11 members, the majority of whom will be independent [7]. Five Board members will be nominated by FCA and its reference shareholder (including John Elkann as Chairman) and five will be nominated by Groupe PSA and its reference shareholders (including the Senior Non-Executive Director and the Vice Chairman). At closing the Board will include two members representing FCA and Groupe PSA employees [8]. Carlos Tavares will be Chief Executive Officer for an initial term of five years and will also be a member of the Board.

Carlos Tavares, Mike Manley and their executive teams have a strong track record in successfully turning around companies and combining OEMs with diverse cultures. This experience will support the speed of execution of the merger, underpinned by the companies’ strong recent performances and already robust balance sheets. The merged entity will maneuver with speed and efficiency in an automotive industry undergoing rapid and fundamental changes.

The new group’s Dutch-domiciled parent company will be listed on Euronext (Paris), the Borsa Italiana (Milan) and the New York Stock Exchange and will benefit from its strong presence in France, Italy and the US.

Under the proposed by-laws of the combined company, no shareholder would have the power to exercise more than 30% of the votes cast at shareholders’ meetings. It is also foreseen that there will be no carryover of existing double voting rights but that new double voting rights will accrue after a three-year holding period after completion of the merger.

A standstill in respect of the shareholdings of EXOR N.V., Bpifrance [9], Dongfeng Group (DFG) and the Peugeot Family (EPF/FFP) will apply for a period of 7 years following completion of the merger, except that EPF/FFP will be permitted to increase its shareholding by up to a maximum of 2.5% in the merged entity (or 5% at the Groupe PSA level) by acquiring shares from Bpifrance and/or DFG and/or on the market [10]. EXOR, Bpifrance and EPF/FFP will be subject to a 3-year lock-up in respect of their shareholdings except that Bpifrance will be permitted to reduce its shareholdings by 5% in Groupe PSA or 2.5% in the merged entity. DFG has agreed to sell, and Groupe PSA has agreed to buy, 30.7 million shares prior to closing (those shares will be cancelled). DFG will be subject to a lock up until the completion of the transaction for the balance of its participation in Groupe PSA, resulting in an ownership of 4.5% in the new group.

EXOR, Bpifrance, the Peugeot Family and Dongfeng have each irrevocably committed to vote in favor of the transaction at the shareholders’ meetings of FCA and Groupe PSA.

Before closing, FCA will distribute to its shareholders a special dividend of €5.5 billion while Groupe PSA will distribute to its shareholders its 46% stake in Faurecia. In addition, FCA will continue work on the separation of its holding in Comau which will be separated promptly following closing, for the benefit of the shareholders of the combined company. This will enable the combined group’s shareholders to equally share in the synergies and benefits that will flow from a merger while recognizing the significant value of both Groupe PSA and FCA’s assets and strengths in terms of market share and brand potential. Each company intends to distribute a €1.1 billion ordinary dividend in 2020 related to fiscal year 2019, subject to approval by each company’s Board of Directors and shareholders. At closing, Groupe PSA shareholders will receive 1.742 shares of the new combined company for each share of Groupe PSA, while FCA shareholders will have 1 share of the new combined company for each share of FCA.

Completion of the proposed combination is expected to take place in 12-15 months, subject to customary closing conditions, including approval by both companies’ shareholders at their respective Extraordinary General Meetings and the satisfaction of antitrust and other regulatory requirements.

Groupe PSA CEO Carlos Tavares and FCA CEO Mike Manley

Carlos Tavares, Chairman of the Managing Board of Groupe PSA, said: “Our merger is a huge opportunity to take a stronger position in the auto industry as we seek to master the transition to a world of clean, safe and sustainable mobility and to provide our customers with world-class products, technology and services. I have every confidence that with their immense talent and their collaborative mindset, our teams will succeed in delivering maximized performance with vigor and enthusiasm.”

Mike Manley, Chief Executive Officer of FCA, added: “This is a union of two companies with incredible brands and a skilled and dedicated workforce. Both have faced the toughest of times and have emerged as agile, smart, formidable competitors. Our people share a common trait - they see challenges as opportunities to be embraced and the path to making us better at what we do."

[1] Represents FCA Net Revenues, excluding Magneti Marelli, and Groupe PSA Revenue excluding Faurecia Revenue to Third Parties

[2] In compliance with the Dutch corporate governance code

[3] Bpifrance shall include jointly Bpifrance Participations S.A. and its wholly-owned subsidiary Lion Participations SAS

[4] Represents FCA Net Revenues, excluding Magneti Marelli, and Groupe PSA Revenue excluding Faurecia Revenue to Third Parties

[5] Represents FCA Adjusted EBIT, excluding Magneti Marelli, and Groupe PSA Recurring Operating Income excluding Faurecia

[6] Excluding Faurecia and Magneti Marelli

[7] To meet the objective of having a “majority of independent directors”, 5 out of 9 non-executive directors need to be independent

[8] Employee representatives would be defined based on legal requirements at all levels

[9] Bpifrance shall include jointly Bpifrance Participations S.A. and its wholly-owned subsidiary Lion Participations SAS

[10] Up to 1% of the shares of the merged entity plus the percentage of shares sold by Bpifrance, other than to the Peugeot Family (subject to the overall maximum of 2.5%)

Groupe PSA and FCA plan to join forces to build world leader for new era in sustainable mobility

Discussions have opened a path to the creation of a new group with global scale and resources owned 50% by Groupe PSA shareholders and 50% by FCA shareholders. In a rapidly changing environment, with new challenges in connected, electrified, shared and autonomous mobility, the combined entity would leverage its strong global R&D footprint and ecosystem to foster innovation and meet these challenges with speed and capital efficiency.

• Combination would create the 4th largest global OEM in terms of annual unit sales (8.7m vehicles)
• At its inception, the combined company would realize among the highest margins in the markets where it would operate, based on FCA’s strength in North America and Latin America and Groupe PSA’s in Europe
• Combination would unite the groups’ respective brand strengths across Luxury, Premium, Mainstream Passenger Car, SUV and Trucks & Light Commercial – making them stronger together
• Merged entity would bring together the companies’ extensive and growing capabilities in the technologies shaping the new era of sustainable mobility, including electrified powertrain, autonomous driving and digital connectivity
• Approximately €3.7 billion estimated annual run-rate synergies without any plant closures resulting from the transaction
• Highly respected combined management team recognised for exceptional value creation and with proven success in previous OEM combinations
• Dutch parent company Board would have balanced representation and a majority of independent Directors. John Elkann as Chairman and Carlos Tavares as CEO and member of the Board

Supervisory Board of Peugeot S.A. and the Board of Directors of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles N.V. (“FCA”) (NYSE: FCAU / MTA: FCA). have each unanimously agreed to work towards a full combination of their respective businesses by way of a 50/50 merger. Both boards have given the mandate to their respective teams to finalize the discussions to reach a binding Memorandum of Understanding in the coming weeks.

The plan to combine the Groupe PSA and FCA businesses follows intensive discussions between the senior managements of the two companies. Both share the conviction that there is compelling logic for a bold and decisive move that would create an industry leader with the scale, capabilities and resources to capture successfully the opportunities and manage effectively the challenges of the new era in mobility.

The proposed combination would create the 4th largest global OEM in terms of unit sales (8.7 million vehicles), with combined revenues of nearly €170 billion[1] and recurring operating profit of over €11 billion[2] on a simple aggregated basis of 2018 results excluding Magneti Marelli and Faurecia. The significant value accretion resulting from the transaction is estimated to be approximately €3.7 billion in annual run-rate synergies derived principally from a more efficient allocation of resources for large-scale investments in vehicle platforms, powertrain and technology and from the enhanced purchasing capability inherent in the combined group’s new scale. These synergy estimates are not based on any plant closures.

It is projected that 80% of the synergies would be achieved after 4 years. The total one-time cost of achieving the synergies is estimated at €2.8 billion.

The shareholders of each company would own 50% of the equity of the newly combined group and would therefore share equally in the benefits arising from the combination. The transaction would be affected by way of a merger under a Dutch parent company and the governance structure of the new company would be balanced between the contributing shareholders, with the majority of the directors being independent. The Board would be composed of 11 members. Five Board members would be nominated by FCA (including John Elkann as Chairman) and five would be nominated by Groupe PSA (including the Senior Independent Director and the Vice Chairman)[3]. The Chief Executive Officer would be Carlos Tavares for an initial term of five years and he would also be a member of the Board.

Carlos Tavares said: “This convergence brings significant value to all the stakeholders and opens a bright future for the combined entity. I’m pleased with the work already done with Mike and will be very happy to work with him to build a great company together.”

Mike Manley said, "I'm delighted by the opportunity to work with Carlos and his team on this potentially industry-changing combination. We have a long history of successful cooperation with Groupe PSA and I am convinced that together with our great people we can create a world class global mobility company."

The new group’s Dutch-domiciled parent company would be listed on Euronext (Paris), the Borsa Italiana (Milan) and the New York Stock Exchange and would continue to maintain significant presences in the current operating head-office locations in France, Italy and the US.

It is proposed that the by-laws of the new combined company would provide that the loyalty voting program will not operate to grant voting rights to any single shareholder in the Shareholders Meeting exceeding 30%[4] of the total votes cast. It is also foreseen that there would be no carry over of existing double voting rights but that new double voting rights would accrue after a three-year holding period after completion of the merger.

A standstill in respect of the shareholdings of EXOR N.V., Bpifrance Participations SA, DFG and the Peugeot Family would apply for a period of 7 years following completion of the merger. EXOR, Bpifrance Participations and the Peugeot Family would be subject to a 3-year lock-up in respect of their shareholdings except that the Peugeot Family would be permitted to increase its shareholding by up to 2.5% during the first 3 years following the closing, only by acquiring shares from Bpifrance Participations and DFG.

Prior to the completion of the transaction, FCA would distribute to its shareholders a special dividend of €5.5 billion, as well as its shareholding in Comau. In addition, prior to completion, Peugeot would distribute to its shareholders its 46% stake in Faurecia. This would enable the combined groups’ shareholders to equally share in the synergies and benefits that would flow from a merger while recognizing the significant value of FCA’s differentiated platform in North America and strong position in Latin America, including its market-leading margins in those regions. It would also reflect the added value that FCA’s higher-end global brands Alfa Romeo and Maserati would bring given their substantial development potential.

Extended portfolio would cover all market segments with iconic brands and strong products based on rationalized platforms and optimization of investments.

Proposal would be submitted to the information and consultation process of the relevant employee bodies, and would be subject to customary closing conditions, including final board approvals of the binding Memorandum of Understanding and agreement on definitive documentation.

Groupe PSA to produce large vans by end of 2021 in Gliwice, Poland

• Success of Groupe PSA’s light commercial vehicle (LCV) strategy requires additional manufacturing capacities
• Convergence of Opel/Vauxhall LCV models on Groupe PSA platforms to increase efficiency
• Performance plan set to adapt the Gliwice location to welcome the production of light commercial vehicles

Groupe PSA Gliwice plant

Good news for Gliwice is a clear demonstration that our Excellent Plant Program is being executed across all European countries with synergies and efficiency. The industrial performance will be a key enabler to serve our ambitions in the commercial vehicle market, guaranteeing our customers the best offer in this segment for all our brands [1],” added Yann Vincent, Executive Vice-President, Manufacturing & Supply Chain.

“Welcoming the production of large vans is a major milestone for the future of the Gliwice location and also a big challenge to achieve the highest levels of efficiency and quality for the satisfaction of business customers. We will demonstrate in the years to come our agility to adapt our processes to the production of this type of vehicle and confirm the confidence placed in us,” said Andrzej Korpak, who manages the Gliwice Groupe PSA plant.

Peugeot Boxer

Groupe PSA, the European LCV market leader, intends to further strengthen its market share in Europe and accelerate its development in the other regions.

Citroën Jumper

SevelSud plant (FCA/PSA joint venture located in Val di Sangro, Italy) has exceeded its manufacturing capacities over the last three years with the production of the Peugeot Boxer, Citroën Jumper and Fiat Ducato large vans.

Fiat Ducato

Transition of the Opel and Vauxhall brands to the shared large vans platform will require additional production capacities. Groupe PSA has decided to extend its presence in Gliwice in Poland to fully utilize  its predisposition and competitiveness. Plant will be transformed to accommodate light commercial vehicles and adapted to the specific platform dedicated to large vans. Investment aims at ensuring the plant’s production capacity of up to 100,000 large vans per year.

Increase in manufacturing capacities in the large vans segment for the Peugeot, Citroën, Opel and Vauxhall brands will enable Groupe PSA to better supply customers by the end of 2021 and will provide manufacturing visibility for more than a decade in Gliwice.

[1] Peugeot, Citroën, Opel, Vauxhall

Euro NCAP Five-Star Rating Confirms: All-New Opel Insignia with Strong Safety Concept

• Top crash test performance: Euro NCAP awards new Insignia five stars
• New active hood: Provides clearance to hard structures in engine compartment
• Automatic Emergency Braking: Detects pedestrians as well as vehicles

Optimum pedestrian protection: The active hood of the new Opel Insignia receives special praise in the latest Euro NCAP safety ratings.

Euro NCAP has confirmed the integrity of the new Opel Insignia’s total concept. In its latest safety ratings published today, Euro NCAP awarded the Insignia Grand Sport and Insignia Sports Tourer the maximum five stars. The all-new Opel flagship achieved high scores in each of the categories assessed – adult occupant protection, child occupant protection, pedestrian protection and safety assist.

Commenting on the new Insignia’s crash test performance, Euro NCAP made special mention of two of the car’s innovative safety systems in particular. The all-new active hood, which in a collision lifts up in milliseconds, thus increasing the distance to the engine and offering pedestrians improved protection, “operated robustly for a variety of pedestrian statures and over a wide range of speed”. The refined Automatic Emergency Braking system, which can detect pedestrians as well as other vehicles “performed well … (and) … at highway speeds showed good performance, with accidents avoided or mitigated.”

“The top marks from Euro NCAP demonstrate that the individual safety components of the new Insignia form a total system” says Managing Director Sales and Aftersales, Peter Küspert. “But safety first at Opel applies not only to our flagship; the youngest members of our product portfolio, the Crossland X and Grandland X also offer front collision warning with Automatic Emergency Braking, as we want to offer all our customers the latest safety technologies. After all, as our new brand claims says, the future is everyone’s.”

In addition to the active hood and Automatic Emergency Braking, the new Opel Insignia impresses with many more ultra-modern assistance systems. No other car in this class offers such a wide range of intelligent technologies as the new generation of the Opel flagship:

 

•  IntelliLux LED  Matrix light: The 16 LED segments in charge of the high beam function that are integrated into each of the very slim headlamps of the Insignia enable the various light patterns to adapt to the prevailing traffic situation with the highest precision. Transitions between the multiple lighting patterns are faster and more seamless. 

• Head up display: Information such as speed, traffic signs, set speed of speed limiter and adaptive cruise control along with navigation direction is projected onto the windshield. Drivers thus have everything in their direct line of sight, ensuring that they keep their eyes on the road.

• Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with automatic emergency braking: Uses a camera and radar sensors to measure the distance to the vehicle ahead and adapt the speed accordingly. If the distance decreases abruptly when the driver ahead suddenly brakes, red LEDs in the windscreen/head up display light up and an audible warning sounds. At the same time, ACC initiates automatic emergency braking – faster than a person could normally react.

• Lane Keep Assist with automatic steering correction: Driving always requires undivided attention, but if the system registers that the car is unintentionally drifting out of its lane, it also provides gentle steering wheel movements to counteract this and shows this on the display when the car is travelling at speeds between 60 and 180 km/h.

These are complemented by assistance systems that provide the Insignia driver with excellent all-round visibility, which really come into play in urban driving:

• For the first time at Opel, the 360°camera: It consists of four individual cameras, one on each side of the car. The combined system enables an optional 360-degree bird’s-eye view, facilitating every parking and low-speed driving maneuver. The driver can thus keep everything in view over the IntelliLink display in the center console – no uncomfortable neck-craning necessary.

• Rear View Camera: Shows the area behind the vehicle on the IntelliLink touchscreen as soon as reverse gear is engaged. Dynamic guidelines based on the steering wheel angle are shown on the display and facilitate accurate reversing into a parking space.

• Rear Cross Traffic Alert. The system uses radar sensors in the rear bumper to detect objects coming from up to 20 meters at 90 degrees from the left or right side behind the vehicle and warns with visual and acoustic signals, a very useful function when reversing out of a parking spot with limited visibility.

• Advanced Park Assist: Ultrasound sensors on the Insignia’s front and rear bumpers identify suitable parking spaces and detect possible obstacles. When the parking spot is detected, the system automatically parks the vehicle without the driver touching the wheel. The driver just controls the pedals and gear shifting.

A host of further radar and camera-based automatic assistants complete the portfolio and make driving in the new Opel Insignia even safer. These include established systems such as:
 

• Lane Change Alert with Side Blind Zone Alert. Rearward directed radar sensors cover a range up to 70 meters behind the left and right exterior mirrors, thus alerting the driver to road users approaching in the adjacent lanes. In this way, the system prevents impending collisions if a driver tries to change lanes into oncoming traffic.

• Following Distance Indication in central information display: Uses the front camera or the front radar to detect moving vehicles on the road ahead and calculate the distance to them in seconds, which is more helpful to drivers for their assessment than a meter indication. A stylized green car symbolizes the vehicle in front. If the distance is insufficient, the distance warning is activated and the symbol turns amber.

• Forward Collision Alert: Assists drivers in avoiding or mitigating the impact of front-end collisions with situation-dependent emergency braking settings. If the Insignia nears the vehicle ahead too quickly, the system warns the driver with a loud audible alarm, a visual warning in the instrument cluster and an LED projection on the windscreen. The driver can choose between ‘near’ ‘mid’ or ‘far’ settings.

• Traffic Sign Assist: This newest-generation TSA can detect and display round traffic signs such as speed limits and derestrictions as well as many rectangular signs. The system processes data provided by the front camera as well as map data provided by the optional navigation system. Speed limits are also visible in the head up display if it is on board.

Overall, the new Opel Insignia impresses with highly intelligent safety technologies and excellent value for money, making it a rival that even premium brand models have to reckon with.

!NEW! Latest Generation Adaptive Cruise Control for Opel Astra

• More comfort, less stress: Distance to vehicle ahead automatically maintained
• Data fusion: Opel Astra ACC integrates radar and information from front camera
• The future: ACC and driver assistance systems key components of automated driving

Data fusion: Opel Astra Adaptive Cruise Control integrates radar and information from front camera.

Opel is bringing the latest adaptive cruise control (ACC) technology to the compact market segment, introducing the new radar and camera-based ACC on the Astra hatchback and Sports Tourer with six-speed automatic transmission.

Compared with conventional cruise control, ACC brings additional comfort and a reduction in stress for the driver by maintaining a certain distance to the vehicle ahead. ACC automatically adjusts the speed to follow the vehicle in front according to the selected following distance. The system automatically decelerates the car when approaching a slower moving vehicle, if necessary by applying limited braking. If the vehicle ahead accelerates, ACC increases the car’s speed up to the selected set speed. ACC behaves like conventional cruise control if there is no vehicle in the driving lane ahead, but it will additionally apply the brakes to maintain the set speed when driving downhill.

The latest generation ACC from Opel uses not only the radar of conventional systems, but also the Astra’s front camera to locate a vehicle ahead in the Astra’s driving lane. The system operates at speeds between 30 and 180 km/h.

The Astra’s full speed range adaptive cruise control can even brake the car to a full stop behind a preceding vehicle and provide the driver with additional support, for example in traffic jams. When the car has come to a full stop, it can automatically resume following the vehicle ahead within three second[1]. Otherwise, the driver selects resume by pressing the “SET-/RES+” switch or the accelerator pedal when the vehicle in front starts moving again. If the vehicle in front starts moving and the driver does not respond, ACC gives a visual and an audible reminder to relaunch the car. The system then follows the vehicle again (up to the set speed).

“For us at Opel, driving is fun when it is neither boring nor over-demanding,” says William F. Bertagni, Vice President Vehicle Engineering Europe. “The Astra’s latest-generation adaptive cruise control technology perfectly matches our philosophy by taking more of the chore out of long distance driving or stop-and-go traffic, and helping the driver to stay fresh and concentrated.”

Opel Astra - Six-speed automatic transmission.

The driver controls ACC via switches on the steering wheel, selecting a “near”, “mid” or “far” gap for the preferred distance to the preceding vehicle. The “SET-/RES+” switch controls the speed while icons in the instrument cluster inform the driver about set speed, selected gap and if ACC has detected a vehicle ahead.

Cockpit display: icons in the instrument cluster inform Astra-driver about set speed, selected gap and if adaptive cruise control has detected a vehicle ahead.

Adaptive cruise control on the Opel Astra five-door hatchback and Opel Astra Sports Tourer is available as an option with the following engines:

Engine	Gasoline /  Diesel	Fuel consumption l/100 km NEDC combined	CO2 emissions g/km NEDC combined
150 hp 1.4 liter ECOTEC Direct Injection Turbo	G	5.6-5.4	128-124
200 hp 1.6 liter ECOTEC Direct Injection Turbo	G	6.1-6.0	142-138
136 hp 1.6 liter CDTI	D	4.6-4.4	122-115

ACC and the Astra’s additional driver-assistance systems are key components of future intelligent cars and automated driving. Lane Keep Assist (LKA) applies a gentle nudge of corrective steering if the Astra is about to stray out of its lane, followed by a Lane Departure Warning (LDW) if it should leave its lane. Automated Emergency Braking (AEB), Integrated Brake Assist (IBA), Forward Collision Alert (FCA) and Following Distance Indication (FDI) help to avoid or mitigate frontal collisions. A row of red LED lights flashes on the windscreen in the driver’s field of vision if the Astra is closing too fast on the vehicle in front and a collision is imminent.

Forward Collision Alert: If the gap shrinks below a safe distance, it warns the driver with a loud audible alarm, a visual warning in the instrument cluster and an LED projection on the windscreen.

The Astra’s single (mono) camera, installed at the top of the windscreen, collects the data for these systems.

[1] The “auto resume” function is available on the Astra with the 1.6 CDTI and 1.6 ECOTEC Direct Injection Turbo engines.

!NEW! Opel Astra K: Stellar Driver Assistance, Safety and Comfort Features

• Improved performance: New generation Opel Eye front camera enables new level of safety
• Standing at attention: Collision Mitigation Braking and Lane Keep Assist
• Warning systems: Comprehensive forward collision alerts and Side Blind Spot Alert
• Tickets savers: Traffic Sign Assist, Headway Alert and Following Distance Indicator
• Outstanding comfort: Next generation of ergonomic seats with massage function
• Three-part airbag approach: Front, thorax-pelvis side and full-length curtain airbags

Following Distance Indication: It utilizes the front camera to detect moving vehicles on the road ahead and calculates the distance to them

The new Opel Astra, which premieres at the IAA in Frankfurt (September 17-27), is not only lighter and more efficient than its predecessors, it also boasts innovative driver assistance systems and comfort features to make journeys, short or long, safer and more relaxed. Many of these systems are unrivalled in the compact class segment or celebrate their Opel debut in the new Astra. The latest generation Opel Eye front camera with enhanced capabilities and functionalities such as Collision Mitigation Braking and Collision Imminent Braking, or the completely newly engineered seating system with outstanding ergonomics are just some examples.

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“Several generations of Kadett and Astra have brought innovative technologies from the upper class into the affordable compact segment. Each generation has raised the bar in safety, comfort and efficiency. I wanted the new Astra to once again set standards in the compact class. And it does it. We have invested much engineering effort to develop new systems that improve active safety as well as the very best seats in the segment,” said Opel Group CEO Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann.

New Opel Eye front camera enables ticket-saving assistance systems

The improved next generation Opel Eye front camera makes its debut in the new Opel Astra. It has higher image processing power, an increased detection rate and it processes an additional amount of information from different sources: when combined with Navi 900 IntelliLink, it draws on data from the navigation system that are fused with data detected by the camera itself. This allows it to provide the driver with more accurate information than ever before.

Thanks to this enhanced capability, the Astra’s Traffic Sign Assist offers improved performance. Now boasting even higher precision, it can detect and display round traffic signs, rectangular – such as highway – signs, or speed limit related add-on signs with graphic symbols while the multiple exposure technology improves the detection rate of dynamic – such as LED – signs. Traffic Sign Assist also continuously checks the data provided by the front camera and compares them to the information provided by the Navi 900 IntelliLink navigation system. It displays implicit speed limits – when entering an urban area for instance – and the end of these – when exiting a city – before then displaying the country-specific speed limit for the respective type of road. In addition, it gives an immediate indication of speed limits after turning to a different type of road. In the new Astra, speed limits are permanently displayed on the screen located between the speedometer and the rev counter – thus reducing the risk of speeding tickets.

Following Distance Indication: It utilizes the front camera to detect moving vehicles on the road ahead and calculates the distance to them.

Another ticket-saver – which helps avoid fines for tailgating – featured in the new Astra is Following Distance Indication that drivers can activate on the central display. It utilizes the front camera to detect moving vehicles on the road ahead and calculates the distance to them. This value is then displayed to the driver in seconds. This indication approach is in line with the regulations in most European countries, which define distance in terms of time, not in meters. A stylized green car symbolizes the vehicle in front. If the distance is insufficient, the Headway Alert function is automatically activated and the symbol turns amber.

Lane Departure Warning: Now also with Active Lane Keep Assist, is an active safety feature making its Opel debut in the new Astra.

Opel Eye’s intelligent assistance systems enhance active safety also enabled by the third generation Opel Eye front camera, Lane Departure Warning, now also with Lane Keep Assist, is an active safety feature making its Opel debut in the new Astra. As before, it recognizes road markings, but it now gently turns the steering wheel in addition to the well-known alerts if the Astra’s driver should unintentionally veer out of lane. The system works at speeds ranging from 60 to 180 km/h but does not continuously steer the vehicle. If the steering torque does not prevent departure (e.g. on curves), the amber Lane Keep Assist icon flashes and provides three warning tone as the lane marker is crossed to provide a Lane Departure Warning alert. The steering wheel nudges and alerts are disabled if the driver is detected to be actively steering, braking, accelerating or if a turn signal is activated. The intelligent software required for Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning has been developed completely in house.

Lane Keep Assist: If the steering torque does not prevent departure, the amber icon flashes and provides three warning tone as the lane marker is crossed to provide a Lane Departure Warning alert.

When the new Astra is equipped with the Opel Eye front camera, it also offers Forward Collision Alert with Collision Mitigation Braking functions. The Forward Collision Alert (FCA) feature assists drivers in avoiding or mitigating the impact of front-end collisions, for example colliding with the vehicle ahead. If the gap shrinks below a safe distance, it warns the driver with a loud audible alarm, a visual warning in the instrument cluster and, now, an LED projection on the windscreen.

Forward Collision Alert: If the gap shrinks below a safe distance, it warns the driver with a loud audible alarm, a visual warning in the instrument cluster and an LED projection on the windscreen.

The driver can adjust the safety distance of FCA to detect objects ahead with ‘near’ ‘mid’ or ‘far’ settings via a switch located on the steering wheel. The system now also includes Integrated Brake Assist and Autonomous Emergency Braking. If it detects that the driver’s braking effort following the warning is nonexistent or insufficient, it can boost the braking (Integrated Brake Assist) or automatically brake the vehicle (Autonomous Emergency Braking), thus helping avoid or lessening the severity of crashes at relatively low speeds. The system works at speeds above 8 km/h and below 80 km/h. At speeds below 40 km/h the system can avoid the collision by performing full braking. Scientific studies conducted by Opel have revealed that, at speeds up to 80 km/h, the reflective LEDs in the windshield can have a positive impact of reaction times and can ultimately lead to an impact speed reduction of between 10 and 20 km/h.

The new Astra is the first compact class car offered by a volume manufacturer with a mono-camera approach for all functions. Furthermore, it is the first Opel that offers assisted braking with the information received only from the camera.

Award-winning Side Blind Spot Alert warns about hidden dangers

Side Blind Spot Alert: This ultrasonic system warns drivers about hidden dangers.

Elsewhere, Opel’s award-winning ultrasonic Side Blind Spot Alert provides an additional safety net both for Astra drivers and other road users. This system warns drivers about hidden dangers. When changing lanes, overtaking or turning a corner, other road users can disappear in the blind spot. Ultrasonic sensors permanently scan wide areas around the vehicle at speeds ranging from 11 km/h to 140 km/h. If the electronic guardians pick up an object in the blind spot, an optical amber-colored warning appears in the relevant exterior door mirror. If the turn indicator is applied towards the direction of the object in the blind spot, the optical LED warning starts flashing. The light intensity of the LEDs is high and the warning cannot be missed even if the sun is shining. Opel’s Side Blind Spot Alert system has won the Euro NCAP Advanced Reward for advanced safety technology.

Advanced Park Assist and Rear View Camera with dynamic guidelines

Another comfort features that makes driving the Astra more relaxing is Park Assist with ultrasonic front and rear sensors. Park Assist is always active below 11 km/h and automatically notifies the driver when it detects objects within the range of its sensors. Drivers are presented with optical information on the display area including the distance to the other object and its position (front/rear; left/center/right). In addition, the distance is indicated acoustically. The new generation Advanced Park Assist identifies suitable parking spaces and automatically parks the vehicle, without the driver touching the wheel. The ultrasonic sensor-based system measures parallel or perpendicular parking spots, calculates the vehicle’s trajectory and automatically steers the Astra into a space. The driver just controls acceleration, deceleration and gear shifting.

For prices starting at 295 euros, Astra drivers can make parking and reversing even easier by adding the Rear View Camera to Park Assist. Mounted above the rear licence plate, it shows the area behind the vehicle on the infotainment screen. The display is activated by engaging reverse gear and automatically switches off either 10 seconds after reverse has been disengaged or when the vehicle exceeds 7 km/h driving forward. A special feature of Opel’s Rear View Camera system is the dynamic guidelines that show the actual vehicle path based on the steering wheel angle, thus helping drivers to estimate distances to other objects while maneuvering.

Comprehensive passive safety concept

The extensive list of active safety features and driver assistance systems available for the new Astra is accompanied by a comprehensive passive safety concept. The basis of this concept is a rigid passenger cell mainly fabricated from high-strength steel that has been designed for the least possible deformations and the largest possible survival space in crash conditions. To accommodate the impact energy in case of a crash, the front, sides and rear of the passenger compartment are surrounded by energy absorption zones that deform and protect in a controlled manner.

Furthermore, the Astra engineers have taken a three-part approach for the standard airbag system consisting of front airbags for driver and co-driver, thorax-pelvis side airbags and full-length curtain airbags for the first and second row. Combined with the advanced front safety systems consisting of body-mounted retractor/pretensioners with load limiter, seat-mounted lap pretensioners and seat-integrated pelvis ramp, the new Astra ensures maximum passenger protection and reduces injury potential.

Outstanding, certified premium ergonomic seats

In addition to the active and passive safety features, the new Opel Astra is also available with a host of comfort features – which also positively affect safety – such as the new AGR (Aktion Gesunder Rücken / Campaign for Healthier Backs) certified premium Opel ergonomic seats. They provide excellent long-distance travel seating comfort and continue the Opel tradition of award-winning, back-friendly seats that are offered at very attractive prices. Beyond being 18-way adjustable and now including side bolster adjustment, they are now also optionally available with further comfort features such as massage and memory function along with ventilation – a unique combination in the compact class. Rear seat passengers can also look forward to more luxury – in addition to more legroom, heated outer rear seats are optional. Astra customers can treat themselves to these luxury seats for very attractive prices – the driver’s seat with the AGR seal of approval is already available from 390 euros.

Lightweight: seat alone ten kilos lighter

Engineering development of the seating environment in the new Astra already began nearly five years ago for the over 100 employees in the team of experts employed in the seating and associated departments, with the integration of the relatively bulky seats being paramount. A very challenging task, as the seat components are one of the car’s largest parts. Seat production alone accounts for around ten percent of the total production costs of a new car model.

At the same time, the seats have a large impact on total weight. That is why for their new development, the engineers first had to minutely examine all individual elements of the Astra comfort seats that come as standard. In order to offer rear seat passengers 35 millimeters more legroom, the back of the new comfort front seat was made much more compact. State-of-the-art calculation methods enable this, as do lighter polyurethane foams and ultra-high-strength steels that are built in under the seat upholstery. All this results in the new seats being 10 kilograms lighter than those in the previous model. This is not only true for the driver and co-driver seats – the new Astra’s rear seats are also lighter and more compact, their contouring was optimized and thigh support was enhanced with a steeper seat tilt.

Independent back experts’ AGR seal of approval for ergonomic seats

The Opel seat engineers also further optimized the positioning of the Astra comfort seat in the car, especially accommodating taller drivers with a sporty driving style. Thanks to a 65-millimeter height adjustment span – the largest in the segment – shorter drivers are also guaranteed an optimum seating position. With the optional premium ergonomic seat’s memory function, this can even be saved at the press of a button. This is ideal for fleet vehicles with the same group of drivers or couples who share the new Opel Astra. The base version of the optional ergonomic seats comes with four-way electropneumatically adjustable lumbar support (forwards, backwards, up and down), variable seat cushion tilt, cushion length adjustment and a seat form with contours that adapt to the natural curvature of the spine. The premium ergonomic seats also feature electropneumatically adjustable side bolsters that support the body by making the seatback narrower or wider. All these exemplary ergonomic elements made it clear to the AGR (Campaign for Healthier Backs), an independent association of doctors and experts dedicated to preventing back problems, that the new Astra front seats also deserve the AGR seal of approval.

Wellness massage, ventilation and heating included

Seats should not only keep drivers securely in place, they should also keep them warm or cool depending on the prevailing conditions. The new Astra comfort seat features passive climate control, meaning breathable surface fabrics and perforated polyurethane foams that considerably improve transporting away moisture and thereby the micro climate in the seat. The new Astra’s premium ergonomic seats can do both – keep warm and cool. Small fans suck air, and thus the moisture that develops when someone is in the seat, away from the body. In the winter, integrated seat heating keeps the driver and co-driver as well as both outer rear seat passengers comfortably warm. Those who want to turn their car into a wellness mobile on longer journeys can enjoy a massage at the push of a button – and arrive at their destination even hours later relaxed and free of aches or pains.

With this all-embracing active and passive safety concept combined with the wide range of comfort features, the new Astra lives up to Opel’s philosophy of democratizing innovative technologies and bringing these to the mainstream market, thus making driving safer and more relaxed for a wider audience.