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

!NEW! Opel CEO Dr. Neumann Announces All-new Next Generation Opel Astra

• 11th generation Opel compact car to star at Frankfurt Motor Show in September
• Opel CEO Dr. Neumann promises an efficient, lightweight and spacious car

Proud moment: Opel CEO Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann presents a heavily camouflaged all-new next generation Astra prototype.

Continuing an eight-decade long tradition of Opel compact models, Opel CEO Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann will unveil the all-new Astra at the International Motor Show in Frankfurt (September 17 to 27, 2015). Currently, only fully camouflaged engineering development prototypes can be seen, but Dr. Neumann promises that the new Astra will feature “an awesome design”, highest efficiency and an abundance of innovations.

Dr. Neumann has set new development priorities for this 11th generation Opel compact car that has been created from a white sheet of paper, resulting in a revolutionary car that is much more efficient in all respects (video). Space is used in an efficient way: while its exterior dimensions will be reduced, the space devoted to the new Astra’s occupants in its cockpit will be increased substantially. The engineering teams in charge of the development of the new Astra have also dramatically reduced its weight. This will make it more agile and have an extremely favorable impact on its fuel consumption. Dr. Neumann also confirmed that, as the result of the greatest powertrain offensive in Opel’s history, the new Astra will be powered only by state-of-the-art engines of the new generation.

Clear thing: In 1969, Opel advertises the Kadett B with a short and sharp slogan „Das Auto“. 

The compact models Kadett and Astra, of which more than 24 million have been produced so far, have been the core of Opel’s portfolio ever since the first compact vehicle drove off the assembly line. “With each Kadett generation, Opel made individual mobility accessible to millions of people around the world, and several generations of Astra have brought innovative technologies from the upper class into the affordable compact segment,” said Dr. Neumann. “Each generation has raised the bar in safety, comfort and efficiency. The new Astra will once again set standards in the compact class.

Note: The South African launch date has not been confirmed yet. More information will be made available at a later stage.

Ancestral gallery: The ten generations of Opel compact class cars at a glance – from the Kadett 1 to the Astra J (from left to right).

Amongst others, it will be the first new Opel model to be launched with Opel OnStar’s unique connected service that is ready to help and rescue you 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.”

!NEW! April Showers No Match for Buick’s New Convertible

Water tests simulate record rainfall to ensure Cascada’s watertight seal

How does Buick ensure the 2016 Cascada convertible will stay dry when April showers come calling? By making it rain on the assembly line, assuring cloudbursts will be no match for Cascada when it hits dealerships in early 2016.

“Convertibles are best enjoyed when it’s warm and sunny, but Cascada has been designed and engineered to be used year-round, regardless of the weather,” said John Dolch, program quality manager for Cascada. “Not only is Cascada’s top engineered to be weatherproof in extreme conditions, but each and every Cascada built will also be put through a rigorous water test.”

Specialized water test booths, located at the end of Cascada’s assembly line, will allow freshly built cars to roll off the line and into testing. Each booth has no fewer than 124 individual nozzles, which will quickly immerse the Cascada in a miniature rainstorm for 10 minutes.

Each 2016 Buick Cascada built will undergo extensive water testing as part of the production process, ensuring the interior remains watertight in inclement weather.

Each nozzle emits 1.9 gallons of water every minute. Cascada’s test is designed to produce nearly the equivalent of 1.23 inches of rain in a minute, which matches a world record set in Unionville, Md. in 1956.

Additionally, two Cascadas will be randomly selected daily to undergo another water test, known as the “deluge.” While this test is designed to last only eight minutes, each nozzle blasts roughly three gallons of water each minute.

Much like actual rain clouds, Cascada’s water testing booths are also part of a water cycle. While nearly 132,000 gallons of water – or nearly 5,500 full bathtubs – will be used daily, only 1.5 percent of that volume is lost to evaporation. The other 98.5 percent of the water used will be collected, filtered and recycled for use in later tests.

These tests may seem extreme, but they’re especially important given April showers are more than an old proverb. As winter gives way to spring, rain showers are bound to splash cities across the U.S. with more than a little precipitation.

“Typically, April sees weather patterns bring in more moisture from the Gulf, especially in the eastern half of the United States,” said Jim Piro and Allan Reppert, AccuWeather climatology supervisor and meteorologist, respectively. “Rainfall for the spring looks to be wet along much of the East Coast, from New York south into northern Florida, and stretching along the Gulf Coast into eastern Texas.”

Some spring showers may take drivers by surprise on an otherwise sunny day, but Cascada engineers came prepared. Its power-folding top will be fully deployed in as little as 17 seconds, and at speeds up to 31 mph.

Beginning in early 2016, Cascada owners in arid corners of the U.S. may not have to worry about facing those showers, but they may still appreciate the result of these tests.

“Chances are good you’ll still clean the car with a pressure washer, or run it through an automated car wash,” Dolch said. “The same watertight concerns will still apply, even under clear blue skies.”

!NEW! Two Millionth Vehicle Leaves Opel Plant in Gliwice

The jubilee car is a Holden Cascada Convertible for the Australian market

The two millionth vehicle: Holden Cascada Convertible for the Australian market

Today, the two millionth vehicle rolled off the production line at the Opel plant in Gliwice (GM Manufacturing Poland). This unique car is a Holden Cascada with a turbocharged 1.6 liter SIDI engine with 170 hp. The elegant convertible in Deep Sky Blue is intended for the Australian market.

 Holden Cascada with a turbocharged 1.6 liter SIDI engine with 170 hp. The elegant convertible in Deep Sky Blue

The production of Holden Astras and Cascadas for Australia and New Zealand started in the Gliwice plant in February of this year and is a part of the recently announced strategy to strengthen the cooperation between Opel and other GM brands. 

The production of Holden Astras and Cascadas for Australia and New Zealand started in the Gliwice plant in February of this year

In addition, at the end of the year the production of the Buick Cascada, designed for the North American market, will begin.

New Buick Cascada convertible

"The two millionth car produced by Opel in Gliwice is the symbolic opening of the next phase of development of our plant, which will be complemented by the launch of the new generation Opel Astra later this year. We are a very well integrated and experienced team, and that help us achieve our goal of producing world-class vehicles," said , GM Manufacturing Poland managing director.

The two millionth car of the Gliwice plant represents the comprehensive experience and flexibility of the local team, while currently produces five models on one assembly line. The first car, the Opel Astra Classic, was produced in Gliwice on August 31, 1998.

Over the years, the Gliwice team has built an excellent reputation by assembling high-quality cars including the small city car Opel Agila, four generations of the compact Astra and the Zafira compact MPV. Currently, the plant produces the elegant Cascada and compact Astra in four body versions.

The Opel factory in Gliwice is one of the largest employers in the region. For over 16 years, it has been producing cars for various markets in Europe, Africa, North America, Asia and Oceania and it is one of the largest exporters in Poland. The plant is also one of the best GM plants in terms of the energy consumption thanks to its successful environmental projects focused on the optimization of the energy management.

Opel is one of the fastest growing brands in Poland. In 2014, the brand sold more than 28,000 vehicles in the country (+41 percent) and was able to rise to number four of the Total vehicle market with a market share of nearly 7.2 percent. The upward trend continued this year: In the first quarter of 2015, sales increased by 23 percent and market share by 1.7 percentage points, compared to the same period last year.

Opel Cascada is a 4.70 meter-long, elegant mid-size class convertible. A classic four-seater with an elongated silhouette and sophisticated soft-top.

The Cascada is a 4.70 meter-long, elegant mid-size class convertible. A classic four-seater with an elongated silhouette and sophisticated soft-top, it offers open-air driving fun in premium quality at a very attractive price. The Cascada’s electric soft-top can be opened at the press of a button at driving speeds up to 50 km/h in just 17 seconds – or also via remote control when the car is stationary. Best Opel chassis technology is featured as standard on the Cascada’s front axle with HiPerStrut (High Performance Strut) suspension, guaranteeing driving fun and superb traction.

Opel Cascada, HiPerStrut (High Performance Strut) suspension 

!NEW! Official Opening of Global Business Services in Tychy

120 new employees to support Opel/Vauxhall colleagues across Europe

In the presence of Jerzy Majchrzak, Director Innovation and Industry Department in Ministry of Economy, and Ulrich Schumacher, Opel Group Vice President HR & Labor Director, the newly established Global Business Services Center was opened in Tychy today. This new center will offer support to over 20 local Opel/Vauxhall facilities in Europe providing services from serving as the first point of contact for employees in all HR related matters to data maintenance, expense reporting and training. Presently, 90 consultants out of a total of 120 have already been hired.

Jerzy Majchrzak, Director Innovation and Industry Department in Ministry of Economy, Stefan Hoffmann, Assistant Director GBS Europe, Anna Polak-Kocińska, Vice President of Polish Information and Foreign Investment Agency, Andrzej Dziuba, Mayor of Tychy and Ulrich Schumacher, Opel Group Vice President HR & Labor Director (from left to right) at the official opening of the Global Business Services Center in Tychy.

“We welcome the fact that General Motors is opening new kinds of business activities in Poland alongside the traditional automotive business. The new shared service center will create a number of new jobs for the people of the region. This is further proof of GM’s significant commitment to Poland and confirmation that, thanks to the efforts of the Ministry of Economy, a good environment for investors has been created,” said Jerzy Majchrzak at the opening ceremony.

Ulrich Schumacher, Opel Group Vice President HR & Labor Director added: “We are delighted that we have managed to bundle an important part of our service activities for Europe here in Poland. This investment is further proof of the important role that Poland plays in the international Opel/Vauxhall network.”

The newly opened General Motors Global Business Services Center is part of GM Manufacturing Poland and is located in the Tychy plant facilities. GM Manufacturing Poland currently employs a total of 3,900 people in three branches: vehicle manufacturing in Gliwice, engine manufacturing in Tychy and the newly opened Tychy GBS Center. In the second half of this year, the Gliwice plant will begin production of the new generation Opel Astra. Furthermore, a new engine family will be produced in the Tychy plant.

Opel is one of the fastest growing brands in Poland. In 2014, the brand sold more than 28,000 vehicles in the country (+41 percent) and was able to rise to number four of the total vehicle market with a market share of nearly 7.2 percent. The upward trend continued this year: In the first two months of 2015, sales increased by more than 24 percent and market share by around 2 percentage points compared to the same period last year.

!NEW! Buick Cascada: Developed in Germany and Built in Poland

North American International Auto Show: Buick Cascada makes debut in Detroit

Powerful engine: 200 hp 1.6 ECOTEC Direct Injection Turbo 

First Buick convertible in 25 years: Four-seater at US dealers in early 2016

Successful synergies: Both the Buick Cascada (photo) and its Opel sister model were developed in Germany

Impressive presentation at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit (January 12 - 25). Buick revealed its Cascada convertible, an elegant four-seater will go on sale in the USA in the first quarter of 2016. 

Successful synergies: Both the Opel Cascada (photo) and its Buick sister model were developed in Germany

This marks another example of the two brands’ successful collaboration, which already includes the jointly-developed Buick Encore and Opel Mokka, the Buick Verano and Opel Astra sedan as well as the Buick Regal and Opel Insignia.

Small SUV twins: The Buick Encore (photo) and the Opel Mokka are closely related to each other

Small SUV twins: The Opel Mokka (photo) and the Buick Encore are closely related to each other 

Elegant compact sedans: The Buick Verano (photo) and the Opel Astra share same technical platform

Elegant compact sedans: The Opel Astra (photo) and the Buick Verano share same technical platform

Elegant midsize sedans: The Buick Regal (photo) and the Opel Insignia share same technical platform

Elegant midsize sedans: The Opel Insignia (photo) and the Buick Regal share same technical platform

“The Opel Cascada was developed at our International Technical Development Center in Rüsselsheim, where more than 6,000 engineers work on Opel models, but also on products for other GM brands. So we are constantly searching for synergies, and are delighted that there is now another Cascada for a new market with this Buick. This shows our outstanding engineering expertise while also increasing capacity utilization at our Polish plant in Gliwice,” says Opel Group CEO Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann. In Europe, the Cascada has won over customers and trade media alike, resulting in numerous awards including the Plus X Award in Germany and the Golden Steering Wheel in Switzerland. In Portugal, Turbo Magazine named it Convertible of the Year in 2014.

The Buick Cascada is powered by the super-efficient 1.6 ECOTEC Direct Injection Turbo with 147 kW/200 hp. The four-cylinder unit delivers maximum torque of 300 Nm. The HiPerStrut (High Performance Strut) front suspension precisely and comfortably transfers power onto the road, ensuring a smooth driving experience. The newest-generation turbo engine in the Buick is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission.

The Cascada’s special feature is its high-quality soft-top that opens in just 17 seconds at the touch of a button, also at driving speeds up to 50 km/h. The US four-seater comes with luxurious equipment such as 20-inch alloy wheels and leather seats that automatically slide forward to offer passengers easy access to the rear seat area. Highlights include the IntelliLink infotainment system with a seven-inch color touchscreen.

With the Cascada, Buick offers American customers an extremely emotional product – it is the brand’s first convertible in 25 years. In the USA, convertible market sales increased by three percent to more than 131,000 units from 2009 to 2013. This segment is distinguished by high customer loyalty: 37 percent of customers remain true to convertibles when they buy a new car. However, a good two-thirds of them change brands, which offers plenty of conquest potential for the Buick Cascada.

“We will continue to work closely with Buick in the coming years wherever it makes sense,” says Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann. A sound approach, as both brands stand for similar values but do not get in each other’s way on international markets: Buick is sold in North America and China, Opel mainly in Europe. GM has already announced the production of a new Buick model in Rüsselsheim later in the decade. “This enhances capacity utilization at our Rüsselsheim plant, thereby increasing its efficiency,” adds Dr. Neumann.

Buick Enclave SUV

But that’s not all: the Australian brand Holden will also benefit from this global GM strategy. Opel will export vehicles to Australia and New Zealand this year. In addition to the Holden Astra GTC, the especially sporty VXR version and the flagship Insignia, there will also be a Holden Cascada. Dr. Neumann says: “This makes the Cascada a convertible triplet on three continents – a very nice compliment and even more proof of the appeal of our large convertible.”

Holden Astra VXR, Insignia VXR and Cascada convertible

!NEW! Opel will employ more than 300 new employees in the manufacturing plant in Gliwice

General Motors Manufacturing Poland announces the start of a significant program of work of more than 300 new employees in the manufacturing plant in Gliwice. They will be part of the crew producing the next generation of Opel Astra. Production of this model is planned at the end of 2015, however, new employees start working at the beginning of next year.

Assembly line in Gliwice plant: Astra is the most popular model in Opel range 

Production in Gliwice plant is currently in two shifts, however, in connection with the impending introduction of next-generation model, and the expected increase in the volume of production, it is necessary to increase the number of jobs. 

The recruitment process will start immediately and will be conducted by Adecco. All new jobs relate to production stations. 

"This is another important step for our plant in Gliwice. Introducing an exciting new product and looking forward to increase the production volume, we employ highly qualified and motivated employees. "Said Andrzej Korpak the Director of the General Motors Manufacturing Poland. 

Gliwice plant currently produces currently offered generation of the Opel Astra and the Opel Cascada. The plant currently employs about 3 000 employees. 

Opel Cascada Convertible - Roof installation 

Sale of Opel in Poland in the period from January to September this year. amounted to 19 389 cars and was over 40% higher than the same period a year earlier. The market share of passenger cars amounted to 7.91%. Opel Astra is the most popular model of Opel range in Poland. 

!NEW! GM Invests 250 Million Euros in Modern Engine Production in Tychy

• Start of production of new midsize diesel engines is scheduled for 2017
• Plant is upgraded to highest technological standards

GM Poland plant in Tychy

General Motors today announced the allocation of the new generation midsize diesel engine family to the GM Manufacturing Poland plant in Tychy.

GM Poland plant Tychy - 1.7 CDTI Engine assembly

Start of production of the all-aluminum 1.6 liter four-cylinder turbo-diesel (CDTI) Euro 6 engines  that combine high performance with top refinement and high fuel efficiency is scheduled for 2017.

Total investment in the plant, which is located in the Katowice Special Economic Zone, will amount to 250 million euros. This is the biggest investment in the history of the Tychy plant and includes additional buildings and new manufacturing technology.  The maximum annual production capacity will be 200,000 units.

GM Poland plant Tychy - 1.7 CDTI Engine assembly

The investment will enable the extension and modernization of the plant’s infrastructure. The building’s surface area will increase by 30 percent with the addition of the storage area as well as high tech production and testing lines. This expansion takes the plant’s technological competence to the next level and transforms the assembly facility into a full production plant.  Construction and installation of the new production equipment will continue until 2016.

Opel’s new 1.6 CDTI is the quietest diesel in its class

“The new midsize diesel engine family is an important part of our engine offensive. We appreciate the good quality and high efficiency of our Polish location and look forward to implementing this exciting project,” says Peter Thom, Member of the Management Board, Adam Opel AG and Vice President Manufacturing Europe.

“The automotive industry is a very important branch of our market, therefore this new investment in the GMMP Tychy plant is very good news not only for the region, but also for the whole economy,” says Janusz Piechociński, Poland Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Economy.

“The new investment moves the GM Manufacturing Poland plant to the next development level and secures its future. With this comprehensive portfolio of modern engines and vehicles, we are committed to contributing to the Opel/Vauxhall product offensive. We would like to thank the Polish Ministry of Economy that supported the investment,” said Andrzej Korpak, Managing Director of the GM Manufacturing Poland plant.

The new engine family will meet Euro 6 emission standards while securing high power and torque density, low fuel consumption and reducing CO2 emissions. Engines will be installed in a wide range of Opel/Vauxhall models, setting the benchmark for noise, vibration and harshness.

The GM Manufacturing Poland plants in Gliwice and Tychy employ 3,500 people.  The current portfolio includes the Opel Astra, the Cascada convertible and the 1.7 liter turbo-diesel (CDTI) engine .  With today’s announcement, total GM investments in Poland will amount to over 1 billion euros.

!NEW! Transmission production Anniversary at Opel in Rüsselsheim

• Factory produced the millionth copy of the manual six-speed gearbox
• Overall, more than 11 million transmissions from Rüsselsheim since 1899

Marc Schiff, Executive Director of Manufacturing (2nd from right), plant director Axel Scheiben  (1st from right), production director Michael Eiermann (1st from left) and Albert Hoehn, Director of Transmission Plant (2nd from left) with the anniversary copy.

In the Rüsselsheim plant today was attended by Executive Director Manufacturing, Marc ship factory director Axel discs, the one millionth copy of the manual six-speed gearbox F40 from the assembly line. The 50 kg light transmission with aluminum housing provides maximum comfort and control can transmit up to 400 Newton meters of torque. It comes in the model series Astra, Insignia, Zafira Tourer and Antara used.

Albert Hoehn, Director of the transmission plant: "We work with state of the art manufacturing facilities. Means that only transmissions are shipped in highest quality to our customers, our qualified employees ensure their experience and commitment. "

With its entry into the automobile production in 1899 in Rüsselsheim Opel has started the production of gears. To date, over eleven million units were produced at the site. The current six-speed manual gearbox is manufactured since April 2003. The F40 transmission is produced in three series: a series of front-wheel drive vehicles, for a four-wheel drive vehicles and one for the high-performance OPC models. In its latest generation, it offers the customer Schaltpräsizion and shift comfort at the highest level.

The transmission from Rüsselsheim to be installed not only in the European Opel plants in Rüsselsheim, Bochum, Ellesmere Port (Great Britain) and Gliwice (Poland) in the vehicles - they are also used within the Group of GM. Rüsselsheim provides, for example, in the USA, Canada, Australia and South Korea, where the transmission used in vehicles from Buick and Chevrolet.

!NEW! Opel Cascada Official Start of Production: Glamour from Gliwice

• Supervisory board chairman Steve Girsky drives first cabrio off assembly line
• Polish Deputy Prime Minister Janusz Piechocinski, many VIP guests in attendance
• Modern production facilities, motivated team, highest quality
• Mid-size class convertible offers many premium extras

Steve Girsky, Opel Supervisory Board Chairman welcomed the Polish Deputy Prime Minister Janusz Piechocinski

It’s a big day for the Opel plant in Gliwice, Poland. Today the very first Cascada, Opel’s elegant mid-size class convertible, leaves the assembly line. The debut model is a seashell color and features a 1.6 turbo gasoline engine. The newcomer makes its world premiere at the Geneva Motor Show in early March.

Many special guests came to celebrate the official start of production. “Today is a really special day, not only for the Gliwice plant, but also for Opel. The Cascada is the next building block in our product offensive. Following the ADAM and the Mokka, with the Cascada we are now also reaching customers in segments where we have not yet been present,” says Steve Girsky, Opel Supervisory Board Chairman, GM Vice Chairman and President GM Europe.

Polish Deputy Prime Minister Janusz Piechocinski in new Opel Cascada

Girsky welcomed the Polish Deputy Prime Minister and guest of honor, Janusz Piechocinski, who said, “Gliwice is city rich in tradition in the Upper Silesia industrial area. Its importance for the Polish economy is immense. The fact that another Opel model will be produced here once again spotlights the good work the region and the plant itself deliver.”

Steve Girsky, Opel Supervisory Board Chairman with Opel employees in Gliwice, Poland

Since its groundbreaking in 1996, the Gliwice plant has been a pillar of GM manufacturing. The Cascada is already the sixth Opel model the team in Poland is building - at highest quality and in state-of-the-art production facilities. “We are especially proud that we were chosen to build the first convertible developed by Opel. It is a complex undertaking that our highly motivated team mastered with brilliance. So today is a very special day for us,” added Plant Manager Andrzej Korpak.

Big day for the employees of the Opel plant in Gliwice, Poland. The very first Cascada, Opel’s elegant mid-size class convertible, was driven off left the assembly line.

Elegance and tradition

With the Cascada Opel returns to the mid-size class convertible segment in a new, refreshing look and with the best of modern technologies. The elegant newcomer carries on the long tradition of timeless, classic Opel cabrios from the fifties and sixties. It is the first convertible engineered and built by Opel. The Cascada promises a return to the roots of pure, unadulterated driving fun.

Opel’s new convertible is a classic four seater with an elongated silhouette and a high-quality soft top. Heading to the top of Opel’s line-up, the new open-air model is a mid-size convertible not only by its size (length: almost 4.7 meters; width 1.84 meters excl. mirrors) but also by its allure and the premium technologies and features it offers.

Individualization with huge selection of extras

At market launch ten exterior colors are available, and they can be combined with three roof colors. In addition, wheels are available in nine different designs and sizes from 17 to 20 inches. In the interior, the Cascada offers four elegant equipment and trim options, including two top-quality leather variants, an extraordinary degree of elegance. Cascada owners can choose between three optional infotainment and navigation systems that can be combined with Digital Audio Broadcast (DAB+) and can integrate mobile telephone functions.

Highest levels of safety and driving fun are ensured by driver assistance, protection and comfort systems such as the adaptive chassis system FlexRide for 980 euros, the second generation Opel Eye front camera with many new functions (800 euros) and the premium ergonomic AGR certified seat for driver and front passenger (685 euros). Further comfort extras are also optionally available, including electric seat adjustment and ventilation, a heated steering wheel and electrical auxiliary heater that can be activated by remote control.

Opel Cascada comes with a broad and efficient powertrain line-up. On the gasoline side next to the 1.4 liter Turbo unit with 88 kW/120 hp or 103 kW/140 hp, the completely newly constructed 125 kW/170 hp 1.6 liter SIDI Turbo with direct injection is available. On the diesel side the 121 kW/165 hp 2.0 CDTI ecoFLEX ensures optimum power delivery and high economy. With six-speed manual transmission and Start/Stop, it consumes just 5.2 liters per 100 km and emits only 138 g/km CO2. Just like the 1.6 SIDI Turbo, the 2.0-liter Turbo diesel can also be combined with six-speed automatic transmission. The portfolio will soon be completed by the efficient and powerful 2.0 BiTurbo CDTI ecoFLEX with 143 kW/195 hp, maximum torque of 400 Nm, six-speed manual transmission and Start/Stop technology.

The Cascada is part of Opel’s multi-billion euro model offensive introducing 23 new vehicles and 13 new powertrains from 2012 through 2016. The elegant convertible makes its premiere at the Geneva Motor Show from March 7 – 17, 2013 and will be available at dealerships beginning in April.