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

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

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

Clever, efficient, timesaving: New Opel Movano HYDROGEN

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

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

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

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

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

Transporter with passenger car design and technologies: Opel Combo Electric

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

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

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

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

New Opel Combo Cargo voted International Van of the Year 2019

• Commercial vehicle IAA: Opel CEO Michael Lohscheller accepts coveted award
• IVOTY jury: 25 international journalists from 25 European countries
• Previous Opel winners: Opel Astra Van in 1999 and Vivaro in 2002

New Opel Combo Cargo is International Van of the Year 2019

The new Opel Combo Cargo is International Van of the Year 2019 (IVOTY), the most coveted title in the Light Commercial Vehicle (LCV) business. Awarding the Combo 127 points, the jury of 25 specialist journalists from 25 European countries put the new Opel well ahead of the second-placed Mercedes Sprinter (92 points). The high driving pleasure, the innovative assistance systems and the economy of the Opel van played a decisive role in the new Combo bringing this prestigious award to Rüsselsheim for the third time since its introduction in 1992. Opel previously won the International Van of the Year award with the Astra Van in 1999 and with the Vivaro in 2002. The new Opel Combo has been developed by Groupe PSA and optimised to meet the needs of the brand. The prize-giving took place at the IAA commercial vehicle show in Hannover. Opel CEO Michael Lohscheller accepted the award for the Combo from IVOTY President, Jarlath Sweeney.

New Opel Combo Cargo at the IAA commercial vehicle show in Hannover.

“We are very proud of this award,” said Michael Lohscheller. “The victory also shows the possibilities for Opel within Groupe PSA. With the Combo we are now attacking the C-van segment – until now we have not played a prominent role here. There is great growth potential for Opel in the LCV business. It is therefore appropriate that we have received the responsibility for developing a new LCV platform for the whole Groupe PSA in Rüsselsheim.”

The IVOTY jury was highly impressed by the talents of the Opel Combo: “The engineers and designers succeeded for the first time in the history of LCVs to create a multi-brand cooperation van, where all brands maintain their core values and brand personality without almost any compromise. The PSA models are redefining the entire segment of modern compact vans, with a fresh approach in design, fit and finish on par with compact cars and a unique feeling of comfort.”

Groupe PSA LCVs

The jury also praised the numerous assistance systems of the Opel Combo, such as the sensor-based overload indicator and the excellent all-around visibility – the second camera in the passenger-side mirror, for example, reduces the blind-spot on this side of the vehicle. The Combo Cargo additionally scores with the equally new sensor-based Flank Guard.

The jury of journalists thus concluded: “The Groupe PSA small vans are convincing in more ways than one. They feature real novelties that are modern, comfortable and full of today's safety technologies. In use, they display a driving pleasure and generally very good levels of behaviour, without yielding anything to their utilitarian vocation. They offer professionals a wide choice of bodies and engines. Clearly a new reference in the world of vans.”

Highly efficient in every way

The new Opel Combo celebrates its world premiere at the IAA for commercial vehicles in Hannover (booth C 64, hall 13). The new Combo has been developed with the ambition of offering top efficiency to professionals and the lowest cost of ownership in the segment, thanks to an all-new architecture, ingenious packaging and a unique range of assistance systems resulting in an extremely efficient transporter.

New Opel Combo Cargo XL

From the start, the Opel Combo is available in numerous variants including the 4.40-metre standard version, the 4.75-metre XL type and a spacious five seater crew cab with two sliding doors as standard. Opel’s new compact transporter also outshines most of its main competitors with a load volume of up to 4.4m³, a payload of up to 1,000 kg and a loading length of up to 3,440 mm for objects and work material. The cleverly designed loading area is wide enough between the wheel arches to enable the loading of up to two Euro pallets – even in the Combo with short wheelbase. And extremely long utensils such as wooden planks can be stowed at an angle thanks to the optional roof hatch.

New Opel Combo Cargo: Spacious Transporter with Compact Footprint and Amazing Technologies

• Best ever: 5^th generation Opel Combo developed to offer leading efficiency
• Loading champ: First-class load volume of up to 4.4m³ and up to 1,000 kg payload
• Ingenious for large loads: Cargo space accommodates two Euro pallets
• Extra versatile: Short and long versions, crew cab and roof hatch are all available
• Top innovations: Permanent Rear View Camera and numerous assistance systems
• Connected: Latest generation infotainment with 8-inch touchscreen
• Passenger car comfort: Heated steering wheel, unique in the segment, along with heated front seats and dual zone climate control
• Available soon: World premiere and start of sales in September

Opel announces the 5^th generation of its compact, multifunctional commercial vehicle, the Combo. The new Combo cargo van has been developed with the ambition of offering top efficiency to professionals and the lowest cost of ownership in the segment thanks to an all-new architecture, ingenious packaging and unique technologies while simultaneously representing a huge leap compared to outgoing version. With its world premiere scheduled to take place at the IAA Commercial Vehicles in Hannover on September 19, 2018, and available to order from September, the new Combo offers a wide range of variants to choose from including a short version with 4.40 metres length, a long version with 4.75 metres, both with cockpits featuring two or three front seats, and a spacious five seater crew cab. Opel’s new compact transporter also outshines most of its main competitors with a load volume of up to 4.4m³, a payload of up to 1,000 kg and a loading length of up to 3,440 mm for objects and work material. Decisive for many professionals, an especially ingenious feature is that the distance between the two wheel arches is wide enough to enable the loading of Euro pallets, two of which can even be accommodated in the cargo space of the short version of the Opel Combo. 

And extremely long utensils such as wooden planks can be stowed at an angle thanks to the optional roof hatch. And, a unique feature in the segment is also introduced in the new generation Opel Combo: a sensor-based overload indicator[1] that, at a press of a button, allows the driver to make sure the vehicle is not overloaded.

In addition, new Opel Combo comes with further innovative technologies and up to 19 assistance systems that make driving, manoeuvring, transporting goods or a crew easier, safer and more comfortable. The optional Permanent Rear View Camera¹, acts as a “digital” rear view mirror - greatly improving visibility of panel vans or of fully loaded vehicles. Furthermore, a second camera in the exterior door mirror on the passenger side ensures that the driver no longer needs to worry about the blind spot on this side of the vehicle. And, the new Combo can also be equipped with the new, sensor-based Flank Guard[2] system that helps prevent annoying and expensive bumps or scratches while turning at low speeds, warning the driver when there is a risk that a flank of the car will collide with an obstacle (pillars, barriers, walls or other vehicles). Those professionals whose workplaces require enhanced traction in mud, sand or snow can also upgrade their front-wheel drive Opel Combo with the electronic IntelliGrip traction control system and with the “worksite” set-up. This includes an increased ground clearance of 30 mm, front and rear stiffness antiroll bars, increased tyre diameter and rear variable rate springs. And the optional ultra-modern Apple CarPlay and Android Auto infotainment systems ensure that drivers easily find their way to and from even the most remote locations.

“The Opel Combo is the ideal working companion and almost no job is too big for it thanks to its best-in-class load volume. In addition, it comes with ultra-modern technologies previously only known from the passenger car segment. This makes Opel Combo a commercial vehicle with proven passenger car qualities in terms of driver assistance, safety and comfort – an all-rounder in the best sense of the word,” said Managing Director Sales & Marketing Peter Küspert.

Loading capacity of a larger vehicle: Opel Combo as a multifunctional transporter

The Combo nameplate has been a synonym for compact, multifunctional transporters for professionals over 4 generations since 1986. The first generation was based on an Opel Kadett, the two next on the Opel Corsa models of the time and the fourth was the result of a joint-venture with Fiat. The new, fifth generation has been developed on a completely new architecture within Groupe PSA, the undisputed European leader in the commercial vehicle business. Therefore, it is no surprise that it comes as the most competent vehicle on the market place.

It is available in various variants allowing countless applications;

• a 4.40-metre long short version with a wheelbase of 2,785 mm, payloads of up to 1,000 kg and a cargo volume of 3.3 to 3.8 m³, in which utensils with a length of up to 3,090 mm can be stowed easily. Those who need to transport even longer item can order the Combo with rear swing doors and the useful roof hatch. The latter enables the transport of items weighing up to 100 kg at an angle without having to leave the rear door open.
• a 4.75-metre long XL variant with a wheelbase of 2,975 mm and a load volume of up to 4.4 m³, that can even take working equipment with a length of up 3,440 mm.

Being able to easily load bulky items through the rear doors with a low loading edge of just 557 mm is another major advantage. There is enough space between the wheel arches for a forklift to load two Euro pallets, even into the shortest Combo. And safety has also been taken into consideration: Six tie rings on the floor and a further optional four fitted at mid-height help keep everything in its place.

An important safety feature, the so-called overload indicator¹ is new to Opel. The system automatically measures the mass present on board upon starting up the engine. Alternatively, the driver can ask for the sensor-based system to measure the load on the axles by pressing a button. A white LED signal lights up if the weight exceeds 80 per cent of the permitted payload. If the weight is above the limit, an orange signal with an exclamation mark lights up.

The new Combo also offers a solution for transporting people and equipment with the crew cab version. A crew of up to five including the driver can sit in comfort while the working material is safely stowed behind the partition wall. In addition, the rear bench can be folded down and the partition moved behind the front seats if required. A flap in the partition ensures that especially long items can be transported.

Relaxing drive: Top technologies and passenger car comfort

When it comes to the loading area, Opel Combo is an out and out commercial vehicle but it also offers cutting edge technologies unique in the segment, and a level of comfort for the occupants directly inherited from the Opel Combo Life passenger version that went on sale in early June.

Innovative assistance systems such as the Permanent Rear View Camera¹ ensure outstanding visibility and make the drive more relaxing. Everybody who has driven a transporter knows that looking through the rear view mirror can be challenging - or even impossible in case of a fully loaded vehicle or a full panel van: in these cases, the car has to be driven via the exterior door mirrors. This is not applicable to the new Opel Combo. It can be equipped with a Rear View Camera that shows the area behind the car on the infotainment screen. On one hand, it facilitates manoeuvring via guidelines as soon as reverse is selected. On the other hand, when driving forward, it displays an area from 4 to 30 metres behind the vehicle and can thus be used as a permanent “digital” rear view mirror. A second camera¹ fitted in the exterior door mirror on the passenger side further improves the overall view. As soon as the passenger side indicator is activated, the passenger side view is shown on the monitor, resulting in a major increase in safety for all road users as a blind spot is almost unheard of for Opel Combo drivers.

In addition the newcomer comes with further ultra-modern driver assistance systems known from the Opel Combo Life passenger version. The offer is unique on the market and includes:

 

• Forward Collision Alert with pedestrian detection and Automatic Emergency Braking
• Lane Keep Assist
• Hill Descent Control
• Intelligent Speed Adaptation
• Automatic Cruise Control
• Driver Drowsiness Alert
• Speed Sign Recognition

Last but not least, the new generation of infotainment systems ensures outstanding on-board connectivity. The Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatible Multimedia Radio and Multimedia Navi Pro systems can easily be controlled via the prominent 8-inch colour easy-to-read, easy-to-reach touchscreen. The integrated navigation system of the top-of-the-line unit with European maps and 3D navigation also shows TMC (Traffic Messaging Channel) updates, thus ensuring that drivers can always select the perfect route to get to their customers and avoid traffic jams.

And, as there is nothing like enjoying comfort before or after work with the heated front seats, the heated steering wheel – unique in this segment and typical Opel – and the comfortable rear bench. And occupants can keep a cool head even on the hottest days thanks to the dual zone climate control.

Just like its passenger car sibling, the Combo will be able to draw upon a range of lively and efficient engines combined with modern transmissions. Together with first-class load volume, comfort levels similar to those in passenger cars and extensive on-board entertainment, they make the new Opel Combo an ideal and general purpose commercial vehicle for much more than just working life.

 

[1] Expected to be available from 2019.

[2] Active at speeds below 10 km/h.

[3] Works automatically above 5 km/h and below 85 km/h. From 0 to 30 km/h the deceleration metric to reduce the impact speed of the collision is 0.9g. From 30 to 85 km/h the system brakes to the speed by a maximum of 22 km/h. After this threshold, the driver needs to brake himself to reduce the speed even further.