Stellantis Reaffirms Commitment to Opel and Germany

• Visit of Rüsselsheim plant and Design Centre
• Preview of future grEEn-campus

Stellantis Chairman John Elkann und Xavier Chéreau, Stellantis Chief Human Resources & Heritage and Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Opel Automobile GmbH, visited the premises in Rüsselsheim and reaffirmed their support and commitment for the long-term future of the site. Together with Florian Huettl, Opel CEO and Stellantis Germany Managing Director, they visited yesterday the production plant, where the best-selling Opel Astra in all drive variants and the DS4 from its sister brand DS Automobiles are manufactured. They also received an insight into Opel’s future model portfolio in the Design Centre. Furthermore, they took time to talk to employees and social partners.

“Opel and Germany are very important to Stellantis. At a time of deep industrial transformation, I was happy to take the opportunity of this visit in Rüsselsheim to reaffirm our commitment to Stellantis’ German operations and to our high-quality dialog with our key partners and stakeholders, in particular IG Metall. This cooperative approach will bring sustainable opportunities to all in Germany, a first example of which is the construction of the grEEn-campus in Rüsselsheim,” said Stellantis Chairman John Elkann.

“The speed with which our German plants have transformed into efficient, state-of-the-art production sites is impressive. Of course, we must not let up on continuously increasing our competitiveness and quality in production and customer service. I would like to thank IG Metall and our works council for the constructive and trustful collaboration,” added Opel Supervisory Board Chairman Xavier Chéreau.

“Rüsselsheim not only stands for 125 years of automotive production, but also for innovation and progress. We look forward to the future with confidence, we will continue to play a pioneering role in the transformation of the automotive industry and surprise our customers with our exciting models. Opel is the first German manufacturer to offer a battery-electric variant of every model, without exception. 

With our employees and all partners, we are implementing our strategy with full conviction and concentration,” said Florian Huettl, Opel CEO and Stellantis Germany Managing Director. “With our extensive Stellantis brand portfolio, we have a strong market position; we are number two on the German market in total and number one in the German light commercial vehicle business. 

We will further develop the entire organisation together and focus on collaborative partnerships – inside and outside the company. We are one team for Stellantis in Germany. We have a strong dealer network as well as successful brands and models like the Opel Astra, Peugeot E-3008, Citroën ë-C3 and Fiat 500e.”

Just a few weeks before a crucial year for the entire automotive industry in connection with the stricter CO2 fleet limits, Stellantis rejoined the European Automotive Association ACEA. “We intend to engage constructively with all stakeholders, from our union and commercial partners to political leaders, to identify a common path towards a strong future for our industry. Our strategy and commitment to electrification remain unchanged,” emphasised John Elkann. The Stellantis Chairman shared his views with Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, in recent conversations.

During the visit to the Adam Opel Haus, Elkann and Chéreau also received an update on the progress of the grEEn-campus project, the future Stellantis Germany headquarters and the new global Opel headquarters on Mainzer Straße in Rüsselsheim. The new modern, efficient and urban company headquarters will make a decisive contribution to reducing the carbon footprint of the Rüsselsheim location.

Eisenach plant will resume operations at the beginning of January

Eisenach plant will resume production of the Opel Grandland in the first week of January

 

New Opel Grandland in Eisenach plant

Global shortage of semiconductors remains a significant challenge for the entire industry. Thanks to flexible planning and extensive measures by the Stellantis Group, however, it has been possible to improve the supply situation and have now confirmed the resumption of operations in Eisenach for the beginning of January.

“This is excellent news for the Opel brand. Because with the new Grandland we have a state-of-the-art, electrified SUV flagship that is very popular with our customers,” said Opel boss Uwe Hochgeschurtz.

It is planned that the entire volume of the compact SUV will be produced in Eisenach in the future - a corresponding agreement was reached with IG Metall this week. In addition, the company and the union agreed to bundle the business activities at the Eisenach plant in a separate company. This should be a subsidiary of Opel Automobile GmbH.

“Advantages associated with such a production organization are intended to help ensure the efficiency of the Eisenach plant in the long term. This is achieved, among other things, by simplifying product allocation and implementing more efficient solutions required on site,” emphasized Ralph Wangemann, Managing Director Human Resources at Opel Automobile GmbH and HR Head at Stellantis in Germany.

Working conditions for all employees will remain unchanged, the existing collective agreements and works agreements will continue to apply.

Next generation Opel Astra will be built in Rüsselsheim

• Performance Agreement with works council makes investments possible
• Groupe PSA confirms its intention to manufacture the new Opel/Vauxhall Astra in two plants in Europe, including Rüsselsheim
• Next Opel Astra to join Opel Insignia on the manufacturing lines in Rüsselsheim
• All-New Opel Astra to be a strong contributor to Opel brand electrification
• Strengthening of apprenticeship

Groupe PSA will invest in the Rüsselsheim plant and create the sustainability of the site with the production of the next generation Opel Astra as of 2021

After the signature of an agreement with the works council and the IG Metall and as mentioned in the PACE! plan, Groupe PSA will invest in the Rüsselsheim plant and create the sustainability of the site with the production of the next generation Opel Astra as of 2021.

Opel Rüsselsheim plant

Astra is traditionally one of Opel’s most popular models. Next generation, based on the Groupe PSA EMP2 platform, will also allow the production of an electrified version of the compact class bestseller in Rüsselsheim. Decision was made possible by further improvements of efficiency and competitiveness of the plant. Opel flagship Insignia will continue to be manufactured in Rüsselsheim as well.

Rüsselsheim plant - Opel Insignia manufacturing

“This is an important step forward for the Rüsselsheim plant. This investment will allow work in two shifts and secure the sustainable future of the Rüsselsheim plant,” said Opel CEO Michael Lohscheller.

Agreement with the social partners allows employees within vehicle production born in and before 1963 to participate in a partial retirement programme. Furthermore, the voluntary programme will be reopened for employees working in vehicle production. According to the agreement, 120 new apprentices per year will be hired in Rüsselsheim in the coming years. With this, the company sets another important example.

“This result shows the determination of all involved stakeholders to come to an outcome that works for all parties. Rüsselsheim will continue to play an important role in the industrial footprint of Groupe PSA,” added Lohscheller.

“Increasing competitiveness, efficiency and quality is part of Groupe PSA’s production DNA and the Rüsselsheim plant has made major inroads in all of these areas,” said Yann Vincent, Executive Vice-President Manufacturing & Supply Chain at Groupe PSA. “I count on Rüsselsheim to contribute to the manufacturing of the next generation Opel Astra.”

Opel Astra K - Design sketch

Opel Astra, which is currently produced in Ellesmere Port (UK) and Gliwice (Poland), has been a permanent fixture in Opel’s model range ever since it was introduced as a replacement for the Opel Kadett in 1991 and won the “Car of the Year” award in 2016.

Opel Astra K: Car of the Year 2016 

The bestseller was already produced in the Rüsselsheim plant between 2009 and 2015.

Opel and IG Metall / Works Council Agree on Measures for Improved Competitiveness and Investments

• Opel Grandland X SUV and hybrid version to be produced in Eisenach
• Development of next generation global Groupe PSA 1.6-litre engine family (EP) at Engineering Center in Rüsselsheim
• Framework agreement with job protection extended until 2023

Announcement: Opel CEO Michael Lohscheller announced that the Opel Grandland X SUV will be built in Eisenach as of mid-2019.

Opel has now also secured its future in Germany and is taking a further step on its way to becoming profitable, global and electric. Significant investments will be made in R&D and the sites in Eisenach, Rüsselsheim and Kaiserslautern between 2018 and 2023. As part of this investment, the Opel Grandland X will be produced in the Eisenach plant as of mid-2019 in two shifts, including a hybrid version which will follow in 2020. The company will announce details on the planned investments for the other German sites at a later date.

The negotiating parties also agreed on a further important step to define the Engineering Center in Rüsselsheim’s future role in the global Groupe PSA R&D network: The Engineering Center in Rüsselsheim will be responsible for the development of the next generation EP engine family. Previously, the Engineering Center in Rüsselsheim had already received global responsibilities for Groupe PSA with the allocation of 15 Centers of Competence. Furthermore, every future European Opel model will be developed in Rüsselsheim.

The carmaker also agreed on a new framework agreement with the social partners. It runs until July 2023 and includes an extensive package of measures to increase competitiveness. The exclusion of forced redundancies has been extended for the duration of the new agreement.

“This is a very important step in the implementation of the PACE! plan to make Opel fit for performance across Europe. And we are doing exactly what we promised. The increase of the competiveness is allowing us to invest and secure a good future for our people,” said Opel CEO Michael Lohscheller. “We are looking ahead after delivering on our commitment to not close any plants or announce any forced redundancies.”

“We will ensure long-term utilisation of our German sites and thus protect employment – and this well into the next decade – with attractive models and high-quality components,” said Lohscheller. “We are deeply rooted in Germany and our German plants are and will remain our backbone.”

Measures to improve the competitiveness of Opel in Germany are part of the new agreement. Balancing collective wage increases with remuneration components above the general pay scale shall be possible in future. Furthermore, the additional payments agreed within the scope of the IG Metall collective agreement, which would be applicable as of mid-2019, have been cancelled for the duration of the new framework agreement. Any potential further wage increases as of 2020 will be postponed in their effectiveness for the duration of the contract.

Successful SUV: Opel Grandland X will roll off the production line in Eisenach as of mid-2019.

Part of the agreement is also the departure of 3,700 employees in Germany based on the already successfully implemented voluntary programme approved by the social partners. Today, around 3,500 employees have already taken advantage of a voluntary programme.

“The measures agreed today are a further important milestone on the way to achieving the objectives of our PACE! strategic plan: To reach a recurring operating margin of two percent by 2020 and six percent by 2026,” said Opel CEO Michael Lohscheller. “We are grateful for the important contribution of our German employees to making Opel successful again,” added Lohscheller. “The intensive negotiations have been brought to a positive conclusion. I would explicitly like to thank our social partners for this.”

!NEW! Opel/Vauxhall to Produce Second Flagship in Rüsselsheim and to Invest in New Engine and Transmission Production

• GM Chief Executive Officer Mary Barra announces production of New SUV in  Rüsselsheim
• Considerable investments in engine and transmission production in the Rüsselsheim, Kaiserslautern and Tychy plants
• Third shift at the Eisenach plant will be added next year
• Clear commitment to Opel/Vauxhall, Germany and Europe

Opel Group CEO Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann and GM CEO Mary Barra in front of the new Corsa E.  Barra announces production of a new SUV in Rüsselsheim.

During her second visit to Germany this year, Mary Barra, Chief Executive Officer of General Motors, announced additional considerable investments. Barra confirmed that new model will be produced at Opel’s traditional headquarters in Rüsselsheim by the end of the decade. “This SUV will be the brand’s second flagship alongside the Insignia,” Barra said. As announced in March, 245 million euro will be invested in Opel’s Rüsselsheim plant to meet future requirements. Furthermore, Barra declared additional investments of more than half billion euro in the engine and transmission plants in Rüsselsheim, Kaiserslautern and Tychy (Poland), thus providing the impetus for Opel to move to the next stage of its powertrain offensive with fuel efficient engines and transmissions.

Opel Insignia - Current flagship model

“Opel/Vauxhall is of high strategic importance for GM. The product offensive with 27 new models and 17 new engines has enjoyed a very successful start. These additional investments will help the brand shine again and further strengthen our position in Europe. They are a clear sign of GM’s commitment to Opel, to Germany and to Europe,” said Barra.

Opel Group CEO Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann and GM CEO Mary Barra 

Opel Group CEO Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann was delighted by the clear message: “General Motors and Opel/Vauxhall are closer than ever before.” He continued to explain that Opel/Vauxhall  has General Motor’s full support. “The additional investments are further proof of the excellent cooperation.”

Both, Mary Barra and Dr. Neumann, pointed out that all necessary decisions were taken after a constructive dialog with employee representatives. They recognized the cooperation with the European employee representatives, the Industrial Metal Union (IG Metall) and Opel’s general works council, chaired by Wolfgang Schäfer-Klug.

Wolfgang Schäfer-Klug: "The package of measures is based on existing collective labor agreement commitments. The agreement is an important prerequisite for the continuation of Opel’s ride in the fast lane. It helps to continue our growth course with safe and competitive jobs."

Dr. Neumann also announced that a third shift will be established at the plant in Eisenach as of mid 2015. “This is good news for Eisenach as we are enjoying strong demand for the Opel/Vauxhall ADAM and the new Corsa  E.”

Opel ADAM 

Mary Barra expressed her delight with the new Corsa E, adding that 45,000 orders before the official market launch show that the fifth generation of the small car is well on its way to becoming a bestseller.

!NEW! Employee representatives and management agree on corner points of social collective labor contract for Opel Bochum

IG Metall, the Bochum works council and the management of Adam Opel AG have agreed on major, binding corner points of a social collective labor contract for the Opel plant in Bochum:

•       Car production will end, as announced, on December 31, 2014.

•       Opel to remain in Bochum: the company will invest 60 million euros in the warehouse and increase its workforce in the coming years with a further 265 positions, totaling 700 jobs.

•       At least 200 employees will have the chance to move to other Opel plants.

•       Attractive, individual compensation packages will be offered - including a two-year transfer company.

•       Training continues: 171 apprentices will have the chance to get their degrees over the course of the next years. A further 40 apprentices will start as of 2014.

Ulrich Schumacher, HR Director of Adam Opel AG: "In this difficult situation it has been our goal to come to responsible and socially-acceptable solutions for our Bochum employees.  We have achieved this together - in intense but constructive discussions with the works council and IG Metall. We have reached an agreement concerning the most important cornerstones of a social collective labor contract. I am very happy that we can now provide clarity to our staff. "

Vehicle production at the Bochum site is secure for the whole year 2014 and will end as announced on December 31, 2014.

The existing contract for the warehouse which is currently operated by the logistics company Neovia, will be renewed. In the coming years, Opel will invest 60 million euros in this area. This means the existing 430 jobs can be secured in the long term. In addition, 265 more jobs will be created.

Opel will offer individual packages to the employees affected by the discontinuation of vehicle production. These offers are based on individual needs and will support a reorientation of employees. Attractive compensation, a two-year transfer company and special programs for older employees will create prospects for individuals. A minimum of 200 Bochum employees will have the possibility of moving to other Opel plants.

Particular emphasis will be on the placement and qualification of employees in other fields of activity in the greater region of Bochum. This will be pursued in particular by the ‘Bochum 2022 perspective’. Cooperation with other reputable companies should lead to attractive employment opportunities.

The company will make sure that the training of the current 171 Opel apprentices can be finalized properly in cooperation with TÜV Nord Bildung Opel GmbH. In 2014, 40 additional young people will get the chance to start their apprenticeship.

Together with the ‘Bochum Perspektive 2022’ initiative and the ‘Lernfabrik’ project, we will create the prerequisites to make today's training an integral part of a joint training system equipped for the challenges of the future.