Vauxhall celebrates 60 years of vehicle production at Ellesmere Port

• Stellantis’ Ellesmere Port plant is celebrating 60 years since first car rolled off production line
• Production started in June 1964 with Vauxhall Viva
• Ellesmere Port is UK’s first EV-only manufacturing plant and manufactures compact electric van for Vauxhall/Opel, Peugeot, Citroen & Fiat Pro
• Approaching 6m vehicles built at Ellesmere Port since 1964
• Electric van production to begin at Stellantis Luton plant from 2025

Stellantis is celebrating 60 years of vehicle manufacturing at its Ellesmere Port plant, marking six decades since the first car, a Vauxhall Viva, rolled off the production line on 1 June 1964.

Ellesmere Port was constructed in 1962 and opened in 1964 producing the Vauxhall Viva. Since then, it has produced celebrated models such as the Vauxhall Chevette and, since 1980, seven generations of the hugely popular Vauxhall Astra. During its lifetime, the plant produced more than a million units of the Viva, more than a quarter of a million Vauxhall Chevettes, and more than 4.1 million Vauxhall Astras.

Stellantis Ellesmere Port plant is now a key part of British electric vehicle (EV) production, being the UK’s first EV-only volume manufacturing plant following a £100m investment by Stellantis as part of the company’s Dare Forward 2030 commitment to become carbon neutral by 2038. Production of EVs began at Ellesmere Port in September last year, with Vauxhall/Opel Combo Electric, Citroën ë-Berlingo, Fiat e-Doblò and Peugeot E-Partner being produced there.

In 1970 Ellesmere Port occupied more than 350,000m2, but has since undergone several key changes, including the addition of a battery assembly shop, upgraded General Assembly and relocation of the bodyshop. This has contributed to a 60% reduction of the total site area for improved energy efficiency and productivity. At 118,000m2, the entire plant is now a similar size to the previous bodyshop.

Ellesmere Port’s transition to electric-only production continues Vauxhall’s tradition of building vehicles in the UK, which started at the company’s Luton plant in 1905, having transferred from Vauxhall in London where it started in 1903. From next year, Luton will begin producing medium electric vans for Vauxhall, Opel, Citroën, Peugeot and Fiat Professional.

Present at the 60th anniversary celebrations for plant staff and local dignitaries was Keith Tabiner, who was on the production line at Ellesmere Port in 1964 when the first Vauxhall Viva was produced. His three sons, Mark, Mike and Phil, also work at Ellesmere Port today, meaning that the Tabiner family has a combined 152 years of employment at the plant.  The plant has enjoyed a high level of such loyalty, dedication and length of service from many employees across the decades.

Keith Tabiner said: “Having witnessed the first Vauxhall Viva roll of the production line in 1964, and worked at Ellesmere Port for a total of 40 years, it’s a pleasure to be back and see the plant going from strength to strength making the electric vehicles of the future. I’ve always driven Vauxhalls and with three of my sons following in my footsteps and working at the plant today, everything we have is thanks to Ellesmere Port.”

Diane Miller, Ellesmere Port Plant Director, said: “We are excited to mark such an impressive milestone, celebrating production that began sixty years ago with the Viva, and now continues into the future with electric vans from Fiat, Citroën, Peugeot, Opel and Vauxhall. For six decades, Ellesmere Port has been a central pillar of the local area, and whose people have continually taken great pride in their work at the plant to provide millions of vehicles for the UK and beyond and now continue to do so in the transition to a more sustainable future.”

Maria Grazia Davino, Group Managing Director, Stellantis UK, remarked: “It is gratifying to celebrate six decades of vehicle production at Ellesmere Port, which continues to produce the latest generation of electric vans. Stellantis is the only OEM producing vans, including electric vans, in volume in the UK, and I would like to share my congratulations to the employees at the plant, who continue to work incredibly hard to produce the vehicles that will help to electrify businesses across the UK and in the more than 20 countries to which we export electric vans.”

Name Becomes Trademark: 90 Years of the Opel Blitz

• Long tradition: Opel commercial vehicles since beginning of 20th century
• November 1930: The “Blitz“ is born
• Success story: A total of 442,312 Opel Blitz vehicles built in Germany by 1975
• Ready for the future: Opel Combo Cargo, Vivaro and Movano continue their success stories and will become electric

1930 Opel Blitz 2.0 t

Ninety years ago, the “Blitz” truck laid the foundation for a long line of successful Opel commercial vehicles. At the same time, the model name became the world-famous symbol that still characterises the brand today. While six-cylinder petrol engines with 55 hp once purred under the long bonnet of the commercial vehicle, much has changed since then: the current Opel vans boast highly efficient direct-injection diesel engines with up to 180 hp – in addition to comfort, safety and braking power at passenger car level. Today's heroes are known by the names Combo, Vivaro and Movano; the last Opel with the Blitz nameplate went into well-deserved retirement in 1987. By the end of the Blitz model line, almost half a million vehicles had been built at the plants in Rüsselsheim, Brandenburg and Luton. Then as today, Opel commercial vehicles are economical, safe and durable companions for the transport of all types of loads.

In the beginning

Origins of commercial vehicles at automotive pioneer Opel date back to 1899. Delivery and transport vans were already built early on, based on the Patent Motor Car “System Lutzmann”, the first automobile made in Rüsselsheim. In 1907, the first fully-fledged truck was added to the portfolio. 

1907 8/14 hp Delivery Van

The three-quarter tonne vehicle had pneumatic tyres and a propeller shaft drive as standard and was available with either a two or four-cylinder engine. During the first world war, norms specifying “standard trucks” of up to four tonnes were introduced by the military. Robust Opel “standard trucks” were sold until the early 1920s. From 1923, a new range of commercial vehicles was created, consisting of smaller light trucks with a payload of one to two tonnes.

1912 3,0 t Truck

Success in five letters

Another generation of modern commercial vehicles was on the starting blocks for the 1931 model year. Engineers did a great job in economically hard times, presenting newly developed “express transport trucks” with excellent design. As a sales promotion measure, the Opel advertising department was to create a concise term that could be pronounced in German as well as “in any modern language”. And it was to only have five letters – that was a must! Opel advertisers chose an unusual, but extremely high-profile and effective way of finding a name: the name for the new product was sought throughout Germany by means of a competition. “Win an Opel! We are looking for a name that we want to make famous all over the world! New truck is to set off on its successful career in Germany and beyond its borders under a name that identifies it as a German make and is also an expression of its superior quality,” wrote Dr. Wilhelm von Opel in full-page newspaper advertisements. Grand prize was a 4/20 hp limousine while four Opel Motoclub motorbikes were the second to fifth prizes. Closing date for entries was October 6, 1930, and Sales Manager Andersen announced the winner at the Opel Dealer Conference on November 24, 1930 in Frankfurt's "Ufa-Palast". “Blitz” was chosen from about 1.5 million entries. A term that had already been used for Opel bicycles from 1889 and was now to stand for Opel commercial vehicle construction for the next six decades. For Dr. Wilhelm von Opel, it was a name "which equally symbolizes the origin, power and performance of our new product".

1930 Opel Blitz 1.5 t

Performance was also a major theme at the presentation of the newly christened Opel Blitz: two basic models with a payload of 1.5 to two tonnes, three different wheelbases and two engines met customers’ individual wishes. Promise of being a true “express transport truck” was fulfilled by a 2.6-litre four-cylinder and, in the case of the Blitz “6”, a 3.6-litre “Marquette” six-cylinder engine. In the following years, the range was constantly refined – with success: the career of the new Blitz trucks was so overwhelming that five years after their debut, the company built a plant specifically for commercial vehicle production.

1931 Opel Blitz 2.5 t

Eastward expansion

As the plant at Rüsselsheim headquarters was operating at full capacity, Opel expanded in Brandenburg an der Havel. On April 7, 1935, the ground-breaking ceremony for the new production facility in state-of-the-art industrial architecture covering 850,000 square metres and designed exclusively for truck manufacturing took place. It was the first Opel plant designed solely for assembly line production.

1935 Opel Blitz 2.5 t

1937 Opel Blitz 3 t no. 25.000

In July 1937, the 25,000th Blitz express transport truck left the assembly line in Brandenburg. The same year, Opel updated its engine portfolio with units from passenger car production. Three-tonne truck was fitted with the modern 3.6-litre six-cylinder engine from the Opel Admiral, which had overhead valves and a spur gear-driven camshaft. It developed 75 hp in the Opel Blitz, which, with a top speed of 90km/h, was now faster than many a passenger car. 1.5-litre four-cylinder OHV from the Opel Olympia with 37 hp was used in the 80 km/h one-tonne car. Solid, reliable, durable – the Blitz had the proverbial Opel virtues.

In 1945, ten years after the inauguration of the new plant, the Blitz production in Brandenburg came to a standstill. Building structure was destroyed after heavy air raids, and the remaining production facilities were dismantled and sent to the Soviet Union as reparations. Opel Kadett lines in Rüsselsheim suffered the same fate. While the Opel Kadett was then built as the “Moskvich” in Moscow, the Blitz facilities were never reassembled again.

New beginning in west Germany

First Opel Blitz after the war 15.7. 1946

New beginning at the Rüsselsheim main plant was with a truck: the first post-war Opel was a Blitz. “On Monday, July 15, 1946, a simple ceremony was held to celebrate re-starting series production of the 1.5 tonne, six-cylinder, 2.5-litre Opel Blitz fast transport truck, which signalled the resumption of series production of motor vehicles at Adam Opel AG,” said the news at the time. As a symbolic act of the restart, the commanding general of the 3rd US Army, Geoffrey Keyes ceremonially cut a yellow ribbon. Platform truck ordered by a Wiesbaden businessman cost 6,600 marks. Compared to the previous version, the gross vehicle weight was increased by 200 to 3,400 kilogrammes and payload grew to 1,725 kilogrammes. Under its characteristic bonnet, the OHV six-cylinder engine familiar from the Kapitän now had 55hp. 839 Blitz fast transport trucks were produced to the end of 1946, and by the time production was discontinued in December 1951, the total reached 37,117 units.

1946 Opel Blitz 1.5 t

Big brother of the 1.5-tonne vehicle, the three-tonne truck, had already been produced exclusively by Daimler-Benz since August 1944. Manufactured under license as the L 701, the Blitz rolled off the assembly line at the Mannheim plant – initially with a greatly simplified “standard cab”, then from 1948 again with the original cab supplied by Opel from Rüsselsheim. In 1949 the L 701 successor was introduced and Opel took over all unsold cars and all remaining parts. 

1950 Opel Blitz 3 t

Until 1954 the last 467 units of the famous truck were produced in Rüsselsheim – now again under its original name and with the Blitz logo on the front.

Truck for the economic miracle

1952 Opel Blitz 1.75 t 

Thanks to its fresh design, the 1.75-tonne replacement of the 1.5-tonne Blitz was popular throughout Europe. Wide grille and the shapely fenders were skilful adaptations of typically 1950s American form language, while the cabin was made of steel. Smooth-running, 2.5-litre six-cylinder limousine engine stood out from the typically rustic motors on the truck market. Increased load capacity made the 1955 model particularly special: with a payload of two tonnes, the Blitz could transport more than it weighed. Specialists supplied conversions for buses, removals, deliveries and the fire brigade, based on the 3,300 or 3,750 mm-long platforms. Around 20,000 units of the so-called “Rundschnautzer” (round-nose) left the plant every year. By the time of the 1960 model change, production had totalled 89,767 vehicles.

1952 Opel Blitz 1.75 t Articulated Truck

Blitz generation for the swinging sixties featured a new 2.6-litre six-cylinder engine as well as a shorter, downward sloping hood. Aficionados described the design of the panel van version as subtly elegant and especially effective. With the Rüsselsheim plant operating at full capacity, the cabin and the cargo structure were produced externally by coachbuilder Voll.

Opel at Frankfurt Motor Show 1957

Blitz appeared at the 1965 IAA with a comprehensive makeover – the cabin displayed a more expressive front with extra emphasis of horizontal lines. A 70 hp four-cylinder power unit joined the line-up. This 1.9-litre petrol engine featured a chain-driven camshaft-in-head and originated from a new generation that had debuted in 1965 in the Opel Rekord B. In 1966, the 2.1 and 2.4-tonne variants got a new straight-six that powered the Blitz to a top speed of 110 km/h. At the end of the sixties, the Opel Blitz was still one of the most popular light trucks on the German market; nearly one in two petrol trucks up to three tonnes gross vehicle weight (GVW) was an Opel. Company took another important step in 1969, adding a diesel to the petrol range – Opel produced 47,368 petrol and 7,374 diesel trucks between 1965 and 1975.

1963 Opel Blitz

1965 Opel Blitz

Production of the Blitz truck in Germany ended on January 10, 1975. After 417,211 units built in Rüsselsheim and Brandenburg, the model that gave its name to the Opel emblem left the portfolio. The name itself, however, remained; a neat compact van had joined the Opel commercial vehicle range just two years earlier, in March 1973 – Opel Bedford Blitz.

Frankfurt Motor Show 1973

Little truck from Luton

Opel concentrated on passenger cars in the 1970s and relocated the production of commercial vehicles to the Luton plant in England. Powered by frugal Opel diesels and lively Vauxhall petrol engines, the Opel Bedford Blitz was a convincing concept: engine in front of the driver, driving wheels under the cargo area, McPherson strut front suspension, car-like handling. With its unitary body, level load surface, big doors and compact instrument panel, the vehicle attracted a lot of praise. Opel Bedford Blitz was especially popular as the basis for campers and reached market shares of more than 20 per cent.

1973 Opel Bedford Blitz

At this time, Opel also offered heavy Bedford trucks (up to 10.2 tonnes gross vehicle weight) under the Blitz nameplate.

1974 Opel Bedford Blitz Tipper Truck (Type E 2034)

1980 Opel Bedford Blitz

With its refreshed design and new 2.3-litre diesel engine, the Bedford Blitz represented the backbone of Opel’s commercial vehicle range from 1980 to 1987. At the end of production, the “Blitz” nameplate retired after 57 years of active duty. With the famous Blitz emblem, however, the tradition lives on in every Opel.

Comeback with a new name

After a 10-year pause, Opel made a successful return to panel vans in 1997 with the Arena. With their numerous variants, pioneering light technology, connectivity and high-tech assistance systems, the Combo Cargo, Vivaro and Movano continue the great tradition of the Opel Blitz today.

Opel LCV Range 2020

Opel recently expanded its offer of especially efficient LCVs with the all-electric Vivaro-e. Thanks to the Combo-e and an electric version of the Movano, the range will become fully electrified next year. All Opel models will have an electrically driven version by 2024.

 Opel Vivaro-e

New Opel Vivaro-e: For Emissions-Free Deliveries

• For the “last mile” and beyond: up to 230 or 330 kilometres electric range (WLTP1)
• Powerful: 100 kW (136 hp) electric motor with 260 Nm torque
• Easy to use: variety of charging options, payment via “Free2Move Services” app
• Comfortable: check state-of-charge or programme charging times via “myOpel” app
• Unique: the only compact electric LCV available ex works with optional trailer hitch
• Safety for professionals: driver assistance systems enhance protection

New Opel Vivaro-e

Opel Vivaro-e is the first all-electric commercial vehicle from the German automotive manufacturer and it arrives on the market just as the emission-free delivery of goods and services is becoming a must in many areas. Available in three lengths and with many body variants, the new battery electric Vivaro-e enables professionals to benefit from uncompromised zero-emission, door-to-door mobility – well beyond the sole “last mile”. All-new Opel Vivaro-e is a fully functional LCV for businesses with the highest demands that expect vehicles to fit seamlessly into their optimised work processes. Order books are due to open this summer, followed by first deliveries during the course of the year. Vivaro-e is produced in the same plant on the same line as the versions with diesel engines.

“As the first all-electric light commercial vehicle to enter the Van-D market segment of medium-sized vans, and featuring a range of up to 330 kilometres in the WLTP cycle, the new Opel Vivaro-e sets the standards for ease of use, dependability and professionalism,” said Opel CEO Michael Lohscheller.

While Opel Vivaro-e is as versatile and flexible as any other Vivaro, its payloads are comparable to those of similar LCVs with internal combustion engines: with 1,275 kg, the Vivaro-e offers a payload almost as high as the Cargo S 2.0-litre diesel versions (maximum payload 1,405 kg). E-van is also the only electrified vehicle from an automobile manufacturer available ex works with an optional trailer hitch that allows a maximum towing capacity of 1,000 kg.

Vivaro-e customers can choose between two sizes of lithium ion battery, depending on their needs: with 75 kWh for up to 330 km or, for those who have a less intensive daily use of their vehicle, with 50 kWh and a range of up to 230 kilometres, both in the WLTP 1 test cycle. The batteries consist of 18 and 27 modules respectively. As a battery electric version was planned from the beginning, the batteries are packaged under the loading space in such a way that they do not compromise usage.

A sophisticated regenerative braking system, which recovers the energy produced under braking or deceleration, further increases efficiency.

With 100 kW (136 hp) and 260 Nm of torque from the electric propulsion system, Opel Vivaro‑e offers higher performance than most electric commercial vehicles. The electronically controlled maximum speed of 130 km/h enables Autobahn speed while also preserving the electric range. The battery located under the load compartment further lowers the centre of gravity, which benefits the cornering and wind stability of the Opel Vivaro-e even when it is fully loaded, while also contributing to higher driving pleasure.

Electric mobility made easy: variety of charging options, “OpelConnect” e-services

Fulfilling to perfection its role as dependable partner for large and small fleets, artisans and businesses, Opel Vivaro-e is as easy to charge as it is to use. Via wall box, fast charging or even a cable for charging from a domestic plug socket if necessary, every Vivaro-e is ready for a variety of charging options.

Using a 100 kW DC public charging station, charging of the 50 kWh battery to 80 per cent state-of-charge takes around only 30 minutes (around 45 minutes for the 75 kWh battery). Opel offers on-board chargers that ensure that charging times are as fast as possible and that the battery (covered by an eight-year/160,000km guarantee) has a long life. Depending on the market and infrastructure, the Vivaro-e features a powerful three-phase 11 kW on-board charger or a single-phase 7.4 kW on-board charger as standard.

Offer of cables and wall boxes varies according to the energy infrastructure of each market, ensuring that Vivaro-e customers can find and make use of a charging station almost anywhere.

In order to make using the Vivaro-e even more practical, “OpelConnect”, the “myOpel” app and “Free2Move Services” – the mobility brand of Groupe PSA – offer special solutions for electric vehicles. Services are accessible via apps.

“Charge My Car” function from the “Free2Move Services” app enables access to more than 140,000 charging points throughout Europe, including payment. To make it even easier for customers to choose the right charging point, the “Free2Move Services” app makes a preselection based on the distance to the charging point, the charging speed and the current charging price of the possible public charging options.

With the “OpelConnect” e-remote control functions, customers can use their smartphones to check the battery’s state-of-charge or programme air conditioning and charging times.

In addition, the “OpelConnect” portfolio ranges from eCall and breakdown calls to numerous other services, such as vehicle status and information. LIVE Navigation2 provides online traffic information in real time.

BEV for all tasks: crew cab, platform cab, people carrier, up to 6.6 m3 cargo volume

Opel has tailored the Vivaro-e to cater for a variety of customer needs, including crew cab, platform cab and people carrier, with payloads of up to 1,275 kg and gross vehicle weights ranging from 2,800 to 3,100 kg. Particularly compact 4.60-metre version closes the gap between the van and the transporter segments. With a turning circle of only 11.3 m, it is also very agile in tight spaces. As most variants are about 1.90 m tall, the Vivaro-e can access parking in basements or shopping centres with low roofs.

Thanks to the practical FlexCargo load-through on the front passenger side, the 4.6 m3-cargo capacity of the S increases to 5.1 m3. This enables transportation of objects up to 3.32 m in length.

4.95 m and 5.30 m M and L versions have maximum cargo capacities of 5.8 and 6.6 m3 respectively. Ladders or panels up to 3.67 or 4.02 m in length can be stowed securely, while the multitude of storage areas in the cockpit (which features an electric parking brake) comfortably accommodate numerous smaller items.

Vivaro-e’s wide rear and sliding side doors give unrestricted access to the cargo area or passenger compartment. Especially practical are the electric sliding side doors that open automatically – a movement of the foot is all it takes to open the doors from outside the vehicle.

Assistance systems galore: from Automatic Emergency Braking to Drowsiness Alert

Like its siblings with internal combustion engines, Opel Vivaro-e offers an unusually wide range of driver assistance systems that enhance professionals’ safety. In addition to a Head Up Display, the Vivaro-e includes Lane Keep Assist, Extended Traffic Sign Recognition, Drowsiness Alert, Semi-Adaptive Cruise Control, Forward Collision Alert and Automatic Emergency Braking.

Ultrasonic sensors in the Vivaro-e’s front and rear aprons warn the driver of obstacles when parking and monitor the side blind spot. Depending on the equipment level, the 180 degrees rear-view camera image appears on the seven-inch touchscreen.

Multimedia Radio and Multimedia Navi Pro infotainment systems of the Vivaro-e come with the large 7.0-inch touchscreen. Both feature phone integration via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Multimedia Navi Pro additionally features European navigation with 3D view.

Vivaro-e continues not only Opel’s electrification offensive, but also the Vivaro’s success story that began with the first generation in 2001.

Next electric Opel LCV, Combo-e, will arrive in 2021. Opel will offer an electrified version of every passenger car and LCV model by 2024.

Strong Comeback for Opel / Vauxhall after One Year as Part of Groupe PSA

Groupe PSA CEO Carlos Tavares and Opel CEO Michael Lohscheller

Opel/Vauxhall has been part of Groupe PSA for twelve months – and is on the road to writing a successful comeback story. Last week, the company presented a half-year profit¹ of €502 million and an operational free cash flow of around €1.2 billion. This was made possible above all by the affiliation with Groupe PSA, which on August 1, 2017, enabled the creation of a European champion. With the strategic plan PACE!, which Opel CEO Michael Lohscheller presented just 100 days later on November 9, 2017, the company bundles its strengths, leverages synergies and unleashes the full potential of the brand. With PACE! Opel will be profitable, electric and global.

Opel / Vauxhall - One Year as Part of Groupe PSA

 “We are a completely different company than 12 months ago. We have set the course for even more competitiveness and have already aligned many areas for the future. We are profiting massively from being part of the successful Groupe PSA. We are very grateful for this – and this is also an obligation,” says Opel CEO Michael Lohscheller.

Opel will be profitable and invest in sites

After just under one year as part of Groupe PSA, Opel/Vauxhall is back in the black. The recurring operating margin for the first half of 2018 is 5.0 per cent. This clearly shows that PACE! is working. The competitiveness of the production plants throughout Europe was significantly improved. Together with the social partners, Opel management has reached performance agreements at all European sites. This has already led to new investment decisions and product allocations across Europe.

For example, the new  Opel/Vauxhall Corsa – also in an electric version – will be produced exclusively at the Spanish plant in Zaragoza. The next generation of the Opel/Vauxhall Vivaro will roll off the assembly line in Luton, England, from 2019. Opel/Vauxhall Grandland X SUV will be manufactured in Eisenach from the middle of next year – including a hybrid version that will follow by 2020. New product allocations were also announced for the engine and transmission plants in Tichy (Poland), Aspern (Austria) and Szentgotthard (Hungary). Details of the planned investments in Rüsselsheim and Kaiserslautern will be announced in due course.

Important role for Rüsselsheim Engineering Center

The successful integration of Opel/Vauxhall into Groupe PSA is also reflected in the engineering organisation. The Engineering Center in Rüsselsheim plays an important role in the company and contributes typical Opel strengths to the group's global development network. With 15 Centers of Competence for various areas of technology and responsibility for the development of light commercial vehicles as well as the next generation of four-cylinder petrol engines, the Rüsselsheim Engineering Center assumes global responsibility for the entire Groupe PSA. The abilities of the various competence teams ideally complement each other as part of a global network – for the benefit of all five group brands (Opel, Vauxhall, Peugeot, Citroën and DS Automobiles). In addition, all new Opel/Vauxhall vehicles will be developed in Rüsselsheim in the future.

“At Opel/Vauxhall, the group's top technologies meet German engineering excellence. This results in outstanding vehicles with a clear profile and emotional design,” says Lohscheller. “We have always stressed that Opel remains German and Vauxhall remains British. We have further sharpened our brands in the past twelve months and I am very much looking forward to our new concept car, with which we will present our future brand face.”

Successful new models – electrification of the product portfolio

The collaboration between the development teams is well-received by customers. With the Crossland X, Mokka X and Grandland X models, Opel/Vauxhall is superbly positioned in the high-growth SUV market and leads the European SUV B segment, among others. The Opel and Vauxhall brands thus contribute to Groupe PSA’s successful SUV offensive with the X Family. In the first half of 2018, these models accounted for 167,200 vehicles sold by both brands.

  
Opel/Vauxhall continues its product offensive in Europe. Following the launch of the sporty Insignia GSi, the company will also launch a GSi version of the Corsa in the second half of the year.

The new Combo Life passenger version and Combo commercial vehicle will also bring important momentum for growth.

Next year, the all-new Corsa will follow – including a purely battery-powered electric version in 2020, which means that Opel/Vauxhall will already have four electrified vehicles on offer in 2020. By 2024, an electrified version will be available in every European passenger car line, either with pure battery drive or as a plug-in hybrid. This will be possible by the prompt use of Groupe PSA's multi-energy group platforms.

Export offensive in markets beyond Europe gains momentum: Opel goes global

With new importers in Morocco, Tunisia, South Africa and Lebanon, the company forges ahead with its goal of doubling sales outside of Europe by 2020. Opel models will be assembled in Namibia from the second half of the year. By the middle of the next decade, more than ten per cent of Opel's sales volume is to be generated outside of Europe. The company also successfully uses existing Groupe PSA structures for these activities.

^[1] recurring operating income

!NEW! Police car-stody: Arresting Vauxhalls built at Europe’s biggest cop car factory

• Largest Police car factory in Europe opens in Luton, Bedfordshire
• 2,500 vehicles per year converted for Police, Fire and Ambulance
• 50 new jobs in Luton after production moved in-house
• UK supplier firms benefit with 90 per cent material sourced locally

Vauxhall blue light conversion centre at Luton plant 

Vauxhall has officially opened its Police car factory, the largest of its kind in Europe, at its manufacturing plant in Luton, Bedfordshire.

The factory will convert 2,500 vehicles per year, including cars and vans, for use by Police forces, and Fire and Ambulance services nationwide.

Bringing 50 new jobs to Luton, the new facility has been created after moving production in-house from its previous location in Millbrook, Bedfordshire.

Supplier firms around the country also benefit with 90 per cent of blue-light content, the materials used to convert a standard car in to a Police car, sourced locally from UK suppliers. Local firms include Border Engineering in Luton who make brackets and AV Engineering in Royston who make fascia mouldings.

An array of Vauxhalls will be converted for use by the emergency services at the Luton facility with cars including Corsa, Astra, Insignia and Mokka, and CVs, such as Combo, Movano and the Luton-built Vivaro vans.

Vauxhall is the only manufacturer to offer a one-stop shop for blue-light vehicles. Everything is done in-house from testing to converting and even remarketing of decommissioned vehicles.

Policing has changed dramatically in recent years with new types of crimes and the increased terror threat. With technology like 4G Wi-Fi and rugged Toughbook tablets, Vauxhall can offer the emergency services everything they need to stay connected on the move.

“Through our flexible production facility, Vauxhall is able to offer a one-stop shop purchasing experience to UK emergency services,” said Dick Ellam, Vauxhall’s Manager, Special Vehicles.

“We can deliver a wide choice of car and van models, specifically designed and rigorously-tested to meet the stringent demands of our emergency services. We can also supply turn-key vehicle solutions that enable rapid turnaround of replacement vehicles, plus we can now offer a unique in-house de-commissioning and re-marketing service.”

Vauxhall is the number one supplier to Police fleets with a 70 per cent market share of competitive segments.

!NEW! All Opel/Vauxhall Manufacturing Plants Now Landfill-Free

 In total 23 Opel/Vauxhall facilities in Europe are now landfill-free, meaning they recycle, reuse or convert to energy all waste from daily operations. With the additions of Luton Assembly and Ellesmere Port Assembly in Great Britain, Europe achieved as the first global GM region 100% landfill-free status for its manufacturing plants.General Motors’ industry-leading landfill-free count now totals 131 facilities.

“Our global progress in waste reduction is possible because of employee participation, creative ideas, and a strong supplier network,” said Jim DeLuca, GM executive vice president of Global Manufacturing. “Our teams understand the positive impact of this initiative and they drive it in their facilities every day.”

The new landfill-free sites in Europe used a variety of tools to educate and inspire, from recycling courses to training videos that help them understand the environmental benefits and business case. Some plants designate a champion in every unit of the plant to help ensure employee participation, and recognize team members driving significant progress.

All landfill-free sites will continue to improve their efforts and reduce total waste whenever possible.

“We at Opel/Vauxhall see waste as a resource out of place and want to go beyond the classical waste reduction targets that you usually reach by optimization of existing processes. Only if you understand waste as raw material you start to rethink your current processes and develop new ways to run your business differently. Strategically we do not only want to be landfill-free, we want to improve the re-use of material”, says Dr. Renate Adam, Manager Environmental Compliance and Sustainability, Opel/Vauxhall Europe.

GM teams around the world are working toward achieving 150 landfill-free sites globally by 2020. The company received a Top Project of the Year Award from Environmental Leader for driving a global movement for zero waste and outlines its best practices in its blueprint, "The Business Case for Zero Waste”.

!NEW! Compact Connectivity Star: New Astra with Opel OnStar and IntelliLink

• Extensive: Full Opel OnStar portfolio including powerful Wi-Fi hotspot
• Innovative: Apple CarPlay and Android Auto phone integration available
• Entertaining: Next generation IntelliLink systems cover all bases
• Wi-Fi Hotspot makes online smartphone navigation more practicable

Phone integration: The Navi 900 IntelliLink system of the new Opel Astra is compatible with Apple CarPlay.

When the new Opel Astra hits the roads, it will do so with an unrivalled connectivity offer. The Astra is the first new model to be introduced with the new personal connectivity and service assistant Opel OnStar. In addition, two next generation devices of Opel’s award-winning IntelliLink infotainment systems also make their premiere in the new Astra. More than ever, they bring the connected world of smartphones and apps into the cabin. They are compatible with the latest Android 5.0 Lollipop and Apple iOS-8 (or higher) smartphones. With the integration of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, users can for instance access audio streaming and message reading, and additional, third party apps such as Stitcher, Podcast, Spotify, Umano, etc. (depending on the integration system) via the car controls and up to eight-inch large touchscreens.

“Connectivity is one of Opel’s outstanding features as seen with our award-winning IntelliLink infotainment system. Opel OnStar is further proof that we want to deliver trendsetting innovations in connectivity to a wider audience,” said Opel Group CEO Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann. “Opel OnStar is a ground-breaking technology and service: It will make driving more comfortable – but most of all it will add a new, extraordinary level of safety to Opel vehicles. In addition, it enables a direct dialogue with our customers that will create stronger ties with the brand. All this will convince even more new buyers that Opel is the right choice.”

Powerful 4G/LTE mobile hotspot

The new Astra is the first Opel to be available with Opel OnStar from its launch – making it, by far, the most advanced and the most caring car in the compact segment. Created 17 years ago in the U.S.A, OnStar already is the leading provider of connected safety and security solutions, value-added mobility services and advanced information technology in North America, China and Mexico with over 7 million subscribers. Opel OnStar is making its debut in the Opel passenger car range in 13 European markets (Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Luxemburg, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Switzerland, and the UK) with additional European countries following later.

Connected to people: Opel OnStar advisors are multilingual in order to be able to answer in the subscribers’ own languages and are available 24/7 and 365 days a year

When equipped with Opel OnStar, the new Astra doubles as a 4G/LTE Wi-Fi hotspot, enabling up to seven devices to be connected to the car network. The built-in 4G LTE structure is specifically designed for in-vehicle use: it is integrated into the vehicle’s electrical system and includes an external antenna to maximize connectivity and deliver a stable internet connection. As the OnStar system comprises an independent SIM card encapsulated in its module, customers are not required to have a smartphone to use connected services. 4G LTE will initially be introduced in three markets, Germany, the UK and the Netherlands with the remaining countries following suit at a later stage.

Extensive service portfolio

Apart from bringing the latest in mobile Wi-Fi technology to the automotive world, Opel OnStar also gives access to a broad portfolio of services such as emergency services, roadside recovery and smartphone remote control. Opel OnStar’s key principle is that subscribers are connected to real people, not to machines nor multiple-choice mailboxes. These OnStar Advisors are located at the high-tech Opel OnStar Contact Center in Luton, England. They are multilingual in order to be able to answer in the subscribers’ own languages and are available 24/7 and 365 days a year.

Fully connected. With Opel OnStar.

Opel OnStar’s only visible feature in the car is a module comprising three buttons that is located close to the interior rear view mirror above the windscreen. The blue Service Button gives access to comfort services such as Vehicle Diagnostics and Destination Download: for instance, OnStar subscribers looking for a certain destination such as a restaurant or the closest gasoline station press it to contact an Opel OnStar advisor who will send the desired destination directly to the navigation system embedded in the vehicle.

Push the button: The new Astra is available with Opel OnStar from its launch – making it, by far, the most advanced and the most caring car in the compact segment

At a push of the red SOS Button, Opel OnStar users can request assistance whenever they deem it necessary, for example if they witness an accident. But OnStar is also there in case one cannot ask for help personally. For example, if an airbag deploys, Opel OnStar’s guardian angel is alerted automatically. An advisor will then contact the subscriber and call him in the vehicle via the OnStar module to determine whether help is required. If there is no response, the advisor will immediately send emergency responders to the exact location of the vehicle. 

The Privacy button allows the subscriber to mask the position of the car and become invisible to the system. However, to ensure maximum safety for subscribers, Opel OnStar will automatically overrule the privacy command in case an airbag is deployed.

In addition, the Opel OnStar subscriber can also download OnStar’s MyOpel Smartphone App. It allows him to contact OnStar from anywhere via his smartphone, for instance if his car has been stolen, needs to be located and remotely immobilized at some point. The app also enables the subscriber to remotely access important vehicle data such as oil life and tire pressure, or to remotely lock or unlock his car.

The entire Opel OnStar service portfolio is available in the new Astra and in all equipped Opel vehicles free of charge for the first 12 months after registration.

Phone integration via Android Auto and Apple CarPlay

Two new IntelliLink systems premiere in the new Opel Astra, R 4.0 IntelliLink and Navi 900 IntelliLink – which features an integrated navigation system. They seamlessly and easily integrate smartphone functionalities. R 4.0 IntelliLink is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto phone integration from the beginning and enables, for instance, navigation via Apple and Android apps such as Apple Maps and Google Maps. The Navi 900 IntelliLink system is already compatible with Apple CarPlay, while Android Auto compatibility is scheduled to arrive in the course of 2016.

New Opel Astra: Navi 900 IntelliLink

Each system builds off of the features smartphone users rely on most. Apple CarPlay takes the iPhone features you would want to access while driving and puts them on the vehicle’s display in a smart, simple manner. That allows drivers to make calls, send and receive messages and listen to music right from the touchscreen or by voice via Siri. Apple CarPlay supported apps include Phone, Messages, Maps, Music and compatible third party apps. A full list of those apps can be found at Apple.com/ios/carplay. Android Auto is built around Google Maps, Google Now and the ability to talk to Google, as well as a growing audio and messaging app ecosystem that includes WhatsApp, Skype, Google Play Music, Spotify, and podcast players. A full list of supported apps is available at Android.com/auto.

The functions can be controlled via the large, up to eight-inch touchscreen located on the center stack, via remote control on the steering wheel (selected functions only) or via voice control. In order to minimize the risk of distraction, the most important information can be repeatedly displayed directly under the drivers’ eyes in the color instrument cluster located between the speedometer and the rev counter. In combination with Opel OnStar, smartphones can easily be connected to the car’s Wi-Fi hotspot. This brings additional benefits such as real-time traffic information or the latest maps, and thanks to the map data being stored on a server instead of the phone, it saves memory on the device. In addition, online navigation via smartphone requires a permanent internet connection as well as a data plan, which can be an expensive experience, especially while roaming. But thanks to the personal connectivity and service assistant, drivers of the new Astra can not only use Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for navigation, they can do so without impacting their smartphone’s data plan.

With Opel OnStar, the latest generation of IntelliLink infotainment systems and state-of-the-art smartphone integration, the new Astra is perfectly equipped to deal with the most sophisticated connectivity demands of the modern-day car owner.

!NEW! Europe Premiere at the Geneva Motor Show: Opel OnStar to Set New Standards in Vehicle Safety and Connectivity

• Opel OnStar to be launched in 13 European markets this year
• Car occupants automatically connected with emergency specialist after crash detection
• Other main features: 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot, stolen vehicle assistance, smartphone app
• Free trial period: No charge for Opel OnStar and Wi-Fi for 12 months

Opel OnStar

Can more than seven million happy customers in the U.S.A., Canada, China and Mexico be wrong ? No is Opel’s unequivocal response uttered loud and clear at the 85th International Geneva Motor Show. Therefore, the Rüsselsheim-based carmaker will be introducing Opel OnStar, the new mobility and service assistant, across the company’s passenger car range from August 2015. The first introduction wave will see Opel OnStar being rolled out in 13 European markets with additional European markets following later. Following the company’s ambition to make premium technologies available to a wider audience, customers will be able to use the entire service portfolio provided by Opel OnStar as well as the high-speed Wi-Fi hotspot free of charge for the first 12 months after registration.

Fully connected. With Opel OnStar.

“Connectivity is one of Opel’s unique selling points as seen with our award-winning IntelliLink infotainment system. Opel OnStar, for which we have already received a Connected Car Award, is further proof that we want to deliver trendsetting innovations in connectivity to a wider audience,” said Opel Group CEO Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann. “Opel OnStar is a ground-breaking technology: It will add a new level of safety to our vehicles and at the same time make driving more comfortable. The direct dialogue with our customers will create stronger ties with the brand. All this will convince even more new buyers that Opel is the right choice.”

4G LTE Connection with Wi-Fi Hotspot

Stay in touch: The Opel OnStar 4G LTE connection enables a Wi-Fi hotspot, allowing up to seven devices to connect in and around the vehicle. 

With mobile data speeds up to 10 times faster than 3G technologies, increased responsiveness, and the ability to support simultaneous voice and data connections, a built-in 4G LTE connection will enable advances in a wide range of in-vehicle communications and entertainment capabilities. The 4G LTE connection enables a Wi-Fi hotspot, allowing up to seven devices to connect in and around the vehicle. Passengers will be able to stay in touch with family and friends via social media, play games, stream movies or watch TV via their favorite app or to work while away from the office.

The built-in 4G LTE structure is specifically designed for in-vehicle use as it is integrated into the vehicle’s electrical system and includes an external antenna to maximize coverage and connectivity. Customers will not be required to have a smartphone to use connected services. 4G LTE will initially be introduced in three markets, Germany, the UK and the Netherlands with the remaining countries following suit at a later stage.

24/7 lifesaver

In addition to the entertainment and working tool features, Opel OnStar is also there in case of an emergency and can be a real lifesaver – whether you can ask for it yourself or not. If an airbag deploys, Opel OnStar will be alerted automatically. An advisor will then contact the vehicle to determine whether help is required. If there is no response, emergency responders are immediately sent to the exact location of the vehicle. Opel OnStar Advisors located at the high-tech Opel OnStar service center in Luton, England, are available 24/7 and 365 days a year. The Opel OnStar buttons will be located in the overhead center console or the rear-view mirror on some cars. Furthermore, the new system also includes roadside assistance services.

Remote connection with Opel OnStar – The Smartphone App

Smartphone App: Opel OnStar Vehicle Diagnostics 

Smartphone owners will be able to connect to their vehicle remotely with a smartphone app. It will enable them to:

• Contact OnStar from anywhere
• Call up important vehicle data such as oil life or tire pressure
• Remotely lock or unlock the car
• Locate the car online
• Honk the horn and flash the lights
• Quickly download destinations to the in-car navigation system
• Easily manage the vehicle’s built-in Wi-Fi hotspot settings

Rapid vehicle recovery

Opel OnStar: Stolen Vehicle Assistance 

In addition, Opel OnStar will assist vehicle owners and police alike in case a vehicle with the system is stolen. The stolen vehicle assistance will enable Opel OnStar to work closely with law enforcement agencies to ensure that the car is recovered quickly and safely and returned to its rightful owner. Remote Ignition Block will allow Opel OnStar to send a remote signal to the vehicle that blocks the engine from starting once it has been reported stolen.

Up-to-date with monthly diagnostics

Opel OnStar can also provide subscribers with a monthly Vehicle Diagnostics email with the most important vehicle data and information. Furthermore, a diagnostics check can be requested at any time at the push of a button, thus providing peace of mind before setting off on a longer journey.

European customers in complete control

Push the button: Opel OnStar Advisors located at the service center in Luton, England, are available 24/7 and 365 days a year. The Opel OnStar buttons will be located in the overhead center console

Opel OnStar subscribers in Europe will be in complete control of their data and the Opel OnStar services they receive. Before the services are activated they will have to agree to the terms and conditions. Furthermore, they will be able to choose whether they want to reveal their current location – at a push of the Privacy Button their position will be masked. However, no matter whether the location is masked/unmasked Opel OnStar will not be used to monitor its user but will solely offer emergency services. In case of an airbag deployment, Opel OnStar will by default override the mask functionality so that emergency services can be dispatched to the exact location as quickly as possible.