Made in Germany: Opel Celebrates 120 Years of Automobiles

• When the horses moved under the bonnet: Opel starts with Patentmotorwagen in 1899
• Mobility for the masses: Doktorwagen, Laubfrosch and Kadett pave the way
• From Lutzmann to Insignia; 120 years of car manufacturing in Rüsselsheim
• Company goal until this very day: Opel democratises technologies

The first Opel: Patent Motor Car, System Lutzmann, 1899

Opel is one of the carmakers with the richest tradition in the world. Next year, the brand will celebrate 120 years of automobiles. After listening to the advice of her sons Karl, Wilhelm and Friedrich, Sophie Opel decided to start producing cars in 1899 – four years after the death of company founder Adam Opel. What started in a garage in Rüsselsheim am Main with 65 hand-made Opel Patentmotorwagen “System Lutzmann”, has long become a mass phenomenon will more than 70 million vehicles built to date. From the very beginning, Opel championed the cause of producing cars as efficiently as possible and thus making them affordable for a broad audience. For example, Opel was the first German manufacturer to introduce the especially economic assembly line production as early as 1924. This helped the Opel 4/12 PS “Laubfrosch” and all later Opel 4 PS variants become bestsellers. The Rüsselsheim-based company already produced technologically-advanced vehicles for the masses with the Opel P4 and the Kadett (already with a self-supporting body) in the 1930s. Made in Germany and German engineering became affordable and accessible. Opel even stayed true to this democratising of mobility when developing a sports car: An affordable dream car hit the roads in 1968 in the Opel GT.

The brand has played a leading role in all segments – models such as the Opel Kadett, Rekord and Kapitän characterised the period of reconstruction and the period of the economic miracle. Stylish icons such as the Opel GT, Manta and Monza then followed. In the 1980s and 1990s models such as Corsa, Astra and Zafira then became bestsellers and symbols of reunification. After the fall of the Berlin Wall and the opening of the plant in Eisenach, Opel became more popular than ever before. The first generation Astra was produced 4.2 million times between 1991 and 1998 making it the most built Opel model ever. Until this very day, the Rüsselsheim-based carmaker is firmly anchored in the centre of society and offers technologies that are normally reserved for expensive premium cars. Innovative solutions such as the IntelliLux LED Matrix light in the compact Astra (Car of the Year 2016) as well as in the Insignia flagship, the AGR-certified active ergonomic seats (available in many carlines) or the extensive array of assistance systems for more safety and comfort (all carlines) are typical for Opel.

From Lutzmann to Opel Doktorwagen: The pioneering years

Opel joins the ranks of the automotive pioneers of the late 19^th century that include Daimler, Benz and Peugeot by buying Friedrich Lutzmann’s motor car factory. In the spring of 1899, the first Opel patent motor car “System Lutzmann” is built in Rüsselsheim. Two years later, a converted Lutzmann wins the Heidelberg-Königstuhl “Mountain Race” by beating “16 other vehicles made by well-known German carmakers”. Overall, the development in the automotive industry is fast and furious. While the first models are direct descendants of horse-drawn carriages, Opel launches an ultra-modern small car for an extremely competitive price in 1909. The 4/8 hp Opel Doktorwagen already has an Opel engineered and Opel built 4-cylinder in-line engine. In the adverts, Opel promises that it is ideal for “Doctors, veterinarians and lawyers”. The Doktorwagen is available for prices between 4,000 and 5,000 Mark while many other cars made during this period cost 20,000 Mark. It transforms the motor car from a prestigious toy for the rich and the famous into an affordable mobility solution for a broad audience.

4/8 hp Opel Doktorwagen from 1909.

From Opel Laubfrosch to Kadett: Mass mobility

Friedrich – who had since been promoted to chief engineer – and his brother Wilhelm introduce the assembly line production at Opel in 1924. Ford were the first company to introduce this cost-cutting method in America in 1913. Opel always had a keen eye for developments in other countries. Adam Opel became fascinated by the sewing machine during his years of travel in France and later the System Darracq provided a major boost for car manufacturing in Rüsselsheim. The Opel brothers then launch the innovative 4/12 PS “Laubfrosch”. The two-seater with a top speed of 60 km/h is available for 3,900 Goldmark thanks to assembly line production. Later, the “car for everyone” is available for 1,930 Reichsmark. In the following years, an entire vehicle family is created based on the Laubfrosch technology. In total, 119,484 Opel 4 PS models are made until 1931.

4/12 hp Opel “Laubfrosch” (Tree Frog), 1924

What these revolutionary cars are for the 1920s, the Kadett is for the 1930s. Automotive progress is taking huge steps. The Kadett replaces the successful Opel P4 and celebrates its debut with a self-supporting steel body, single-wheel front suspension, 4-cylinder four-stroke engine and hydraulic drum brakes. The prices are well below those of the direct competitors. In 1938, the “normal” Opel Kadett limousine is available for an affordable 1,795 Mark.

The Kadett nameplate is revived in 1962 and Opel ups the ante even further with the Kadett A. While many competitors still rely on two-stroke or air-cooled rear-mounted engine, the newcomers shines with the comfort of a water-cooled 4-cylinder unit, a quiet 4-speed transmissions and body styles ranging from coupé to Caravan.

From Olympia Rekord to the “KAD” models: Prosperity increases

The first all-new Opel after the war is the Olympia Rekord and it sounds in a new era with its ponton-style body and chrome plated shark mouth. The design takes cues from that of large American limousines – and is perfect for the economic miracle that is just beginning. Those who are successful want to show it again. And a new type of vehicle also makes its debut with the Olympia Rekord Caravan – a lifestyle estate for the whole family. An all-new Opel Kapitän arrives in 1954, the Opel Rekord P2 is introduced in 1960 and the Rekord A follows in 1963 with disc brakes and soon afterwards with 6-cylinders. No matter whether as a coupé, estate or limousine – the mid-size Rekord becomes synonymous with the new middle class in the young Federal Republic of Germany. Opel produces 882,433 Rekord A by 1965. This success opens the door for the “big three” and in 1964 the “KAD” – for Kapitän, Admiral and Diplomat – arrive in the luxury class. The second generation of these KAD models can even boast a unique level of driving comfort thanks to the legendary de Dion rear axle. Opel introduces the safety steering column in all passenger car models in 1968. Innovations to help cope with the growing amount of traffic.

From the Opel GT to the Calibra: New sportiness

Opel Experimental GT was shown on a slightly slanted platform at the IAA in 1965 to emphasize the two-seater’s dynamic shape.

Opel becomes the first European manufacturer to open a true, modern design studio in June 1964. And only one year later, the first concept car from a European manufacturer, the Experimental GT, celebrates its debut at the 1965 Frankfurt Motor Show. A further 36 months later, the serial production Opel GT is available from Opel dealers and marks the birth of a sports car legend. The icon is affordable for a broad audience thanks to mass production technology and the GT is the next hit from Rüsselsheim. The company sticks to this approach in the coming years. Opel Manta shares its technology with the Ascona when it is launched in 1970 and the Calibra “borrows” the Vectra’s technology from 1989.

The top-of-the-range variant of the aerodynamics world champion (Cd of 0.26), the Calibra Turbo 4x4 delivers 204 hp and offers the driving performance of sports cars twice its price.

From Opel Corsa to Ampera: Bestsellers and trendsetters

In 1982, Opel made a huge splash with a small car. Corsa A rounded off the company’s offering by sitting neatly under the Kadett. Opel Corsa was an impressive display of getting the most out of a small space without compromising on driving pleasure or cost effectiveness. Every single generation of the Corsa (A to E) has driven and continued the democratisation of individual mobility. To date, almost 14 million Corsa have been registered.

And next year the next generation will follow adding a new chapter to the story – with a fully electric version of the Corsa.

Just as the Corsa has shaped the small car segment, the Zafira has defined the compact van segment with room for seven since 1999. The third row of seats that disappears entirely under the boot floor is simply a stroke of genius. Owners of models made by competitors have to painstakingly remove the additional heavy seats when the boot space is required. Seven people can easily fit into the 4.32 metre long Zafira. Alternatively, the compact van can double as a transporter in a matter of seconds by folding award the seats and created a 1.56 by 1.15 metre loading area with a total capacity of up to 1,700 litres.

The current Opel Zafira is also a master of metamorphosis doubling as a transporter and a lounge on wheels thanks to the Flex7 ^Plus seating system.

A further trendsetter follows in the footsteps of the Corsa and Zafira after celebrating its world premiere at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show: The Opel Ampera, a car that redefines electro-mobility. The 2012 Car of the Year drives electric and also has its own source of power on board with the range extender. This makes the Ampera just as independent from loading stations as a conventional passenger car. 

Opel presents the next generation of the electric car at the 2016 Paris Motor Show. The Ampera-e has an all-electric NEDC range of 520 kilometres thanks to its 60 kWh state-of-the-art lithium-ion battery. And the 150 kW/204 hp electric motor gives it sports car-like acceleration. The next electric car from Rüsselsheim will follow next year already and electro-mobility will get another boost with the Corsa-e – out of the niche and on to the road.

From Opel Astra to Insignia: New efficiency

Opel discovers the new lightness of being with the launch of the current generation Astra in 2015. The compact car weighs up to 200 kilogrammes less than its predecessor did. The engine offering follows the downsizing strategy: with smaller displacement and turbocharging, lower fuel consumption and higher efficiency. For the first time, the Astra is available with a highly efficient 3-cylinder direct injection petrol unit and the revolutionary IntelliLux LED Matrix light. The innovative system turns night into day without glaring other road users – a unique feature in the compact class.

Opel Astra convinces customers and experts alike and is voted “Car of the Year 2016”.

The Insignia A is the first Opel that can recognise traffic signs from 2008 and offers the intelligent AFL+ lighting system. Just like the Astra, the second generation of the Opel flagship has been trimmed for efficiency. The new generation Insignia is lighter, more economic and simultaneously much more spacious. A highlight feature of the Insignia GSi, Country Tourer, Grand Sport and Sports Tourer is the adaptive all-wheel drive with torque vectoring that can accelerate the rear wheels individually in a split-second depending on the driving situation. The Opel Insignia is the first vehicle made by a volume manufacturer to offer this technology in the mid-size segment.

From Opel Mokka to Grandland X: SUV phenomenon

SUV is the buzzword of the hour in the automotive industry. Customers want to sit a little bit higher to have a better overview and to enjoy the flair of long-distance travel and adventure. Opel recognised this trend at a very early stage and proposed a unique offer in the B-segment. The cool sub-compact Opel Mokka is also available with all-wheel drive and proves to be extremely popular from the very start. It is joined in the compact class by the Opel Crossland X and the Opel Grandland X in 2017. All members of the X-Family are available with the AGR-certified (Aktion Gesunder Rücken e.V.) active seats. Ergonomic and comfortable seats have been a part of the Opel DNA for a long time – 120 years ago the Opel Patentmotorwagen “System Lutzmann” already proudly sported leather upholstery.

!NEW! Opel Delights Visitors of 43rd Oldtimer Grand Prix

Historic racing cars from Rüsselsheim make the fans’ hearts beat faster 

The visitors of the Opel exhibition at the 43rd Oldtimer Grand Prix and the fans along the Nürburgring race circuit really got their money’s worth. Numerous Opel legends from the company’s 115 years of motorsport history were exhibited and thundered round the track on their demonstration laps.

Opel Motorsport legends: The renowned cars from Opel’s long history in circuit and rallye racing were on show and in action at the Nürburgring.

Opel CFO Michael Lohscheller also visited the Nürburgring and got behind the wheel of the Opel Manta A "24 hours Spa-Francorchamps" from 1974 for a lap. “The visitors are really enthusiastic when they see our racing circuit and rallye legends. This show of pure joy is something that will serve as additional motivation back in the office. Our brand really has deep roots in the population. This is even more proof that our ambition of being approachable, exciting and German is absolutely right,” said Lohscheller.

The Opel racing cars from all eras reminded some of the visitors of their own youth when Opel cars made rallye and racing circuit history. The ‘Black Widow’, a Rekord C touring car with 150 hp, gave many a Porsche driver a fright in the 1960s when the middle class car, normally reserved for families, suddenly appeared in the rear view mirror. The Ascona A designed for the Rallye World Championship was also a real winner and gave Opel its first ever win in a world championship round; Le Mans winner Joachim Winkelhock was behind the wheel at the Oldie GP and showed that he still has the special touch. The black and yellow Kadett C GT/E Coupé driven by legendary duo Walter Röhrl and Jochen Berger when they finished fourth at the 1976 Rallye Monte Carlo was also present. The car was nicknamed the ‘moral winner’ because it could only be beaten by three Lancia Stratos racing prototypes.

The equally impressive 1914 Green Monster, the biggest racing car ever built by Opel with a 12.3-liter four-cylinder engine with four-valve technology, was the center of attention at the exhibition in the paddock. The ADAM R2, the latest successful example of Opel’s motorsports pedigree, was also on show. Three weeks ago, Emil Bergkvist and co-driver Joakim Sjöberg steered the 190 hp rallye version of the lifestyle pocket rocket to FIA ERC Junior glory.

The Opel motorsports legends thundered around the track during the traditional demonstration laps on Saturday. A total of 11 cars left the marquee set up in the new paddock and were treated to enthusiastic applause from the thousands of fans lining the Nürburgring Grand Prix track.

!NEW! “Opel the Reliable“: From Gasoline Wagon to Astra Sports Tourer

• Since 1907: Opel Gasoline Wagon’s sobriquet is “The Reliable“
• Five-decade lifespan: Advertising slogan from the 1930s to the 1980s
• Endurance test success 2013: Trade journal calls Astra “Opel, the most reliable”
• 13^th Classic Car Event: Opel Quick Delivery Wagon meets Sports Tourer at the Opel Villas

The terms Opel and reliability are intrinsically tied to one another. In its recent 12/2013 issue, the respected trade journal auto motor und sport declared “Opel, the most reliable“, describing the best compact endurance test car of all time – an Astra Sports Tourer 2.0 CDTI that did not have one single technical fault over the entire distance of 100,000 km. Opel Vice President Quality Thomas Simon says, “Typical Opel values are precision, efficiency and reliability.” Opel has a long tradition of quality, as the first cars with combustion engines from Rüsselsheim very quickly earned a reputation for being “reliable”. At a time when Otto engines still had to compete against steam and electric propulsion drives (!), the first Opel cars were convincing with their faultless operation and safe arrival at their destination.

 Opel Astra Sports Tourer CDTI BiTurbo (2013) and Opel Olympia CarAvan 'Schnelllieferwagen' (1953) 

At the beginning of the 1930s the brand embraced its good reputation and developed “Opel the reliable” in the form of a logo. From 1936 the ad slogan was used for all model lines. Then, during the time known as the economic miracle, the slogan really came into its own. From the Quick Delivery Wagon (Schnelllieferwagen) Olympia Rekord to the Rekord Cabriolet and stately Opel Kapitän – all starred in ads and in the cinema advertising that wildly popular at the time under the motto “The Reliable”. The 1950s were Opel years, when the brand rose up out of the ruins of the bombed Rüsselsheim plant to become a prestigious brand of the postwar period.

Opel Olympia CarAvan 'Schnelllieferwagen' (1953) and Opel Astra Sports Tourer CDTI BiTurbo (2013)

In the 1960s the advertising became more colorful, the model offer more extensive and the engines larger – the claim “Opel the reliable”, however, remained. The quality promise stood loyally to the new Kadett, even though the main message in its advertising was already “Opel Kadett - in a word, O.K.” Slowly but surely new messages crowded out the classic claim: “Opel Kadett. The car” or “Opel Rekord – the upscale mid-size class” were emblazoned on the posters. At least the logo got a tiny addition: under the blitz was now written “tested reliability”.

Opel Olympia CarAvan 'Schnelllieferwagen' (1953)

Yet the slogan from the 1930s again celebrated a comeback until well into the 1970s. The seal of quality “Opel the reliable” again adorned ads for the Rekord and Commodore! With a new design, it was also the ideal supplement to “ADMIRAL – the fast touring car” (to 1976). It was after that that traces of the original claim are lost. Instead, advertisers bet on the appeal of powerful V8 engines (“Badge for advanced drivers”, “For fast horse enthusiasts”) or the sportiness still ubiquitous today (“Opel Manta. Because you know what driving is about”, “Opel Manta. If conventional cars are too boring for you“).  

The new plan is called QUALITY!2022

But Opel never lost sight of the term reliability, remaining true to its tradition. Which is why Thomas Simon explains the strategy for the coming years as follows: “We are already on the right track with the quality offensive we began in 2007 – as the result of the auto motor und sport endurance test impressively shows. In addition, we have drawn up the plan QUALITY!2022 as an important component of our overall strategy DRIVE!2022. Our ambitious but realistic goal is to take over quality leadership in the automotive industry. Customer satisfaction with the product, service and the entire experience at all points of contact with the brand is the be-all and end-all.”

The past, the present and the future all come together at Opel under one common denominator – “Opel the reliable”. The German automaker also demonstrates this at the 13^th Classic Car Event at the Opel Villas in Rüsselsheim this coming Sunday, June 30. In the illustrious circle of beautiful Opel classic cars there will also be two special vehicles parked next to each other – the legendary Opel Schnelllieferwagen from 1953 and the faultless Opel Astra Sports Tourer from the auto motor und sport endurance test. When the 25,000 visitors expected at the event stroll around the two exhibition cars, they’ll see on the 1953 Olympia Rekord, large and clear: “Opel the reliable”.

!NEW! Opel and the Netherlands: Close Ties Since 1924

Dutch royal couple’s visit to Rüsselsheim carries on tradition 

When the Dutch royal couple Willem-Alexander and Máxima visit Opel in Rüsselsheim on June 4^th as the head of a business delegation, the main topic of the day will be the future of mobility. The royal couple will meet with Opel experts, discuss electric mobility and visit the design center. Tradition also plays a large role in the connection between Opel and the Netherlands; the ties are many. 

Opel is getting ready for the visit of the royal couple from the Netherlands and is presenting the new Cascada convertible in orange. Next to the Cascada a vintage Opel Diplomat in front of the Adam Opel Haus.

Did you know that:

• The first Opel dealerships opened their doors in the Netherlands in 1924 and Opel has been one of the most popular brands in the country ever since
• The most popular Opel model in Holland at this moment is the Corsa, followed by Astra and Mokka
• Opel sponsors the Dutch soccer club Feyenoord Rotterdam which has an ex-national player, Ronald Koeman, as a trainer and last season finished 3rd in the First Division
• Today around 850,000 Opel vehicles are on Dutch roads – the second biggest total fleet in the Netherlands.
• A member of the Dutch royal family already visited Opel in Rüsselsheim. In October 2010 King Willem-Alexander’s cousin, Prinz Maurits, came to learn more about the future of electric mobility and test drove the Opel Ampera and the HydroGen 3.
• The ADAM store in Amsterdam was completely decorated in orange during King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima’s enthronement?
• The Netherlands is a trailblazer in electric mobility. The government has introduced an incentive program that also includes tax benefits.
• Today almost 10,000 electric cars are on Holland’s roads – which makes the Netherlands leading in Europe when it comes to introducing electric mobility
• In 2012, almost 4,000 new electric vehicles were registered in the Netherlands, thereof around 2,700 Opel Ampera. That means around 67 percent market share in the last year.
• Since its start of sales the Opel Ampera has been market leader in the Netherlands. More Ampera were sold there than in any other European country.
• The several historic Opel clubs in the Netherlands have several thousands of members. There are many clubs, for a lot of Opel models, including the Kadett, Manta and GT.
• There are currently 26 Dutch employees in Rüsselsheim. They are of course especially looking forward to the royal couple’s visit.

!NEW! Opel celebrates with his fans comeback at the Endurance classic

• 210,000 spectators enjoy Opel comeback at the Nürburgring
•  Fritzsche / Fritzsche / Wolter / Gusenbauer win the Class Cup 1
• 54th Class victory for the Opel brand in the 24-hour race

The Opel traditional racing colors of white and yellow.
Opel Astra OPC Cup - Team Kissling Motorsport with starting number 110

The Opel brand is back in motorsport 210,000 spectators around the legendary Nürburgring Nordschleife, the brand celebrated with the flash at the 41 ADAC Zurich 24-Hour Race a great comeback. In the endurance classic in the Eifel proved the used Opel cars - from the brand new Opel Astra OPC to iconic Manta - perseverance to the end. Support for the hunt by the 'Green Hell' were the racers of the many fans of the brand, the camp at the Nürburgring for days. So fans can easily follow the race from the best seats at the Nordschleife, Opel has approached the tent and storage spaces and distributed 1,000 Opel folding chairs.

Longtime partners: Opel and Kissling Motorsport Motorsport with drivers starting number 110 (from left to right). Rear: Michael F. Meyer (Opel), Alex Hofmann, Stefan Kissling, Kroher Thomas, Thomas Sedran (Opel board), Hannu Luostarinen, front: Gerry Diel, Helmut Kissling, Jörg Schrott  (Opel Motorsport).

"The Opel fans at the Nurburgring are just great," says Alex Hofmann, who has gone into a prepared Kissling Motorsport Opel Astra OPC at the start. "The most emotional moment for me was the introduction round with the many fans along the way. In the dovetail I felt like in, Opel Country '-. Those who cheered me and the other riders everywhere people with yellow T-shirts "

Opel is back in motorsport. With well over a dozen privately inserted Opel cars, the brand is celebrating its comeback with the flash in the 24-hour race

Inspired by the racing comeback at the Nürburgring is also Dr. Thomas Sedran, Strategy Management Board of Adam Opel AG, who followed the race on the spot and the team pressed the thumb. "This is my first 24-hour race and I'm really impressed. The atmosphere is unique and the whole atmosphere authentic. The atmosphere in this race is comparable to any other event. "

Opel Astra OPC Cup - Team Motorsport Düchting with starting number 305
                   Background: The legendary Opel Manta in the box.

"The 24-hour race is a fascinating event and it is important that in this great Opel Motorsport Festival where", Sedran said. "Our numerous Opel teams offer viewers great motorsport. Our commitment to the grassroots is the private teams possible at a manageable budget. This combination is also reflected in our brand philosophy. The racing cars of Opel show our guests and the many fans around the Nurburgring Opel's sporty image and promote our series products. "

With experience and routine to Victory

Great joy after 24 hours: The victory in the Cup Class 1 won the Opel Astra OPC with the starting number 303 Appointed by the Union Race Teichmann Racing Cup racer with the driver and crew Hans-Jürgen Otto Fritzsche, Thorsten and Werner Wolter Gusenbauer crossed after 76 rounds the finish line as the winner. For the Opel brand, it is the 54th Class victory in the history of the 24-hour race, the twins Fritzsche it is the sixth. "We've already been run many victories, but is particularly beautiful," said Otto Fritzsche was happy at the finish. "In the end, 'Green Hell' conquered 'experience in the most difficult conditions in the. Without a doubt this race will still remain long in your memory. "

This was preceded thrilling door-to-door duels, some long battles every few seconds, and many lead changes. One of the biggest competitors were Alex Hofmann, Thomas and Hanno Luostarinen Kroher. The trio in the yellow-white Astra, the traditional colors of Opel Motorsport, with the starting number 110 came in second to the finish - and former MotoGP rider Hofmann not only delighted with the podium. "I've driven a few 24-hour race, but never finished the race. The race was great fun and the finish is a dream come true. Thanks to the team of Kissling Motorsport who made this possible. "

The third place Maximilian Hackländer, Christian Gebhardt, Pierrehumbert and Daniel Bohr counted. The driver line-up of the Opel Astra OPC with the starting number 305 had led the class for a long time and was thrown back by an accident. At the end they lacked 8.484 seconds in second place.

The checkered flag after the 24 hours also saw the very popular with the fans Opel Manta. In the SP3 class Olaf Beckmann, Volker Strycek, Peter hatred and Jürgen Schulten occupied sixth place. Dr. Thomas Sedran: "It's great that the 24-hour race sporty models from our current product range at the start are - above all the vehicles out of the Opel Astra OPC Cup. A contrast to this is the manta. The Manta has always been a very emotional car with all the fun. This is now our motto. "

The next performance by Opel Astra OPC at the third round of the VLN Endurance Championship Nürburgring 22 June 2013.