Opel rocks February with +90.6% and doubles its total market share in Austria

• + 90.6 percent 1 increase in the overall market 2 in February 2025
• +95.7 percent 1 increase in passenger cars
• +73 percent 1 increase in commercial vehicles
• Doubling of the total market share 2 to 3.6 percent 1

Opel rocked the Austrian automobile market again in February. The increase in new registrations on the Austrian market as a whole 2 is +90.6 percent 1 compared to the same month last year. 791 new Opels, of which 161 were light commercial vehicles (+73 percent 1) and 630 passenger cars (+95.7 percent 1) found satisfied customers in February.

The total market share was simply doubled: to 3.6 percent 1 (+1.8 percentage points)

Judith Porstner, Managing Director of Opel Austria, said: "Opel is back and I'm very happy about that. We saw a declining market in February, but Opel is clearly bucking the trend, both with cars and commercial vehicles. We are also seeing more demand from companies that want to renew their vehicle fleets. That is a good sign and makes us positive for the coming months. With the new Opel Grandland, Opel Mokka and Opel Frontera models, as well as the Opel Corsa, the Opel Astra and our three commercial vehicles, we are a full-range supplier and can offer the right vehicles and engines for all requirements. If desired, we can also offer a completely electrified fleet."

[1] Note: Source: Statistics Austria. The sales figures and market shares given are estimated data.

[2] Total market = passenger cars + light commercial vehicles

[3] The values ​​of a vehicle depend not only on the efficient use of fuel by the vehicle, but are also influenced by driving behavior and other non-technical factors.

Opel Continues Growth on German Home Market in 2024

• Almost 175,000 new registrations in Germany – market share of 5.6%
• Light commercial vehicle sales up by 40%

Opel achieved strong results in Germany last year in a challenging economic environment: According to preliminary internal figures, almost 175,000 cars and light commercial vehicles of the brand with the Blitz were registered over the course of the last 12 months. This represents an increase of 6.4% compared to 2023. The market share increased to 5.6% (2023: 5.3% ).

Opel light commercial vehicles were an important driver of growth. With more than 26,000 units of the Combo, Vivaro and Movano sold, the 2023 results were exceeded by an impressive 40%. The market share in the light commercial vehicle segment was up significantly by more than two percentage points to 9.1%. In addition, Opel also increased its passenger car sales last year. According to the Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA), 147,833 new registrations ensured a passenger car market share of 5.2 % (2023: 5.1%).

“We achieved very good results on our important German home market in 2024. This was primarily due to our attractive portfolio of light commercial vehicles and our bestselling Astra. This confirms our course and gives us further tailwind for a confident start to 2025 – with the new Mokka, the new family-friendly Frontera and the Grandland, our new top-of-the-line SUV,” said Patrick Dinger, head of Opel Germany.

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.

‘SMARTBEST 2025’: Opel wins AUTOBEST Award for ChatGPT

• Top connectivity: International jury of experts honours Stellantis brands for the introduction of ChatGPT in their vehicles
• Extensive line-up: ChatGPT now available in most Opel passenger cars and LCVs
• Easy access: ChatGPT activated by a simple “Hey Opel”

Opel makes top technologies accessible and affordable for everyone. This has also been recognised by the high-profile international AUTOBEST jury. The journalists from more than 30 countries have now awarded Opel and other Stellantis brands unanimously with the ‘SMARTBEST 2025’ for the introduction of ChatGPT 1 in their models. The award recognises pioneering solutions for onboard connectivity in vehicles.

“We are delighted to receive this award,” said Vanessa Repp, Vice President Future Product at Opel and Vauxhall. “The unanimous vote of the independent journalists shows that we offer vehicles with pioneering technologies that make driving more enjoyable and that at the same time customers can afford. This applies to locally emissions-free electric drives as well as intelligent connectivity solutions such as ChatGPT 1.”

With ChatGPT 1 Opel drivers and passengers have access to a wide range of information from a long list of topics including science, biology, nutrition, pop culture, music and many more. In combination with the navigation system, a "Hey Opel" is sufficient to use natural speech recognition – which has now become even more desirable thanks to the addition of ChatGPT 1. The system can now learn and independently suggest destinations and route guidance based on the habits of the linked driver profile.

Opel is currently rolling out ChatGPT 1 in the new Opel Mokka as well as in many other models like the new Opel Grandland, the Opel Corsa, the Opel Astra, the Opel Astra Sports Tourer, the Opel Combo and the Opel Zafira. Furthermore, the Opel Combo and the Opel Vivaro light commercial vehicles are also available with the artificial intelligence chatbot.

[1] This new service uses the power of generative artificial intelligence including the technologies of the SoundHound Chat AI platform. Version 3.5 of ChatGPT uses data dating back to January 2022 at the latest, and therefore has no knowledge of events and data after that date.

New Opel Combo Now with Advanced IntelliLux LED Matrix Light

• IntelliLux LED: Opel Combo first in class to offer advanced headlamp technology
• Power with precision: IntelliLux LED headlamps superior to conventional lighting
• New Combo style: IntelliLux LED Matrix Light as integral part of Opel Vizor brand fascia

When it comes to driving safely in low visibility, Opel is “go-to” brand. Headlamps with adaptive, glare-free IntelliLux LED technology can be found in all classes of car from German carmaker, beginning with best-selling Opel Corsa and eye-catching Opel Mokka.

Latest generation lighting technology, IntelliLux LED Pixel Light, is offered on Opel Astra,  Opel Astra Sports Tourer and Opel Grandland SUV.

In a further demonstration of how Opel makes innovations available to a wide range of customers, the brand with Blitz is bringing IntelliLux LED Matrix Light to its newest generation of compact vans. New Opel Combo Electric people mover and new Opel Combo Cargo Electric light commercial vehicle (as well as LCV’s combustion engine siblings) are thus first in their respective market segments to offer such state-of-the-art technology. Optimum forward vision at night or in bad weather is ensured, regardless of the reason for the journey.

Headlamps with IntelliLux LED Matrix Light are not only safer, they also look good too, as they form an integral component of Opel Vizor, the characteristic brand front fascia which is making its Opel LCV premiere on Combo Cargo.

Comprising 14 individually controllable LED elements (seven per side), IntelliLux LED Matrix Light of Opel Combo, as well as new Opel Corsa and Opel Mokka, ensures a brightly illuminated driving experience that precisely “cuts” other road users out of high beam.

IntelliLux LED technology is superior to conventional lighting systems because it is more precise and more powerful. As soon as car leaves urban areas, matrix headlamps automatically switch to high beam. Length and distribution of light cone is continuously adapted to driving conditions. When another car’s lights are detected, individual LEDs intuitively switch off to “delete” car from high beam and avoid dazzling other drivers.

Thanks to IntelliLux LED technology, drivers of new Opel Combo always benefit from an optimum view of road ahead. They can drive with high beam switched on all time and can also see objects at roadside, which gives them more time to react, for example if an animal should unexpectedly cross road.

Opel Returns to Algerian Market

• Opel Mokka, Astra and Grandland available to order from November 19
• Sales partner in Algeria is Halil Commerce & Industrie (HCI)
• Opel further strengthens its market position in the MEA region

Opel is launching three models on the Algerian market. The Opel Mokka, Astra and Grandland will be available to order from November 19, 2023. This was announced by Opel CEO Florian Huettl, Hakim Boutehra, Managing Director of Stellantis Maghreb, and Nassim Benguergoura, General Manager of Halil Commerce & Industrie (HCI), at a press conference in Algiers earlier today. The German brand is thus returning to Algeria after six years. In 2017, the government at the time imposed an import ban on new vehicles.

“Today is a great day for the Opel brand, which is returning to Algeria. I am convinced that our state-of-the-art vehicles will delight Algerian customers and meet a wide range of mobility needs. Opel stands for German engineering, bold and pure design and efficient drivetrains,” said Opel CEO Huettl in Algiers.

Opel is thus consistently continuing its expansion into markets outside of Europe. The German manufacturer has already recorded a 60 per cent increase in sales there in 2023 compared to the same period of last year. With Algeria, a new market is now being added in the so-called MEA region (Middle East & Africa). Opel is already active in a further 13 countries in this region, including Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt, South Africa and Turkey. In total, Opel is represented in 30 markets outside of Europe.

Opel will sell its vehicles in Algeria through the importer Halil Commerce & Industrie, which already has a further Stellantis brand in Fiat in its showrooms.

Goodbye Dark Roads: IntelliLux LED Headlamps from Opel

• Innovative lighting for all: Adaptive, glare-free IntelliLux LED technology in the new Corsa, Mokka, Astra and Grandland
• Bright as day: Latest IntelliLux LED Pixel Light with 168 LED elements
• Technology with style: IntelliLux LED integrated into Opel Vizor brand fascia
• High safety plus durability: LED systems are highly efficient

With autumn already upon us, hours of daylight are getting shorter. For motorists, this means driving with increased caution, as visibility deteriorates in early evening. But this is not a problem for drivers of Opel cars. Adaptive, glare-free IntelliLux LED technology can be found in all classes of car from German brand, starting with newest generation of Opel Corsa and eye-catching Opel Mokka. Optionally equipped with latest generation of IntelliLux LED Pixel Light are Opel Astra and Opel Astra Sports Tourer, as well as Opel Grandland.

Innovation for small cars: New Opel Corsa with further developed IntelliLux LED Matrix Light

Opel has demonstrated how it makes innovations available to all by offering Corsa small car with IntelliLux LED Matrix Light since 2019. Engineers are continuously working on further developments and new-generation model naturally benefits from this commitment. As a result, system in new Opel Corsa features 14 individually controllable LED elements – as in Opel Mokka – which ensure a stadium-bright driving experience that “cuts out” other road users even more precisely than before.

Opel Astra and Opel Grandland take IntelliLux LED technology to next level. With a total of 168 LED elements (84 per headlamp), IntelliLux LED Pixel Light always produces a seamless light pattern, without dazzling other road users. Ultra-slim headlamps “cut” oncoming vehicles out of light cone with pinpoint accuracy within milliseconds. Remaining areas remain fully illuminated with high beam. Opel Astra and Grandland therefore set benchmark in their respective classes.

IntelliLux LED technology is superior to xenon or conventional lighting systems because it is more precise and more powerful. As soon as car leaves urban areas, matrix headlamps automatically switch to high beam and continuously adjust length and distribution of light cone. Other road users are not dazzled, while rest of road and its surroundings remain brightly illuminated. LED segments switch back on automatically as soon as system detects no lights from other vehicles.

Thanks to IntelliLux LED, Opel drivers can also see objects at roadside much earlier as well. This gives them more time to react accordingly, for example, when animals unexpectedly cross road.

In addition to increasing safety, IntelliLux LED systems also look good. In new Opel Corsa, Mokka, Astra and Grandland, headlamps are an integral component of Opel Vizor, characteristic brand front fascia.

Bright as day, highly efficient: Opel's full LED lighting systems

Opel offers similarly efficient and modern LED systems in other models. New Opel Corsa, for example, is offered with a full LED system comprising headlamps, daytime running lights, indicators and rear lights. In Opel Crossland, adaptive full-LED headlamps with cornering light, high beam assist and automatic range control are available as an option.

Opel's state-of-the-art LED systems are also more durable and energy-efficient than conventional headlamps. Compared to halogen, LED bulbs use more than 80 per cent less energy while producing same light output.

Opel creates Eye-Catching New Colours for All-New Opel Astra and Opel Mokka

• Powerful: Design statements like all-new Opel Astra and Opel Mokka call for vivid colours
• Launch colour: All-New Astra’s “Kult Yellow” mixes Opel tradition with current trends
• Sustainability in paint shop: “3-wet” paint process further reduces emissions

With the all-new Opel Astra and the Opel Mokka, the German carmaker has not only developed two extremely exciting new cars, but also created two startling new paint colours.

For such powerful design statements as the award-winning Mokka and the new Astra, Opel decided on vivid, eye-catching new colours: green for the Mokka and yellow for the Astra.

“Colours for automobiles must not only satisfy the customer, they must also match the car’s size and shape”, explains Nicole Heidt, Assistant Chief Designer, Colour and Trim. “A compact-class model like the Astra is best suited by sophisticated mica or metallic colours that are also highly popular among the customers in that market segment.”

Right at the start of the new Astra’s development, Opel Marketing team informed Design that they wanted the sixth generation of the best-selling Astra to be available in yellow, which has a long-standing tradition as the colour of the brand.

As usual with an all-new colour, Nicole Heidt began the creation process with research into colour trends using professional tools. Also adding her own experience, she started to think about creating a new darker tone of yellow for the new Astra. Nicole then took her ideas into Design’s own paint shop where – as if creating a new meal – she personally designed the “recipe” for the new colour.

Using a 200-millilitre beaker and a few grams of various automotive refinishing paints from a leading supplier, she mixed the “ingredients” together until the result matched her idea.

Next, the designer prepared a “mood board” – a collage of images – and colour swatches to present the new colour to Design management and Marketing. Following their approval, Nicole then made samples for the supplier of the paint to the Rüsselsheim plant, whose final product must match the design idea and colour swatches as closely as possible for serial production.

Detailed process: Development of new colours can take up to four years

Process of developing a new colour for a new model can take up to four years, and the finalised new paint must be “ready to spray” by robots 12 months before the start of production. “Yellow we chose as the launch colour for the new Astra at the start of the process has proved bang on target”, says Nicole Heidt. “Such colours are trending strongly now.”

In the case of the Mokka, a smaller Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) with a younger customer profile than the new Astra’s, Opel sought a bold, sporty new colour. Nicole Heidt’s research showed that green tones were trending strongly. “Green is also the perfect colour for an emissions-free, battery electric vehicle such as the Mokka-e”, she adds.

“3-wet” paint process: Annual CO2 emissions cut by around 2,200 tonnes

Electrified vehicles such as the battery-electric Opel Mokka-e or the new Astra as plug-in hybrid are just two ways that the German car manufacturer contributes to sustainable mobility. Paintwork has its own role to play too. For example, the new Astra’s “Kult Yellow” is applied at the Rüsselsheim production plant where emissions from the paint shop have been significantly reduced. Facility currently uses the “3-wet” paint method, which removes one complete drying step from the process. Compared with conventional paint processes, this cuts annual CO2 emissions by around 2,200 tonnes while still providing high levels of protection from corrosion and stone chipping. In addition, annual water consumption is lowered by around 1,800 cubic metres.

Diamond Jubilee: Vauxhall celebrates 60 years of manufacturing at Ellesmere Port

• Vauxhall’s Ellesmere Port plant is celebrating 60 years of manufacturing
• Diamond jubilee comes as Ellesmere Port looks ahead to producing the next generation of battery electric LCV and passenger car models
• £100 million investment in Ellesmere Port by parent group Stellantis was announced last year to support its transformation to electric vehicle manufacturing
• Stellantis commitment to net zero globally by 2038 and to halve carbon impact by 2030

Celebrations coincide with final Vauxhall Astra rolling off the production line with more than 4 million built at Ellesmere Port across seven generations

Vauxhall is celebrating an incredible 60 years of manufacturing at its Ellesmere Port plant ahead of its £100 million transformation into the first Stellantis plant to produce solely battery-electric models by the end of the year.

Ellesmere Port opened in 1962 and began as a production plant for the Vauxhall Viva. Since then it has produced iconic models from the Vauxhall range including the Chevette and successive generations of the Vauxhall and Opel Astra. In total, more than 5.2 million vehicles have rolled off the production lines at Ellesmere Port over the past 60 years.

The diamond jubilee comes as Ellesmere Port readies itself for a £100 million upgrade to become the first Stellantis plant to produce solely battery-electric models, from early next year.

The popular Vauxhall Combo-e and its Opel equivalent will be some of the first electric vehicles to be produced at Ellesmere when the plant reopens, along with Peugeot e-Partner and Citroën e-Berlingo vans. Ellesmere Port will also produce a range of passenger vehicles across the Stellantis brands including the Vauxhall Combo-e Life, Opel Combo-e Life, Peugeot e-Rifter and Citroën ë-Berlingo MPVs.

These light commercial vehicles, and their passenger car variants, are all powered by a 100 kW (136 hp) motor with a 50 kWh lithium-ion battery.  They can be charged at up to 100 kW and take just 30 minutes to charge from 0% to 80%, capable of up to 174 miles of range under WLTP conditions.

Paul Willcox, Managing Director, Vauxhall & Senior Vice-President, Stellantis, said: “Over the last 60 years, Ellesmere Port has become one of the great British car plants, producing some of the most popular cars on the roads across generations. With one era closing, we’re now looking forward to an all-new electric era at Ellesmere, with the site becoming the first Stellantis plant to produce solely electric vehicles. Vauxhall is fast moving towards an electric future and I’m pleased to see the next-generation of Vauxhall electric vehicles made in Britain.” 

Vauxhall has committed to selling only electric vehicles from 2028, seven years ahead of the Government deadline, and the transformation at Ellesmere Port will ensure the UK remains at the forefront of electric vehicle manufacturing. The plant upgrade also forms a part of Stellantis’ commitment to become a carbon neutral group, globally, by 2038 – and to halve its carbon footprint by 2030, based on 2021 data. 

As Vauxhall looks ahead to the future electric vehicle production at Ellesmere Port, the plant is marking the end of production there for one of the brand’s most iconic models – Vauxhall Astra. Having first produced the Vauxhall Astra from 16th November 1981, then in its first generation, more than 4 million Astra models have been built at Ellesmere Port.

Production of the seventh generation Astra model came to a close on 6th April 2022.  The final Vauxhall Astra model to roll off the production line was an Astra Sport Tourer SRi Nav 1.2 Turbo Manual in Hot Red and the occasion was celebrated with a gathering of the plant workforce as well as former employees.  

6th April 2022: Last Vauxhall Astra rolls off production line

Work will now be undertaken to transform Ellesmere Port into an electric vehicle manufacturing centre when it restarts production in early 2023. 

Eighth generation All-New Astra, and Astra Sport Tourer, are now available to order and deliveries to UK customers are starting imminently.  Available now with plug-in hybrid technology, a fully electric version of both cars will also arrive next year as part of Vauxhall’s commitment to only sell fully electric vehicles from 2028. 

With over 90 years of history of manufacturing in the UK, Vauxhall is currently the only mainstream automotive brand to produce vans in Britain. Alongside Stellantis’ Ellesmere Port plant, Vauxhall continues to make vans at its factory in Luton, which has been operating since 1907 and stands as Britain’s oldest car factory.

E for emissions-free: Opel with Consistent Focus on Electrification

• From 2022: Opel Combo Life, Vivaro Combi and Zafira Life exclusively with electric drive
• Until the end of the year: Environmental bonus of €9,000 extended in Germany
• As of 2024 already: Electrified version of each Opel model
• From 2028: Exclusively battery-electric passenger cars in Europe

Opel is continuing to consistently roll out its electrification offensive in the New Year. Eleven Opel models will be electrified by mid-2022 – including Opel’s entire light commercial vehicle (LCV) range. En route to an emissions-free fleet, some models will exclusively be offered as battery-electric variants this year already. Customers can now order the Opel Combo Life, Vivaro Combi and Zafira Life exclusively with an electric drive. In Germany, the state and manufacturers jointly subsidise the purchase of electric cars with up to €9,000. Innovation bonus is still valid in this form until the end of 2022. A corresponding application for the environmental bonus must be submitted to the Federal Office of Economics and Export Control (BAFA).

“There is no alternative to electrification. In the future, Opel will gain even more traction with environmentally friendly innovations. And what shows us the rapid change again very clearly: From 2024, we will offer an electrified version of every Opel model, without exception. In other words, the successors to Opel Crossland and Opel Insignia will also be electrified. Our statement is clear: From 2028, we will exclusively sell battery-electric vehicles in Europe,” said Opel CEO Uwe Hochgeschurtz.

New Opel Astra Hybrid

In the coming months, the new generation of the Opel Astra will be the linchpin of the Rüsselsheim-based brand’s electrification offensive. After celebrating its premiere in September 2021, all-new Opel Astra five-door will arrive at customers in the spring – and will be available as a plug-in hybrid right from the start. In 2023, the purely battery-electric Opel Astra-e will complete the range. Emissions-free product portfolio with the Blitz already ranges from the Opel Rocks-e lightweight vehicle to the large Opel Movano-e van.

New Opel Movano-e van

Opel Combo-e Life and the Opel Zafira-e Life are already very successful in the market. Both MPVs are powered by a 100 kW/136 hp electric motor. With its 50 kWh lithium-ion battery, the Combo-e-Life achieves a range of up to 280 kilometres in accordance with the WLTP 1, depending on the driving profile, outside temperature and use. When necessary, it takes around only 30 minutes for the battery to reach 80 per cent state-of-charge at a public DC fast charging station.

Opel Combo-e Life

With the large Opel Zafira-e Life, the customer can choose between a 50 kWh lithium-ion battery (231 kilometres range according to WLTP 1) and a battery with 75 kWh for a first-class range of up to 329 kilometres according to WLTP 1. Opel Zafira-e Life is available in three vehicle lengths with space for up to nine people.

 Opel Zafira-e Life

In addition to plug-in hybrid and battery-electric models, Opel can also already offer a plug-in fuel cell electric vehicle. Opel Vivaro-e HYDROGEN is based on the existing battery electric Opel Vivaro-e, the “International Van of the Year 2021”. Newcomer has a fuel cell drive combined with a plug-in battery and with full tanks of hydrogen, the driving range is more than 400 kilometres (WLTP 1). First Opel Vivaro-e HYDROGEN off the production line will begin its emissions-free work in the fleet of the German manufacturer of premium domestic appliances, Miele.

Opel Vivaro-e HYDROGEN

However, Opel is not only on the way to a CO2-neutral future with its models and drive alternatives – something the brand is currently proving at several locations. This year, Opel and Stellantis are pushing ahead with the plans to build the battery cell gigafactory in Kaiserslautern. And in Rüsselsheim, the project is taking shape to transform the Opel headquarters into a green campus as the future German headquarters of Stellantis.

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

Opel Extends Protection of its Performance and Employment

• In the context of energy transition, led by European CO2 regulations, Management and general works council agreed on extensive measures to safeguard the future
• Exclusion of forced redundancies extended by two years to July 2025
• As part of the allocation of the next generation of Opel Astra, new model will be produced in Rüsselsheim, both as hatchback and station wagon
• EMP2 platform will be localized in Rüsselsheim, allowing to build plug-in hybrid
• Decision to invest is linked to Rüsselsheim performance improvements and secures operation in at least two shift.
• Voluntary programme to be reopened for employees in Rüsselsheim, Eisenach and Kaiserslautern

In the context of far-reaching changes with regard to the ever-stricter CO2 regulations that the entire automotive industry is facing, Opel’s management and the Opel general works council have agreed extensive measures to secure employment and further increase Opel’s competitiveness. Exclusion of forced redundancies has been extended by two further years to 2025 for the employees in Germany. Trainees who are currently serving their apprenticeships will be given permanent contracts.

As a result of performance improvement, the company has decided to make further investments in the plant in Rüsselsheim, thus providing the perspective for many years of manufacturing. Rüsselsheim will produce the next generation of the Opel Astra as a five-door as of 2021 and as a station wagon in Rüsselsheim as of 2022, considering that around 95 percent of station wagon are sold in continental Europe. Allocation includes the internal combustion engine and the plug-in hybrid variants. Second plant is still to be confirmed.

This extensive investment decision will secure at least the two-shift operation of the Rüsselsheim plant.

Management and the general works council also agreed that the voluntary leave programme will be reopened for employees in Rüsselsheim, Eisenach and Kaiserslautern. This is limited to a maximum of 2,100 positions. Employees born up to and before 1963 will have the opportunity to participate in partial retirement or senior leave programmes. The voluntary leave programme is based on the principle of double voluntary action. This means employee and the employer must come to a mutual agreement.

“This agreement creates a further considerable improvement of our competitiveness. With the allocation of the next generation of Astra, we aim at safeguarding the future in times of massive transformation. At the same time, this agreement gives our employees long-term security. Protection of employment until 2025 is a strong signal,” said Opel CEO Michael Lohscheller.

New Opel Grandland X Reaches AUTOBEST 2018 Final Six

• Recently tested, now already in the final: Opel Grandland X amongst “Best Buy Cars of Europe” according to jury
• Convincing qualities: New Opel compact SUV impresses with design, leading technologies and functionality
• Success story: Opel multiple award winner in prestigious international competition

European AUTOBEST 2018 Finalist: New Opel Grandland X has impressed the jury and been included in the final six.

Despite only having recently celebrated its world premiere at the Frankfurt Motor Show and having just been tested by members of the media, the new Opel Grandland X has surpassed many of its rivals and been named one of the finalists for the European “AUTOBEST 2018”. The jury of the prestigious international competition announced this today. A jury consisting of journalists from 31 European countries tests new models eligible for the coveted award. The winner is named “Best Buy Car of Europe 2018”. By reaching the final, the dynamic Opel compact SUV is one of six remaining strong contenders for the title. The AUTOBEST jury evaluates the candidates in various categories such as flexibility, design and new technologies along with the service network, availability of parts and price.

The new Opel Grandland X excels in many areas: Modern, athletic lines, cool off-road look along with typical SUV qualities such as elevated seating position and good all round visibility. Furthermore, the adventurous newcomer comes with numerous leading technologies such as IntelliGrip electronic traction control along with plenty of space and comfort for up to five passengers.

All this is offered at an attractive price-performance ratio and has helped the new challenger in the SUV segment qualify for the AUTOBEST 2018 final. The decisive evaluation will take place during numerous test drives along with further assessments on the test track in Vairano (Italy). The winner – the “Best Buy Car of Europe” – will be announced in mid-December.

Opel’s latest contender, the Grandland X, is following a good Opel tradition. The Rüsselsheim-based carmaker has celebrated multiple honours in various categories of the prestigious AUTOBEST awards in recent years:

In 2007 and 2015, the Opel Corsa won the AUTOBEST award, enabling both generations of the small car all-rounder to carry the title of “Best Buy Car of Europe”.

• In 2009, the first generation Opel Insignia wowed the jury with its styling and took the DESIGNBEST award.
• Elsewhere, the Opel Ampera and the Opel Ampera-e demonstrated environmentally friendly mobility with both winning the ECOBEST award in 2011 and 2016 respectively.
• Furthermore, the current Opel Astra generation won the 2015 SAFETYBEST award for its trendsetting IntelliLux LED Matrix headlights.
• And as the Opel credo “Sculptural artistry meets German precision” is valid for both the models as well as the entire company according to the jury, Opel was presented with the COMPANYBEST award in 2016.

!NEW! Opel Astra Named as South African Car of the Year Finalist

 Opel Astra, the reigning European Car of the Year, has been selected as a finalist for the 2017 Wesbank South African Car of the Year (COTY) competition. This is the second successive year in which an Opel has been named COTY finalist in South Africa after Opel ADAM and Opel Corsa were voted as finalists last year.

Opel Astra which was launched in South Africa in April this year has received great accolades from local as well as international media. Packed with segment leading safety, infotainment and driver aid technology, the Opel Astra is a game changer in the mid-size hatchback segment giving buyers access to technology usually reserved for luxury vehicles.

“We’ve won the big European prize and it would be a real honour to add the local trophy to our cabinet,” commented Brian Olson, vice president vehicle sales, service, and marketing GM Sub-Saharan Africa. “There’s no doubt that Europe’s top automotive communicators found the Astra to be the best of the best and we hope that evaluators from the South African Guild of Motoring Journalists reach the same conclusion. Local customers have certainly recognized the Astra as the best in its class, so far demand has far outstripped supply with the new Astra achieving its best market share in 20 years”

Of course, COTY success is not new to the Opel brand, both here and abroad. In 1985 a previous Astra generation was the European COTY, while on the local front Opel products were chosen by the SAGMJ evaluators as their benchmark car in 1991, 1994 and 1995.

Past and present Opel Astra models clearly have got what it takes to win. The current Opel Astra has averaged close to 100 units a month since launch, and holds about 10 percent of the C-segment hatchback market share, April to August.

The SAGMJ COTY jury will evaluate the Opel Astra and the other finalists in early February 2017, with the winner announced on 15 March 2017.