Opel Becomes Strategic Partner of the German Women's and Men's Handball National Teams and Title Sponsor of the Handball Bundesliga

• Opel electrifies German handball: New sponsor of the German women's and men's national teams from July 1, 2026
• Double deal: Opel also becomes the new title sponsor of the men's Handball Bundesliga
• Opel commitment to professional sport: Handball contracts run for three seasons
• Made in Germany: New Opel Astra and Opel Grandland designed, developed and built in Germany

German manufacturer Opel will become a key partner of German handball after signing two significant sponsorship agreements. Opel will become a strategic partner of the German national handball teams – both women's and men's – from July 1, 2026. The commitment runs for three years. At the same time, Opel will be the new title sponsor of the strongest handball league in the world, which will be officially named ‘Opel Handball-Bundesliga’. For three seasons, the Rüsselsheim-based manufacturer will electrify all 18 Bundesliga clubs, all games and, above all, fans across Germany and beyond. With a holistic strategy of comprehensive activation and financial support, Opel is becoming a strategic partner of German handball. The partnerships with the association and the league were brokered by the sports rights and marketing agency SPORTFIVE.

 With these new partnerships, Opel is continuing its commitment to sport, which has a history spanning more than 130 years. At the same time, the brand with Blitz aims to further sharpen its sporting profile and further establish the hugely popular and growing sport of handball in the heart of society.

 “Opel and handball are a perfect match. Both stand for team spirit, motivation and dynamism," said Patrick Dinger, Head of Opel Germany. “Like Opel, the handball fan base sits firmly at the centre of society and is family-oriented, down-to-earth, approachable and authentic. And: Both brands were created and grew in Germany and have always stood for 'Made in Germany'. Together with our retail partners, we are looking forward to an exciting, energetic and successful cooperation with the national teams and the league."

Mark Schober, CEO of the German Handball Federation (DHB), said: “Opel and German handball move people. The DHB, HBL, and Opel are bringing energy and values to the partnership in such a way that we can grow together in a strong handball alliance. We already have a shared history, and we are now contributing our talents for a successful future with the ‘Made in Germany’ quality seal. The partnership with Opel opens up great opportunities for German handball.”

 Uwe Schwenker, HBL President and member of the board of the German Handball Federation said: “We are delighted to welcome Opel as the new naming rights partner. The Opel brand stands for performance, innovation, and high reliability, as well as outstanding technical expertise. This is an excellent fit for handball. The fact that this globally active automotive manufacturer has chosen us demonstrates the significant national and international appeal of our league.”

Frank Bohmann, Managing Director of HBL GmbH added: “On every match day, the HBL demonstrates passion, courage, innovative strength, and an unwavering commitment to performance and success. These values also apply to Opel, a manufacturer which we perceive as approachable, attainable, and innovative. We are therefore thrilled that the HBL and Opel, two iconic German brands with a strong presence, are joining forces to create innovative concepts that make handball and mobility a modern and attractive experience for fans and customers.”

Opel's strategic measures include the targeted promotion of handball and the sharpening of the brand profile. At the same time, the long-term sponsorship supports Opel's identification in the field of high-performance sports. Furthermore, Opel will become the mobility partner of German handball. Opel has always built sporty and modern vehicles and today, this claim is embodied in particular by the new high-performance GSE models. It is also emphasised by the new Astra and Astra Sports Tourer, designed, engineered and built at the Opel headquarters in Rüsselsheim, and the top-of-the-line SUV Grandland produced in Eisenach. These models stand for German engineering.

 Speed, closeness and electrifying tension: Opel with a strong handball message

With the world's first all-electric rally one-make cup, Opel has been underlining its pioneering role and competence in exciting locally emissions-free motorsport that inspires customers and fans for five years now. The entry into Formula E reinforces this claim. At the same time, Opel is proving how electric sporty driving pleasure arouses pure emotions and works for the middle of society with its hot new ‘everyday sports cars’ such as the battery-electric Opel Mokka GSE and the recently unveiled Opel Corsa GSE.

Like Opel's new high-performance GSE models, fast-paced ball sports such as handball are characterised by dynamism, excitement and emotions. The strategic partnership with the German women's and men's national handball teams as well as the strongest handball league in the world is therefore a perfect fit. Handball has become the second most popular sport in Germany. In addition, handball is one of the team sports with the widest reach on German TV. In addition, thousands of fans flock to the arenas for every game. Both partners – handball and Opel – clearly embody the ‘Made in and made for Germany’ idea: both originated and grew in Germany with a clear focus on the enthusiasm of the ever-growing fan base.

Strengthening of brands: With national teams and the ‘Opel Handball-Bundesliga’

At the appearances of the national teams, the Opel wordmark and Blitz emblem will feature prominently on the jerseys of the players and other officials. The same applies to all teams of the Handball Bundesliga. In addition, the ‘Opel HBL’ composite logo will underline and emphasise the ‘Opel Handball-Bundesliga’ across all arenas and channels for the next three seasons. With banner ads, spots, advertisements and social media activities, Opel will increase awareness among viewers – at the games and appearances of the women's and men's national teams as well as in the context of the Handball Bundesliga.

What's more, Opel will develop targeted formats that actively appeal to the audience and in particular to young and digital target groups. Activities such as special media days, behind-the-scenes access, ticket raffles, further competitions and much more are planned. Of course, the retail partners always act as the central interface between Opel as a manufacturer and the handball community.

Opel has a proud tradition of being a partner of sports in general and dynamic ball sports in particular. With all the measures mentioned, Opel is now returning to handball with a bang. As early as the 1980s and 1990s, the manufacturer was the jersey sponsor of the national handball team and partner of the seven-time German champion TV Großwallstadt. With the comprehensive new commitment to the national teams and the Handball Bundesliga, Opel will continue to increase the popularity of handball and at the same time, the partners can look forward to an exciting future.

Opel Company Run 2025: Around 1,200 Participants at the Start

• OMG! GSE: New motto, new Opel models and new running track inspire
• Strong together: Around 750 Opel and Stellantis employees on the road together
• Popular refreshments: After the mass sports event, runners, families and friends celebrate at the after-run party

OMG! GSE – under this motto, many Opel employees lined up at the start of the Opel Company run on Thursday evening. The 12th edition of this popular mass-use event was just as energetic as the slogan emblazoned on the Opel running shirts and the Opel Mokka GSE prototype, which is currently stirring up enthusiasm for Opel's new, extra-sporty and fully electrified GSE models. In midsummer temperatures, around 1,200 runners gathered at the Rüsselsheim stadium on Sommerdamm to tackle the new, almost six-kilometer-long course along the Main River together starting at 7 p.m., and then celebrate their achievements.

"The team spirit at the Opel Company Run is incomparable. We start together – and we reach the finish line together, even if – like today – it might be a bit more strenuous. An experience like this brings people together. These very special moments on and off the track define Opel, the runners, and all their families and friends as a community," said Florian Huettl after crossing the finish line at the Sommerdamm stadium. The Opel CEO and Managing Director Stellantis Germany, along with other representatives of the Opel management team, including Ralph Wangemann, Managing Director of Human Resources and Director of Labor Relations at Opel Automobile GmbH and Head of Human Resources at Stellantis in Germany, Senior Vice President of Global Sales at Opel Tobias Gubitz, and General Counsel Stefan Zimmermann, set out on the course with sporting ambition and joined the diverse field of participants from near and far.

"The Opel Company Run has long been more than just a sporting event. It represents movement, community, and a sense of solidarity with our city. As mayor and head of the sports department, I'm delighted that so many people participated again this year—whether by running or on the course," said Patrick Burghardt, delighted with the successful Opel Company Run, which has long since become a traditional national event.

Before the awards ceremony and the after-run party with refreshing drinks, however, the challenge was to tackle the almost six-kilometer-long run course together. For the first time, it led from the stadium directly to the Mainwiesen meadows and on a circular route along the Main River, via Gate 20 into the old Opel factory, before finally returning to the stadium. Just as new as the route were the model highlights with which Opel thrilled participants and guests. 

In keeping with the sporting event, the bold, adventurous vision of the Frontera family SUV was on display: Opel Frontera GRAVEL was the eye-catcher at the start and finish point of the Opel company run . The top-of-the-line Opel Grandland and the extra-stylish Opel Mokka completed the SUV trio with the lightning bolt. ¨

Also present at the stadium were the vocational training, the Diversity & Inclusion team, and the Women of Stellantis.

As is tradition, the awards ceremony for the best teams also took place in the stadium. The fastest women's team was "Bodyshape & Lifting - Medical Beauty." The men's team, "Physioteam 1," took the lead. And the fastest mixed team was "Commerzbank BSG Running 2." The spectators also greeted the senior team, "The Old Sweaty Feet of the LG," with admiration and respect. At 284 years of age, these runners were once again the oldest group in the company run.

The top finishers in each category were delighted to receive attractive prizes such as running training sessions, courses, and joint analysis from Medifit, tickets to the Pista & Piloti event, a wireless keyboard, and much more in the brand's design. Opel Bank – Stellantis Financial Services, the City of Rüsselsheim, Prae Natura, Viactiv, Würth, and Continental actively supported the Opel Corporate Run 2025 as cooperation partners.

To Power of Four: Opel Grandland Electric AWD Ready to Order Now

• Top-of-line: New Opel Grandland Electric AWD Ultimate available for €59,990 (RRP incl. VAT in Germany)
• Power to the max: 239 kW (325 hp) system output, 509 Nm torque, 0-100 km/h in 6.1 s, four drive modes
• Top suspension: FrequencySelective Damping (FSD) technology as standard
• Extensively equipped: Opel Grandland Electric AWD Ultimate with panoramic glass sunroof, 360° Intelli-Vision camera, Intelli-HUD head up display and many more as standard
• Electric All In: Opel makes the switch to electric mobility easy 1

With its unique design, high level of comfort and numerous innovative solutions combined with the fully electrified drivetrains, the Opel Grandland makes a clear statement as the brand's top-of-the-line model. Now the unmistakable SUV ‘made in Germany’ is becoming even more attractive. Because order books for the new Opel Grandland Electric AWD – the first all-electric Opel model with all-wheel drive – are now open. At launch, the electric all-wheel drive SUV is available in a very special variant: as the extensively equipped Ultimate version. With many additional features such as the panoramic glass sunroof, 20-inch alloy wheels in ‘Diamond Cut’ aero design, 360° Intelli-Vision camera and Intelli-HUD head up display as standard, the new Opel Grandland Electric AWD Ultimate is available from €59,990 (RRP incl. VAT in Germany). And with ’Electric All In’1, Opel is now making the switch to electric mobility even easier and more attractive.

"By opening the order books for the new Opel Grandland Electric AWD, we are also opening the next chapter of success for our top SUV. Only the new electric all-wheel drive model offers this much power combined with highly efficient driving pleasure. Our Grandland Electric AWD delivers additional grip and safety, even in challenging conditions. This opens up new possibilities and an unrivalled driving experience for customers," said Tobias Gubitz, Senior Vice President Global Sales Opel & Vauxhall.

Opel Grandland Electric with all-wheel drive: Efficient, safe, gripping driving pleasure

Performance data speaks for itself: new Opel Grandland Electric AWD offers a system output of 239 kW (325 hp). The new all-wheel drive system combines the standard 157 kW (213 hp) front-wheel drive electric motor known from Opel Grandland Electric with an additional 82 kW (112 hp) electric motor for the rear wheels. Thus, Opel Grandland Electric AWD achieves a maximum torque of 509 Nm. The all-wheel drive vehicle accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 6.1 seconds. In the Ultimate trim, Opel Grandland Electric AWD can travel up to 489 kilometres (WLTP 3) without charging stop; further trim versions with a range of up to 501 kilometres (provisional value according to (WLTP 3) will follow later this year. Opel Grandland Electric AWD needs less than 30 minutes to recharge its 73 kWh lithium-ion NMC battery (usable capacity) from 20% to 80% at a public fast-charger.

Gripping electric all-wheel drive pleasure is further enhanced by two components: the standard suspension with frequency selective damping technology and the choice of four driving modes to suit the requirements. Depending on the situation, road surface conditions and driving style, the unique frequency selective damping technology enables different damping characteristics for comfortable gliding at high frequencies – i.e. with short impacts such as on cobblestones – as well as for a sporty, ambitious driving style with more direct contact with the road at low frequencies. Opel Grandland Electric AWD thus reacts even more immediately and directly to any command from the driver and, as is typical for Opel, remains stable when braking, cornering and at high speeds on the Autobahn.

Four individual driving modes differ as follows:

Normal Mode: Optimise daily efficiency, only the front motor and wheels are prioritised; the maximum power is limited to 230 kW (313 hp) and maximum torque to 450 Nm. Depending on the driver’s demands, the rear motor and wheels automatically engage.

4WD Mode: Two motors operate continuously, with power distributed evenly between all four wheels providing optimal grip, especially on slippery surfaces. ESP and traction control systems adopt specific settings to enhance grip. Maximum power and torque are available.

Sport Mode: Two motors operate continuously, with power distributed 60:40 between the front and rear axles for dynamic and efficient performance. Maximum power and torque are available. The steering and accelerator pedal also adopt a specific ‘Sport’ setting, providing increased responsiveness.

Eco Mode: Front motor and wheels are prioritised, maximum power is limited to 157 kW (213 hp) and maximum torque to 343 Nm. Air conditioning and accelerator pedal also adopt an Eco setting.

Extensive standard equipment

Like every Opel Grandland, the new electric all-wheel drive version impresses from the outside with its 3D Vizor front with centrally illuminated Opel Blitz and ‘Edge Light’ technology as well as the illuminated OPEL wordmark at the rear. Another highlight is the award-winning glare-free Intelli-Lux HD light with more than 50,000 elements, which illuminates the night as standard in the Ultimate trim, making driving in the dark safer for all road users. Opel Grandland Electric AWD Ultimate sets further visual accents with 20-inch alloy wheels in ‘Diamond Cut’ aero design, bumpers with carbon-look elements, and aluminium pedals.

Interior of the all-wheel drive vehicle impresses with a feel-good ambience throughout. The driver and front passenger sit on the Intelli-Seats Pro in Alcantara, certified by Aktion Gesunder Rücken e.V. Alternatively, they can also choose front seats in nappa leather at no extra charge. The electric sliding panoramic glass sunroof supports the airy feeling of space, even in the second row.

Intelli-HUD head-up display, the 360° Intelli-Vision camera and the advanced driver assistance systems with Intelli-Drive 2.0 including intelligent speed adjustment make driving even more relaxed and safer. All of them come as standard, too. Multimedia navigation system with 16-inch colour touchscreen provides the best entertainment and connectivity. Solutions such as the transparent pixel box in the centre console, which can be used to charge your smartphone wirelessly, increase the practical benefits. And for convenient access to the rear compartment, the sensor-controlled tailgate of Opel Grandland Electric AWD Ultimate opens and closes electrically.

Electric All In 1: E-services included for affordable electromobility

And to give electric mobility a further boost, Opel is making it even easier and more attractive for customers – starting with the purchase of a vehicle. After all, anyone who buys a battery-electric car model such as the new Opel Grandland AWD Ultimate now will receive numerous services at the same time with ’Electric All In’1. For example, services such as an eProWallbox Move for fast charging at home, e-routes functions and eight years of mobile charging and breakdown assistance4 as well as a battery warranty are already included.

[1] Offer for private customers when purchasing a fully electric passenger car from participating Opel partners in Germany by September 30, 2025.

[2] A vehicle's values not only depend on the vehicle's efficient use of fuel, but are also influenced by driving behaviour and other non-technical factors.

[3] Range values determined according to WLTP test procedure methodology (R (EC) No. 715/2007, R (EU) No. 2017/1151). Actual range can vary under everyday conditions and depends on various factors, in particular on personal driving style, route characteristics, outside temperature, use of heating and air conditioning and thermal preconditioning. Vehicle trim with up to 501 km range not available yet.

[4] Eight years of roadside and mobile charging assistance; mobile charging assistance up to three times a year.

50 years ago: Opel Genève Concept Sports Car Unveiled

• Bold, pure, unique: Concept car takes centre stage at the 1975 Geneva Motor Show
• Too good to be true: Breathtaking sports car study remains a dream
• Modern visionary: Opel Experimental paves way for production models such as new Opel Grandland 

Bold, pure, visionary: This is how Opel Experimental brand study presented itself to the public almost two years ago. Innovative concept vehicles that inspire have a long tradition at Opel. As early as 1975 – exactly 50 years ago – Opel showed its vision of a sports car study that is beguiling in every respect at the Geneva Motor Show. At the time, the Opel Genève became one of the main attractions at the Swiss trade fair with its distinctly flat silhouette. With the Genève, Opel's design department once again demonstrated its visionary skills, which it had already established ten years earlier with the Experimental GT. While this was quickly transferred to series production and many of the elements of the Opel Experimental are brought to life in all-new Opel Grandland, Opel Genève remained a dream that many sports car enthusiasts celebrate to this day.

Slim study: Harmonious Genève design awakens emotions

Opel knew how to stage Genève at 1975 Geneva Motor Show. And rightly so, because harmonious show car exuded pure sportiness with its slim shape, powerful front and elegantly tapering downwards roofline. A truly ‘golden’ appearance, after all, the study was painted in exactly this colour. Automobil Revue wrote at time: "Light-footed, elegant coupé rotates on an elevated turntable, thus serving as an eye-catcher for visitors. (…) Font and rear are tapered with integrated bumpers. All window surfaces, including side ones, are strongly curved." This was made possible by fact that‘Opel Advanced Design Team’ around Erhard Schnell formed Opel Genève out of fiberglass and was thus able to give it a styling that subsequently attracted admiring glances not only at Motor Show.

Despite its popularity, two-seater with its pop-up headlights typical of Opel concept cars at the time, would never go into series production. To understand this decision, however, it is necessary to look back to beginning of 1970s, because Opel Genève was originally planned as GT-W. Under this working title, the coupé with its incomparable proportions was designed in Rüsselsheim in 1972. Small and flat mid-engined two-seater was to be powered by a two-rotor rotary ‘Wankel’ engine, which is why the original model designation was GT-W. 

But as a result of oil crisis, rotary piston engine project was stopped in 1974. Nevertheless, beautiful Opel GT-W was allowed to live on – albeit modified and under the new name Opel Genève, chosen to match its first public appearance.

In addition, another Opel study caused a sensation in same year: Opel had decided to unveil the futuristic GT2 at 1975 IAA. This was designed in much greater detail, with functioning sliding doors, a fully designed interior and a functional drive train, and was intended to provide a vivid glimpse into future Opel developments.

While GT2 was donated to Deutsches Museum in Munich in May 1978, Genève remained on display in the Opel design department for many years. It was repainted in 1977 and has dazzled in a bright orange since then. Concept car is now one of  highlights of Opel Classic Collection.

When visionary dreams come true: Groundbreaking Opel Experimental

Almost 50 years after the Genève, the Opel Experimental shows how visions of the future can actually become reality. The study, which was presented for the first time at the IAA Mobility in 2023, has since provided clear guidance on the brand's further developments and future mobility. This can be characterised by three core concepts:

• Detox: Opel Experimental has a bold and pure design with a clear focus on the essentials.
• Modern German: It inspires with its impressive proportions, intelligent solutions, highly efficient use of space and state-of-the-art lighting technology, including the first illuminated Opel Blitz.
• Greenovation: It is fully electric and reduces the carbon footprint.

All this is ‘German Energy’, which makes every model with the Blitz unmistakably an Opel. And the result of this ‘German Energy’, visible as the latest production model, is the new Opel Grandland, designed and developed in Rüsselheim and built in Eisenach. Top-of-the-line SUV ‘made in Germany’ brings the spirit of the brand study to life and introduces many features into series production. This makes the ‘Golden Steering Wheel 2024’[1] winning Grandland a prime example of how the designers and engineers at Opel turn forward-looking automotive dreams into reality in a short time – and what an important part pioneering studies such as the Opel Experimental play in this.

[1] AUTO BILD edition 46/2024 and BILD am SONNTAG edition 45/2024, category ‘Best car under €50,000’.

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.

25 Years Ago: One Millionth Opel “Made in Eisenach” is Produced

• November 10, 1999: Black Opel Corsa B “Edition 100” is milestone vehicle
• Strong signal: First automotive plant founded in the new federal states after German reunification
• Eisenach today: Home of the Opel Grandland is an ultra-modern plant for electrified vehicles

Eisenach and automotive production belong together, and Opel and Eisenach have enjoyed close ties for over three decades. The brand with the Blitz was one of the first companies to become involved in the new federal states in 1990, the year of German reunification, laying the foundations for a success story that continues to this day – with cars ‘made in Eisenach’. The one millionth Opel rolled off the production line at the Thuringian plant on November 10, 1999: a black Corsa B in the ‘Edition 100’ trim level.

The plant has continuously developed over the decades and had reason to celebrate again recently. In April, the all-new Opel Grandland celebrated its world premiere in Eisenach. The new electrified top SUV has recently been produced in the Wartburg town, making it a true ‘Eisenacher’. With the new Opel Grandland, the plant is well-positioned for the future.

Eisenach plant: First Opel vehicles produced in 1990

After the fall of the Berlin Wall, those responsible at Opel at the time quickly recognised the potential offered by the traditional automotive location of Eisenach. As early as March 1990, Opel founded Opel-AWE-Planungs-GmbH together with Automobilwerk Eisenach (AWE), thereby promoting economic development in Thuringia. Just two days after official reunification, on October 5, 1990, the first Opel Vectra rolled off the production line in an AWE plant. In February 1991, the foundation stone is laid for the new factory in the Eisenach. After a construction period of just 19 months and a total investment of around one billion German marks, the new Eisenach plant starts production of the Opel Astra in September 1992. And on 3 June 1993, the first Opel Corsa ‘made in Germany’ drives off the production line.

From then on, Opel production in Eisenach boomed. Due to the high demand, production in the first half of the 1990s is at times focussed exclusively on the best-selling small car. The Corsa is so popular with customers that just nine years after the start of car production at the site and only six years after the first Corsa from Eisenach, the one millionth Opel produced here rolls off the production line. On November 10, 1999, exactly 10 years to the day after the fall of the Berlin Wall, a 48 kW (65 hp) black Corsa ‘Edition’ made its way from final assembly in Thuringia to its buyer in Regensburg, Bavaria.

Success factors: state-of-the-art production and continuous development

Right from the start, the plant in Eisenach undergoes continuous development to ensure its success. It quickly sets standards in terms of environmental compatibility, manufacturing technology and production systems. There are five fundamental principles: employee involvement, continuous improvement, quality assurance from the outset, standardisation and short throughput times thanks to perfectly organised logistics. As a result, the plant is subsequently recognised several times as the most modern and productive automotive production facility in Europe.

In 2012, the Astra and Corsa were joined by the Opel ADAM. Since the extensive modernisation of the production facilities in 2019, the plant has been solely responsible for the Opel Grandland SUV.

For the all-new Opel Grandland: Eisenach becomes an ‘electrified plant’

The all-new Opel Grandland, which celebrated its world premiere on site earlier this year and has been available to order for a few weeks, now rolls off the production line in Eisenach – and the demands on the site beforehand were significant. After all, the new generation of the top-of-the-line SUV is also available as a fully electric Grandland Electric for the first time. The new Grandland is the first model from the German manufacturer to be based on the ultra-modern, BEV-native STLA Medium platform and, with a battery capacity of up to 97 kWh (usable capacity), enables a locally emissions-free range of up to around 700 kilometres (WLTP 1).

To make the Eisenach plant ready for the production of electrified models, the company invested €130 million in the site and developed it into a genuine ‘electrified plant’ in numerous areas. For example, significant changes have been made to the production process with modifications in the body shop and final assembly. In addition, the entire conveyor systems were adapted and reinforced, the body shell was fully automated and many state-of-the-art camera systems were installed in the various areas for detailed inspection. A new battery shop has also been created, in which the battery packs for the electric Grandland are assembled on site. Specialised high-voltage experts have been trained for this task.

The fact that Eisenach is also planning a solar park to supply the plant with ‘green’ energy fits in perfectly with the new, electric Opel Grandland and its own battery assembly. In this way, the gradual switch to renewable energies is also helping to ensure that the plant is sustainably positioned for the future and can continue its success story.

[1] Preliminary range values 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. Preliminary values, vehicle not available yet.

All-New Opel Grandland with Intelli-Lux HD Light: Scary Nights a Thing of the Past!

• Turns night into day: State-of-the-art technology makes “creatures of the night” of all sizes visible
• Industry leading: New Intelli-Lux HD headlights with over 50,000 individual elements
• Improved safety: Objects detected earlier thanks to adaptive, glare-free LED system
• Opel Grandland lighting: Debut for 3D Vizor, illuminated Opel Blitz and edge light
• 125 year of lighting innovations: Opel has been democratising lighting technologies since day one

In a few days or rather nights, spooky creatures will once again roam the streets searching for treats of all kinds. From now on, however, their efforts to remain undetected before playing a potential trick will be in vain – thanks to all-new Opel Grandland. With its new Intelli-Lux HD light, the latest generation of glare-free Intelli-Lux LED technology, the all-new SUV ‘made in Germany’, which has been available to order for a few days now, creates light where there was previously nothing but darkness. But this is not the only lighting innovation that has been introduced at Opel with the all-new Grandland. It is also the first Opel with 3D Vizor, illuminated Opel Blitz and ‘Edge Light’ technology. This makes all-new Opel Grandland an all-round radiant newcomer that draws attention with its innovative lighting technologies alone. The democratisation of advanced lighting technology across the various vehicle classes is a tradition at Opel – and has been for 125 years.

More precise, sharper, better: New Intelli-Lux HD light with over 50,000 elements

Opel customers are already well acquainted with the adaptive, glare-free Intelli-Lux LED technology from bestsellers such as the current Astra, the Corsa, the outgoing Grandland and the Combo. However,together with the all-new Opel Grandland, the Intelli-Lux HD light, which is the industry leader in this vehicle segment, is celebrating its premiere. For the first time, the headlights have more than 50,000 elements (exactly 51,200, i.e. 25,600 per side) and enable high-resolution, glare-free light distribution.

The ultra-modern system turns night into day for the driver and precisely illuminates the route and surroundings. Depending on the prevailing traffic situation, the camera detects road users in front and oncoming traffic and the Intelli-Lux HD light cuts them out even faster and more precisely than previous matrix light technologies. The “light tunnel”, i.e. the area left out by the light beam, is narrower than before, while the rest of the street and the surrounding area is better lit. In this way, the system delivers even brighter and more even light distribution without dazzling others. Scientific studies prove the benefits for safety. Objects in front of the vehicle can be detected around 30 to 40 meters earlier at a speed of 80 km/h than with conventional halogen headlights. This allows the driver to react to the potential obstacle between one and two seconds earlier – valuable time to avoid an impending collision.

Next evolutionary stage: New functions and graphic animations

At the same time, all automatic Intelli-Lux functions, from city and country road light to cornering light and bad weather light, have been improved and taken to a new level. The light cone in front of the vehicle can be completely digitally adjusted using more than 50,000 pixels, so that it intuitively guides the driver's perspective along the road when cornering. In addition to the digital adjustment of the light cone, depending on the turning angle, an additional light module is activated on the corresponding side of the vehicle. It illuminates the side of the road even better and thus prevents “black holes” when cornering. In bad weather or fog mode, Intelli-Lux HD factors in the possible glare effect caused by rain-soaked streets and adjusts the light intensity accordingly in order to reduce this effect for oncoming traffic.

In addition, the high-resolution light technology not only protects the eyes of other road users, but also those of the Opel Grandland driver. The system recognises traffic signs appearing on the road and dims the LEDs so that the reflection of the signs does not glare the driver. And “tourist mode” ensures that the Intelli-Lux HD light can use its full performance and all functions even when driving in countries with left-hand traffic.

Finally, the new animations in the form of graphic videos that are projected in front of the vehicle to greet and bid farewell to Opel Grandland occupants provide a first impression of what lighting developments will be possible in the future.

Unique lighting design: 3D Vizor, illuminated Opel Blitz and edge light technology

Above all, it is not only the innovative Intelli-Lux HD light which is setting standards. All-new Opel Grandland also stands out at first glance with its unmistakable style – especially in the dark. The new light signature of the Opel brand face makes a decisive contribution to this: the new 3D Vizor integrates the Opel Blitz, illuminated for the first time, and the innovative “edge light” technology, which extends across the entire width of the vehicle, in one flowing element. The newcomer also underlines its unmistakeable appearance at the rear. All-new Grandland is the first production model from Opel to integrate illuminated OPEL lettering centrally into the compass light signature.

The technologies in the new Grandland thus represent the latest and most advanced evolutionary stage in Opel's lighting development. But offering outstanding visibility and thus the highest level of safety for all drivers across all segments is a tradition at Opel – and has been since the company produced its first car. The history of lighting development began back in 1899 with the Patentmotorwagen System Lutzmann. You can find out more about Opel's innovations in lighting technology over the decades here.

Unveiled: All-New Opel Grandland Celebrates World Premiere in Eisenach

• Electric SUV: Top-of-range model first Opel on STLA Medium Platform with locally emissions-free range of up to around 700 kilometres (WLTP 1)
• With new battery shop: Eisenach plant transformed into ultra-modern “electric plant” for Opel Grandland production
• Green electricity: New 14-hectare solar farm will power plant

Yesterday, Opel lifted the lid on its latest newcomer and showed the first pictures of the new Grandland. At the same time, the next generation of Opel's top-of-line SUV is celebrating its world premiere – at the Eisenach plant in Thuringia where Opel CEO Florian Huettl, together with Jörg Escher, Managing Director of the Eisenach plant, and chief engineer Dirk Kaminski, presented the new Opel Grandland to the workforce and media representatives. Afterwards, the guests and journalists were able to see the state-of-art Opel Grandland production for themselves during a tour of the plant.

“All-new Opel Grandland is ‘made in Germany’ through and through. It will exclusively drive off the production line in Eisenach. To this end, over the past few months we have developed the location into a real 'electric plant' – with a battery shop and a production facility in which our top SUV is fully flexible in all drive variants on a common line. All-new Opel Grandland will be fully electric for the first time and will further broaden our range of electric cars. We are giving the starting signal for this here and today,” said Opel CEO Florian Huettl to the journalists.

Eisenach plant managing director Jörg Escher added: “Eisenach team took on the great challenge of automotive transformation together and implemented it with outstanding commitment. I would like to thank all employees for their tireless dedication and great performance. And I am sure that all-new Opel Grandland will also come to customers in the well-known Eisenach top quality right from the start.”

Investments in Eisenach: €130 million for transformation to “electric plant”

In addition to hybrid drives, all-new Opel Grandland will also drive off the production line for the first time as a battery-electric, locally emissions-free Grandland Electric. The new SUV is the first Opel model to be based on the state-of-the-art STLA Medium platform, which was specifically designed for battery-electric models and is now being used in Eisenach. Thanks to the new architecture, particularly flat battery packaging with a new Opel Grandland Electric can travel up to around 700 kilometres locally emissions-free according to WLTP 1.

In order to make the Eisenach plant, which has been constantly developing since its inauguration in 1992, fit for future production of electrified models, the company has invested €130 million in the site. This has led to significant changes in production. For example, modifications were carried out in the body shop as well as in final assembly, which make it possible to produce vehicles based on both the multi-energy platform and the STLA Medium platform. In addition, the entire conveyor system was adapted and strengthened, the body shop was fully automated and many state-of-the-art camera systems were installed in the various areas for detailed inspection.

A brand-new battery shop has also been created, where the battery packs for the electric Grandland are assembled on site. Special high-voltage experts were trained for this task. Eisenach was able to draw on the experiences of its colleagues in Rüsselsheim. There is already such a battery shop at Opel's headquarters, which is part of the production of the Opel Astra Electric and the Opel Astra Sports Tourer Electric.

It fits perfectly with the electric Opel Grandland and its own battery assembly that Eisenach is planning to start building its own solar park to provide electricity this year. Green electricity will then be generated for the plant using photovoltaics on an area of around 14 hectares. In addition to the 20-megawatt photovoltaic park, a 1.5-megawatt heat pump will support the plant's heat supply in the future. The gradual conversion to renewable energies also helps ensure that the plant is well-positioned for the future.

And in accordance with the company's strategy to reduce CO2 emissions continuously and consistently in every area, the supply chain at the Thuringian location was also realigned. In the future, the new Opel Grandland will increasingly be transported to customers via the plant's railway sidings with Deutsche Bahn. Especially long-distance transports, such as those to Turkey and Great Britain, will be carried out by rail.

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

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.