Future is Now: New Opel Vivaro-e HYDROGEN

• Hydrogen fuel: Three-minute refuelling for up to 400 km range (WLTP 1)
• Opel Vivaro-e basis: Fuel cell system in engine bay, hydrogen tanks replace battery
• Smart concept: Benefits in performance and durability
• Pioneer: Stellantis first to put hydrogen LCVs onto the road
• Made in Germany: Opel Vivaro-e HYDROGEN assembled in Rüsselsheim

Opel Vivaro-e HYDROGEN is the ideal light commercial vehicle for fleet customers who want to cover long distances or who need to refuel within minutes. Electrically powered Vivaro-e HYDROGEN is a hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle with plug-in battery. Packaging of the technology is so compact that it makes no compromises on cargo space compared with conventional powertrains. The range is up to 400 kilometres (WLTP 1) and it takes only three minutes to refuel with hydrogen – about the same time needed to fill up a conventional diesel or petrol car. Vehicle offers a cargo volume of up to 6.1 cubic metres and a payload of 1,000 kilogrammes as well as a towing capacity of 1,000 kg. The Vivaro-e HYDROGEN is available in lengths M and L (4.95 and 5.30 m) and has already joined the fleet of Miele, the German premium domestic appliance manufacturer.

Clever concept: Long range, zero emissions, quick refuelling

Opel Vivaro-e HYDROGEN is based on the battery electric Opel Vivaro-e, the “2021 International Van of the Year”. Principle of Opel Vivaro-e HYDROGEN is simple: from hydrogen and air, the fuel cell generates electricity to drive the electric motor. Only product of this reaction is pure water vapour out of the exhaust.

Plug-in fuel cell concept of the Opel Vivaro-e HYDROGEN enables the integration of the whole fuel cell system with the existing traction motor under the bonnet. In addition, the battery of the Vivaro-e BEV (battery electric vehicle) is replaced by three 700 bar hydrogen tanks with a capacity of 4.4 kg

45 kW fuel cell can generate enough power for longer stretches of highway driving, while the 10.5 kWh lithium-ion battery located under the front seats provides dynamic peak power when required, for example, at start-up and under acceleration. Since the battery covers power needs in such situations, the fuel cell can run at optimum operating conditions. 

Opel Vivaro-e HYDROGEN also features regenerative braking, while the plug-in capability offers the opportunity to recharge the battery externally, if necessary, e.g. at a charging station, providing 50 km of pure battery electric range. A three-phase onboard charger (11 kW) and a mode 2 charging cable are standard.

Ready for everything: Two lengths and up to 6.1 m3 of cargo volume

Thanks to smart packaging, Opel Vivaro-e HYDROGEN makes no compromises on space compared to the combustion engine versions, offering up to 5.3 (size M) or 6.1 m3 (size L) of cargo volume. The payload of the fuel cell electric LCV is 1,000 kg. Loading/unloading is easy via the sliding doors on each side and the rear doors.

Like its battery-electric sibling and those with internal combustion engines, Opel Vivaro-e HYDROGEN offers an unusually wide range of driver assistance systems that enhance safety. The equipment includes a 180-degree panorama rear view camera, blind-spot alert and front/rear park pilot.

Multimedia Navi Pro infotainment system operates via voice recognition or colour touchscreen and is compatible with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Navigation system offers maps for Europe, dynamic route guidance and TMC. Users can also cool or heat the vehicle during recharging via “OpelConnect” and programme charging times with the “myOpel” app.

Production of the Opel Vivaro-e HYDROGEN is currently beginning and ramping up at Opel Special Vehicles (OSV) in Rüsselsheim. Opel and Stellantis have more than 20 years of experience in the development of hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles.

With the new Vivaro-e HYDROGEN, Opel is continuing its electrification offensive. Customers have the choice of selecting the drive concept in the Opel LCV portfolio that suits their application. The Vivaro e HYDROGEN complements the Combo-e Cargo, Vivaro-e and Movano-e battery-electric light commercial vehicles. Opel will offer an electrified version of every passenger car and LCV model by 2024.

[1] Range 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.

Red, Agile, Electric: Opel Rocks-e on duty with Opel Plant Fire Brigade

• Allrounder: For young drivers, commuters, deliveries and now the Opel fire brigade
• Advantage: Diminutive Opel Rocks-e can reach every corner of Rüsselsheim plant
• All on-board: Special signalling system, flashing lights, fire brigade livery

Opel Rocks-e is small, manoeuvrable, electric – and emissions-free. E-midget is also versatile and can be used in a variety of ways, such as for commuting or for deliveries. Opel fire brigade in Rüsselsheim is also experiencing this versatility, as a red Opel Rocks-e has gone into service there.

Smallest vehicle in the fire brigade's fleet is a real one-off. But the fire-red livery, special signalling system, flashing front lights and emergency numbers make its purpose clear. Opel Rocks-e is equipped with everything needed for duty on the Rüsselsheim plant premises. With plenty of space available under the passenger seat and in the footwell for tools, the zero-emissions quadricycle is fit for duty on the 1.9 km2 site, for example, to check fire extinguishers.

Using the agile Opel Rocks-e – whose turning circle is only 7.20 metres – the fire brigade drives emissions-free and can reach every corner of the premises quickly. Range of 75 kilometres (according to WLTP 1) is more than enough. Instead of parking the vehicle at the door and walking the rest of the way through the expansive buildings, as was previously the case, the firemen are allowed to drive inside thanks to the electric propulsion system, the 2.41-m length and the 1.39-m (excl. exterior mirrors) width. That saves a lot of time. Opel Rocks-e is also an eye-catcher wherever it goes and always puts a smile on employees’ faces.

Opel Rocks-e for the Rüsselsheim plant fire brigade was jointly created by the firemen themselves, colleagues from Advanced Engineering and OSV (Opel Special Vehicles). With this unique conversion, the German brand once again demonstrates the versatility of the diminutive electric vehicle. Innovative Opel Rocks-e is not only a stylish, affordable entry ticket to electric mobility for young people aged 152 and over; soon it will also be available in delivery vehicle format as Opel Rocks-e KARGO.

[1] Provisional 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.

[2] Applies to four-wheeled light motor vehicles with a rated continuous/utilised power not exceeding 6 kW, with no more than two seats and a maximum speed not exceeding 45 km/h.

Opel Vivaro-e HYDROGEN: Plug-In Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle Offers Zero Emissions and Quick Refuelling

• No compromises: Up to 6.1 m3 cargo volume, 3-minute refuelling, 400 km range,
• Opel Vivaro-e basis: Fuel cell system in engine bay, hydrogen tanks replace battery
• Smart design: Plug-in fuel cell concept benefits packaging, performance and durability
• Made in Germany: Opel Vivaro-e HYDROGEN will be assembled in Rüsselsheim

Opel Vivaro-e HYDROGEN

Opel today unveiled a new electrically powered light commercial vehicle that will enable zero emission mobility for customers who need to refuel within minutes. Opel Vivaro-e HYDROGEN is a plug-in fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) with up to 6.1 cubic metres of cargo capacity (the same as the diesel or battery electric versions of the Vivaro) that needs only three minutes to refuel with hydrogen – about the same time needed to fill up a conventional diesel or petrol car. Range is more than 400 kilometres (WLTP 1). Opel will offer the Vivaro-e HYDROGEN in lengths M and L (4.95 and 5.30 metres). Company plans to start delivering the first vehicles to fleet customers in the autumn.

Opel CEO, Michael Lohscheller

“Hydrogen could be the central element of an integrated and efficient energy system of the future, free of fossil fuels”, says Opel CEO, Michael Lohscheller. “We have more than 20 years of experience in hydrogen fuel cell vehicle technology. There is hardly another propulsion system in the world that offers the combination of zero emissions, long driving range and only three minutes refuelling time.”

Efficient, durable, space-saving: Benefits of plug-in fuel cell concept

New fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) is based on the existing battery electric Opel Vivaro-e with two sliding side-doors. Plug-in fuel cell concept of the Opel Vivaro-e HYDROGEN enables the integration of the whole fuel cell system with the existing traction motor under the bonnet of the production vehicle. In addition, the battery of the Opel Vivaro-e BEV (battery electric vehicle) is replaced by three 700 bar hydrogen tanks. The carbon-fibre cylinders can be filled in just three minutes, giving a range of more than 400 km. Thanks to the smart packaging, the battery electric version thus becomes a fuel cell electric LCV without any modifications to the body and with no impact on the 5.3 to 6.1 m3 of cargo space, while the payload increases to 1,100 kg.

Opel Vivaro-e HYDROGEN with its 45 kW fuel cell is capable of generating enough power for continuous highway driving, while the 10.5 kWh lithium-ion battery located under the front seats provides dynamic peak power when required, for example, at start-up and under acceleration. Since the battery covers power needs in such situations, the fuel cell can run at optimum operating conditions. The battery also enables regenerative braking, while the plug-in capability offers the opportunity to recharge the battery externally if necessary, e.g. at a charging station, providing 50 km of pure battery electric range.

Opel Vivaro-e HYDROGEN

Opel Vivaro-e HYDROGEN will be produced by Opel Special Vehicles (OSV) in Rüsselsheim, Germany. Global “Competence Centre for Hydrogen and Fuel Cells” of the parent company Stellantis is also located in Opel’s hometown.

Opel Vivaro-e HYDROGEN complements Vivaro-e and Combo-e as the newest member of Opel’s all-electric LCV family. Next new model, new Opel Movano-e, will also arrive in 2021, meaning that the brand’s entire light commercial vehicle portfolio will be electric by the end of this year. Opel will offer an electrified version of every passenger car and LCV model by 2024.

[1] Range determined according to WLTP test procedure methodology (R (EC) No. 715/2007, R (EU) No. 2017/1151).

Premiere of O-Team Zafira Life in Oschersleben

• Spectacular appearance: cool looks, finely honed technology, high-class interior
• Opel becomes O-Team: 1980s US TV series is source of inspiration
• Imitating allowed: all modifications approved by TÜV

O-Team Zafira Life 

Tens of thousands of Opel fans will once again descend on Oschersleben this weekend to celebrate the iconic Rüsselsheim brand. In addition to beautiful vintage cars and the 120 Years special models, Opel will also present a very special vehicle: the Opel Zafira Life, the fourth generation of the flexible multi-purpose van, will make its German premiere in the Motorsport Arena Oschersleben. But that’s not all. Opel will also bring another version to the racetrack, which has even more to offer: the “O-Team Zafira Life” concept car. As the name suggests, the car is inspired by the van that transported the crew in the cult US TV action and adventure series of the 1980s.

“O-Team Zafira Life” – the “O”, of course, stands for Opel – rivals the TV-original in every way: it features big wheels, the front bars and the big aerofoil, while the special colour scheme is bright neon-yellow instead of red. “O-Team Zafira Life” also makes an acoustic statement: the roaring V8 sound leaves no doubt about this car’s confident attitude. The fans of the iconic brand are likely to be just as enthusiastic as the fans of the TV series.

Spectacular “action” in design, interior layout and technology

Team from Opel Special Vehicles, that usually builds promotional vehicles and show cars, selected the six-seat Zafira Life “medium” with long wheelbase and full equipment as the basis for the “O” version. Its powerful 2.0-litre diesel engine delivers 130 kW (177hp) and 400 Nm maximum torque (NEDC fuel consumption1: urban 6.5-6.2 l/100 km, extra-urban 5.4-5.0 l/100 km, combined 5.8-5.4 l/100 km, 151-143 g/km CO2; WLTP fuel consumption2: combined 8.1-7.0 l/100 km, 213-183 g/km CO2). The power is transmitted to the front wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission, guaranteeing lots of driving fun! Exterior colour scheme of dark blue, white and neon-yellow (which also sets the tone for the interior) is derived from the much-acclaimed Opel GT X Experimental. Spectacular appearance is rounded off by the matching window decals, the unique, specially made roof spoiler, the front bars and the side-sill extensions.

Sound of the “O Team Zafira Life” is really spine-tingling, as the technical team has built in a sound module with the vocal chords of a V8 petrol engine. A tailpipe in OPC-design was also added underneath the vehicle. An additional amplifier and high-performance loudspeakers transform the interior into a concert hall with 800 watts of system power.

In the action sequences of the TV series, the tough team mastered even the most spectacular stunts and jumps with their vehicle. Of course, the chassis of the “O-Team Zafira Life” concept vehicle is also designed to handle difficult jobs with maximum precision and at top speed: lowered bodywork, air suspension (can be lowered to parking position via remote control), four-piston brakes with 380-millimetre discs in front and 20-inch light-alloy wheels from BBS plus Michelin Cup 2 tyres ensure that the crew has perfect control and optimum traction when on the road.

Thanks to the high-quality interior of Rüsselsheim’s “O-Team Zafira Life”, passengers are relaxed when they arrive at the scene of action: driver and co-driver enjoy the unmistakable performance sports seats from the Insignia GSi (NEDC fuel consumption Opel Insignia GSi 2.0 BiTurbo Diesel with 154 kW/210 hp and eight-speed automatic transmission1: urban 9.6 l/100 km, extra-urban 5.6 l/100 km, combined 7.1 l/100 km, 187-186 g/km CO2; WLTP fuel consumption2: combined 7.8-7.4 l/100 km, 204-193 g/km CO2), in both the second and third rows the crew members will find two rotating “Captain's Chairs”, all upholstered in fine leather and Alcantara.

As spectacular as the show talent of the “O-Team Zafira Life” is – it is not just a show car. All technical changes have been approved by TÜV – so it's quite possible that more “O-Team“ versions will soon be on Germany’s roads. What is certain is that at the sight of this modern version, the boss of the TV series team would light up a big cigar and say: “I love it when a plan comes together“.

!NEW! Opel Insignia Sports Tourer and Opel Vivaro Rescue Vehicles at RETTmobil 2017

• Mobile command vehicle: Opel Insignia Sports Tourer in fire department outfit
• Fire department personnel carrier: Opel Vivaro tailored ex works

Mobile HQ: The new Opel Insignia Sports Tourer makes its debut at RETTmobil 2017 as a command vehicle for the fire service.

Opel will show two new emergency service vehicles at the 17^th RETTmobil in Fulda. An Insignia Sports Tourer mobile command vehicle and a Vivaro personnel carrier will make their debuts at the international rescue and mobility exhibition. RETTmobil is open to visitors Wednesday through Friday from 09.00CET until 17.00CET. Just like last year, Opel will present its newcomers at booth 505 in tent 5. The expert staff at the Opel stand is ready to inform visitors about the carmaker’s broad portfolio of emergency vehicles and other vehicle conversion options. The emergency service vehicles are made by Opel Special Vehicles in Rüsselsheim.

As fast as the fire department: Opel Insignia Sports Tourer
 

Eye-catching: In its red and yellow color scheme the new Opel Insignia Sports Tourer is immediately recognizable as a command vehicle for the fire service.

Opel is showing the fire department command vehicle with flagship equipment. The Insignia Sports Tourer comes with a 191 kW/260 hp turbocharged 2.0 liter gasoline engine (NEDC fuel consumption: urban 11.5 l/100 km, extra-urban 7.1 l/100 km, combined 8.7 l/100 km, 199 g/km CO₂). It accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 7.5 seconds and has a top speed of 245 km/h. The Insignia can always transfer its power to the road thanks to its intelligent all-wheel drive with torque vectoring. This is especially important when the roads are wet or snowy.

Furthermore, drivers can enjoy the new 8-speed automatic transmission, which allows them to keep their hands on the steering wheel even in the most dangerous situations. The Sports Tourer is equipped with a special signal system and LED front flashers to ensure that it arrives on site safely. In addition, a tailored equipment carrier in the spare wheel well of the trunk ensures safe storage of radio and fire-fighting related additional equipment.

All aboard: Opel Vivaro for nine fire fighters

Very spacious: Opel Vivaro Combi as crew transportation can accommodate up to nine fire fighters and their equipment.

Elsewhere, Opel will also display their light commercial vehicle bestseller at the RETTmobil. The Vivaro Combi fire department personnel carrier has a gross permissible weight of 2.9 tons and can carry up to nine people. Under the hood it can rely on the 107 kW/145 hp 1.6 BiTurbo (NEDC diesel consumption: urban 6.6 l/100 km, extra-urban 5.4 l/100 km, combined 5.9 l/100 km, 152 g/km CO₂). In general, the 5.40 meter long L2 variant of the Vivaro impresses with good driving performance, ample space, a high load capacity and comfort in abundance. Up front, it comes with a three-way adjustable driver’s seat with lumbar support along with a double bench-seat. Removable three-seat-benches in the second and third row ensure plenty of knee room – which is especially important for quick ingress and egress. A mesh installed behind the third row of seats protects the fire fighters from equipment stored in the trunk in extreme driving situations.

Just like the Opel Insignia command vehicle the Opel Vivaro is equipped with an LED special signal systems with the obligatory siren. Furthermore it catches other road users’ attention with its front and rear flashers. Thanks to a built-in preliminary radio communication set-up, the fire fighters can connect their various devices individually.

Command center: In the Opel Vivaro Combi the centrally placed controls for the emergency signal system are within easy reach.

The eye-catching signal graphics of both vehicles on display come from design112. The Hessian company has been specialized in special decals for two decades and works closely with Opel Special Vehicles.

!NEW! Frugal Fun: New Opel Corsa E now with LPG

• Thrifty and affordable: Fuel costs almost 50% lower, attractive entry-level price of 14,745 euros
• Clean and economical: Opel Corsa 1.4 LPG cuts CO₂ emissions down to 113 g/km
• Refined and powerful: Long range, lively performance with 66 kW/90 hp

New Opel Corsa 1.4 LPG: Fuel costs almost 50% lower, attractive entry-level price of 14,745 euros.

Introducing the Mr. Clean of the Corsa family – green, powerful and economical, the new Opel Corsa 1.4 LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas) ecoFLEX develops 66 kW/90 hp and comes straight from the factory with a bi-fuel capability. Specifically aimed at cost-conscious customers, this latest member of the new Corsa family is an ideal choice in the small car segment because LPG drivers’ wallets benefit two-fold. On the one hand, fuel costs plummet by almost 50 percent compared to gasoline due to the low price of LPG, while on the other hand, the Corsa 1.4 LPG ecoFLEX boasts a particularly attractive entry-level price. The three-door model is now available from just 14,745 euros, and the five-door model from 15,495 euros (RRP incl. VAT in Germany).

Clean and economical: New Opel Corsa 1.4 LPG cuts CO2 emissions down to 113 g/km.

The Corsa LPG is not only extremely cost-efficient, but also kinder to the environment. That’s because LPG, a mixture of butane and propane gas which the four-cylinder engine burns under the Corsa’s shapely hood, is known for its super-clean combustion characteristics. Using this fuel, the new Corsa consumes just 6.9 liters per 100 km over the combined cycle and emits only 113 g/km CO2 – around 13 percent less CO2 than in gasoline operation. The nitrogen oxide emissions are even up to 80 percent lower.

“With the 1.3 CDTI, which consumes just 3.1 liters diesel, and our brand-new 1.4 LPG ecoFLEX, we have two real ‘eco-champions’ in the Corsa line-up. Once again, they both show how important energy efficiency and CO2 emissions reductions are for us in all model ranges,” says Peter Christian Küspert, Opel Group Vice President Sales and Aftersales. “But these models aren’t only attractive for especially cost-conscious drivers. They also offer many features that go far beyond what’s normally found in the small car class, such as ample space, superb comfort, state-of-the-art connectivity and driver assistance systems.”

Bi-Fuel driving: Long range with low fuel costs and emissions

The Opel Corsa 1.4 LPG offers 66 kW/90 hp in both LPG and gasoline operation and is available with a five-speed manual transmission. It needs just 6.9 liters per 100 km in alternative fuel mode, while CO2 emissions of 113 g/km are around 13 percent lower than in conventional gasoline operation. Fuel costs are reduced by almost 50 percent compared to gasoline. This huge saving is the result of tax benefits stipulated for LPG until 2018. And, looking further ahead, the prospects look promising because tax advantages for alternative fuels are expected to be extended on both the national and European levels.

Space saving and safe: The LPG tank’s installation in the spare-wheel housing of the trunk is both space-efficient and collision-protected.

Another benefit of the new-generation LPG Corsa is that, like all Opel LPG models, it comes ready for bi-fuel operation ex-works. The driver can switch between LPG and gasoline by pushing a button. A newly developed control module now enables an even more efficiently synchronized transition between the two operating modes. This means a driving range of up to 1,200 km is possible without having to stop to refuel. Range and consumption can be viewed separately for LPG and gasoline, as well as combined via an on-board computer. Today there are around 7,000 LPG filling stations in Germany and more than 35,000 across Europe.

Bi-Fuel driving: The new Corsa runs with either LPG or gasoline. In combination, this means a driving range of up to 1,200 km.

Space-saving and safe: Complete everyday use with LPG

The LPG tank’s installation in the spare-wheel housing of the trunk is both space-efficient and collision-protected. As a result, the Opel Corsa LPG still offers accommodation for five people or up to 1,120 liters of luggage space, just like its Corsa siblings. It also features the same ultra-modern driver assistance systems and equipment features – from standard City mode, optional steering wheel heating and automatic Park Assist all the way to Opel’s award-winning IntelliLink infotainment system complete with 7-inch color touchscreen.

!NEW! Matthias Seidl is New Opel Executive Director Sales Central & Eastern Europe

Jürgen Keller appointed new Opel Executive Director Sales, Marketing and Aftersales in Germany

Matthias Seidl - New Opel Executive Director Sales Central & Eastern Europe

Opel Board Member for Sales, Peter Christian Küspert, is re-organizing his team. Effective January 1, Matthias Seidl (50) is appointed Executive Director Sales, Central & Eastern Europe & International Operations. Jürgen Keller (47) takes over the position from Matthias Seidl as Executive Director Sales, Marketing and Aftersales.

“Matthias Seidl is a sales professional with many years of international experience. This year in Germany, he and his team have successfully stabilized our market share. Now we want to utilize his international expertise to drive Opel forward in Eastern and Central Europe, as well as in our international growth markets,” says Peter Küspert, Vice President Sales & Aftersales.

Seidl has been with Opel since December 2012. Prior to joining the company, he was

Vice President Global Sales & Aftersales at Saab Automobile in Trollhättan, Sweden. He also spent 20 years at Volkswagen, including spells as COO of Volkswagen America, Executive Director Sales American Region for VW and Audi, Managing Director of Audi Australia and Director Asia-Pacific, as well as Regional Manager Western Europe at Audi. Before beginning his professional career, Seidl trained as a banker and completed an MBA program at the University of Wales.

The position of Executive Director Sales Central & Eastern Europe & International Operations has been vacant since Andy Dunstan was promoted to manage the Russian operations of GM Europe on November 1.

Jürgen Keller has worked for Opel since 1993. A former competitive swimmer, he has led Opel Special Vehicles GmbH and was previously Sales Manager for Germany between 2010 and 2012 before taking up his current position as Director International Operations for Opel. The sales expert gets his new job in Peter Küspert’s team as something of a birthday present – on New Year’s Eve, Keller will celebrate both the New Year and his 48th birthday.

Jürgen Keller - New Opel Executive Director Sales, Marketing and Aftersales in Germany

“With Jürgen Keller’s appointment, a respected expert becomes Executive Director Sales, Marketing and Aftersales for the German market,” says Board Member Küspert. “This year, we have successfully stabilized our market share despite the very challenging economic environment in Europe. Consequently, we want to gain further market share in 2014. With his extensive experience and ability to act swiftly, Jürgen Keller will play a key role in achieving this goal on the important German market.”