Opel Legend Turns 50: A Fish Called Manta

• From marine researchers and designers: how Opel Manta got its logo
• On the Baltic Sea coast: world premiere at appropriate location
• Big fish: Opel Manta A and B produced over one million times

It belongs to the Mobula genus (rays, stingrays) –  Opel Manta, probably the most fishy representative in a long line of Opel classics. This year, the coupé with the ray as logo is celebrating its 50th birthday. The Manta’s range extends from the German Baltic Sea to the American Pacific coast. Opel chief designer, George Gallion, on a secret mission, first discovered the ray from Rüsselsheim.

On a Saturday morning in 1969, Gallion boarded a plane to Paris. American designer who worked at Opel had agreed to meet the team of French marine researcher, Jacques Cousteau.

“We had chosen the name ‘Manta’”, said Gallion, 51 years after his Paris mission. “At that time, animal names matched the zeitgeist, the Ford Mustang and Corvette Stingray were very successful in the United States. Our Manta was also such a ‘pony car’. Now we had ten days to design a logo, but we couldn't find any suitable templates for it”,

So Gallion got on the plane and looked at Cousteau's images in the French capital. For hours. Until finally there was a shot in which a gigantic manta ray filmed from below against the bright surface. Bingo. That was it. The big catch. Opel Manta had found its identity and from then on got the iconic chrome-plated emblem attached to the front fenders.

Opel Manta made its debut at Timmendorfer Strand

Sporty Opel Manta made its debut in September 1970. Appropriately enough, the presentation took place at Timmendorfer Strand on the German Baltic Sea coast. For Opel, the Manta was a step into new territory. “Instead of making an existing model obsolete, the car we are presenting today is an addition to our range and meets a new demand from the market,” said the press release at the time.

Opel Manta was new, smart and sporty, and perfectly timed. Attractive coupés that could accommodate four were highly popular. Individuality was in fashion, the Manta’s shape and lines were just what the market was looking for. In the first full year of sales, Opel moved 56,200 units of the Manta out of the showrooms; 498,553 left the factory in total. Opel Ascona shared the platform, suspension and engines. Most powerful engine in Opel Manta was the four-cylinder 1.9 S with 90 hp, also used by the Opel Rekord.

Opel  Manta range began with the 60 hp 1.2 in 1972, followed in November of the same year by the luxuriously equipped Manta Berlinetta. Standard equipment included sports steering wheel, heated rear window, halogen headlamps, electric windscreen washers and vinyl roof. Five years of production were enriched by numerous special model variants – “Holiday”, “Plus”, “Swinger” and “Summer Bazar” combined up-market specifications with modest prices. Opel Manta GT/E, powered by a 105 hp, 1.9-litre engine with Bosch L Jetronic fuel injection, appeared in 1974. The trend towards matt instead of chrome trim continued with the Manta GT/E. The last special model arrived in 1975, shortly before the debut of the Opel Manta B. GT/E-based “Black Magic” was all black with orange stripes on its flanks.

Opel Manta GT/E Black Magic

Sequel followed just five years after the premiere

Already in 1975, the next Opel Manta made its debut with the B version. German brand had two variants in the range: the coupé with notchback and the 1978 Combi-Coupé CC with hatchback and large tailgate. Its long-lasting popularity ensures that the Opel Manta B has a special role in the company's 120-year-plus automotive history. No other model remained unchanged on the market longer than the Opel Manta B – presented in autumn 1975, second generation Opel Manta rolled 557,940 times off the assembly line until 1988.

Opel Manta B

As with its predecessors, Opel Manta B shared the platform, suspension and powertrain with the Ascona. Range of four-cylinder engines included 14 versions with displacements between 1.2 and 2.4 litres over the entire production period. Power outputs were between 55 and 144hp.

George Gallion with Opel Manta GT/E

New models and engines constantly complemented and extended the series and kept it young. Well-known abbreviations and affixes included SR, Berlinetta, GT, GT/J and GT/E. In 1979, newly developed OHC (overhead camshaft) engines replaced some of the older ones with side camshafts. Top GT/E developed 105 and 110hp with the larger 2.0-litre engine and was renamed GSi in 1984.

Rarest and most powerful Opel Manta B was the 400, presented at the Geneva Motor Show in 1981. Opel Manta 400, which got its name from the 400 units needed for group 4 motor sport homologation, featured a 2.4-litre DOHC four-cylinder engine (double overhead camshafts) with four-valve technology and 144 hp. With Opel Manta 400, Guy Colsoul and Alain Lopes won the two-wheel drive class of the 1984 Paris-Dakar Rally, finishing fourth overall behind three four-wheel drive vehicles.

Opel Manta 400 at the Paris-Dakar Rally (1984)

Last two versions of the Opel Manta B were the GSi top model and the GSi Exclusiv produced in small numbers by the tuner Irmscher. In total, more than one million examples of the Manta A and B rolled off the assembly line. A big fish indeed.

Opel Manta B GSi

Groupe PSA and FCA agree to merge

New entity will have the leadership, resources and scale to be at the forefront of a new era of sustainable mobility

• Combines companies’ extensive and growing capabilities to address the challenge of shaping the new era of sustainable mobility
• Combined company will be the 4th largest global OEM by volume and 3rd largest by revenue with annual sales of 8.7 million units and combined revenues of nearly €170 billion [1]
• Creates a diversified business with among the highest margins in its core markets of Europe, North America and Latin America and the opportunity to reshape the strategy in other regions
• Merger will deliver approximately €3.7 billion estimated annual run-rate synergies with no plant closures resulting from the transaction – synergies are expected to be net cash flow positive from year 1
• Strong combined balance sheet and high level of liquidity provide financial flexibility with an investment grade credit rating expected
• Combined company will leverage investment efficiency across a larger scale to develop innovative mobility solutions and cutting edge technologies in new energy vehicles, autonomous driving and connectivity
• Broad portfolio of well-established iconic brands offering best-in-class products covering key vehicle market segments and delivering higher customer satisfaction
• Excellent working relationship between the two management teams, which share successful track records in turnarounds, value creation and successful OEM combinations
• Strong governance structure to underpin combined company performance with John Elkann as Group Chairman and Carlos Tavares as Group CEO, with a majority of independent directors [2]
• Strong support of long-term shareholders (EXOR N.V., Peugeot Family Group, Bpifrance [3] who will be represented on the Board

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles N.V. (“FCA”) (NYSE: FCAU / MTA: FCA) and Peugeot S.A. (“Groupe PSA”) have today signed a binding Combination Agreement providing for a 50/50 merger of their businesses to create the 4th largest global automotive OEM by volume and 3rd largest by revenue. The proposed combination will be an industry leader with the management, capabilities, resources and scale to successfully capitalize on the opportunities presented by the new era in sustainable mobility.

With its combined financial strength and skills, the merged entity will be particularly well placed to provide innovative, clean and sustainable mobility solutions, both in a rapidly urbanizing environment and in rural areas around the world. The gains in efficiency derived from larger volumes, as well as the benefits of uniting the two companies’ strengths and core competencies, will ensure the combined business can offer all its customers best-in-class products, technologies and services and respond with increased agility to the shift taking place in this highly demanding sector.

The combined company will have annual unit sales of 8.7 million vehicles, with revenues of nearly €170 billion[ 4], recurring operating profit of over €11 billion [5] and an operating profit margin of 6.6%, all on a simple aggregated basis of 2018 results [6]. The strong combined balance sheet provides significant financial flexibility and ample headroom both to execute strategic plans and invest in new technologies throughout the cycle.

The combined entity will have a balanced and profitable global presence with a highly complementary and iconic brand portfolio covering all key vehicle segments from luxury, premium, and mainstream passenger cars through to SUVs and trucks & light commercial vehicles. This will be underpinned by FCA’s strength in North America and Latin America and Groupe PSA’s solid position in Europe. The new Group will have much greater geographic balance with 46% of revenues derived from Europe and 43% from North America, based on aggregated 2018 figures of each company. The combination will bring the opportunity for the new company to reshape the strategy in other regions.

The efficiencies that will be gained from optimizing investments in vehicle platforms, engine families and new technologies while leveraging increased scale will enable the business to enhance its purchasing performance and create additional value for stakeholders. More than two-thirds of run rate volumes will be concentrated on 2 platforms, with approximately 3 million cars per year on each of the small platform and the compact/mid-size platform.

These technology, product and platform-related savings are expected to account for approximately 40% of the total €3.7 billion in annual run-rate synergies, while purchasing - benefiting principally from scale and best price alignment - will represent a further estimated 40% of the synergies. Other areas, including marketing, IT, G&A and logistics, will account for the remaining 20%. These synergy estimates are not based on any plant closures resulting from the transaction. It is projected that the estimated synergies will be net cash flow positive from year 1 and that approximately 80% of the synergies will be achieved by year 4. The total one-time cost of achieving the synergies is estimated at €2.8 billion.

Those synergies will enable the combined business to invest significantly in the technologies and services that will shape mobility in the future while meeting the challenging global CO2 regulatory requirements. With an already strong global R&D footprint, the combined entity will have a robust platform to foster innovation and further drive development of transformational capabilities in new energy vehicles, sustainable mobility, autonomous driving and connectivity.

The merged entity will benefit from an efficient governance structure designed to promote effective performance, with a Board comprised of 11 members, the majority of whom will be independent [7]. Five Board members will be nominated by FCA and its reference shareholder (including John Elkann as Chairman) and five will be nominated by Groupe PSA and its reference shareholders (including the Senior Non-Executive Director and the Vice Chairman). At closing the Board will include two members representing FCA and Groupe PSA employees [8]. Carlos Tavares will be Chief Executive Officer for an initial term of five years and will also be a member of the Board.

Carlos Tavares, Mike Manley and their executive teams have a strong track record in successfully turning around companies and combining OEMs with diverse cultures. This experience will support the speed of execution of the merger, underpinned by the companies’ strong recent performances and already robust balance sheets. The merged entity will maneuver with speed and efficiency in an automotive industry undergoing rapid and fundamental changes.

The new group’s Dutch-domiciled parent company will be listed on Euronext (Paris), the Borsa Italiana (Milan) and the New York Stock Exchange and will benefit from its strong presence in France, Italy and the US.

Under the proposed by-laws of the combined company, no shareholder would have the power to exercise more than 30% of the votes cast at shareholders’ meetings. It is also foreseen that there will be no carryover of existing double voting rights but that new double voting rights will accrue after a three-year holding period after completion of the merger.

A standstill in respect of the shareholdings of EXOR N.V., Bpifrance [9], Dongfeng Group (DFG) and the Peugeot Family (EPF/FFP) will apply for a period of 7 years following completion of the merger, except that EPF/FFP will be permitted to increase its shareholding by up to a maximum of 2.5% in the merged entity (or 5% at the Groupe PSA level) by acquiring shares from Bpifrance and/or DFG and/or on the market [10]. EXOR, Bpifrance and EPF/FFP will be subject to a 3-year lock-up in respect of their shareholdings except that Bpifrance will be permitted to reduce its shareholdings by 5% in Groupe PSA or 2.5% in the merged entity. DFG has agreed to sell, and Groupe PSA has agreed to buy, 30.7 million shares prior to closing (those shares will be cancelled). DFG will be subject to a lock up until the completion of the transaction for the balance of its participation in Groupe PSA, resulting in an ownership of 4.5% in the new group.

EXOR, Bpifrance, the Peugeot Family and Dongfeng have each irrevocably committed to vote in favor of the transaction at the shareholders’ meetings of FCA and Groupe PSA.

Before closing, FCA will distribute to its shareholders a special dividend of €5.5 billion while Groupe PSA will distribute to its shareholders its 46% stake in Faurecia. In addition, FCA will continue work on the separation of its holding in Comau which will be separated promptly following closing, for the benefit of the shareholders of the combined company. This will enable the combined group’s shareholders to equally share in the synergies and benefits that will flow from a merger while recognizing the significant value of both Groupe PSA and FCA’s assets and strengths in terms of market share and brand potential. Each company intends to distribute a €1.1 billion ordinary dividend in 2020 related to fiscal year 2019, subject to approval by each company’s Board of Directors and shareholders. At closing, Groupe PSA shareholders will receive 1.742 shares of the new combined company for each share of Groupe PSA, while FCA shareholders will have 1 share of the new combined company for each share of FCA.

Completion of the proposed combination is expected to take place in 12-15 months, subject to customary closing conditions, including approval by both companies’ shareholders at their respective Extraordinary General Meetings and the satisfaction of antitrust and other regulatory requirements.

Groupe PSA CEO Carlos Tavares and FCA CEO Mike Manley

Carlos Tavares, Chairman of the Managing Board of Groupe PSA, said: “Our merger is a huge opportunity to take a stronger position in the auto industry as we seek to master the transition to a world of clean, safe and sustainable mobility and to provide our customers with world-class products, technology and services. I have every confidence that with their immense talent and their collaborative mindset, our teams will succeed in delivering maximized performance with vigor and enthusiasm.”

Mike Manley, Chief Executive Officer of FCA, added: “This is a union of two companies with incredible brands and a skilled and dedicated workforce. Both have faced the toughest of times and have emerged as agile, smart, formidable competitors. Our people share a common trait - they see challenges as opportunities to be embraced and the path to making us better at what we do."

[1] Represents FCA Net Revenues, excluding Magneti Marelli, and Groupe PSA Revenue excluding Faurecia Revenue to Third Parties

[2] In compliance with the Dutch corporate governance code

[3] Bpifrance shall include jointly Bpifrance Participations S.A. and its wholly-owned subsidiary Lion Participations SAS

[4] Represents FCA Net Revenues, excluding Magneti Marelli, and Groupe PSA Revenue excluding Faurecia Revenue to Third Parties

[5] Represents FCA Adjusted EBIT, excluding Magneti Marelli, and Groupe PSA Recurring Operating Income excluding Faurecia

[6] Excluding Faurecia and Magneti Marelli

[7] To meet the objective of having a “majority of independent directors”, 5 out of 9 non-executive directors need to be independent

[8] Employee representatives would be defined based on legal requirements at all levels

[9] Bpifrance shall include jointly Bpifrance Participations S.A. and its wholly-owned subsidiary Lion Participations SAS

[10] Up to 1% of the shares of the merged entity plus the percentage of shares sold by Bpifrance, other than to the Peugeot Family (subject to the overall maximum of 2.5%)

Groupe PSA and FCA plan to join forces to build world leader for new era in sustainable mobility

Discussions have opened a path to the creation of a new group with global scale and resources owned 50% by Groupe PSA shareholders and 50% by FCA shareholders. In a rapidly changing environment, with new challenges in connected, electrified, shared and autonomous mobility, the combined entity would leverage its strong global R&D footprint and ecosystem to foster innovation and meet these challenges with speed and capital efficiency.

• Combination would create the 4th largest global OEM in terms of annual unit sales (8.7m vehicles)
• At its inception, the combined company would realize among the highest margins in the markets where it would operate, based on FCA’s strength in North America and Latin America and Groupe PSA’s in Europe
• Combination would unite the groups’ respective brand strengths across Luxury, Premium, Mainstream Passenger Car, SUV and Trucks & Light Commercial – making them stronger together
• Merged entity would bring together the companies’ extensive and growing capabilities in the technologies shaping the new era of sustainable mobility, including electrified powertrain, autonomous driving and digital connectivity
• Approximately €3.7 billion estimated annual run-rate synergies without any plant closures resulting from the transaction
• Highly respected combined management team recognised for exceptional value creation and with proven success in previous OEM combinations
• Dutch parent company Board would have balanced representation and a majority of independent Directors. John Elkann as Chairman and Carlos Tavares as CEO and member of the Board

Supervisory Board of Peugeot S.A. and the Board of Directors of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles N.V. (“FCA”) (NYSE: FCAU / MTA: FCA). have each unanimously agreed to work towards a full combination of their respective businesses by way of a 50/50 merger. Both boards have given the mandate to their respective teams to finalize the discussions to reach a binding Memorandum of Understanding in the coming weeks.

The plan to combine the Groupe PSA and FCA businesses follows intensive discussions between the senior managements of the two companies. Both share the conviction that there is compelling logic for a bold and decisive move that would create an industry leader with the scale, capabilities and resources to capture successfully the opportunities and manage effectively the challenges of the new era in mobility.

The proposed combination would create the 4th largest global OEM in terms of unit sales (8.7 million vehicles), with combined revenues of nearly €170 billion[1] and recurring operating profit of over €11 billion[2] on a simple aggregated basis of 2018 results excluding Magneti Marelli and Faurecia. The significant value accretion resulting from the transaction is estimated to be approximately €3.7 billion in annual run-rate synergies derived principally from a more efficient allocation of resources for large-scale investments in vehicle platforms, powertrain and technology and from the enhanced purchasing capability inherent in the combined group’s new scale. These synergy estimates are not based on any plant closures.

It is projected that 80% of the synergies would be achieved after 4 years. The total one-time cost of achieving the synergies is estimated at €2.8 billion.

The shareholders of each company would own 50% of the equity of the newly combined group and would therefore share equally in the benefits arising from the combination. The transaction would be affected by way of a merger under a Dutch parent company and the governance structure of the new company would be balanced between the contributing shareholders, with the majority of the directors being independent. The Board would be composed of 11 members. Five Board members would be nominated by FCA (including John Elkann as Chairman) and five would be nominated by Groupe PSA (including the Senior Independent Director and the Vice Chairman)[3]. The Chief Executive Officer would be Carlos Tavares for an initial term of five years and he would also be a member of the Board.

Carlos Tavares said: “This convergence brings significant value to all the stakeholders and opens a bright future for the combined entity. I’m pleased with the work already done with Mike and will be very happy to work with him to build a great company together.”

Mike Manley said, "I'm delighted by the opportunity to work with Carlos and his team on this potentially industry-changing combination. We have a long history of successful cooperation with Groupe PSA and I am convinced that together with our great people we can create a world class global mobility company."

The new group’s Dutch-domiciled parent company would be listed on Euronext (Paris), the Borsa Italiana (Milan) and the New York Stock Exchange and would continue to maintain significant presences in the current operating head-office locations in France, Italy and the US.

It is proposed that the by-laws of the new combined company would provide that the loyalty voting program will not operate to grant voting rights to any single shareholder in the Shareholders Meeting exceeding 30%[4] of the total votes cast. It is also foreseen that there would be no carry over of existing double voting rights but that new double voting rights would accrue after a three-year holding period after completion of the merger.

A standstill in respect of the shareholdings of EXOR N.V., Bpifrance Participations SA, DFG and the Peugeot Family would apply for a period of 7 years following completion of the merger. EXOR, Bpifrance Participations and the Peugeot Family would be subject to a 3-year lock-up in respect of their shareholdings except that the Peugeot Family would be permitted to increase its shareholding by up to 2.5% during the first 3 years following the closing, only by acquiring shares from Bpifrance Participations and DFG.

Prior to the completion of the transaction, FCA would distribute to its shareholders a special dividend of €5.5 billion, as well as its shareholding in Comau. In addition, prior to completion, Peugeot would distribute to its shareholders its 46% stake in Faurecia. This would enable the combined groups’ shareholders to equally share in the synergies and benefits that would flow from a merger while recognizing the significant value of FCA’s differentiated platform in North America and strong position in Latin America, including its market-leading margins in those regions. It would also reflect the added value that FCA’s higher-end global brands Alfa Romeo and Maserati would bring given their substantial development potential.

Extended portfolio would cover all market segments with iconic brands and strong products based on rationalized platforms and optimization of investments.

Proposal would be submitted to the information and consultation process of the relevant employee bodies, and would be subject to customary closing conditions, including final board approvals of the binding Memorandum of Understanding and agreement on definitive documentation.

PSA Retail opens its first Opel dealership in Paris, France. A European expansion plan is in the pipeline

 

• Opel customers will now be served by a new dealership, located on Boulevard Lefebvre in the 15th arrondissement of Paris
• Several other locations are scheduled to open in France by the end of 2018
• A European expansion plan is currently in preparation

A new Paris address serving Opel customers in the French capital

PSA Retail is proud to announce the opening of a new Opel dealership to customers at 75 Boulevard Lefebvre in the 15th arrondissement of Paris, its first Opel location in France and in Europe.

Ideally situated on a high-traffic artery and in close proximity to the Paris ring road (Porte de Versailles exit), the dealership is expected to sell 150 new vehicles this year and 400 vehicles on a full-year basis. The site offers also a full-fledged after sales service.

The dealership became a reality thanks to an intelligent multi-brand strategy adopted by Groupe PSA. The site’s original Citroën business will continue to operate at the same location, but as part of a clearly distinct customer experience pathway.

New PSA Retail Opel dealerships set to open in France supporting the commercial dynamics of the lightning brand.

The new dealership is the first step in a strategic PSA Retail growth plan hinging on the Opel brand in France and, in a subsequent phase, Europe.

Eric Wepierre, President of Opel France, declares:” The opening of the Opel site managed by PSA Retail is an excellent news for the brand and its customers and announces a wider unfolding in the short term within the ‘Ile de France’ region”.

In view of this, PSA Retail can already announce that two additional Opel dealerships will be opened successively this year based on an intra-group multi-brand approach, in the Paris suburbs of Bois-Colombes (92) and Bondy (93).

Plans to open additional locations in the Hexagon are currently being explored, in order to contribute to the reinforcement of the brand in France.

A European expansion plan currently in development.

PSA Retail’s growth objectives for Opel is also European wide.

The distribution group is currently exploring new dealership development projects to distribute the Opel brand in other countries where it has already activities, and where the network coverage make sense. A winning opportunity is one which promises to increase volumes and sales for the network by distributing the Opel brand as part of a profitable business model.

Note that, following the announced acquisitions of Now Vauxhall and Go Vauxhall in January and May 2018, respectively, PSA Retail (throughout its UK subsidiary Robins & Day) now has a platform for operating 10 dealerships in Greater London to the benefit of the Vauxhall brand.

“Nidec-PSA emotors” Joint Venture created by Groupe PSA and Nidec starts the design of its future electric motors

MM Shigenobu Nagamori and Carlos Tavares, respectively Chief Executive Officer of Nidec and Groupe PSA (Paris:UG), endorsed today the establishment of Nidec-PSA emotors – the new Nidec Leroy-Somer and Groupe PSA Joint Venture dedicated to the design, development, manufacture and sale of electric traction motors.

Forty engineers have already been recruited and joined the JV headquarters in Carrières sous Poissy, near Paris. By end of summer, thirty more engineers are expecting to join this site where a dedicated R&D area has been created. They will design new traction electric motors to be produced in Tremery plant, Moselle area, in France, and integrated in Mild-hybrid (“MHEV”), Electric Vehicles (“EV”) and Plug-in Hybrid (“PHEV”) vehicles.

Both CEOs recognized the strategic importance of high-performance traction motor for electrified vehicles, and the two groups will invest 220 million euros to set-up this JV. This will support the electrification push, as 100% of Groupe PSA vehicle range will include an electrified offering by 2025.

!NEW! “e” for Electrifying: Opel Ampera-e World Premiere in Paris

• e-Premiere: revolutionary electric car at Paris motor show
• e-fun to drive: acceleration and overtaking ability like a sportscar
• e-connectivity: always online with IntelliLink infotainment and Opel OnStar

Electrifying: Opel will revolutionize electromobility with the new Ampera-e.

Opel will revolutionize electromobility at the up-coming “Mondial de l’Automobile” in Paris. From October 1-16 the Opel Ampera-e – an electric car that electrifies in every way – makes its world premiere (hall 5-2, booth 501). The car with the lightning flash logo combines pioneering battery technology and localized emissions-free operation with a fun-to-drive experience, as the maximum torque of 360 Nm provides impressive acceleration figures and overtaking ability.

“The Opel Ampera-e makes electromobility fully feasible for everyday use and ready for the future” says Opel CEO, Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann. “The Ampera-e demonstrates impressively how well sustainability and driving pleasure can form a unity. And with its strong-as-an-ox electric motor, it delivers pure fun-to-drive.”

The maximum torque of 360 Nm is responsible for the electrifying temperament of the new Opel. The power output of the electric motor is 150 kW/204 hp (PS). Standing starts at traffic lights and entering the motorway belong to the Opel Ampera-e’s favorite disciplines. The compact car sprints to 50 km/h in only 3.2 seconds, acceleration from 80 to 120 km/h for overtaking is accomplished in just 4.5 seconds (provisional figures). The Ampera-e thus performs at the same level as OPC models, the sporty spearheads of Opel.

Fun-to-drive with the Opel Ampera-e also means swift cruising at up to 150 km/h. At the same time, the Ampera-e also offers a significantly longer range than most other electric cars. The unique, compact proportions of the Ampera-e are driven by the battery pack being mounted flat, under the vehicle floor. The efficient packaging of the battery also enables a roomy interior providing comfortable seating for five passengers and trunk space comparable with that of a car in the compact class.

Best entertainment: download your favorite films and music

Driving pleasure for the passengers over long distances is provided. In addition to the excellent feeling of roominess, there comes the best in digital connectivity, in typical Opel fashion. The Ampera-e has the newest generation of IntelliLink infotainment as well as Opel OnStar onboard. Subject to availability, the award-winning connectivity and service assistant simultaneously offers up to seven mobile devices access to its powerful Wi-Fi hotspot. The Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatible IntelliLink systems bring the world of smartphones into the Ampera-e, so that passengers have full access to their favorite music or can download at will their preferred films – just a few examples of the many functions of the multifaceted entertainment.

!NEW! Behind the Scenes with the New Opel Corsa E, Karl Lagerfeld and Supermodel Choupette

• Unique impressions of the production of the 2015 Opel Corsa Calendar
• New Opel Corsa E and Birman cat Choupette photographed by Karl Lagerfeld

Opel gives an insight into the production of the 2015 Corsa calendar

It is the beginning of September when trucks from Rüsselsheim deliver a special freight to the Studio L’Olivier in the Parisian suburb Malakoff. Seven brand new Opel Corsas in various colors are ready for one of the most unusual photo shoots of the year. The well-established crew set up the lights, technology and the camera equipment, thus setting the stage for a very special day in the studio, the day when Karl Lagerfeld will photograph Opel’s new star, the new Corsa, along with his Birman cat Choupette Lagerfeld for the 2015 Corsa calendar.

The behind the scenes video made available by Opel gives an interesting insight into the preparation for the shooting and the shooting itself. During the course of the day, Lagerfeld and his cat let their eye for design wander over the Corsa and made sure that it was covered from all angles. The video, available on Opel’s YouTube channel, shows Choupette posing behind the steering wheel and exploring the car from the in and outside thus creating exceptional views of the new Corsa.

“Choupette is very professional. She is the first feline top model,” said Lagerfeld who was delighted with his model’s performance. Tina Müller, Opel’s Chief Marketing Officer, was also present for the shooting in Paris. “There was a very special atmosphere in the studio. Karl Lagerfeld and the entire set were fully concentrated, warm and unbelievably friendly. In addition, the beautiful Choupette posed like a true star. The behind the scenes videos gives unique and private insights into the creation this unusual calendar for an exceptional car.”

The reason for the shooting is the introduction of the new fifth generation Opel Corsa. The photographs taken in Paris will be used for the 2015 Opel Corsa calendar. They will be on show at a vernissage early next year.

!NEW! Opel Corsa E and Choupette Pose for Karl Lagerfeld

A very special top model takes center stage for 2015 calendar shoot with the star photographer 

Karl and Choupette Lagerfeld joined forces for the new Opel Corsa E calendar shoot in Paris

Fashion designer and photographer Karl Lagerfeld managed to persuade a very special model to join him for a project with Opel – Choupette Lagerfeld. The couturier’s Birman cat is the star of the 2015 Opel Corsa calendar. “The recipe ‘Super model on car’ is slowly getting boring. Karl Lagerfeld has found a new and fresh approach to the subject,” said Opel Chief Marketing Officer Tina Müller. Müller was present for the shooting with Karl Lagerfeld and is delighted with the project. “The fifth generation of the Corsa has just been launched. In the last 32 years, it has been photographed with numerous supermodels. There was only one way to beat that in a special way: Choupette,” said the marketing expert with a wink.

Hood, roof, interior – Karl and Choupette Lagerfeld made sure that every detail of the new Opel Corsa was captured on camera

Lagerfeld followed Choupette’s foray of the new Corsa in a Parisian studio. His camera captured the four-legged star, with 42,000 Twitter followers and radiant blue eyes, getting to know every detail of the new Opel. No matter whether it was velvet paws on the steering wheel, a leap from the hood or during a quick break in a child seat - the star photographer and his model showed that the new Corsa offers outstanding spaciousness and quality along with first-class design.

Karl and Choupette Lagerfeld joined forces for the new Opel Corsa calendar shoot in Paris

The fact that a cat actually enjoys such a project is by no means common. But Lagerfeld’s close relationship with Choupette made the shooting easy. “Choupette did a great job – just as I would expect from a star. She was relaxed no matter whether she was behind the wheel or on the roof of the Opel. She was by no means tense. However, she did sleep for twelve hours after we had finished,” said Lagerfeld. “Karl Lagerfeld is synonymous with esthetics, lifestyle and elegance – just like our new Corsa. Karl Lagerfeld expresses exactly that with his photographs. The shooting and the calendar once again emphasize our brand’s claim – innovative cars, groundbreaking design and a likeable approach,” added Müller.

On top of being famous for his fashion creativity,  Karl Lagerfeld is a renowned photographer being exhibited in various museums around the world, and having his photographs being the subject of several art books. He shoots numerous advertising campaigns (Chanel, Fendi, Karl Lagerfeld among others) and is a regular contributor to a lot of international fashion magazines. However, Choupette is no newcomer to working in a photo studio either, even though she has never before dedicated as much time as she did for the Corsa. Previously, the famous cat posed for the cover of the German Vogue in the arms of supermodel Linda Evangelista.

By the way, Linda Evangelista was part of the supermodel advertising campaign for the Corsa at the end of the previous millennium when she appeared in an Opel spot with Christy Turlington, Tatjana Patiz, Kate Moss and Naomi Campbell.

Choupette Lagerfeld is already the second cat with a starring role in campaigns for the Opel Corsa. In the commercial for the first generation of the Corsa (1982 – 1993), cartoon anti-hero Tom chased mouse Jerry who was at the wheel of the agile small car.

The fifth generation of the Opel Corsa impresses with the new, clear-cut and, as usual, spacious interior including perfect connectivity due to the IntelliLink infotainment system and ultra-modern driver assistance systems. The dynamic Corsa silhouette complies with Opel’s design philosophy: flowing, sculptural artistry shapes combined with precisely designed details. This is the package the new Corsa has at its disposal to continue the 32-year success story in a highly competitive segment.

The Corsa calendar photos taken by Karl Lagerfeld will be presented at a vernissage at the beginning of next year. The previous Opel calendar, produced in cooperation with Bryan Adams, focused on the Opel ADAM.

!NEW! Vauxhall reveals roll-back pricing and quality-lift for New Corsa at Paris

• On sale 8^th October priced from £8,995 on-the-road
• Simplified range with fewer trims and models
• Sting R features new 1.0 litre ECOTEC engine from just £10,995

Vauxhall reveals New Corsa at Paris

Vauxhall’s new Corsa is available to order from October 8th priced from £8,995 on-the-road, with list prices reduced by up to £3,000 versus the outgoing model, despite a huge leap in quality and equipment levels across a simplified range.

New Corsa offers excellent value-for-money against the current model. Customers opting for a Corsa SRi Vx Line 1.2i with air con, the entry-level SRi Vx Line car, save £2,970 versus the outgoing SRi 1.4 with air con model. Similarly, customers choosing a Corsa SRi 1.2i with air con, the entry SRi model, save £2,435 against the previous SXi 1.2i with air con.  Similar savings are echoed across the entire range.

A new 1.0 litre ECOTEC (115PS) engine is available from just £10,995 in Sting R trim.  This brand new three-cylinder Vauxhall powertrain received universal plaudits when it was introduced in ADAM ROCKS AIR.  The engine features outstanding performance, achieving 0-62 mph in just 10.4 seconds, and superior low-end torque, with 170 Nm generated at 1,800 rpm.

The new Corsa is available in nine trim levels, down from ten previously: Life, Sting and Sting R, Design, SRi, Excite, SE, SRi VX Line and Limited Edition. The range has also been vastly simplified with half as many models as before. Improved residual values that are predicted to rise by in excess of £1,000 over three years/60,000 miles make new Corsa an even more compelling package.

‘The all-new Corsa range offers the perfect combination of refreshed design, class-leading specification, vastly improved driving dynamics and cutting-edge powertrain technology,’ said Tim Tozer, Vauxhall’s Chairman and Managing Director. ‘And if that wasn’t enough, customers can save close to £3,000 versus the outgoing model.’

All trim levels get high levels of standard spec and the range highlights are as follows with full pricing:

LIFE

£10,900-£13,750

• Heated windscreen
• Tyre pressure monitoring system
• Electronic stability programme
• Hill start assist
• Anti-lock Braking System
• Six airbags
• Electronic engine deadlock immobiliser
• Stereo radio and aux-in socket
• Steering column adjustable for reach and rake
• Speed-sensitive power-assisted steering
• Electrically adjustable door mirrors
• 14-inch steel wheels (emergency tyre inflation kit) with 185/70 R 14 tyres (petrol models)
• 15-inch steel wheels (emergency tyre inflation kit) with 185/65 R 15 tyres (diesel models)
• Remote control central locking
• Electrically operated front windows

STING

£8,995-£11,425

Features over Life

• Body-colour exterior door handles
• Twin white stripes on bonnet, roof and tailgate
• White door mirror housings and front grille bar
• Black foil on door pillars (not with Dark Sea Blue or Carbon Flash) 16-inch white alloy wheels
• LED daytime running lights
• Leather-covered steering wheel
• CD/MP3 CD player/stereo radio and aux-in socket
• USB connection with iPod control
• Six speakers
• Steering wheel mounted audio controls
• Cruise control
• Driver’s seat height adjuster

STING R

£10,995

Features over Sting

• Twin black stripes on bonnet, roof and tailgate
• Black door mirror housings and front grille bar
• 16-inch black alloy wheels
• VX-Line leather-covered flat-bottom steering wheel
• VX-Line leather-covered gear knob/handbrake lever
• Sports pedals
• Chrome-effect exhaust tailpipe extension

EXCITE

£11,965-£15,115

Features over Life

• Air conditioning (non air-conditioned 1.2i and 1.4i manual models also available)
• 16-inch alloy wheels (emergency tyre inflation kit)with 195/55 R 16 low profile tyres
• Front fog lights
• IntelliLink audio system with digital radio
• Bluetooth connectivity
• USB connection with iPod control
• Steering wheel mounted audio controls
• Rain-sensitive windscreen wipers
• Automatic lighting control
• LED daytime running lights
• Electrically heated leather-covered steering wheel
• Electrically heated front seats
• Driver’s seat height adjuster
• Black foil on door pillars
• Body-colour exterior door handles

LIMITED EDITION

£13,805-£16,235

Features over Life

• 17-inch black alloy wheels in Gloss Black finish
• Body-colour front lower spoiler, side sills, rear roof spoiler (3-door only) and rear lower skirt
• Chrome-effect exhaust tailpipe extension
• Black roof and door mirror housings
• Black front grille bar
• Black foil on door pillars (not with Carbon Flash)
• Electrically adjustable/heated door mirrors
• Sports suspension with lower ride height
• LED daytime running lights
• Front fog lights with chrome-effect surround
• Dark-style tail lights
• Sports-style front seats
• Dark-tinted rear windows
• Air conditioning
• IntelliLink audio system with digital radio
• Bluetooth connectivity
• USB connection with iPod control
• Steering wheel mounted audio controls
• Cruise control and multi-function trip computer
• Sports pedals
• Leather-covered steering wheel

DESIGN

£10,900-£14,250

Features over Life

• IntelliLink audio system with digital radio
• Bluetooth connectivity
• USB connection with iPod control
• Six speakers
• Steering wheel mounted audio controls
• Leather-covered steering wheel
• Cruise control
• Driver’s seat height adjuster
• Air conditioning
• Black foil on door pillars (except with Royal Blue, Dark Sea Blue, Emerald Green or Carbon Flash)
• Body-colour exterior door handles
• LED daytime running lights
• Front fog lights
• 15-inch structure wheels

SRi

£11,595-£14,945

Features over Life

• Air conditioning
• 16-inch black alloy wheels in gloss black finish
• Front fog lights with chrome-effect surround
• Sports-style front seats
• Sports pedals
• Leather-covered steering wheel
• IntelliLink audio system with digital radio
• Bluetooth® connectivity
• USB connection with iPod control
• Steering wheel mounted audio controls
• Cruise control
• Multi-function trip computer
• Electrically adjustable/heated door mirrors
• Rain-sensitive windscreen wipers
• Automatic lighting control
• LED daytime running lights
• Black foil on door pillars (except with Dark Sea Blue, Emerald Green or Carbon Flash)
• Body-colour exterior door handles
• 60/40 split-folding rear seat back
• Driver’s seat height adjuster

SRi VX-LINE

£12,630-£15,980

Features over SRi

• 17-inch alloy wheels in silver finish
• Body-colour front lower spoiler, side sills, rear roof spoiler (3-door only) and rear lower skirt
• Body-colour door mirrors
• Chrome-effect exhaust tailpipe extension
• Sports suspension with lower ride height

SE

£12,240-£15,590

Features over Design

• 16-inch alloy wheels
• Electrically heated leather-covered steering wheel
• Electrically heated front seats
• Front and rear seats with Morrocana side bolsters
• 60/40 split-folding rear seat back
• Multi-function trip computer
• Electrically adjustable/heated door mirrors
• Rain-sensitive windscreen wipers
• Automatic lighting control
• Front fog lights with chrome-effect surround
• Chrome-effect lower side window mouldings (5-door only)
• Chrome-effect inserts in exterior door handles
• Body-colour door mirrors
• Front and rear parking distance sensors

!NEW! Corsa E in Paris: Opel Celebrates World Premiere with Claudia Schiffer

Fifth generation Corsa and supermodel take center stage at Opel press conference

The stage is set: Opel Group CEO Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann and supermodel Claudia Schiffer presented the new Corsa generation in Paris.

Raise the curtain for the Paris Motor Show: Opel opened the show this afternoon with the world premiere of the new Opel Corsa. The Opel exhibition stand located in Hall 5 paid tribute to the fashion capital and resembled a catwalk. The newest generation of the small car bestseller, driven by Opel Group CEO Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann, graced the stage first, followed by the fashion icon. The supermodel will also be the star of the upcoming advertising campaign for the successful car from Rüsselsheim.

New TV campaign: Tina Müller, CMO Opel Group, and CEO Karl-Thomas Neumann reveal Claudia Schiffer as the star of the new Corsa campaign

“The new Corsa offers pure driving experience for an entry-level price of just €11,980. Outstanding steering precision, first class comfort along with completely new high-torque turbocharged engines – traits normally reserved for much more expensive cars. Furthermore, the interior impresses with highest quality and the Infotainment system guarantees excellent connectivity for Apple and Android devices. You just have to love our fashionable Corsa,” said an enthusiastic Neumann.

Impressive appearance: GM President Dan Ammann (on left) and Opel Group CEO Karl-Thomas Neumann share the stage with supermodel Claudia Schiffer at the world premiere for the Opel Corsa

Supermodel Claudia Schiffer has also already succumbed to the charm of the star of the exhibition. “The Corsa looks great and is very chic – just like Paris. In general, I like the design of all the new Opel cars like ADAM, Mokka and, of course, the Corsa a lot. Now I am looking forward to shooting the Corsa adverts even more,” said Schiffer.

Turbocharged pocket rocket: Opel ADAM S in Paris

Elsewhere, Opel is also presenting the sporty ADAM S in Paris. The lifestyle pocket rocket will be available from November. Its 110 kW/150 hp will propel it from 0 to 100 in 8.5 seconds and enable top speeds of well over 200 km/h.

The lively 1.6 CDTI is part of a new family of Opel all-aluminum diesel engines. The 100 kW/136 hp version reaches 85 hp per liter – unrivalled in its displacement class – and delivers plentiful torque of 320 Nm

The popular Opel Mokka will be fitted with the 100 kW/136 hp ‘whisper diesel’ already known from the Astra and will deliver a combined cycle consumption of 4.1 liters of diesel. Opel has also prepared a new and ultra-modern engine for the company’s flagship, the Insignia, and for the versatile Zafira Tourer. Both will be available with the 125 kW/170 hp and 400 Nm 2.0 CDTI turbo diesel that impresses with low consumption and extraordinary smoothness. The new 2.0 CDTI runs as clean as a gasoline engine thanks to Opel’s BlueInjection selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system.

Opel power: New generation,  2.0 CDTI with 125 kW/170 hp and 400 Nm for Insignia and Zafira Tourer

ALL-NEW Opel 2.0 CDTI: New Generation Large Diesel Debuts in Paris

• New generation, 125 kW/170 hp 2.0 CDTI for Opel Insignia and Opel Zafira Tourer 
• Power density increased; fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions reduced
• Outstanding running refinement with low noise, vibration and harshness
• Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) enables Euro 6 compliance

Opel power: New generation, 125 kW/170 hp 2.0 CDTI for Insignia and Zafira Tourer 

High power, high torque, low fuel economy and emissions, all delivered with class-leading refinement: Opel’s new-generation, 2.0 liter Turbo diesel ticks every important box. Making its debut in the Insignia and Zafira Tourer MPV at “Mondial de l’Automobile 2014” in Paris (October 4 - 19), this state-of-the-art engine is another major step in the roll-out of Opel’s new powertrain portfolio.

Perfect partner: All-New 2.0 CDTI for Opel’s top model Insignia

Packing 125 kW/170 hp and substantial torque of 400 Nm, it will replace the current 120 kW/ 163 hp 2.0 CDTI engine at the top of Opel’s diesel range. This highly efficient, Euro 6 compliant engine delivers almost five percent more horsepower and 14 percent more torque while reducing fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. Just as important, the engine is also impressively quiet and smooth as a result of Opel’s unwavering focus on ‘sound engineering’ measures to minimize NVH (noise, vibration, harshness).

Fit for family: 2.0 CDTI for Opel Zafira Tourer with outstanding running refinement with low noise, vibration and harshness

“This sophisticated engine makes a perfect partner for our top models Insignia and Zafira Tourer,” says Michael Ableson, Vice President Vehicle Engineering Europe. “Its high power density, refinement, frugality and sheer fun-to-drive qualities place it among the very best diesels in its class. With Euro 6 compliance, the new 2.0 CDTI fulfills future requirements today, and it will substantially enhance the appeal of our diesel portfolio.”

Available next year, the new 2.0 CDTI is the first in a new family of large diesel engines developed in-house by a global team of engineers in Turin and Rüsselsheim supported by engineers in North America. It will be manufactured at Opel’s Kaiserslautern engine plant in Germany.

Power density up: Fuel costs and emissions down

Extracting as much energy from as little fuel as possible is key to both power and frugality, and with an exceptional specific output of 85 hp per liter – the same power density as Opel’s new-generation 1.6 CDTI – this engine is big on fun-to-drive but small in its impact on customers’ wallets. Impressive torque of 400 Nm is available from 1,750 to 2,500 rpm, and maximum power of 125 kW/170 hp is accessed at just 3,750 rpm.

Key elements in the performance of the engine are the newly-designed combustion chamber, the re-profiled intake ports and the new fuel injection system with 2,000 bar and up to 10 injections per cylinder cycle. This ensures high power, improved fuel atomization and also contributes to quieter running. The definition of the combustion chamber alone was the subject of more than 80 computer design simulations, before the best five were finally selected for hardware development.

The VGT (variable geometry turbocharger) features an electrical actuator for the variable aspect turbine, giving a 20 percent faster boost response than a vacuum actuator. Exceptionally compact packaging of the VGT and intercooler also minimizes the air volume between the turbocharger and engine, further contributing to a fast boost pressure build up. For durability, the turbocharger is water-cooled and has an oil filter fitted at the oil inlet point to help further reduce wear in the bearing system.

The VGT and exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) module have been designed as a single system for optimal efficiency. The EGR module is based around a new stainless steel radiator concept which provides a near 90 percent cooling efficiency. An integrated, water-cooled EGR bypass valve minimizes pressure drop and its closed loop control offers a significant improvement in NOx/PM trade-off under transient driving conditions, while improving the management of HC and CO emissions.

Smooth running: Diesel power with turbine-like refinement

A consistent improvement in NVH characteristics under all operating conditions was a key requirement for the new engine right from the outset of its design. Several CAE acoustic optimization loops were executed on each component and sub-system even before the first prototype engines were built.

Architectural improvements focused on two high noise emitting areas: the top and bottom of the engine. A new aluminum cylinder head design, including the addition of a decoupled, plastic cam cover with isolated fixings and a sealing gasket, improves noise attenuation. And the intake manifold is also wrapped in a single shell cover made of sound-absorbing material.

At the bottom of the engine, a new balancer shaft module is fitted, made of high pressure die-cast aluminum. It houses two counter-rotating shafts which offset up to 83 percent of secondary order engine vibrations. A helical gear on the crankshaft drives one of the balancer shafts, which is geared to drive the other shaft. Scissor gear control ensures smooth gear teeth meshing, and the elimination of a drive chain removes the risk of rattle noise. After detailed analysis, plain instead of roller bearings were preferred for the balancer shafts to further reduce NVH, as well as weight.

The design of the oil pan is also new. The previous single piece solution is now replaced by a two piece design, with a lower sheet metal pan fixed to an upper section in high pressure, die-cast aluminum. NVH performance was further improved by several analysis loops to acoustically optimize the internal and external ribs of both sections.

Other detailed sound engineering measures to reduce operating noise include:

optimized fuel injection patterns for reduced combustion noise without compromising fuel economy; acoustically-designed ribs in the cast iron cylinder block; individual balancing of the VGT compressor and turbine wheels; improved teeth-meshing on the timing belt and decoupled mounting points for its cover.

As a result of all these design features, the new engine emits less noise than its predecessor throughout its operating range, and is five decibels quieter at idle.

Clean running with Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR)

The new 2.0 CDTI runs as clean as a gasoline engine with Opel’s BlueInjection selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system, which assures compliance with Euro 6 emissions standards. 

BlueInjection is an after-treatment which removes nitrogen oxide (NOx) from the engine’s exhaust gases. Tiny quantities of AdBlue®, a harmless fluid consisting of urea and water, are injected into the exhaust gas flow ahead of the SCR catalyst and downstream of the Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF). The solution is immediately converted into ammonia (NH3), which is absorbed by the SCR catalyst. Nitrogen oxide (NOx) in the passing exhaust gas is then selectively reduced to harmless nitrogen and water vapor in a chemical reaction with the ammonia.

The AdBlue solution, available at filling stations and Opel dealerships, is stored in a tank, which can be topped up as required via a nozzle adjacent to the vehicle’s fuel filler cap.