All-New Opel Astra Launches with Premium LED Light from ZKW

All-New Opel Astra: IntelliLux LED Pixel Light

Intelligent, high-resolution Pixel Lite ensures better road safety and comfort ZKW installed the first version of the pioneering LED Matrix light in the Opel Astra in 2015. Now, the next stage of development is ready to launch: With a total of 168 LED elements (84 per headlamp), IntelliLux Pixel Lite developed by the Wieselburg lighting specialists delivers a precise and fluid lighting gradient tailored to the specific situation at hand, without creating glare for other road users. Light module and electronic components are integrated into the extra-slim front headlamps. IntelliLux precisely cuts out oncoming vehicles in just milliseconds. Other areas continue to be illuminated with full high beams. “Intelligent Pixel Lite used in the new Opel Astra is setting new standards in the compact class. It provides adaptive support to the driver, ensures driving comfort, and delivers more road safety” explains Oliver Schubert, CEO of the ZKW Group.

With a total of 168 LED elements (84 per headlamp) the compact class challenger ensures a precise and fluid light pattern at all times, without dazzling other road users

High-resolution premium lighting

IntelliLux LED Pixel Lite, which is already popular on the Opel models Insignia and Grandland, is now celebrating its debut on the all-new Opel Astra. ZKW has significantly improved and further developed the previous Matrix light. New IntelliLux has more, smaller segments, allowing it to achieve higher resolution and lighting quality: Compared to the previous Matrix system, new Pixel Light has not only vertical, but also horizontal segments for both high and low beams. Technology makes it possible to illuminate the gap created when masking the oncoming vehicle or vehicles traveling in front of the reference car. Other road users are recorded by a front camera, the signals from which control the LED module in the headlamp.

IntelliLux precisely cuts out oncoming vehicles in just milliseconds

Elegant design, Made in Austria

The “wing” design is a striking feature on the daytime running lights of the all-new Opel Astra – it uses specially developed micro-optics to deliver a homogeneous appearance, appearing evenly white when switched off. Exterior chrome plated designer panel underscores the side line of the Opel Astra, which travels over the main headlamp and the grill, and throughout the entire front of the vehicle. IntelliLux was developed at ZKW’s headquarters in Wieselburg. Pixel Lite controller was created through close collaboration between the Wieselburg engineers and the ZKW electronics plant in Wiener Neustadt, where the control modules are also produced.  IntelliLux LED Pixel Lite is manufactured at ZKW’s Slovakian location in Krusovce. in addition to the IntelliLux for the Opel Astra, ZKW also delivers the Opel Insignia headlamps.

Successful September: Opel Increases Market Share to 7% in Europe

Opel and sister brand Vauxhall benefitted from the timely and consistent preparation of the transition to the new WLTP (Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicles Test Procedure) test cycle in September: The brands achieved a combined passenger car and light commercial vehicles market share of 7 percent (+ 0.8 percentage points versus same month of 2017) in Europe in September^[1]. This is the highest market share in an individual month since March 2016 and the highest September value since 2014.

“Seven percent Opel market share in Europe is a great result of which we can be proud of. And our market share gains in Europe are broadly based and above all achieved in the right and profitable channels. We are benefitting from the fact that we have certified our portfolio according to WLTP and Euro 6d-TEMP in good time. Whoever buys an Opel now, can rely on the latest technology and gets peace of mind,” said Xavier Duchemin, Managing Director Sales, Aftersales and Marketing, Opel Automobile GmbH.

Last month, Opel registered a market share increase in 11 markets, including the biggest European countries: In its home market Germany, the brand increased its market share to 9.5 percent (+ 2.2pp) of the total market, the highest share in an individual month since December 2010 and the highest September value since 2007.

Opel’s sister brand Vauxhall registered a market share of 8.6 percent (+ 1.3pp) in the UK, the highest result in an individual month for 13 months. In Spain, the Opel market share was at 5.8 percent (+0.3pp), which represents the highest September share since 2015. In Italy, the brand with the Blitz achieved a market share of 5.4 percent (+0.6pp) also representing the best score for a September since 2015 and the highest monthly result for 18 months. Opel’s market share reached 3.8 percent (+ 0.6pp) in France. This is the highest market share in an individual month since May 2015 and the highest September value since 2010.

Opel achieved its highest market share of all European countries in the Netherlands where the Rüsselsheim-based carmaker was the overall market leader with a market share of 10.4 percent. In Belgium, the brand registered a market share of 8.5 percent in the total market, the highest September market share since 2009. In Slovakia, Opel achieved a record market share of 9.5 percent.

Opel/Vauxhall market share of passenger car market (PC) and total market (PC + Light Commercial Vehicles)

	PC Sep 18	Change PC versus Sep 17	PC+LCV Sep 18	Change PC+LCV versus Sep 17
Germany	10.2%	+2.6pp	9.5%	+2.2pp
UK	8.5%	+1.2pp	8.6%	+1.3pp
France	4.3%	+0.9pp	3.8%	+0.6pp
Italy	5.7%	+0.7pp	5.4%	+0.6pp
Spain	6.0%	+0.1pp	5.8%	+0.3pp

 
^[1] Total Market Europe E30, according to preliminary figures, figures rounded

!NEW! Opel in the first quarter of 2013: Growth in market share in the Czech and Slovak Republic and in All Europe

• Opel begins attack the second position of the European passenger car market
• Progress of orders promises continued strengthening brand position
• Clearly declared support from GM increases client confidence

Opel ADAM 

While the vast majority of "bulk" of competing brands losing their positions Opel in Europe, on the contrary reinforces: During the first quarter in Europe (EU + EFTA) sold 209,000 cars Opel, which makes Opel increased its market share to 6.7% and confirms Already last year, started the campaign for the position of "twos" European passenger car market. "From the fifth place, we have to work through the end of last year through the French competition to the third position - and now literally breathe on his back yet another Ford," says Pavel Šilha, Managing Director Czech and Slovak representation of Opel.

Opel thrive and grow market share in a declining domestic market. "In the Passenger Cars + Light Commercial Vehicles segment during the first quarter we increased market share of 2.41%, an increase of 24% compared to the same period of 2012," says Josef Šopík, sales director of Opel in the Czech Republic and Slovakia. "We are confident that we will maintain this trend in the coming months as each month registering a higher order."

Opel Mokka SUV

The positive results of Opel in the Czech Republic and Europe have the greatest merit attractive models, which recently swelled into production and is now beginning to fully promote the sales statistics. Literally hit as the Opel Mokka compact SUV, which has only a few months after the launch to his credit already over 100,000 orders. "Great attention is also drawn to the extremely adaptable minimodel ADAM ai responses to Cascada convertible promise a decent income," says director Šilha sales results Opel models. "Personally, I much promise from approaching motor coaching - in most of our models appear completely new diesel and gasoline engines, whose parameters are the absolute top of what is today's automotive market to buy!"

It is hard to measure, but in daily contact with customers is quite obvious trend of building confidence in the brand. "A clear declaration of full support for Opel by parent company General Motors coupled with huge investment in the development and production apparently calmed the situation and restore the confidence of clients," says Pavel Šilha. GM two weeks ago announced that in the coming years to invest in Opel model offensive 4 billion Euros , making the German automaker will present in 2016 a total of 23 new models and 13 new engines. And yesterday, GM "throwing" an additional investment of 230 million Euros to build a new testing capabilities in its European design center in Rüsselsheim, Germany, and the nearby test track Dudenhofen.

"General Motors needs a strong presence in Europe in the design, development, production and sales - and Opel in this respect is a key factor in our success and has our full support," does not admit any doubt Dan Akerson, chairman and CEO of General Motors.