!NEW! Dan Ammann to chair Adam Opel AG Supervisory Board

GM reinforces commitment to Opel with the appointment of further top executives

Dan Ammann is the new Chairman of the Opel Supervisory Board.

The Supervisory Board of Adam Opel AG has elected GM President Dan Ammann (41) to succeed Steve Girsky as its new chairman. Ammann is a member of the Supervisory Board since November 2011. This January, he had been officially nominated by GM for the senior position.

In addition, GM has reinforced its commitment to Opel with the appointments of further top executives to the Supervisory Board: Mark Reuss, Executive Vice President of Global Product Development, Purchasing and Supply Chain; Julia Steyn, Vice President of Global Mergers and Acquisitions; Chuck Stevens, Executive Vice President and CFO and Jim DeLuca, Executive Vice President Global Manufacturing.

In addition to Steve Girsky, Mary Barra has left the Supervisory Board in order to focus on her new leadership role as GM Chief Executive Officer. John Stapleton, who is now CFO of GM North America, has also left the Supervisory Board, while Tim Lee, Executive Vice President, Global Manufacturing, and Chairman, GM China, resigned because he is retiring from the company.

Mary Barra had already praised Steve Girsky in January for his dedication and exceptional performance: “Steve has led the turnaround of GM Europe and brought the region back to the path of profitability. Dan Ammann will maintain this course with the clear aim to reach breakeven by the middle of the decade.”

Dr. Wolfgang Schäfer-Klug, head of the Opel works council and Deputy Chairman of the Supervisory Board: “In his role as GME President and head of the Supervisory Board Steve Girsky has brought GM and Opel together again. In dialogue with the employee representatives he made decisions of high importance for the future of Opel. Dan Ammann has been part of this policy as a Supervisory Board member and I am sure that he will continue this course.”

!NEW! GM CEO Mary Barra visits Opel in Rüsselsheim

• Mary Barra made First overseas trip as GM CEO
• Reinforces GM’s commitment to Opel and additional model for Rüsselsheim
• Joined by new GM President, Dan Ammann, nominated as chairman of the Opel Supervisory Board

GM President Dan Ammann, GM CEO Mary Barra and Opel CEO Karl-Thomas Neumann

Mary Barra made her first overseas trip as GM’s new CEO to Opel headquarters here, where she met with employees, toured the assembly plant and visited the International Technical Development Center (ITDC).

Barra was joined by GM’s new President, Dan Ammann, whom she also announced has been nominated to succeed Steve Girsky as chairman of the Opel Supervisory Board.

“I’m very pleased to have the chance to meet with our employees here,” said Barra, who became GM’s CEO on Jan. 15 this year. “I thought it was very important to reinforce in person GM’s commitment to Opel, its importance to the company and the need to accelerate our progress going forward. I am also pleased to confirm that we will add another model to our Rüsselsheim plant.” For competitive reasons, the company is not in a position to reveal any details at this point of time.

“With Dan Ammann nominated to succeed Steve Girsky as chairman of the Opel Supervisory Board and with KT Neumann leading the Opel team, I’m confident that we can achieve our goal to break-even in Europe by mid-decade,” she added.

Opel CEO Karl-Thomas Neumann, GM CEO Mary Barra and GM President Dan Ammann in front of the new Opel Insignia Country Tourer.

Barra noted that GM is investing €4 billion in Germany and Europe through 2016, which will help bring 23 new products and 13 new engines to market: “We must remain focused on the customer and delivering great, innovative products to the market on a consistent and sustained basis,” she said. “That is how we will win here and all around the world.”

During her visit, Barra toured the Rüsselsheim plant, home to 3,300 employees and where the award-winning Opel Insignia and Astra models are built. She also visited the ITDC, GM’s second largest development center in the world, where more than 6,000 engineers, technicians and designers are working on the latest technologies for future GM vehicles.

GM President Dan Ammann, Opel CEO Karl-Thomas Neumann and GM CEO Mary Barra (from right to left) at the Rüsselsheim assembly plant.

Opel CEO Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann said the Opel team was thrilled to have hosted Barra and Ammann: “We are honored that Mary and Dan chose Opel as the first GM location to visit outside the company’s Detroit headquarters. It reinforced for all of us the importance of Opel to GM and the support we will continue to receive as we drive to return Opel and its products to greatness.”

!NEW! Dan Ammann nominated to succeed Steve Girsky as Chairman of the Opel Supervisory Board

GM President Daniel Ammann, 41, has been nominated to succeed GM Board of Directors member Steve Girsky as Chairman of the Opel Supervisory Board (OSB), subject to election by the OSB at a meeting to be scheduled shortly, it was announced today.

Girsky, 51, was named Chairman of the OSB in November 2011. GM CEO Mary Barra praised Steve Girsky for his dedicated and outstanding work: "Steve led GM’s turnaround plan for Europe that has put that region’s operations back on a path to profitability. Dan Ammann will keep up this course – with the clear goal to break-even by mid-decade.”

GM President Daniel Ammann

Ammann said he welcomed the opportunity: “I am looking forward to building on the strong foundation that Steve Girsky helped to establish as Chairman of the Opel Supervisory Board. Opel/Vauxhall is a key factor in GM’s strategy to win globally and we will work together to grow Opel/Vauxhall further.”

Girsky offered similar words of encouragement: “I am proud of what GM and Opel/Vauxhall have accomplished. This team is united in its commitment to build on the foundation that we have established.” Girsky, formerly Vice Chairman, Corporate Strategy, Business Development and Global Product Planning, moved to a senior advisor role with GM last December. He will remain on the GM Board of Directors.

!NEW! Dan Akerson to Retire as GM CEO in January 2014

Mary Barra to Become Next GM CEO; Dan Ammann Named President

Daniel F. Akerson - GM Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, General Motors Company

General Motors today announced that Dan Akerson, who guided today’s GM to record profits and dramatic improvement in vehicle quality while closing the chapter on government ownership in the company, will step down as chairman and CEO on Jan. 15, 2014.

Mary Barra to become next GM CEO

Mary T. Barra - GM Executive Vice President, Global Product Development & Global Purchasing & Supply Chain

Mary Barra, 51, executive vice president, Global Product Development, Purchasing and Supply Chain, was elected by the Board of Directors to become the next CEO of the company.  Barra will also join the GM Board. 

Dan Akerson, 65, pulled ahead his succession plan by several months after his wife was recently diagnosed with an advanced stage of cancer.

The Board also named Theodore (Tim) Solso to succeed Akerson as Chairman.  Solso, 66, is the former chairman and CEO of Cummins, Inc., and has been a member of the GM Board since June 2012.

Theodore M. Solso - GM Former Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Cummins, Inc.

“I will leave with great satisfaction in what we have accomplished, great optimism over what is ahead and great pride that we are restoring General Motors as America’s standard bearer in the global auto industry,”  Akerson said in a message to employees.

With 33 years of experience at GM, Barra has risen through a series of manufacturing, engineering, and senior staff positions.  She is a leader in the company’s ongoing turnaround, revitalizing GM’s product development process resulting in the launch of critically acclaimed new products while delivering record product quality ratings and higher customer satisfaction.

“With an amazing portfolio of cars and trucks and the strongest financial performance in our recent history, this is an exciting time at today’s GM,” said Barra. “I’m honored to lead the best team in the business and to keep our momentum at full speed.”

Dan Ammann, 41, executive vice president and chief financial officer, was named company president and will assume responsibility for managing the company’s regional operations around the world.  The global Chevrolet and Cadillac brand organizations and GM Financial will also report to Ammann.

Daniel Ammann - GM Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer

Ammann joined GM in 2010 where his first assignment was to manage GM’s initial public offering. As CFO, he has led a transformation of GM’s finance operations into a world-class organization.  He also led the strategy to rebuild the company’s captive finance capability through the successful establishment and growth of GM Financial.

“We have a significant opportunity to further integrate and optimize our operations to deliver even better results,” said Ammann.  “While we have made good progress, we still have much work ahead of us to realize GM’s full potential.”

Ammann will retain CFO responsibilities at least through the release of the company’s fourth quarter and full-year 2013 results in early February 2014.  His replacement as CFO will be named later.

Mark Reuss, 50, executive vice president and president, North America, will replace Barra as executive vice president, Global Product Development, Purchasing and Supply Chain.  Under Reuss’ watch, GM’s North America region has produced consistent profits and improved margins during a product renaissance that includes the launch of award-winning cars and trucks such as the Cadillac ATS, Chevrolet Corvette, Impala and Silverado pickup.

Mark Reuss - GM Executive Vice President and President, North America

“The driver’s seat of designing and engineering the strongest product line up in GM’s history is the best seat to have,” said Reuss.  “We’re going to keep the pedal down on GM’s product resurgence and keep winning new customers.”

Alan Batey, currently senior vice president, Global Chevrolet and U.S. Sales and Marketing, will replace Reuss and is named Executive Vice President and President, North America.  Batey, 50, joined GM’s Vauxhall operation in 1979 and held several sales, service and marketing positions around the world.  In his current position, he has developed the Chevrolet brand’s Find New Roads advertising campaign and has overseen a sweeping upgrade of retail sales and service operations at hundreds of U.S. dealerships.

Alan Batey - GM Senior Vice President, Global Chevrolet Brand Chief & U.S. Sales and Marketing

“North America is the foundation of the GM turnaround story and I’m honored to help continue what Mark started,” said Batey.  “We remain committed to delivering the world’s best retail experience to match the world’s best cars and trucks.”

The company also announced that Steve Girsky, 51, vice chairman, Corporate Strategy, Business Development and Global Product Planning, will move to a senior advisor role until leaving the company in April 2014.  He will remain on the GM Board of Directors.

Stephen J. Girsky - GM Vice Chairman, Corporate Strategy, Business Development & Global Product Planning

Girsky led GM’s turnaround plan for Europe that has put that region’s operations back on a path to profitability.  He has also put GM’s OnStar unit at the forefront of in-vehicle connectivity and helped create GM Ventures to speed the commercialization of new technologies in GM vehicles.

“I share Dan’s pride for what the company has accomplished and his sense of optimism for a bright future,” said Girsky.  “This team is united in its commitment to building on the foundation that we have established.”

Under Akerson’s leadership, GM made swift progress as the company transformed from being majority owned by U.S. Treasury to being publicly traded and investment grade rated.

“My goals as CEO were to put the customer at the center of every decision we make, to position GM for long term success and to make GM a company that America can be proud of again,” Akerson said.  “We are well down that path, and I’m certain that our new team will keep us moving in that direction.”

Akerson was named GM Chairman and CEO on September 1, 2010.  He joined GM in 2009 as a member of its Board of Directors.  Since the company’s November 2010 Initial Public Offering, GM has recorded 15 consecutive quarters of profitability, has earned this year the best overall initial vehicle quality scores of any auto manufacturer, and has re-invested nearly $9 billion and created or retained more than 25,000 jobs at its U.S plants.

!NEW! Peter C. Küspert New Opel Management Board Member for Sales

Peter Christian Küspert- Board Member for Sales GME Vice President Sales and Aftersales

The Adam Opel AG Supervisory Board today named Peter Christian Küspert (52) new Board Member for Sales and GME Vice President Sales and Aftersales, effective November 1, 2013. Küspert will take over the reins from Duncan Aldred, who was Acting GME Vice President Sales and Aftersales and will now turn all of his attention back to his role as Chairman and Managing Director of Opel’s British sister brand Vauxhall. Aldred will also become a member of the Opel/Vauxhall Leadership Board, the company’s extended leadership team.

Peter Christian Küspert has gathered extensive experience in the automotive industry over the last two decades. He worked at Daimler AG from 1990 to 2009, including as Head of Sales and Marketing Germany for the Mercedes-Benz, Maybach and Smart brands. Most recently the MBA graduate was Managing Director of Johann Hay Automobiltechnik, an automotive industry supplier.

Supervisory Board Chairman Steve Girsky says: “Strengthening Opel and Vauxhall is a top priority for GM. With our multi-billion Euro model offensive, we are taking the right approach in a challenging market. And with the sales expert Peter Christian Küspert, we will bring additional momentum to this offensive. With Duncan Aldred’s focus now solely on Vauxhall and the UK Market, this further demonstrates our commitment to win in Europe.”

Opel CEO Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann adds: “As our new Board Member for Sales, Peter Christian Küspert has a good foundation to build on, as we were able to defend our position as the third-largest passenger car brand in Europe this year. We even grew our market share in many countries. Duncan Aldred played a major role in this success, and we would once again like to thank him for his outstanding work and commitment.”

!NEW! Opel Supervisory Board Honors Hans Barth

Unique career from apprentice to Supervisory Board Chairman

Farewell for Hans Barth: The Opel Supervisory Board member, who is leaving the board as he has reached retirement age, was honored by Supervisory Board Chairman Steve Girsky (on right).

Great honor for Hans Barth (71): The Opel Supervisory Board member, who is leaving the board as he has reached retirement age, was yesterday awarded the title Chairman Emeritus by Supervisory Board Chairman Steve Girsky. “This honorary title, awarded for the first time, is meant to express our appreciation of Hans Barth. He stands for a unique career in our company,” says Girsky. Hans Barth will remain an ambassador of the company, as the honorary title includes receiving invitations to all public events of the company.

In 1958 Hans Barth joined the Adam Opel AG and remained loyal to the company for 55 years. Therefore he recevied many thanks from Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann, Chairman of the Adam Opel AG (on left).

Hans Barth, born in Mainz and living in Rüsselsheim, has remained loyal to the company for 55 years. In 1958 he joined the company as an apprentice and made his way to the very top of the company. One of his key activities was the leadership role in the European expansion program of the Opel brand. Finally he held the position of Vice President Project and Production Support and was a member of the European Strategy Board of General Motors Europe. Hans Barth has been a member of the Supervisory Board of Adam Opel AG since 1997 and served as Chairman of the Board from October 1998 through July 2005.

Hans Barth has been a member of the Supervisory Board of the Adam Opel AG since 1997 and served as Chairman of the Board from 1998 through 2005. Now was honored by the actual Supervisory Board Chairman Steve Girsky (on right) and Wolfgang Schäfer-Klug, Chairman of the Opel Works Council (on left).

!NEW! GM to Invest 4 Billion Euros in Opel’s Future through 2016

• GM Board of Directors makes clear commitment to Opel
• GM CEO Dan Akerson: “Opel has GM’s full support”
• Confirmation of “DRIVE!2022” plan for future
• Piece of Berlin Wall as symbol of solidarity

 From left: Stephen J. Girsky, Chairman of the Supervisory Board, Adam Opel AG, Daniel F. Akerson, GM Chairman & CEO and Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann, Chairman of the Adam Opel AG Management Board, GM Europe President and GM Vice President in front of the Opel RAK 2 Rocket Car.

The General Motors (GM) Board of Directors used its meeting in Rüsselsheim to underscore its commitment to Opel and Germany. This commitment was also manifested in the approval of a comprehensive investment program: GM will invest 4 billion euros in Germany and Europe through 2016. “As a global automotive company GM needs a strong presence in Europe – in terms of design and development as well as manufacturing and sales,” said Dan Akerson, Chairman and CEO of GM, at a press briefing at Adam Opel Haus. “Opel is a key to our success and enjoys its parent company’s full support.”

The Board of Directors chose Germany for a regularly scheduled meeting to get first-hand information on the progress on its 10-year strategy DRIVE!2022 and the challenging European automotive environment. The Board also used this opportunity to meet with economists, unionists and politicians.

From left: Phil Murphy, American Ambassador, Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann, Chairman of the Adam Opel AG Management Board, GM Europe President and GM Vice President, Volker Bouffier, Minister President of Hesse, Daniel F. Akerson, GM Chairman & CEO, Stephen J. Girsky, Chairman of the Supervisory Board, Adam Opel AG, Patrick Burghardt, Rüsselsheim Mayor.

In addition to Akerson, Opel CEO Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann, Supervisory Board Chairman Steve Girsky and Works Council Chairman Dr. Wolfgang Schäfer-Klug also spoke at today’s press conference in Rüsselsheim. The Board of Directors welcomed the guests of honor Minister President of Hesse Volker Bouffier, the American Ambassador Phil Murphy as well as Rüsselsheim Mayor Patrick Burghardt, who brought the city’s Guest Book for the visitors to sign.

From left: Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann, Chairman of the Adam Opel AG Management Board, GM Europe President and GM Vice President, Patrick Burghardt, Rüsselsheim Mayor and Volker Bouffier, Minister President of Hesse at the Rüsselsheim plant facilities.

Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann, CEO of Adam Opel AG, emphasized that it is a great honor for Opel to be able to host the GM Board: “This Board has once again made very clear that our 10-year plan DRIVE!2022, that foresees our return to profitability by the middle of the decade, has our parent company’s complete support.” A large part of the investments are going into the Opel model offensive. Through 2016, Opel will introduce 23 new models and 13 new powertrains.

Opel Supervisory Board Chairman Steve Girsky said, “The Board of Directors is here to underline its solidarity and support. Opel has been part of GM since 1929 and is today more than ever a decisive element for the entire company’s innovative power. This partnership is stronger than it has ever been.”

Following the press briefing Dan Akerson revealed a piece of the Berlin Wall that belongs to Opel and will be placed in front of the Adam Opel Haus on Friedrich-Lutzmann-Ring. “This piece of the wall is a symbol of our corporate culture,” said CEO Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann. “The symbol should remind everyone that we overcome any walls in our heads and those between different cultures and that we are now starting a new chapter in the history of Opel.”

In the press briefing a piece of the Berlin Wall was revealed that belongs to Opel and will be placed in front of the Adam Opel Haus on Friedrich-Lutzmann-Ring. Pictured (middle): Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann, Opel CEO 

!NEW! “Deutschlandplan” - Negotiations Successfully Concluded

• Milestone on road to profitability and future security
• Clear commitment to Germany and its plants
• Opel wants to remain in Bochum: plant can be converted into components site
• Eisenach plant continues to produce two models after 2015
• Second model for Rüsselsheim plant from 2015 in addition to Insignia flagship
• Compulsory separations excluded to end of 2016

The management of Adam Opel AG, IG Metall and the Opel works council today successfully concluded negotiations on the company’s “Deutschlandplan” (Germany wide plan). Main points of the agreement are measures to secure growth and cost efficiency as well as a clear commitment to Germany with its four Opel plants and the successful exclusion of compulsory separations to the end of 2016.

“General Motors fully supports Opel and is securing the necessary financing for the coming years, until we once again return to profitability,” says General Motors Vice Chairman and Opel Supervisory Board Chairman Steve Girsky. In return, tariff-bound pay increases will be deferred. Salary components above the general pay scale – such as Christmas bonuses above the general pay scale – will be excluded.

The most important changes for the German plants are as follows:

Opel is making the offer to not stop the production of complete vehicles in the Bochum plant at the beginning of 2015. Production of the Zafira Tourer can remain there until the model’s phase out. This is expected to be at the end of 2016. “Opel wants to stay in Bochum. We want to keep our warehouse in Bochum. We want to secure a total of around 1,200 tariff-bound Opel jobs in Bochum – and convert the location into a components plant,” says Girsky. Around 600 jobs can stay in the warehouse area, about 600 more in high-quality component production yet to be determined.

Regarding the F13 gearbox in Bochum, Opel is offering to continue production instead of ceasing it at the end of this year as planned. From the second quarter of 2013, production in Bochum will be adjusted from three to two-shift operation. Opel is offering attractive severance packages and partial retirement programs for the 700 affected employees.

Opel GM Bochum plant

With the development agency “Bochum Perspektive 2022” Opel is making every effort to settle new companies and technologies in Bochum and the region. Opel is expecting a four-digit number of high-quality, new industrial jobs.

Negotiations also took place regarding the future of the Eisenach, Kaiserslautern and Rüsselsheim locations:

Opel GM Eisenach plant

Opel GM Kaiserslautern plant

• Eisenach: Opel will continue producing two models after 2015 at the manufacturing site of the small cars Corsa and the ADAM.
• Kaiserslautern: The components plant is also secured beyond 2016. Opel is also planning with around 1,800 Opel employees in Kaiserslautern.
• Rüsselsheim: Opel will produce a second model in its main Rüsselsheim plant also after 2015. The next generation of our award winning flagship Insignia will also be exclusively built in Rüsselsheim. In addition, production of the F40 gearbox remains exclusively in Rüsselsheim.

Opel GM Rüsselsheim plant

The Rüsselsheim development center remains an integral part of the international GM development group. A strategic concept for the future will be developed for the Manufacturing Engineering area by the end of June 2013.

“Today is a good day for Opel and a good day for GM. Opel is and remains a key part of our global GM business. This “Deutschlandplan” is an important milestone for Opel to return to profitability by the middle of the decade. We will get our costs under control with it. The key to sustainable employment is growth. The key to growth is investment. We will support the Deutschlandplan with a multi-billion euro model offensive. 

Opel will enter new segments and markets. This is an important switch point for securing our long-term success and leading the Opel brand to new strength,” says Girsky.  In 2012 Opel was the third largest passenger car brand in Europe – and wants to grow further. More than half of Opel’s 37,000 employees in Europe work in Germany.

!NEW! Opel Cascada Official Start of Production: Glamour from Gliwice

• Supervisory board chairman Steve Girsky drives first cabrio off assembly line
• Polish Deputy Prime Minister Janusz Piechocinski, many VIP guests in attendance
• Modern production facilities, motivated team, highest quality
• Mid-size class convertible offers many premium extras

Steve Girsky, Opel Supervisory Board Chairman welcomed the Polish Deputy Prime Minister Janusz Piechocinski

It’s a big day for the Opel plant in Gliwice, Poland. Today the very first Cascada, Opel’s elegant mid-size class convertible, leaves the assembly line. The debut model is a seashell color and features a 1.6 turbo gasoline engine. The newcomer makes its world premiere at the Geneva Motor Show in early March.

Many special guests came to celebrate the official start of production. “Today is a really special day, not only for the Gliwice plant, but also for Opel. The Cascada is the next building block in our product offensive. Following the ADAM and the Mokka, with the Cascada we are now also reaching customers in segments where we have not yet been present,” says Steve Girsky, Opel Supervisory Board Chairman, GM Vice Chairman and President GM Europe.

Polish Deputy Prime Minister Janusz Piechocinski in new Opel Cascada

Girsky welcomed the Polish Deputy Prime Minister and guest of honor, Janusz Piechocinski, who said, “Gliwice is city rich in tradition in the Upper Silesia industrial area. Its importance for the Polish economy is immense. The fact that another Opel model will be produced here once again spotlights the good work the region and the plant itself deliver.”

Steve Girsky, Opel Supervisory Board Chairman with Opel employees in Gliwice, Poland

Since its groundbreaking in 1996, the Gliwice plant has been a pillar of GM manufacturing. The Cascada is already the sixth Opel model the team in Poland is building - at highest quality and in state-of-the-art production facilities. “We are especially proud that we were chosen to build the first convertible developed by Opel. It is a complex undertaking that our highly motivated team mastered with brilliance. So today is a very special day for us,” added Plant Manager Andrzej Korpak.

Big day for the employees of the Opel plant in Gliwice, Poland. The very first Cascada, Opel’s elegant mid-size class convertible, was driven off left the assembly line.

Elegance and tradition

With the Cascada Opel returns to the mid-size class convertible segment in a new, refreshing look and with the best of modern technologies. The elegant newcomer carries on the long tradition of timeless, classic Opel cabrios from the fifties and sixties. It is the first convertible engineered and built by Opel. The Cascada promises a return to the roots of pure, unadulterated driving fun.

Opel’s new convertible is a classic four seater with an elongated silhouette and a high-quality soft top. Heading to the top of Opel’s line-up, the new open-air model is a mid-size convertible not only by its size (length: almost 4.7 meters; width 1.84 meters excl. mirrors) but also by its allure and the premium technologies and features it offers.

Individualization with huge selection of extras

At market launch ten exterior colors are available, and they can be combined with three roof colors. In addition, wheels are available in nine different designs and sizes from 17 to 20 inches. In the interior, the Cascada offers four elegant equipment and trim options, including two top-quality leather variants, an extraordinary degree of elegance. Cascada owners can choose between three optional infotainment and navigation systems that can be combined with Digital Audio Broadcast (DAB+) and can integrate mobile telephone functions.

Highest levels of safety and driving fun are ensured by driver assistance, protection and comfort systems such as the adaptive chassis system FlexRide for 980 euros, the second generation Opel Eye front camera with many new functions (800 euros) and the premium ergonomic AGR certified seat for driver and front passenger (685 euros). Further comfort extras are also optionally available, including electric seat adjustment and ventilation, a heated steering wheel and electrical auxiliary heater that can be activated by remote control.

Opel Cascada comes with a broad and efficient powertrain line-up. On the gasoline side next to the 1.4 liter Turbo unit with 88 kW/120 hp or 103 kW/140 hp, the completely newly constructed 125 kW/170 hp 1.6 liter SIDI Turbo with direct injection is available. On the diesel side the 121 kW/165 hp 2.0 CDTI ecoFLEX ensures optimum power delivery and high economy. With six-speed manual transmission and Start/Stop, it consumes just 5.2 liters per 100 km and emits only 138 g/km CO2. Just like the 1.6 SIDI Turbo, the 2.0-liter Turbo diesel can also be combined with six-speed automatic transmission. The portfolio will soon be completed by the efficient and powerful 2.0 BiTurbo CDTI ecoFLEX with 143 kW/195 hp, maximum torque of 400 Nm, six-speed manual transmission and Start/Stop technology.

The Cascada is part of Opel’s multi-billion euro model offensive introducing 23 new vehicles and 13 new powertrains from 2012 through 2016. The elegant convertible makes its premiere at the Geneva Motor Show from March 7 – 17, 2013 and will be available at dealerships beginning in April.

!NEW! Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann New Chairman of the Adam Opel AG Management Board, GM Europe President and GM Vice Presiden

The Opel Supervisory Board today named Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann (51) chairman of the Management Board of Adam Opel AG, effective March 1, 2013. In addition, GM appointed Dr. Neumann president of GM Europe and GM vice president. He will become a member of GM's Executive Committee and is expected to play a key role in the global leadership of GM.

Steve Girsky, chairman of the Opel Supervisory Board, said: “Dr. Neumann has in-depth knowledge of the automotive industry. He has a proven track record in growing business in a profitable way as well as in turnarounds. He will add significant strength to the Management Board and will be instrumental in leading the company on a turnaround path that will be counted among Europe's most successful.”

“Opel/Vauxhall is a key to General Motors’ global success,” said Dan Akerson, GM chairman and CEO. “This move will ensure that we have the best possible leadership in place as we continue driving toward profitability and growth in Europe.”

Said Dr. Neumann: “I am excited to lead a company with such a rich German heritage and strong product portfolio. I'm aware that this will be a challenging job, but I'm convinced that together with my leadership team and employees, we will turn around the company."

Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann in the new Opel Cascada Convertible

Dr. Neumann joins Opel/Vauxhall from Volkswagen AG, where he held the positions of CEO and vice president of Volkswagen Group China, and was located in Beijing from September 2010 to August 2012. Previously, Dr. Neumann held various other management positions within the Volkswagen Group, which he joined in 1999 as head of Group Research and director of Electronic Strategy. In December 2009, Dr. Neumann was appointed the Volkswagen Group’s chief officer for Electric Traction.

From 2004 to 2009, Dr. Neumann was a member of the Executive Board, Automotive Systems Division, at German supplier Continental AG. In addition, Dr. Neumann was chairman of the Executive Board of Continental AG from August 2008 to September 2009.

Dr. Neumann studied electrical engineering at the University of Dortmund and University of Duisburg, where he was awarded his doctorate degree. He started his career at the Fraunhofer Society as a research engineer and worked at Motorola Semiconductor as well as an engineer and director of strategy for the automotive industry.

!NEW! GM General Motors and PSA Peugeot Citroën Provide Further Details of their Global Strategic Alliance

Steve Girsky, GM Vice Chairman, and Philippe Varin, Chairman of the PSA Peugeot Citroën Managing Board, responded to questions from journalists during a meeting organized at the Maison de l'Automobile in Brussels today.

Steve Girsky, GM Vice Chairman (right), and Philippe Varin, Chairman of the PSA Peugeot Citroën Managing Board

The meeting offered an opportunity to discuss in detail the progress made by the two partners in their global strategic alliance announced on 29 February 2012.

As indicated by both groups on December 20, 2012, the final agreements concerning purchasing, logistics and the development of common vehicle projects were signed in line with the initially announced schedule.

Balance in joint product development

Tasks and responsibilities with respect to the joint product development programs have been fairly and evenly distributed, in a commitment to enabling both partners to gain maximum advantage from the collaborative venture:

• The C-segment multi-purpose vehicle for Opel/Vauxhall, the C-segment crossover utility vehicle for the Peugeot brand and the B-segment multi-purpose vehicles for both carmakers will be developed on PSA Peugeot Citroën platforms.
  
• GM will lead the development of B-segment multi-purpose vehicles for both Groups.
  
• The updated B-segment platform for low emission vehicles, designed for the new generation of Opel/Vauxhall and PSA Peugeot Citroën cars in Europe and beyond, will be co-developed by both partners.

Joint purchasing organisation in Europe

Both companies had also signed a definitive agreement related to Purchasing. All relevant regulatory approvals were received in the meantime and the joint purchasing organization (“JPO”) will become operational shortly. In the transition phase leading up to the start-up of the JPO a GM executive will be appointed as an implementation executive in charge of putting the structures of the joint purchasing organization into place. After a maximum of one year the implementation Executive will be replaced by a Vice President Purchasing and a Deputy Vice President Purchasing – one from each company on a revolving basis.

Further Global Initiatives

GM and PSA Peugeot Citroën also confirmed their intention to develop new global projects to broaden their alliance and seize new opportunities. In this regard, they are exploring opportunities in growth markets including Latin America and Russia, which represent priority regions for both Groups.

In addition, the two Groups are aiming to jointly develop a new generation of small, fuel-efficient, high performance three-cylinder petrol engines, derived from PSA Peugeot Citroën's EB line of small petrol engines.

!NEW! Official Start of Production for Opel ADAM: Lifestyle and Innovations “Made in Eisenach”

• Only car in its segment produced in Germany
• Thuringia plant boasts flexible production and highest quality
• Investments total 190 million euros
• Over 16,000 orders received before official market premiere on January 19
• Individualization champion with over 61,000 combination possibilities for exterior and almost 82,000 for interior
• Opel ADAM will soon be supported by Siri Eyes Free Mode on iPhone

Big venue for a small car: today Opel celebrated the official start of production of its new lifestyle small car ADAM in the Eisenach plant. Many special guests came in honor of the ADAM. “This is a special moment for Eisenach and for the entire company. The ADAM is bold, innovative and versatile, and thus embodies the pioneering spirit that is moving Opel into a new era,” says Steve Girsky, Opel Supervisory Board Chairman, GM Vice Chairman and President GM Europe.

Both Thuringia’s Minister of Economics Matthias Machnig and Deputy Chairman of the Opel Management Board Dr. Thomas Sedran underlined the fact that Opel is the only automaker that not only develops but also builds a small car in Germany. Sedran: “The ADAM is a clear commitment to our plant in Eisenach and to Germany as a whole.” With its vast possibilities for individualization, the ADAM poses challenges for planning, logistics and manufacturing. “The highly qualified Eisenach team as well as everyone in the company who has worked on this project can be proud of this day,” added Sedran.

High jumper Ariane Friedrich was also proud: The European Athletics Indoor Champion 2009 and multiple German champion had the honor of driving the ADAM off the assembly line next to Opel Supervisory Board Chairman Steve Girsky – on a day no less special than her birthday.

Investments of 190 million euros in flexible and modern manufacturing facilities

The key prerequisite to build the ADAM is the ability to be flexible. After all, there is no other car in this class in the world that can offer more than 61,000 variants for the exterior and nearly 82,000 for the interior – ranging from a vast selection of colors and rims to special details like different headliners. Dr. Sedran says, “Whoever orders an ADAM today can be quite certain that he/she won’t see an identical car. Almost every ADAM will be unique – that’s how extensive the diverse range is that we are building here.” Opel invested around 190 million euros to be able to produce this second car line in Eisenach in addition to the Corsa.

The car “Made in Eisenach” already made a huge impression on the public after it was presented at the Paris Motor Show last fall. Now the official premiere at Opel dealerships in Germany is right around the corner on January 19. “Already today we have more than 16,000 orders from all across Europe,” says Dr. Thomas Sedran.

Opel ADAM assembly in Eisenach

Extravaganza of affordable innovations

“The ADAM is not only a symbol of Eisenach and Thuringia. It is a symbol of the entire company. Today Opel has the most attractive model portfolio in its 150-year history and the ADAM is a vital part of that,” emphasizes Plant Manager Stefan Fesser. In particular he pointed out the new clever and affordable technologies in the car. The IntelliLink infotainment system makes the ADAM the best connected small car, as it integrates the owner’s iPhone or Android device in the vehicle. ADAM will soon be supported by Siri Eyes Free mode. The lifestyle car also offers a spectacular selection of innovations that to date were only familiar from higher classes, if at all. Unique in the segment are for example a newest-generation Automatic Park Assist (APA II), heated steering wheel, Side Blind Spot Alert (SBSA) and the Opel-exclusive, fully integrated rear bicycle carrier FlexFix.

Opel ADAM with fully integrated FlexFix bicycle carrier 

Opel’s multibillion euro model offensive continues. The next newcomer, the elegant Cascada convertible, is already in the starting blocks and will be at dealerships in the first half of this year. From 2012 to 2016 Opel will introduce a total of 23 new vehicles and 13 new engines to the market.

Opel Cascada convertible

!NEW! British Embassy in Germany drive electric

In Berlin, the British Ambassador Sir Simon McDonald (left) and his colleagues now electrically go. On Wednesday handed Opel supervisory board chairman and GM vice Steve Girsky the representative of Her Majesty celebrated the keys to his new Ampera and extolled the virtues of the "Car of the Year 2012".

In Berlin, the British Ambassador Sir Simon McDonald and his colleagues are now electrically go. On Wednesday handed Opel supervisory board chairman and GM vice Steve Girsky the representative of Her Majesty celebrated the keys to his new Ampera and extolled the virtues of the "Car of the Year 2012". Especially in the downtown area, the benefits of the permanent electric-powered Ampera show by lowest operating costs and noise, good acceleration and a generous amount of space.

Opel Ampera: fully suitable for everyday use electric mobility

The Opel Ampera is by far the best-selling electric car in Germany and Europe. A lithium-ion battery with 16 kWh of capacity supplied in the "Car of the Year 2012," the 111 kW/150 hp electric motor with energy. Depending on driving style and conditions, on average, 40 to 80 kilometers solely on battery power to be covered emissions. When the battery level reaches a defined minimum, the power of the 1.4-liter gasoline engine with 63 kW/86 hp and automatically drives a generator to power the electric motor. This range extension a journey of more than 500 kilometers is possible without a prolonged maintenance charging the battery is necessary.