Opel Corsa Rally Electric Celebrates Switzerland Debut

• Anticipation ahead of second round of ADAC Opel Electric Rally Cup “"powered by GSe”
• World's first electric one-make rally cup starts at the Rallye du Chablais
• Former racing driver and presenter Cyndie Allemann makes rally debut

After the exciting start at the ADAC Rallye Sulingen, the teams of the ADAC Opel Electric Rally Cup “powered by GSe” are now looking forward to this season’s second instalment – and in more ways than one. On the one hand, because the electrifying rally entourage with the Opel Corsa Rally Electric will be celebrating its Swiss debut at the Rallye du Chablais around Aigle in the canton of Vaud on June 2 and 3. On the other hand, because the attractive special stages, characterised by large differences in altitude, in the foothills of the Alps south of Lake Geneva make every rally fan's heart beat faster. And thirdly, because the successful start to the season of the world's first electric one-make rally cup in northern Germany was mouth-watering.

From a sporting perspective, the Swiss round of the competition offers exciting action with an open outcome. The season opener in Sulingen already showed that there are several candidates for victory or a place on the podium. The winner of the opening round, Max Reiter (23, Germany), cannot afford to be complacent if he wants to maintain his lead. Because behind him the cup veterans Calle Carlberg (22, Sweden) and Christian Lemke (22, Germany) as well as the French newcomer Terence Callea (26) are waiting for the slightest weakness. Not to forget challengers like Joe Baur (24, Germany) or Luca Pröglhöf (23, Austria), who already caught the eye by setting top times in Sulingen.

Elsewhere, the field will be keeping a close eye on Sarah Rumeau from France. The 27-year-old celebrated her debut in the ADAC Opel Electric Rally Cup in Sulingen with an impressive best time on the first special stage and finally finished in fifth place together with co-driver Julie Amblard. Her team colleague Cindy Gudet (26), who has caused a stir in hillclimbs to date, also impressed in her first important rally alongside Cécile Marie.

The two all-French female crews and Romanian duo Cristiana Oprea/Alexia Parteni will face “unique” competition at the Rallye du Chablais – coming from a prominent guest entrant: Cyndie Allemann celebrates her rally debut in the Opel Motorsport VIP vehicle. The 37-year-old made a name for herself in the Formula 3 Euro Series, the US Indy Lights Series and the 24 Hours of Le Mans, and now works successfully as a presenter. “I'm super excited,” admits the Switzerland native. “For me, the result is completely secondary. I want to experience my very first rally, enjoy it and have fun.” The rally novice is accompanied by rally veteran Horst Rotter.

The electrifying Corsa field will cover a total distance of 565 kilometres at the Rallye du Chablais, including 10 special stages over 98 km.

Standings ADAC Opel Electric Rally Cup 2023 (after 1 of 8 rounds):

1. Reiter, 30 points

2. Callea and Carlberg, both 27

4. Lemke 20

5. Rumeau 16

6. Pröglhöf 15

7. Van Hoof 14

8. Rott 10

9. Tarta and Baur, both 8

11. Gudet 6

12. Oprea 5

13. Wittenbeck 3

"50 years of Opel Kadett C": Opel celebrates anniversary at 10th Bodensee Klassik

• Well-rounded: Opel takes compact class bestseller from 1973 to anniversary tour
• Sporty car, world champion at wheel: Niklas Kaul drives Opel Kadett GT/E
• Dynamic, modern, electrified: Top model Opel Astra GSe as escort vehicle

Double anniversary at this year's Bodensee Klassik : Varied classic rally will take place from May 4th to 6th for 10th time against a beautiful backdrop of foothills of the Alps. In addition, Opel is bringing out "Golden Jubilee" Kadett C , which celebrated its premiere exactly 50 years ago. Opel Kadett GT/E is a particularly sporty model from back then. GT/E will be driven by none other than decathlon world and European champion and Opel partner Niklas Kaul. But he's not the only one who can enjoy sporty performance of Opel vehicles. Organizers of Bodensee Klassik are also extremely dynamic and at the same time locally emission-free: in top model of "Golden Steering Wheel 2022" title winner 1, the new Opel Astra GSe (fuel consumption according to WLTP 2 : 1.2-1.1 l/100 km, CO 2 emissions 26-25 g/km; each combined).

Idyllic landscapes, picturesque stations, sporty rides

Since the start in 2012, Bodensee Klassik has been inspiring with its varied and scenic routes. This is exactly what characterizes 10th edition of classic rally. It starts on Thursday afternoon, May 4th, for  “Prologue” from Friedrichshafen through wide apple orchards. On Friday, May 5th, field of participants then embarks on “Bodensee-Umrundung” – a real three-country tour that leads from Germany through Switzerland, Austria and back to Friedrichshafen. By the end of the "Allgäu stage" on Saturday, May 6th, rally drivers and their co-drivers will have covered several hundred kilometers and will have gained unforgettable experiences.

Opel Kadett C: Compact class hero of  70s on tour

Opel is launching multi-faceted compact class Kadett C at anniversary rally. Whether as a neat family car, a chic second car with a practical tailgate or a powerful amateur athlete in war paint - family of Opel Kadett C produced from 1973 to 1979 has many faces. Characteristic design features are flat radiator grille, bonnet with brand-typical crease and front apron designed as a spoiler.

A special example at this year's Bodensee Klassik is Opel Kadett GT/E. Its 1.9‑liter engine with L-Jetronic injection from Bosch initially delivered 77 kW/105 hp and enabled a top speed of up to 184 km/h with an unladen weight of only around 900 kilograms. Second version of Opel Kadett GT/E with 85 kW/110 hp that followed in 1977 was intended to make entry into motorsport particularly easy. Competition vehicle, which was consistently trimmed for sporty use, still inspires enthusiasts today with its equipment from the two-liter engine with electronic fuel injection to ZF five-speed gearbox and limited-slip differential to the sporty tuned and reinforced chassis. Eye-catching white and yellow paintwork was standard.

One of these Opel fans is Niklas Kaul. Yyoungest decathlon world champion of all time and European champion 2022 appreciates top sporting performance with endurance. That's why he wants to experience power of Opel Kadett C for himself and gets behind the wheel at Bodensee Klassik. In addition, AUTO BILD KLASSIK editorial manager Malte Büttner and Opel Classic manager Leif Rohwedder will complete field in a 1972 Opel Commodore GS/E.

Dynamic on move: Opel Astra and Astra GSe support rally organizers

Top models of new Opel sub-brand GSe show how top dynamics can be combined with responsible driving fun in a modern and emotional way. Today, GSe stands for “Grand Sport electric”. Youngest offspring of Opel Kadett and Astra family, for example, also drives up as a rally support vehicle on Lake Constance as a sharp Opel Astra GSe . With a superior system output of 165 kW/225 hp and a maximum torque of a powerful 360 Newton meters, it sets standards in its class. And thanks to the 12.4 kWh lithium-ion battery, it can cover up to 64 kilometers locally emission-free according to WLTP 3 (EAER City according to WLTP 3: 69-73 km).

In addition, top-of-the-line GSe variant, like its siblings of the current Astra generation, implements the strong heritage of brand in an innovative and inspiring way: with clear, exciting lines without superfluous flourishes and characteristic Opel Vizor brand face inspired by Opel Manta A. Highest level of safety and comfort is also ensured: Opel Astra offers numerous state-of-the-art technologies from adaptive, non-glare IntelliLux LED Pixel light with a total of 168 LED elements to the Intelli-Drive system, which combines many driver assistance systems to the fully digital, intuitively operated Pure Panel Cockpit.

[1] AUTO BILD issue 45/2022 and BILD am SONNTAG issue 46/2022. Category "Best car up to 50,000 euros".

[2] Values ​​were determined using the more realistic test procedure WLTP (Worldwide harmonized Light vehicles Test Procedure), which replaces test procedure with reference to NEDC (New European Driving Cycle). WLTP values ​​are also the basis for calculating vehicle-related taxes. A vehicle's consumption, CO 2 emissions and range not only depend on the efficient use of energy by the vehicle, but are also influenced by driving behavior and other non-technical factors. Further information on the official fuel consumption and the official specific CO 2 emissions of new passenger cars can be found in the “Guide to fuel consumption, the CO 2-Emissions and power consumption of new passenger cars” which is available free of charge at www.dat.de. Information on consumption and emissions does not refer to an individual vehicle and is not part of offer, but is intended solely for purposes of comparison between the various vehicle types.

[3] Specified range was determined using WLTP test procedure (Regulation (EG) No. 715/2007 and VO (EU) No. 2017/1151). Actual range may vary under everyday conditions and depends on various factors, in particular personal driving style, road conditions, outside temperature, use of heating and air conditioning and thermal preconditioning.

!NEW! Successful Opel Astra and IntelliLux LED Matrix Light Winning over Customers

• Recipe for success: Astra’s overall package wins over customers across Europe
• Shining example: System popular on the important Germany market
• Seeing the light: Technology enables permanent high-beam lighting without dazzling
• Next generation: Further development of LED matrix light coming in new Opel Insignia

Sterling display: Innovative IntelliLux LED Matrix headlights are popular with the Opel Astra customers.

Over 350,000 Opel Astra orders since the car went on sale in 2015, Opel’s bestselling model in 2016, second place in the compact segment across Europe and in the compact retail segment in 2016 and a host of international accolades including the Golden Steering Wheel and the European ‘Car of the Year 2016’ award – Opel Astra is without a doubt a real winner. Its recipe for success consists of ingredients such as lightweight construction, highly efficient propulsion systems, outstanding digital connectivity and driver assistance technologies normally only found in the premium segment. The intelligent IntelliLux LED Matrix light is one these technologies. It has not only won over critics across Europe winning various awards on the way but it has also established itself as one of the most sought after options available for the Opel Astra. Eighteen months after its introduction, IntelliLux LED Matrix light can look back on a success story only rivalled by the success of the Opel Astra itself.

In Germany, Opel’s important home market, every third Astra is ordered with the highly efficient and high performance lighting system. In neighboring Switzerland around 45% of Opel Astra buyers want IntelliLux LED Matrix light and the feature is also winning over customers in Austria with over 40% of vehicles intended for the Alpine republic coming with the innovative and affordable lighting technology. Elsewhere, IntelliLux LED is also extremely popular in Finland and Sweden (each 37%). However, even these impressive figures are dwarfed by the success of the system in Norway where a massive 84% of new Opel Astra cars on the roads are equipped with the lighting technology of the future.

“We are obviously delighted with the success of the IntelliLux LED Matrix light. It is further proof that our principle of democratizing technology by providing innovative and affordable solutions is finding its mark with the customers. I must compliment our engineers on this highly effective system that provides outstanding night time performance enhancing safety for the driver and those around them,” said Opel Vice President Sales & Aftersales Peter Christian Küspert.

Matrix system automatically adapts to every traffic situation

Light on: Consisting of 16 LED segments – 8 on each side of the vehicle – the new LED Matrix system automatically and constantly adapts both the length and shape of the light cone for every traffic situation

Consisting of 16 LED segments – 8 on each side of the vehicle – the LED Matrix system automatically and constantly adapts the length and distribution of the light beam to every traffic situation. As soon as the vehicle exits urban areas, the high-beam lighting is automatically switched on. Not only Astra drivers benefit from this – while they enjoy excellent light and visibility conditions, they do not dazzle other road users. When the camera detects light sources from oncoming or preceding traffic, individual LEDs in the relevant zone are deactivated, simply “cutting out” the area around the vehicles. The rest of the road and its surroundings remain brightly illuminated. With this degree of precision and adaptation, LED Matrix light elevates lighting technology to the next level.

Opel lighting engineers have not only made an intelligent, Full LED system more affordable, they have also taken it to a new level of intelligence. As not all Astra customers opt for an embedded navigation system, the lighting system can recognize if the vehicle is in an urban area or on a highway for instance independently. In addition to the many automatic low and high beam pattern variations, IntelliLux LED also provides a special highway light mode that further increases safety at night. In addition, the system also has a considerably longer running life than headlamps with Halogen or Xenon lamps.

Added safety and comfort also coming in new Opel Insignia Grand Sport

New Opel Insignia Grand Sport with latest generation IntelliLux LED Matrix light: 32 individual LED segments – 16 per headlight – and a special high beam range of up to 400 meters.

Given the success of the system in the Opel Astra, it is hardly surprising that the company is optimistic that the next generation of IntelliLux LED lighting, which will be introduced with the all-new Opel Insignia Grand Sport in 2017 will prove to be just as popular with the customers. LED technology has developed rapidly since the introduction of the Astra and the Opel engineers have been able to incorporate 32 individual LED segments on the Insignia. As a result of the smoother transitions between the higher number of LED segments, the light patterns can be more precisely adapted. The adaptive IntelliLux LED Matrix headlights of the new Insignia therefore produce a larger amount of even brighter light.

To improve visibility still further while driving through curves on full high beam, the engineers added a new function to the new Opel Insignia IntelliLux LED Matrix headlights. The light intensity at the inner Matrix segments rises according to steering angle in order to increase the illumination of the curve. Each IntelliLux LED headlight also features a high-beam spotlight that provides additional illumination at full high-beam for up to 400 meters, further improving the new Opel Insignia long-range visibility.

Higher trim levels proving to be popular

Elsewhere, both the higher trims available for the Opel Astra, ‘Dynamic’ and ‘Innovation’, have also proved to be extremely popular with customers. Since the European “Car of the Year 2016” was launched, over 60 percent of Astra buyers have opted for the higher trim choices, giving them access to a lot more standard equipment and features that they subsequently do not need to order as an option. For example, Opel’s personal connectivity and service assistant Opel OnStar comes as standard in both of the aforementioned trim levels. Furthermore, comfort features such as leather steering wheel, adjustable armrest or fog lamps are also included.

!NEW! Strong Opel Display at the Bodensee-Klassik

Only flying is better: Opel GT trio with well-known drivers thrill spectators

Opel GT trio sparkles in the sun.

Actor Benjamin Sadler in an Opel GT, Vice President Sales & Aftersales Peter Christian Küspert also in a GT and touring car legend Joachim Winkelhock at the steering wheel of Opel CEO Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann’s perfectly restored personal GT – what an impressive formation flight of the Opel classic cars at the drive around Lake Constance.

 Touring car legend Joachim Winkelhock at the steering wheel of Opel CEO Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann’s perfectly restored personal GT

In addition, the Opel Classic rescue team was also in action with fashion star Peyman Amin in an Opel Kadett Caravan of the German road service ADAC, a fire service Opel Rekord E and an Opel Commodore ambulance.

Opel Kadett Caravan of the ADAC with fashion star Peyman Amin behind the wheel, fire service Rekord E and a Commodore C ambulance.

The exciting mixture of well-known drivers and cars with a lot history delighted the fans lining the roads along the picturesque course through Austria, Germany and Switzerland.

Colorful mix of well-known driver and classic cars from the vaults of Opel Classic.

Day one saw the classic car armada complete a trip from Bregenz to Wangen via Friedrichshafen and back. On Friday, the Bodensee-Klassik became an alpine express with special tests in the Allgäu and Tyrol. Final day will see the 184 classic cars cruise back to the finish in Bregenz. 

Legendary racing driver Joachim Winkelhock drives the GT belonging to Opel CEO Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann. 

“The slogan ‘Only flying is better’ is just as current now as it was back in the day. Taking part in the Bodensee-Klassik with an Opel GT was a very special experience,” said Benjamin Sadler. “You could literally feel Opel’s heartbeat. The classical GT or the new GT Concept – two cars, two icons and both ahead of their time.”

Actor Benjamin Sadler is delighted with the legendary Opel GT.

“I am delighted that we could once again demonstrate that Opel is a strong, emotional and approachable brand. We have this tradition in mind even when creating new models. Opel Astra Sports Tourer, the Car of the Year, is the prime example,” said Vice President Sales & Aftersales Peter Christian Küspert.

!NEW! Opel Insignia 1.6 CDTI ecoFLEX Drives 2,111 Kilometers on One Tank of Fuel

• One tank of fuel: Hypermiler Felix Egolf busts 2,000 kilometer barrier
• Average consumption 3.46 liters: Around ten percent below official figures
• Long distance champion: Standard Opel Insignia 1.6 CDTI ecoFLEX

Rest in Rüsselsheim: Hypermiler Felix Egolf (kneeling) met Christian Müller, the head of Propulsion Systems at Opel, for a chat about saving fuel.

The Opel Insignia is the master of miserliness in the middle class. Opel officially list a combined consumption of 3.9 to 3.8 liters (104 to 99g CO2/km) depending on the specification for the sedan with the 100 kW/136 hp, 1.6 liter whisper diesel (from €27,945 RRP including VAT in Germany). In Germany, the car is in the A+ efficiency class. However, an independent expert from Switzerland has now proved that this data can be undercut considerably in average central European traffic conditions. Felix Egolf, a former Airbus pilot, is a hypermiler and thus part of a community that is permanently trying to establish new minimal consumption values. During his trip from the Alps to the North Sea and back, he only needed 3.46 liters of diesel per 100 kilometers. In total, he drove 2,111 kilometers on a single tank of fuel.

Provisional result: On average, Opel Insignia consumed just 3.2 l/100 km of diesel during the drive from Lucerne to Rüsselsheim, at an average speed of 76 km/h.

Egolf’s tour started in Lucerne on April 6. From there, he travelled to the Opel headquarters in Rüsselsheim via the Black Forest. In Rüsselsheim, he stopped for a chat with Vice President GM Global Propulsion Systems – Europe, Christian Müller. “The fuel gauge in the Insignia still showed that the tank was almost full when Felix Egolf arrived in Rüsselsheim. He managed to complete the first 429 kilometers with an average consumption of only 3.2 liters. It is great that he managed to crack the 2,000-kilometer mark,” said Müller.

Back on the road again: From the Opel HQ in Rüsselsheim, Felix Egolf’s journey in the Opel Insignia continued to the German North Sea coast and back to Switzerland.

The hypermiling tour then took Egolf to Münster, Oldenburg and up to Cuxhaven on the North Sea coast. The return leg saw him pass Hanover, Kassel, St. Gallen before coming to a successful end in Zurich on April 8.

“I have wanted to crack the 2,000 kilometer barrier for some time now but I couldn’t find the car to do it. The excellent aerodynamics of the Opel Insignia (cd value of 0.26 plus small frontal area) combined with the Eco Contact 5 low-rolling resistance tires contributed to this outstanding result. This hypermiling tour with the Opel Insignia also shows that anybody who has an anticipatory driving style can easily equal or better the official consumption figures. Anybody can be a hypermiler,” said Egolf.

On the drive to Cuxhaven, Felix Egolf appreciated the qualities of the Opel Insignia, especially as a comfortable touring sedan. The engine impressed with maximum torque of 320 Newton meters, which is already available in a low and thus fuel-saving rpm range between 2,000 and 2,250 rpm, exemplary smoothness and plenty of power.

Packed with power, plenty of torque, low emissions and low consumption - and all of this combined with exemplary smoothness, this is what the Opel Insignia 1.6 CDTi ecoFLEX with 136 hp stands for. The impressive maximum torque of 320 Newton meters already lies within the engine speed range between 2,000 and 2,250 rpm. Opel’s flagship also comes with a wide range of technological, safety and comfort aspects, for example ultra-modern radar-based and camera-based assistance systems: Everything from the Adaptive Cruise Control, the Side Blind Zone Alert to the Forward Collision Assist are all included. Furthermore, the excellent premium seats certified by AGR – the German healthy back expert organization "Aktion Gesunder Rücken e.V." provide optimum seating comfort and numerous adjustment options, including four-way lumbar support. The personal online and service assistant Opel OnStar also ensures that the Insignia is fully connected and can offer a fast Wi-Fi Hotspot for up to seven mobile devices.

!NEW! And the Winner is… #ADAMyourself: Opel Online Campaign has Internet Abuzz

• Campaign has become internet event: More than 3.3 million visitors to website
• Exactly my style: Users create over 100,000 unique Opel ADAM variants
• An Opel ADAM model for every country: Twelve winners of online competition named 

Under the motto “Endless possibilities – exactly my style“, Opel has invited the internet and social media community to create its very own unique Opel ADAM on www.adamyourself.com since December. The goal is to turn the best Opel ADAM design into reality. The response to the campaign with ten creative lifestyle bloggers from different countries in Europe has been huge: to date, more than 3.3 million users from all over Europe have visited the website and spent an average of more than four minutes clicking through the various menus and stories. In the process, they have created more than 100,000 individual Opel ADAM styles, each exactly the way its creator wanted it. And now the twelve country winners have been named (two of the ten bloggers have each created styles for two countries). Opel ADAM designs will already begin rolling off the assembly line in their respective country from this fall.

“With #ADAMyourself we went straight to where the Opel ADAM clientele is – the internet. The young bloggers were always part of the action and posted a lot of fun and interesting stories about our bold city car on social media channels. And the community submitted a total of over 2.6 million votes for the different ADAM designs. The campaign is the best example of how much enthusiasm the car and lifestyle combination can create – and how individuals can make their dream car become reality,” says Elsa Touchard, brand manager strategy and sponsoring, about the online campaign’s success to date.

So much creativity made it a real challenge for Opel representatives and the ten European bloggers to choose the winner from each country’s ten most popular ADAM variants. In Germany, Vanessa S. won with her stylish “Red Velvet Cake” ADAM. The new design variant will be exclusively produced for the German market – and as winner of the competition, Vanessa S. will be the official “advertising face” for “her” Opel ADAM.

Germany: And the winner is “Red Velvet Cake”. 

But before that, the national winners will head to Berlin in mid-April for the winners’ event.

There the group of twelve will stay in an exclusive ADAM loft and take part in video and photo shoots. Of course Opel ADAM fans will be kept updated on all news on social media channels and on www.adamyourself.com.

!NEW! Bodensee Klassik: Opel CEO Neumann enters with Diplomat V8 Coupé

• KAD rarities: Opel takes part with rare Kapitän, Admiral und Diplomat models
• CEO at the wheel: Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann drives his own Diplomat A V8 Coupé
• Well-known guest: German TV stars Gesine Cukrowski and Tim Wilde in Opel team

Strong team: Opel Group CEO Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann will take part in the old-timer rallye “Bodensee Klassik” with his own Diplomat V8 Coupé.

Opel will be present with some very special car when the fourth Bodensee Klassik starts in front of the festival hall in Bregenz, Austria at 14.00 CET on May 7. Opel Group CEO Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann will also be in the field with his very own Diplomat A V8 Coupé. The list of rarities from Rüsselsheim also includes a further, very rare Diplomat A Coupé with a 5.4-liter V8 engine with 230 hp and equally rare Admiral A and Kapitän A models with eight-cylinder power under the long hood. A Diplomat B and a Kapitän B round off the offer for old-timer fans.

In total, 180 classic cars will take part in the tour taking them through parts of Germany, Austria and Switzerland before reaching the finish in Bregenz on May 9. The Opel CEO is not the only famous face to take to the wheel of one of the cars from Rüsselsheim. TV stars Gesine Cukrowski and Tim Wilde along with Opel Brand Ambassador and racing legend Joachim Winkelhock will also be at the start and complete the Opel-Classic-Team.

The two Diplomat A V8 Coupé are members of an exclusive series consisting of only 347 unit produced by Osnabrück-based body makers Karmann from 1964 onwards. The vehicle identification number of Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann’s 1967 coupé ends in 347 – clearly identifying it as the last of the exclusive vehicles ever produced.

Interesting course: Opel Group CEO Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann is looking forward to the rallye with 180 classic cars that will take the field through Germany, Austria and Switzerland.

“I have always been fascinated by the combination of the timelessly elegant coupé body of the Diplomat and the legendary Chevrolet Small Block V8,” said Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann. “I have been the proud owner of this car for roughly six months now and I am delighted when I get the opportunity to take this icon for a spin.”

Powerful engines: Opel Group CEO Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann will swap his Insignia OPC with 325 hp for his Diplomat Coupé with 230 PS for the “Bodensee Klassik“.

The KAD models of the first series taking part in the Bodensee Klassik are all powered by various versions of the famous GM V8 engine that celebrated its debut 60 years ago and has been built over 100 million times to date.

Powerful engines: Opel Group CEO Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann will swap his Insignia OPC with 325 hp for his Diplomat Coupé with 230 PS for the “Bodensee Klassik“.

Neat appearance: The Coupé, built by body specialist Karmann, was based on the Diplomat V8 sedan. The roof was shortened, the front doors extended and a welded steel plate replaced the rear doors.

!NEW! Opel Ampera No.1 EV passenger car for more than ten months despite tough environment

• Highest European EV market share with 21% (Jan. - Oct. 2012)
• Ampera is segment leader in Germany, the Netherlands and Switzerland
• Sales growth for entire EV market is slowing amid challenging conditions

Opel’s revolutionary and award winning electric car, the Ampera, is still at the top of the electric passenger car league table in Europe based on latest available sales figures (Jan. – Oct. 2012). The news comes despite very challenging market conditions for the whole electric vehicle market with car makers reporting lower EV sales growth figures than predicted earlier this year. The Opel Ampera (“Car of the Year 2012”) enjoys more than 21 percent market share in the European EV segment. It is likely to remain the overall leader of its segment for the whole of 2012.

“The Ampera is still the dominant leader of the European electric passenger car segment,” says Opel Vice President Sales, Marketing and Aftersales, Alfred E. Rieck. “Considering that the demand of the EV market is smaller than originally predicted by analysts and car makers, we are extremely pleased that we have consolidated our leadership position in the market.”

Ampera is top of several key European markets

The strong overall European market share of the Ampera is reflected in its leadership position which has been consolidated in several important European markets.

For example in the Netherlands its market share increased to 66%. In Germany, it remains the leader by a wide margin (28% share) and the same is true of Belgium (22%) and Switzerland (31%).

Although total European EV sales have increased by around 130 percent year on year (Jan - Oct 2011 vs. Jan - Oct 2012), this falls well short of industry expert predictions. Sales of electric vehicles differ widely per market. Whereas only one of every 1000 cars sold in Germany is an electric vehicle (EV), its neighbor country Austria already tracks 3 EVs per thousand cars, France 5 and The Netherlands as high as 8 out of 1000. Top of the ranks in Europe is Norway where 30 out of 1000 registered vehicles are electric cars. Despite this very heterogeneous environment, Opel has managed to grow its European Ampera sales by at least twice as much as the overall European EV market growth.

In November, Opel announced that it had more than doubled its Ampera fleet customer base in the space of just six months, from around 700 in March to almost 2,000 in October across Europe. This is an increase of more than 180 percent.

Opel Ampera with revolutionary electric propulsion

A 16 kWh lithium ion battery powers the 111kW/150 hp electric motor of the Ampera. Depending on the style of driving and road conditions, distances of between 40 and 80 kilometers can be covered in the purely battery operated mode, free of emissions. In extended range mode, which activates whenever the battery has reached its minimum state of charge, power is seamlessly inverted to the electric drive unit from a generator driven by a 1.4 liter, 63 kW/86 hp gasoline engine. Extended range mode enables a total driving range of more than 500 kilometers without refueling.