!NEW! Opel Announces Details on Offensive with Fuel Consumption and Emissions

• Opel to publish WLTP test cycle based fuel consumption numbers, reflecting more everyday driving conditions as of June
• From August onwards, Opel will implement improved SCR diesel applications in new vehicles – improvement towards RDE NOx specifications
• Voluntary customer satisfaction field action for existing diesel cars with SCR technology from June onwards
• Opel will implement SCR technology to entire Diesel Fleet Starting as of 2018

Opel has outlined details of its engineering initiative for more transparency, credibility and efficiency as announced last December. As of this summer, the company will take the voluntarily next step to improve transparency and meet future emission protocols. Starting with the new Opel Astra from June 2016 onwards, and in addition to the official fuel consumption and CO2 information, Opel will publish fuel consumption numbers, reflecting different driving behavior recorded under the WLTP test cycle. In addition, Opel will implement an initiative to improve NOx emissions on SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction) diesel applications in new vehicles from August onwards. This is a voluntary and early intermediate step towards the so-called RDE (Real Driving Emissions) legislation that goes into effect in September 2017. Opel is offering to provide the regulatory authorities with the engine calibration strategies, which should serve as the basis for a proactive dialogue.

“We at Opel strongly believe that the industry has to regain trust by increasing the transparency with customers and authorities. Opel takes this step towards RDE to show it can be done”, said Opel CEO Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann. “We announced in December in which direction we are going; now we are delivering the details. I ask the European Union as well as the EU member states and other European countries to accelerate alignment on test set-ups and test interpretations on real-driving-measurements to stop the existing uncertainty caused by test results that are hardly comparable.”

Increase of Transparency on Consumption: Opel steps towards WLTP Test Cycle

From the end of June 2016, and in addition to the official fuel consumption and CO2 information of Opel models, fuel consumption numbers recorded under the WLTP test cycle will be published, starting with the new Opel Astra K.

These figures, which will show a fuel consumption range with a low and a high number, will first be offered for the model year 2016 Astra and published on a dedicated Opel micro-website, creating more transparency. Figures determined under the WLTP test cycle will be published for further models later this year.

According to EU plans, the “New European Driving Cycle” (NEDC) will be replaced starting in 2017 with the more modern standard “Worldwide Harmonized Light Duty Vehicles Test Procedure” (WLTP). The WLTP is important to maintain standardized, reproducible and comparable results.

Less emissions for Euro 6 diesel engines: Opel moves towards RDE

As indicated in December, Opel is also taking action related to NOx emissions to improve Euro 6 diesel SCR engines in the direction of future RDE. RDE is the real driving emissions standard which supplements current test methods and measures a car’s emissions directly on the road.

Dr. Neumann emphasized: "I strongly believe that diesel technology will only continue to play a major role in Europe if the industry sticks to the path of continuous improvement. That is one of the reasons why we decided to implement SCR-Technology to the entire diesel fleet starting as of 2018. With this we do not only talk about a strategy of regaining trust, we also talk about a strategy to preserve the advantage of Europe’s automotive industry in diesel technology.”

The start of the implementation for this Euro 6 SCR improvement in new vehicles is currently scheduled for August 2016. In addition, this activity also includes a voluntary customer satisfaction field action that will involve 57,000 Euro 6 SCR vehicles that are already on the road in Europe (Zafira Tourer, Insignia and Cascada). This activity will start in June 2016 already.

!NEW! GM Powertrain Europe creating additional jobs and bringing more high-tech equipment to Turin

Dan Ammann, General Motors President visits GMPT-E site, celebrating 10th anniversary

To mark the 10th anniversary of the foundation of GM Powertrain Europe Turin, GM President Dan Ammann (right) visited the engineering site and announced plans to strengthen the collaboration with the Politecnico di Torino. He was welcomed by Pierpaolo Antonioli, GMPT-E Managing Director.

To mark the 10th anniversary of the foundation of GM Powertrain Europe Turin, GM President Dan Ammann visited the engineering site and announced plans to strengthen the collaboration with the Politecnico di Torino, further expanding the engineering development center.

The letter of intent signed today with the Politecnico and the Regione Piemonte reinforces the research collaboration with the university through the growth of projects carried out by Politecnico and GMPT-E Turin as well as a project for the expansion of the area of GMPT-E in the campus of Politecnico named “Cittadella Politecnica”. The new area will measure approximately 2,500 square meters and construction is expected to start at the beginning of 2016. This new building will be fully dedicated to highly specialized labs, offices and powerful computational machines.

GM Powertrain Europe Turin announced plans to strengthen the collaboration with the Politechnico di Torino. From left: GMPT-E Managing Director Pierpaolo Antonioli, GM President Dan Ammann, Vice President Global Powertrain Dan Nicholson and Vice President Powertrain Europe Christian Müller.

Founded in 2005, GM Powertrain Europe is the center of innovation and development for diesel engines and related electronic control of GM globally and designs propulsion systems for Opel/Vauxhall, Chevrolet, and other GM brands. From design to the study of virtual components or tests on the engine benches – everything takes place in the laboratories and test cells of GM Powertrain Europe in Turin.

The site has grown rapidly since its foundation a decade ago: from a temporary office in 2005 to a state-of-the-art facility in the Politecnico campus. The workforce has also grown from the initial 60 people to approximately 650, expressing a highly qualified and international employment with more than 15 nationalities represented, mostly engineers. In 2015, GM plans to create an additional 60 jobs.  

With its state-of-the-art equipment, GM Powertrain Europe Turin represents a strategic asset for GM globally. In Europe, the engineering center provides Opel vehicles with premium diesel technology, like the 1.6 CDTI engine, the quietest diesel in its class that has earned the nickname ‘Whisper Diesel’.

In North America, GMC Canyon and Chevrolet Colorado will be equipped with the new 2.8 liter diesel engine starting from the second half of 2015. These will be the only diesel in the midsize segment, promising excellent fuel economy and torque for maximum towing capability. Diesel engines of the future which are designed in Turin all share common characteristics: high-tech solutions offering moderate fuel consumption and CO2 emissions also thanks to the control system that is completely developed in-house.

“The Turin engineering center and our entire team here plays an important role in our efforts to lead the industry in product and technology” said Ammann. “The team has developed world-class modern diesel engines providing our customers with outstanding performance and efficiency in a fun-to-drive experience.”

“The growth of GMPT-E has demonstrated the importance of the relationship between the industry and the academia. A full generation of young and brilliant engineers took the opportunity to build their future and their career in one of the largest automotive companies. Their energy and strength helped GM to develop a solid diesel line up,” added Pierpaolo Antonioli, GMPT-E Managing Director.

!NEW! Start of Production for High-tech Diesel at Opel Kaiserslautern

• New engine already meets strict Euro 6 emission standards
• Engine to be used in Opel Insignia and Opel Zafira Tourer MPV
• Key component in Opel powertrain offensive

Exceptional attendance: Start of production of the New Euro 6 diesel with Pieter Ruts, Assistant Plant Manager, Peter Küspert, Vice President Sales & Aftersales Opel Group, Jim DeLuca, GM Executive Vice President Global Manufacturing, Christian Müller, Vice President GM Powertrain Engineering Europe, Peter Winternheimer, Plant Manager (acting), Dr. Jens Wartha, Global Program Manager and Chief Engineer and Marc Schiff, Executive Director Manufacturing (from left to right).

Opel Kaiserslautern is celebrating the arrival of a new engine. Regular production of the new 2.0-liter diesel started with Jim DeLuca, GM Executive Vice President Global Manufacturing, and Peter Christian Küspert, Vice President Sales & Aftersales Opel Group in attendance. The ultra-modern engine already complies with strict Euro 6 emission standards.

Important guest: Jim DeLuca, GM Executive Vice President Global Manufacturing, made the trip from the United States to witness the start of production of the new high-tech diesel in Kaiserslautern.

The high-tech diesel, offering 125 kW/170 hp and impressive torque of 400 Nm will be available for Opel’s flagship, the Insignia, and the Zafira Tourer. However, the new 2.0 CDTI does not just impress with its power and torque but also with considerably reduced consumption and emissions. Noise and vibration levels were lessened so that the engine offers smoothness previously unknown in this segment. The new diesel is five decibels quieter than its predecessors in idle mode.  

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

Thus, the 2.0 CDTI fulfills all important requirements of a modern engine and will increase the desirability of the Opel diesel portfolio. It marks the start of a new generation of large diesel engines, which will be developed by engineers in Torino and Rüsselsheim with the team in North America also assisting.

Start of production: The New 2.0-liter diesel engine will roll off the production line Kaiserslautern. The ultra-modern engine already meets strict Euro 6 emission standards.

“The plant in Kaiserslautern is making a valuable contribution to Opel’s powertrain offensive by producing the youngest member of the two-liter diesel engine family. We are proud to have been chosen to build this high-tech engine. The experienced team will master this task and deliver in the usual high quality,” said Peter Winternheimer, provisional plant manager of Opel Kaiserslautern.

Assembly line: Start of production of the New, super clean 2.0 CDTI in the Opel plant in Kaiserslautern.

The plant in Kaiserslautern, which is known as a center of competence for engines along with bodywork and chassis components, has a long tradition in engine construction. Since 1980, over nine million engines have been produced in Kaiserslautern. Diesel engines have been made there since 1982. In 1996, a new diesel engine plant was built and production increased.

Opel recently announced further investments for the production of a new engine and transmission family to be produced in Kaiserslautern and other plants. 

!NEW! The Reliable Opel: Zafira MPV Cruises to 500,000 km

• Zafira A MPV clocks 500,000 km in front of the Adam Opel Haus
• Opel Group CEO Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann welcomes owner

Tough call: Opel Zafira driver Andreas Schild (right) and Opel CEO Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann (left) debate whether he should swap his trusty red Opel Zafira for a New Opel Zafira Tourer.

The timing was perfect, the last stretch planned in every detail: When reaching the forecourt of the Adam Opel Haus the speedometer of the Zafira turned over to 500,000 km. After 12 years of loyal service to its owner Andreas Schild from Frankfurt, both the car and the driver received their just reward. Opel Group CEO Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann welcomed Schild and his Zafira in front of the Adam Opel Haus.

Perfect timing: Opel Zafira owner Andreas Schild timed his visit to the Adam Opel Haus to perfection, reaching 500,000 km in front of the Opel HQ in Rüsselsheim.

Schild’s Zafira is a 2.2 liter DTi built in 2002 with 125 hp with Selection Executive trim. What makes the car special is that despite reaching half a million kilometers only very few parts, apart from the usual wear parts such as brake disks or brake pads, have been have been changed: the rear muffler, two suspension struts (without the shock absorbers) along with the power steering pump. All other parts are still the originals.

Polished appearance: Andreas Schild had the Opel Zafira washed and polished to ensure that it would truly shine on its big day.

“Apart from being used as business vehicle on a daily basis, the flexible van is also frequently seen on trips to southern Europe to buy wines and Mediterranean delicacies,” said Schild. “Once I loaded 495 wine bottles and I never had the feeling that I was asking too much of the car.”

“Mr. Schild’s Opel Zafira is an example of the core values of our brand: German engineering and precision combined with high user value are essential components of our brand DNA. Current studies such as the J.D. Power Study Germany 2014, in which our Meriva had the highest customer satisfaction in its sector, underline this,” said the Opel CEO. “The idea behind the excellent Flex7 seating system swung my decision when I bought the car. This system is a real piece of engineering ingenuity,” added Schild.

“When did you buy it?”: Opel CEO Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann (right) finds is pleasantly surprised by the fact that Andreas Schild (left) has been using his Opel Zafira on a daily basis for twelve years and has amassed 500,000 km.

The owner of a Frankfurt-based event agency has always been a huge fan of the traditional brand. His first car was a 1965 Record 1900 L that his uncle bought him after he passed his driving test in 1978. He also had other Opels such as a Kadett, an Omega and a further Zafira.

Schild is especially amused by the reaction of his friends and family when he continues to roll up in his flexible seven-seater. They always ask the same question. What ? That car still works ?

!NEW! Things Continue to Look up: 300,000 Orders for the Opel Mokka SUV

• Bestseller: SUV is becoming a real customer favorite
• Segment leader: most sold car in its segment in Europe in August
• Squeaky clean: available with new, frugal 1.6-liter Euro 6 Turbo Diesel from early 2015

With whisper diesel from 2015: From next year, the Opel Mokka will be available with the new 1.6-liter Turbo Diesel

“Things are really looking up for Opel,” said Borussia Dortmund coach Jürgen Klopp when he drove the Mokka for the first time. Obviously, that is not just true for the company but also for the Mokka. In the two years since being brought to market, the sub-compact SUV has been ordered 300,000 times. Mokka sales even stepped up a gear in recent times. The latest 100,000 orders were recorded in the last seven months. In August, the Opel bestseller even managed to outsell any other car in its segment in Europe. The Mokka is the third most sold car in the Opel rankings behind Corsa and Astra but ahead of Insignia and Zafira.

Currently, the sub-compact SUV segment is the fastest growing in the automobile industry. Compared to last year, registration figures in Europe have almost doubled. Opel Mokka has become a bestseller without regard to national borders. The two-time All-wheel Drive Car of the Year winner leads its segment in Germany with almost 24 percent, in Austria with around 22 percent and in Finland with 27 percent. Throughout Europe, the Mokka achieved a segment share of 15 percent from January to August 2014 and ranks third.

SUV bestseller: Opel Mokka has already been ordered 300,000 times

“The Mokka interprets our definition of an exciting model with ultra-modern technology at affordable prices perfectly,” said Peter Christian Küspert, Vice President Sales & Aftersales Opel Group. “We are delighted with our bestseller amongst the compact SUVs. It is a guarantee for success and an important part of our model offensive. Next, it will be available with the 1.6 CDTI whisper diesel. That will definitely give the Mokka even more momentum.”

Refinement par excellence: New 1.6 CDTI

Opel Mokka SUV does not just impress with its stylish appearance, modern all-wheel drive and generous spaciousness – from early 2015, it will also be available with the 100 kW/136 hp 1.6 CDTI turbo diesel. Already dubbed the ‘whisper diesel’, the extremely compact four-cylinder unit will replace the current 1.7-liter diesel in the Mokka line-up. It gives more power and torque – up six hp and 20 Nm, respectively – from a smaller displacement, as well as significantly lower fuel consumption. The lively 1.6 CDTI is part of a new family of Opel all-aluminum diesel engines. 320 Nm of torque, from 0 to 100 km/h in 9.9 seconds and a top speed of 191 km/h are figures that highlight driving fun. The whisper diesel is also extremely economical and kinder to the environment: with the standard Start/Stop system, the 1.6 CDTI Mokka consumes just 4.1 l/100 km over the combined cycle while emitting only 109 g/km CO2. This is almost 0.5 l/100 km less fuel and 11 g/km less CO2 than the predecessor 1.7-liter version. This new diesel engine complies with the stringent Euro 6 emissions standard. 

Improved running smoothness, more power, better fuel efficiency: With the new 100 kW/136 hp turbo diesel, the Opel Mokka boasts a fuel consumption of only 4.1 liters per 100 kilometers