Almost 175,000 new registrations in Germany – market share of 5.6%
Light commercial vehicle sales up by 40%
Opel achieved strong results in Germany last year in a challenging economic environment: According to preliminary internal figures, almost 175,000 cars and light commercial vehicles of the brand with the Blitz were registered over the course of the last 12 months. This represents an increase of 6.4% compared to 2023. The market share increased to 5.6% (2023: 5.3% ).
Opel light commercial vehicles were an important driver of growth. With more than 26,000 units of the Combo, Vivaro and Movano sold, the 2023 results were exceeded by an impressive 40%. The market share in the light commercial vehicle segment was up significantly by more than two percentage points to 9.1%. In addition, Opel also increased its passenger car sales last year. According to the Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA), 147,833 new registrations ensured a passenger car market share of 5.2 % (2023: 5.1%).
“We achieved very good results on our important German home market in 2024. This was primarily due to our attractive portfolio of light commercial vehicles and our bestselling Astra. This confirms our course and gives us further tailwind for a confident start to 2025 – with the new Mokka, the new family-friendly Frontera and the Grandland, our new top-of-the-line SUV,” said Patrick Dinger, head of Opel Germany.
Safety first: Many assistance systems already standard in best-selling Opel Corsa small car
Best vision: IntelliLux Pixel HD Light with over 50,000 elements in all-new Opel Grandland
Always one step ahead: Opel models have always featured groundbreaking technologies
From July 7, 2024, EU will make additional assistance systems mandatory for new registrations of passenger cars (class M1) and light commercial vehicles (class N1). The aim is to reduce the number of accidents on the roads and thus save lives. Opel is well positioned here. For the passenger car models from the Corsa to the Combo, Mokka and Astra to the Grandland, as well as for the new generation of light commercial vehicles (LCV) Opel Combo, Vivaro and Movano, the manufacturer offers numerous advanced electronic assistants that make traffic safer for drivers and passengers as well as for all other road users. New Opel LCV vans will in future be equipped with up to 21 assistance systems – segment leading! And even in the small car bestseller Opel Corsa, many systems are already on board as standard, well ahead of the legal requirement. “Safety first” is Opel's motto when developing new vehicles: this is once again demonstrated by the recently introduced new Opel Grandland, which will soon be available to order, for example with its industry-leading IntelliLux Pixel HD Light. Safety is a tradition at Opel and has been for 125 years of automobile production in Rüsselsheim.
Emergency braking, lane keep assist, speed assistant: Already standard at Opel
In addition to the systems that have long been required by law, new cars registered from July onwards must also have additional assistants on board. These include emergency braking assistant, intelligent speed assistant, lane departure warning system, reversing assistant and drowsiness detection. An emergency brake light and a “black box” data recorder are also among the mandatory features in the future.
Opel has been offering many of the systems mentioned for its models for years. Safety features for the brand with the Blitz are not a question of vehicle class. Even the smallest in the portfolio, Germany's best-selling small car of several years, Opel Corsa, offers numerous assistance systems as standard. The extensive range of modern electronic helpers already includes:
Forward collision alert with automatic emergency braking and pedestrian detection: It monitors distance to vehicle in front. If Opel Corsa approaches a vehicle in front or a pedestrian too quickly, driver is informed by a warning tone and a display in driver information display. If there is a risk of collision, system initiates emergency braking, and at speeds below 30 km/h even to a complete standstill. System is also available in combination with cyclist detection.
Intelligent cruise control and limiter: In conjunction with traffic sign recognition, the system allows the speed to be quickly adjusted.
Lane keep assist: If the driver unintentionally leaves the lane (between 65 and 180 km/h), an indicator light appears in the driver information display. Lane keep assistant also draws attention to the danger by gently temporarily counteracting the steering. As an option, Corsa and Co. can also be equipped with active lane keep Assist. This actively keeps the vehicle in the previously selected position within the lane by gently and continuously counter-steering (both hands on the steering wheel are mandatory!).
Drowsiness detection: System detects signs of fatigue in the driver based on the steering behaviour and the length of the journey and issues a visual and acoustic warning that increases in three stages.
Adaptive brake light and
Parking pilot at rear.
Additional systems provide an even more comprehensive overview when manoeuvring, including the combination of front and rear parking sensors with audio-visual warning and the 130-degree or optional 180-degree rear view camera (also the 360-degree camera on the Astra and Grandland). In addition, the side blind spot alert, which is standard or optional depending on the equipment level, further increases safety with a symbol in the respective exterior mirror that warns of approaching vehicles. Also, the optional automatic speed assistant with stop function ensures that the set speed and the distance to the vehicle in front are maintained in accordance with the traffic situation. The car brakes automatically if necessary and accelerates again as soon as the distance to the vehicle in front increases again. In combination with automatic transmission, the system also has a Stop & Go function, so that the vehicle is automatically braked to a standstill in the event of danger and can independently follow the vehicle in front even in traffic jams.
Compact class bestseller Opel Astra and top SUV Opel Grandland combine many of the above-mentioned assistants in Intelli-Drive system and expand the range to include the rear cross-traffic alert system. This uses radar sensors to detect moving objects when reversing (from pedestrians and cyclists to motorcycles, cars and trucks) and warns with visual and acoustic signals.
Optimal illumination of the road ahead is crucial for a safe and relaxed journey in poor visibility conditions. Opel has been a pioneer in this area for years with its adaptive IntelliLux technology, which is now being used for the first time in the new Combo. The latest lighting innovation from Rüsselsheim is celebrating its premiere in all-new Opel Grandland: the industry-leading IntelliLux Pixel Matrix HD Light. For the first time, the system has more than 50,000 elements and enables high-resolution light distribution. Depending on the traffic situation, the camera detects road users ahead and oncoming traffic, and IntelliLux Pixel Matrix HD Light cuts them out even more precisely than previous matrix light technologies. The system delivers an even brighter and more even light distribution without glare for others.
Safety for all: New Opel Grandland, Astra, Corsa and Co. in best tradition
Offering the highest safety standards for everyone – that is what the Opel brand has always stood for. This began 125 years ago with the Opel Patentmotorwagen “System Lutzmann”, which had chain-controlled steering for smooth, precise operation. In the years and decades that followed, developments such as the Opel 10 PS with four-wheel brakes and the unitary all-steel body of the Opel Olympia 1935 followed.
Opel Rekord C was also an innovation in 1967 – with coil springs on the rear axle, disc brakes at the front, brake booster and, above all, the Opel safety steering, in which the collapsible steering column protected against serious injuries to the head and chest in the event of a collision. As early as 1973, the manufacturer equipped all models with seat belts as standard. In Opel Astra F, seatbelt tensioners ensured that the belt was pulled tight by up to 16 centimetres in milliseconds in the event of an impact, thus keeping the passenger safely in their seat.
In 1993, Opel Corsa B celebrated a double premiere of increased safety: double steel beam reinforcements in the doors for side impact protection and the full-size driver airbag further minimized the risk of injury. In 1995, Opel was the first German car manufacturer to introduce full-size airbags for the driver and front passenger as standard in all new cars.
Three Vauxhall electric passenger car models achieve best-selling status in their segments for the month of July
Vauxhall Corsa Electric remains the best-selling Small Electric Car (Electric B-Hatch) this year, according to SMMT figures
Vauxhall Mokka Electric continues to top the sales charts in the Small Electric SUV (Electric B-SUV) category for 2023
Vauxhall Vivaro Electric Life is the UK’s best-selling electric MPV so far this year
Vauxhall will be an electric-only manufacturer by 2028, seven years ahead of the UK Government deadline
Vauxhall’s electric car range continued its strong UK sales performance in July, topping the charts in three segments according to the latest new car registration figures published by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).
Vauxhall Corsa Electric was the best-selling Small Electric Car (Electric B-Hatch) in July and continues to lead the segment for 2023, with 2,141 sold year-to-date. Meanwhile, the Mokka Electric topped the Small Electric SUV (Electric B-SUV) sales chart for the month and is the best-selling model in its class in 2023 so far, with 5,573 sold year-to-date.
Vauxhall Vivaro Electric Life is also the UK’s best-selling electric MPV, with 1,175 registered so far this year.
Elsewhere, Vauxhall Corsa was the top-selling B-Hatch in July and is the second best-selling car in the UK market so far in 2023, with 23,751 units sold year-to-date.
Vauxhall will become an electric-only brand by 2028, seven years ahead of the UK Government deadline.
James Taylor, Managing Director, Vauxhall, said: “I’m thrilled to see three of our electric models topping the sales charts in their respective segments, highlighting the depth of our electric line-up and proof that Vauxhall is leading the way in helping Britain make the transition to electric.”
September 1862: Everything began with the first sewing machines
1868: Adam Opel married his wife Sophie and built the first new factory
1886: The first bicycle made in Rüsselsheim was produced
1899: Opel started making cars
2022: Opel is becoming an electric mobility brand
Opel is currently celebrating a very special anniversary. 160 years ago, Adam Opel founded his company in Rüsselsheim. In doing so, he laid the foundations for an internationally active, successful company in a wide variety of sectors. Starting with the production of sewing machines in 1862, Opel became the world's largest bicycle manufacturer and finally an internationally renowned automobile brand. Guideline from the beginning that has always distinguished all products “made by Opel” – make innovations affordable for everyone – remains true today. Opel is fully committed to electrification and offers customers a wide range of models with different variants of electrified drive.
Foundation in 1862: No easy start
As the eldest son of the master locksmith Philipp Wilhelm Opel, Adam's path was actually preordained – he was to take over and continue his father's business one day. But Adam had other plans, his big dream was the city of Paris. After stays in Liège, Brussels and London, he finally made it to his longed-for destination, where he made the momentous decision to enter the sewing machine business. At the end of August 1862, the now 25-year-old returned to his home town of Rüsselsheim and set up his own modest workshop in his parents' house; at that time against the wishes of his father, who had no real interest in sewing machines. After spending time in cosmopolitan cities, the return to his birthplace meant a big change for the young journeyman. But it was here, in the then village of Rüsselsheim with its 2,000 inhabitants, that Adam laid the foundations for the global Opel company.
Assembly of the first sewing machine took months. After completion, the master tailor Hummel from Rüsselsheim bought it and kept it in operation for 40 years. Even then the motto was “Opel, the reliable”. In 1863 Adam Opel set up his first own production facility in an uncle's disused cowshed. From Paris, brother Georg supplied Adam with steel, shuttles, needles and complete sewing machines for resale. A first advertisement appeared and Adam hired his first employee. Opel not only built sewing machines, but also traded in them with great success.
In the following years the sewing machine business flourished and Opel expanded. In 1868 he built a new factory building with a two-storey production hall, steam engine and adjoining residential and office building. After moving in, 40 people were working for the young company. In the same year, he married his wife Sophie, who not only took care of the household, but also the company's bookkeeping, thus bringing a breath of fresh air into the company. Production figures increased rapidly, not least because Opel accommodated individual customer wishes and designed special sewing machines for specific requirements. In 1886, 18,000 machines left the factory. The company became one of the largest sewing machine manufacturers in Germany and exported throughout Europe.
1887: From sewing machines to bicycles
Industrialisation offered the Opel family further business opportunities in the 1880s. On a trip to Paris in 1884, Adam Opel became acquainted with the penny-farthing (in France's capital, bicycles were already a common means of transport).Entrepreneur decided to purchase such a device, but it was several months before the first of his own models left the factory in Rüsselsheim in 1886. In the autumn of 1887, an illustrated price list marked the official beginning of a significant period in the company's history.
As with the sewing machines that went before, Opel was quick to adopt modern technology for its bicycles. In 1888, the penny-farthing, which marked the beginning of bicycle manufacturing in Rüsselsheim, was replaced by the modern low-wheel bicycle. By 1890, 2,200 two-wheelers had been sold. Five sons of Adam and Sophie were the best ambassadors for their own cause with over 550 victories in bicycle races. In the 1920s Opel became the world's largest bicycle manufacturer; 15,000 dealers sold bikes from Rüsselsheim. After the introduction of the assembly line in 1923, a bicycle left the production line every seven seconds.
1899: Opel starts building automobiles
Decisive step in the history of the company – driven forward by the five sons after Adam Opel's death in 1895 – was the start of automobile production in 1899. Opel is thus one of the pioneers in this industry and one of the most tradition-rich automobile manufacturers in the world. On January 21, 1899, Opel acquired the “Anhaltische Motorwagenfabrik” from Friedrich Lutzmann of Dessau. In the same year, automobile production in Rüsselsheim began with the Opel “Patent-Motorwagen System Lutzmann”. In 1906 the 1,000th vehicle was built; the final breakthrough came the following year when the Rüsselsheim carmaker was appointed supplier to the imperial court. However, Opel was also committed to the democratisation of the automobile, for example with the small 4/8 hp “Doktorwagen” in 1909.
In the following decades Opel became a regular trendsetter. Comfort, safety and newest technologies always played a major role. In the process, brand continuously developed without losing touch with its core philosophy – to make mobility accessible for all. 160 years ago, Adam Opel delighted customers with his first sewing machines. Similarly, Opel today brings a modern, future-oriented mobility to the market. Brand already offers numerous electrified vehicles, in three locally emissions-free variants. Bestsellers like the Opel Corsa and Mokka and the LCV-trio Combo, Vivaro and Movano are battery electric while the Opel Grandland and the Opel Astra are plug-in hybrids. The portfolio of electric propulsion systems is currently completed by the Opel Vivaro-e HYDROGEN. Young drivers aged 15 and over can already begin their journey into electric mobility thanks to the Opel Rocks-e two-seat quadricycle.
All-new Corsa was the UK's best-selling car in July with 5,455 sold, following similar success in June
Vauxhall light commercial vehicle (LCV) sales up 61% last month versus July 2019
All-New Vauxhall Corsa
Vauxhall's all-new Corsa was the UK's best-selling car in July with 5,455 sold, following similar success in June, according to figures released today by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).
All-new fifth generation Corsa is available as fully electric, or with high-efficiency petrol or diesel powertrains. Corsa has been Vauxhall’s best-selling car for many years, with over 2.1 million Corsas sold in the UK since it launched in 1993.
Vauxhall LCV sales were also strong, up by 61% last month versus July 2019. Vauxhall’s July year-to-date LCV market share increased to 9.9% for 2020 vs 8.0% for the same period last year. Crucial to carrying British business, Vauxhall’s LCV line-up includes Combo Cargo, Vivaro and Movano.
Vauxhall LCV range
As more and more UK cities welcome and mandate emissions-free vehicles, Vauxhall has added the Vivaro-e to its range, its first factory-built, fully-electric van. British Gas has already announced that is has ordered 1,000 Vauxhall Vivaro-e. This was the largest commercial BEV (battery electric vehicle) order in the UK to date.
On all fours: Dangel all-wheel drive system tailor-made for Opel Combo Cargo
Tackle anything: Opel Combo and Vivaro 4x4 take mud, snow and tough trails in their stride
Go anywhere: Higher ground clearance and underbody protection
Class-leading: Opel Combo Cargo with best cargo length and payload of 880kg
Genuine off-road capability: Opel Vivaro 4x4 panel van available in three lengths
Opel Combo Cargo and Opel Vivaro with All-Wheel Drive
Professionals searching for vans from a German brand, that not only offer class-leading load carrying ability and fuel economy but also the additional grip provided by selectable four-wheel drive, should take a close look at the Opel Combo Cargo and the Opel Vivaro. Thanks to all-wheel drive traction and higher ground clearance, the 4x4 Combo and Vivaro can go anywhere, anytime.
Alsatian traction experts Dangel carry out the 4x4 conversions at prices of €6,400 for the Combo Cargo and €6,665 for the Vivaro (plus €1,000/€300 respectively for conversion-preparation by Opel, all prices in Germany, excluding VAT).
Driver-selectable: “ECO 2WD” front-wheel drive and “AUTO 4WD” driving modes
Opel Combo and Vivaro drivers can choose between the drive modes “Eco” and “Auto 4WD” via a rotary switch on the instrument panel. In “Eco” mode, the 4x4 system is disengaged and the vehicles run in front-wheel drive only, which reduces fuel consumption and emissions, on the autobahn, for example.
If the going gets tougher, the driver can switch to “Auto 4WD” without stopping. Viscous coupling of the central differential then distributes part of the torque to the rear axle as soon as the front wheels begin to lose grip.
In even more demanding conditions drivers can select “R. Lock” to additionally lock the rear axle.
High climber: all-wheel drive tackles up to 41 degree gradients
Opel Combo Cargo 4x4 comes as standard with the active safety of ESP, protection plates for the engine and gearbox and 90 mm higher ground clearance. Additional protection for the fuel tank and rear axle, as well as 20 mm higher ground clearance (for a total of up to 300 mm), are optionally available. With approach and departure angles of 26.6 and 38.3 degrees respectively, and a break-over angle of 26 degrees, Opel Combo 4x4 can climb 41 degree gradients.
Cross-country performance of the Opel Vivaro 4x4 is also comparable with that of sport utility vehicles: With an additional ground clearance of up to 60 millimetres (for a total of up to 245 mm), approach/departure angles of up to 20.4/31.0 degrees and a break-over angle of up to 20.0 degrees.
When it comes to hill-climbing, Opel Vivaro 4x4 can manage uphill gradients of up to 23.7 degrees, depending on the payload (up to 1,344 kilogrammes) and other factors such as tyres and road surface.
Like the rest of the Opel Combo and Vivaro ranges, the 4x4 versions aim to deliver high efficiency and low cost of ownership. A major contribution to achieving these goals is made by the turbo-diesel powertrains.
Opel Combo Cargo 4x4: Class-leading functionality and driver assistance systems
In addition to a bench seat for three passengers, a class-leading cargo length of up to 3,440 mm and a payload of up to 880kg, the up to 4,753 mm-long 4x4 Combo Cargo also shares the same unrivalled offer of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems as its Combo LCV siblings and the Combo Life passenger car.
Range of useful equipment includes Automatic Cruise Control, Driver Drowsiness Alert, Forward Collision Alert with Pedestrian Detection and Automatic Emergency Braking, Side Blind Spot Alert and a Head-up Display.
Exclusive to all LCV versions of the Combo, including the 4x4 Cargo, is the option of Surround Rear Vision, which increases rearward visibility especially when the vehicle is fully loaded, while a second camera in the passenger side door mirror reduces the blind spot on this side of the vehicle.
Especially useful and exceptional in this market segment is the wide space between the rear wheel arches, so that the Opel Combo Cargo can transport up to two Euro pallets.
One for all: Opel Vivaro 4x4 in three vehicle lengths
Available as a panel van in three lengths – small, medium and large – with strong 2.0-litre diesel engines and up to 6.6 cubic metres of cargo capacity, Opel Vivaro 4x4 also offers genuine off-road capability.
A wide range of assistance systems and advanced technologies are optionally available for the Vivaro 4x4. Front camera and radar-controlled assistance systems include Lane Keep Assist, Speed Sign Recognition, Driver Drowsiness Alert, Semi-adaptive Cruise Control, Forward Collision Alert and Emergency Braking, Blind Spot Alert and Park Pilot front and rear.
Multimedia Radio and Multimedia Navi Pro infotainment systems come with a large 7.0-inch touchscreen. Both feature phone integration via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Multimedia Navi Pro additionally features European navigation with 3D view. With “OpelConnect”, users can access their vehicle’s status and information via smartphone. They can also enjoy the peace of mind offered by on-board emergency and breakdown calls. LIVE Navigation1 provides online traffic information in real time, which allows the rapid detection and avoidance of delays – nowadays an important business factor.
[1] LIVE Navigation services available free-of-charge for 36 months after activation. Payment required thereafter.
New Opel Corsa has best connectivity in small and compact car segment
Opel boss Michael Lohscheller receives award in Rüsselsheim
New Opel Corsa and Corsa-e score points among experts and public
Opel CEO Michael Lohscheller receives award in Rüsselsheim
All-new Opel Corsa has won another award. Auto Bild and Computer Bild have presented the “Connected Car Award 2019” to the new Opel model. Opel Corsa offers the best all-round connectivity in its class. Readers of the two specialist magazines voted and elected the sixth generation of the Opel bestseller as the winner in the small and compact car segment. Opel CEO Michael Lohscheller received the award at Adam Opel Haus in Rüsselsheim from the deputy editor of Auto Bild, Tomas Hirschberger.
“Our new Opel Corsa offers state-of-the-art technologies that are otherwise hard to find in this class. The best connectivity options and top infotainment are of course part of this. With our new OpelConnect service, Corsa drivers are always up-to-date. We are delighted that our offer has convinced the readers of Auto Bild and Computer Bild, and that they have honoured this with the 'Connected Car Award'”, said Michael Lohscheller.
Already with the Opel Insignia, Vivaro and co., the brand has won several editions of the “Connected Car Award” in recent years. Commenting on the comprehensive range of infotainment systems and connectivity options, Auto Bild stated, “New Opel Corsa offers direct connection to eCall”. Navigation and seven-inch touchscreen “are also available. As an option, it can be fully linked with real-time traffic information via the OpelConnect Live Navigation service.”
Since the world premiere last year, new Opel Corsa and Corsa-e have scored many times. In December, the AUTOBEST jury named new Opel Corsa the “Best Buy Car of Europe 2020”. In Germany, the car won in the compact category when it was voted “Company Car of the Year”. And in Spain, the new Corsa won the title “Premio Best Car Coche Global”. Battery-electric Opel Corsa-e, which is already orderable, will roll to customers in the spring.
Orderable now: OpelConnect from €300 in Germany, standard with navigation systems as well as on Opel Corsa-e and Grandland X plug-in hybrid
All aboard: eCall, breakdown call and vehicle status
High comfort: “myOpel” app with remote controls especially for electrified vehicles
Digitised pathfinder: LIVE Navigation, Trip and Drive Management
OpelConnect
Opel is extending “OpelConnect” with new services. Since summer 2019, buyers of new Opel cars can enjoy additional peace of mind with on-board emergency and breakdown calls. Now they can benefit from numerous other “OpelConnect” services, such as vehicle status and information as well as LIVE Navigation (if the respective car is equipped with a navigation system). Customers of the new Opel electric models Corsa-e and Grandland X as plug-in hybrids can also check the battery’s state-of-charge via “OpelConnect” or programme the air conditioning and charging times. This means that Opel electrified vehicles can be defrosted and warmed up or cooled down comfortably in the summer.
Log in, select service and immediately benefit from OpelConnect
Access to the extended range of “OpelConnect” services is extremely easy. When purchasing a new car, customers simply order the connect box for an additional charge of as little as €300 in Germany. Alternatively, they can equip their new vehicle directly with the Navi 5.0 IntelliLink, Multimedia Navi or Multimedia Navi Pro infotainment systems, in which case the “OpelConnect” box is already standard. OpelConnect box and services are available for Opel models from Corsa to Crossland X and Grandland X, Combo Life and Combo Cargo to Zafira Life and Vivaro.
As an option, Opel dealers can pre-register customers with the necessary data. The new Opel owners can then open an account in the “myOpel” customer portal and activate the services in the “OpelConnect” store. They immediately get the full overview of all available free and paid services. Particularly practical: only one registration is required in future to access and use the “myOpel” app, “myOpel” customer portal and “OpelConnect” store. All three platforms share the same login data.
Standard services: security, comfort, cleverness
Following free services are part of OpelConnect as standard:
eCall (1): if the airbags or seatbelt tensioners are deployed in an accident, an emergency call is made automatically to the local Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP)2. If no answer is received from the vehicle the PSAP sends details of the accident to the rescue services, including the time of incident, the position of the crashed vehicle and the direction of travel. An emergency call can also be triggered manually by pushing the red SOS button in the ceiling above the mirror for more than two seconds.
Breakdown call: connects with the Opel mobility service. Important information such as location and diagnosis data, the time of the breakdown, water and oil temperatures and maintenance alerts can be sent automatically, if the customer wishes.
Vehicle Status & Information service: in future drivers can get information about their car via the “myOpel” app. Depending on the model, the available data includes mileage, average fuel consumption, service intervals and refills, and also a reminder if a scheduled service is approaching. In addition to the owner, the selected Opel dealer is also informed about service intervals and vehicle warnings, so that an appointment can be arranged.
For electrified Opel models, the “OpelConnect” range also includes e-remote control functions. Customers can use their smartphones to check the battery’s state-of-charge or programme air conditioning and charging times by remote control.
Drivers of vehicles with navigation system, who want to know more about their own driver profile from “OpelConnect”, can consult Trip & Drive Management. Trip duration, distance and average speed of the last trip are visible here. “Last-mile” guidance via Bluetooth offers car-to-door navigation to the destination (subject to the model).
LIVE Navigation (3) provides (for three years following activation) online traffic information in real time, which allows delays to be detected quickly and avoided. The system suggests alternative routes and calculates the arrival time. It also gives information about roads with heavy traffic, so that drivers can choose a less busy route. Additional services provide information about fuel prices along the route, available parking spaces and costs, the weather and points of interest such as restaurants and hotels (or in the case of electrified models, the availability of charging stations).
Optional “OpelConnect” services: e-mobility made easy, advantages for fleets
“OpelConnect” and “Free2Move” offer additional, optional, country-specific paid services. These range from Charge my Car with trip planner and charging pass for e-vehicles, to special services for business customers. “Charge My Car” enables access to thousands of charging points throughout Europe via the “Free2Move” app. To make it even easier for customers to choose the right charging point, “Free2Move” makes a preselection based on the distance to the charging point, the charging speed and the charging price of the possible public charging options.
Business customers and fleet managers can benefit from special fleet service options. The scope includes various paid service packages that provide analyses of fuel consumption and driving style or transmit vehicle warnings in real-time as well as maintenance intervals. This makes planning easier and the fleet more efficient.
Coming soon: comfort functions via “myOpel” app
The offer from “OpelConnect” will be continuously expanded in the coming months. Many vehicle functions will be controllable remotely (4) using the “myOpel” app for smartphones. Opel owners can, for example, lock or unlock their car via the app and if they forget where they left the vehicle in a large parking lot, the horn and lights can be activated via the “myOpel” app – voilà, the vehicle is found.
Also coming soon: if the car is equipped with Keyless Open & Start including digital key, the vehicle can be shared with the family. Via smartphone, the owner can allow up to five people to access the car (5).
[1] Requires free contract and agreement to vehicle location at time of order. Dependent on market-availability of “OpelConnect” services.
[2] Available in EU and EFTA countries.
[3] LIVE navigation services available free-of-charge for 36 months after activation. Payment for Live navigation services required thereafter.
Opel Zafira Life and Opel Grandland X SUV can be ordered in Russia as of now
People carrier Opel Zafira Life rolls off the production line in Kaluga
Opel Vivaro also to be produced in Russia soon
In the coming years at least one major launch every year
Growth based on new export markets is at the core of the strategic PACE! plan
Opel Grandland X SUV
Opel is back in Russia: First models of the Rüsselsheim-based German carmaker have arrived in the showrooms of selected dealers in major Russian cities. As of today, customers in Russia can order the successful Opel Grandland X SUV from Eisenach and the Opel Zafira Life.
Opel Zafira Life
Groupe PSA started the regular production of the family van Opel Zafira Life in its plant in Kaluga, some 200 kilometers southwest of Moscow. Opel Vivaro transporter units for the local market will also roll off the production line in Kaluga as of early 2020.
Opel Zafira Life: Production at Groupe PSA plant in Kaluga
“A significant increase of our profitable exports is one of the key pillars of our PACE! company plan. We are making further progress in this area now with our comeback in Russia,” said Opel CEO Michael Lohscheller. “We will gradually increase our commitment in the country in the coming years. This includes offering a wider range of products. In the coming years, there will be at least one major Opel launch every year. Like in every market, our top priority is to grow profitably with a high level of customer satisfaction.”
“Opel is returning to Russia and this is a fantastic comeback. It is a benefit that we are able to use the plant in Kaluga and to produce locally from the start. We are happy to offer Russian clients a competitive and high-quality product which is based on the best developments of German engineering“, said Paul Willcox, CEO Eurasia region.
German brand has a long-standing tradition and an excellent reputation in Russia. With its comeback on the Russian market, Opel will strengthen the presence of Groupe PSA in the Eurasia region. Russia is a large, strategically important and attractive market with a lot of potential.
Initially, 11 dealers in major Russian cities such as Moscow, St. Petersburg, Stavropol, Rostov, Ryazan, Tyumen or Nizhiny Novgorod will be Opel partners. This number will double as soon as next year and grow further going forward.
An extensive export offensive is one pillar of the Opel/Vauxhall strategic plan PACE!, which will help the company become sustainably profitable. Decision to re-enter the Russian market – after having left during the severe economic crisis in 2015 – is part of this plan aiming at the development of the brand in both Europe and global markets. Goal is to generate 10 percent of the overall Opel sales volume outside of the European core market by the mid-2020s.
To achieve this, the brand is further strengthening its presence in the export markets in Asia, Africa and South America where it is already present today and will enter more than 20 new export markets by 2022. For example, Opel will be exporting vehicles to Colombia and Ecuador already as of next year.
Curtain-up: Opel boss Lohscheller opens stand in hall 11.0
World premieres: Opel Corsa, Corsa-e and Corsa-e Rally, new Astra and Grandland X plug-in hybrid
E-offensive for passengers and LCV: Combo Life, Combo Cargo, Zafira Life and Vivaro electrically driven by 2021
Electrifying range: All Opel models electrified by 2024
Way ahead: Opel continues fuel cell development with Zafira Life
Opel CEO Michael Lohscheller with Jürgen Klopp and New Opel Corsa-e
Opel boss Michael Lohscheller – together with special guest and Opel brand ambassador Jürgen Klopp – today opened the “OPELHAUS 120” at the 2019 IAA Frankfurt International Motor Show (public days September 12-22). Opel is going electric and the same goes for the show stand D31 in hall 11.0. In a talk with Champions League winner Klopp, Lohscheller presented breaking news about the E-offensive around LCV and eye-catching world premieres.
Opel CEO Michael Lohscheller with Jürgen Klopp and New Opel Grandland X Hybrid4
The highly efficient new Opel Corsa, the battery electric Corsa-e and Corsa-e Rally make their debut in Frankfurt, along with the first Opel plug-in hybrid, the all-wheel drive Grandland X Hybrid4 with up to 221kW (300hp) system power output (fuel consumption: WLTP 1.4-1.3 l/100km, 32-29 g/km CO2; NEDC 1.5 l/100km 35-34 g/km CO2; all figures weighted, combined and preliminary). Also making their first appearance in Frankfurt are the new Opel Astra five-door and Sports Tourer – the most efficient Astra of all time, with five engines emitting less than 100 g/km CO2and an exceptionally low drag coefficient of 0.26. Also making its premiere at a German motor show is the Opel Zafira Life that offers seating for up to nine and is packed with innovative technologies.
Opel Press conference at IAA 2019
Michael Lohscheller emphasised the importance of Opel’s electric offensive: “In 120 years of automobile production, Opel has always combined German engineering with passionate design, making pioneering technology and innovations accessible for everyone. The same goes today for electric mobility, which is why Opel has selected its most popular model, the Corsa, to finally free e-mobility from its niche existence.” That this not only applies to everyday life, but also to motor sport, is demonstrated by the premiere of the brand new Corsa-e Rally. Opel is the first carmaker to offer a battery electric car for customer rally sport, starting from next year with the ADAC Opel e-Rally Cup.
Opel Press conference at IAA 2019
Not only the passenger cars, but also the LCV will be electrically driven in future. Lohscheller added: “Opel will be sustainably profitable, global and electric. By 2024, all Opel models will be electrified. Electrically driven vehicles will be especially important for the ‘last mile’ in urban areas, for example, for transportation services or businesses. This is why I am delighted to announce today that the Opel Combo Life, Combo Cargo and Zafira Life will already be electric in 2021. And the Vivaro van will be available as an electric version in the course of next year.”
Opel Zafira Life in particular will play a key role in the further development of electric mobility. In addition to bringing hybrid and battery electric vehicles onto the market, Opel also aims to take the lead in the research and development of other pioneering propulsion systems. Lohscheller therefore announced “Opel has many years of experience in fuel cell development, which is why the team in Rüsselsheim has been named as the Groupe PSA global competence centre for hydrogen and fuel cell vehicles. The first-generation Zafira already served as technology platform for HydroGen 1 to 3. We are continuing this tradition: the new Zafira Life will be the brand’s first model to feature the new generation of fuel cell powertrain.”
Next generation small car: Opel Corsa, Corsa-e and Corsa-e Rally
Opel CEO Michael Lohscheller with New Opel Corsa-e
One of this year’s IAA stars is the new 4.06-metre long Opel Corsa. The sixth generation of Opel’s bestselling small car is more modern, dynamic and efficient than ever – in every version. It offers customers the entire drive portfolio – with its particularly economical petrol and diesel engines as well as for the first time the purely battery-electric Corsa-e with a 50kWh battery pack, 100kW (136hp) output and a range of up to 330 kilometres (WLTP3). Moderate fuel consumption and an engaging drive are characteristic of all powertrain options and the exemplary emission values reach all the way to zero when driving the Corsa-e. The sporty overall impression is matched by the reduced weight – the lightest Corsa even undercuts the thousand kilo mark – the low seating position of the driver and the finely tuned chassis. All this comes with everyday suitability and combined with technologies otherwise only known from higher vehicle classes, in particular the adaptive, glare-free IntelliLux LED Matrix light.
Opel CEO Michael Lohscheller with All-New Opel Corsa
Opel also makes a clear statement with the premiere of the Corsa-e Rally based on the production Corsa-e: the company is the first automobile manufacturer in the world to develop a battery-electric vehicle for customer rally sport. From mid-2020, Opel will start the ADAC Opel e-Rally Cup, the first rally brand cup for electric cars in the world. Sporty, emotional and accessible to customers – a project that will point the way ahead for motor sport far beyond the borders of Germany.
Opel Grandland X Hybrid4: introducing the first plug-in hybrid from Opel
Opel CEO Michael Lohscheller with New Opel Grandland X Hybrid4
With its state-of-the-art plug-in hybrid technology, up to 221 kW (300 hp) system power output and all-wheel drive, the Opel Grandland X is the second example of modern, efficient electro-mobility on Opel’s IAA stand. The propulsion system of the Grandland X Hybrid4 includes a WLTP-certified 147 kW (200 hp) 1.6-litre turbocharged direct-injection petrol engine, an electric drive system with two 80 kW (109 hp) electric motors and a 13.2 kWh lithium-ion battery.
Opel Grandland X Hybrid4 will offer four driving modes – electric, hybrid, AWD and Sport. For example, the hybrid mode allows the car to automatically select its most efficient method of propulsion, with the possibility of switching to electric mode for zero-emission driving when reaching a city centre – enabling the car to cover up to 59km in pure electric mode with zero emissions in the WLTP3 driving cycle. Sport mode uses the combined power of the petrol engine and electric motor for higher driving dynamics. Selecting AWD mode activates the electrified rear axle for maximum traction on all kinds of roads. In order to further improve efficiency, the Grandland X Hybrid4 features a regenerative braking system to recover the energy produced under braking or deceleration.
Economical petrol powertrains: Most efficient Opel Astra ever
With the new Astra, Opel keeps its promise to focus on customers and their needs. Instead of prescribing the way forward, the automaker offers the entire drive portfolio – perfectly tailored to individual driving needs. New Opel Astra demonstrates how efficient and economical modern petrol engines can be: with a completely new generation of engines and transmissions and up to 21 per cent lower CO2 emissions, the new Astra is the most efficient ever. Opel Astra also leads the way in terms of aerodynamics. With a drag coefficient of 0.26 for the Astra hatchback as well as the Sports Tourer estate, the new compact Opel is one of the most aerodynamic cars in its class. New Opel Astra is equally exemplary in terms of comfort, assistance and infotainment systems. The portfolio ranges from an even more powerful front camera and digital rear view camera, to wireless charging for compatible smartphones and a heated windscreen.
IAA starts with the press days (September 10 - 11). The show is officially open from September 12-22 (September 12-13 are trade days). From September 14, the general public can take a close look at the new automobiles and developments every day from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• Investments in Eisenach: Modernization of the location and localization of the Groupe PSA EMP2 platform • Clear future prospects: Long-standing Opel Grandland X production • Further step in the electrification of the Opel brand: From the beginning of 2020, Opel Grandland X will also be produced as a hybrid
Today marks the beginning of a new era for the Groupe PSA plant in Eisenach: Production of the compact SUV Opel Grandland X in Thuringia has officially started. Opel CEO Michael Lohscheller and Yann Vincent, Groupe PSA Vice President Manufacturing & Supply Chain, opened the extensively rebuilt assembly line at the site on Wednesday in the presence of Thuringia's Prime Minister Bodo Ramelow.
"Today is a great day for all our employees here in Eisenach, for the entire region and for Opel customers. With the production of the Opel Grandland X we open a new chapter for the location. Because the car is not only in a growing vehicle segment at the start, but will be produced as a hybrid version here from next year and thus contributes to the electrification of Opel. Popularity of the Opel Grandland X has increased steadily in recent years and we are sure that this model will create a sustainable future for the plant, "said Opel CEO Michael Lohscheller.
Thuringia's Prime Minister Ramelow welcomed the clear future prospects for the employees: "We are pleased that the company has invested in the location. Factory belongs to Eisenach like the Wartburg and is an important economic factor - far beyond the region. "
Opel Grandland X: Assembly in Eisenach plant
Conversion work at the Eisenach plant, which localized the Groupe PSA EMP2 platform, started in May of this year. In the past few months, almost no stone was left on the other. Among other things, the "wedding" - the connection of chassis and body to a single unit - has been completely modernized, and a more efficient and environmentally friendly painting process has been introduced.
Opel Grandland X: Assembly in Eisenach plant
Yann Vincent thanked the staff in Eisenach for their efforts in the extensive conversion and training phase: "Team has shown a high level of commitment and prepared Eisenach for the future. I am convinced that all employees will produce the Opel Grandland X for our customers in outstanding quality. Groupe PSA brings the latest technology to the Eisenach plant with the Opel Grandland X and the EMP2 multi-energy platform."
First Opel Grandland X from Eisenach production - Topas Blue with 1.6-liter turbo-gasoline direct injection and 133 kW / 180 hp (fuel consumption: urban 7.2-7.1 l / 100 km, out of 5.0-4, 9 l / 100 km, combined 5.8-5.7 l / 100 km, 132-130 g / km CO2 , fuel consumption according to WLTP: combined 8.0-7.1 l / 100 km, 181-161 g / km CO2 ) - handed over to Michael Lohscheller, Yann Vincent, Eisenach Lord Mayor Katja Wolf and Opel brand ambassador Eva Padberg to the Museum Automobile World Eisenach, where the vehicle will soon take a place of honor.
Opel CEO Michael Lohscheller and Opel brand ambassador Eva Padberg
Since its launch, the Opel Grandland X has sold more than 160,000 copies. And the trend is pointing upwards. This trend will intensify, because the Opel Grandland X Hybrid4 will not only be the first electrified Opel "made in Germany". Compact SUV from Eisenach will also be the spearhead of Opel's comeback in the Russian market this year, flanked by the new Opel Vivaro and the new Opel Zafira Life.
