!NEW! Opel to Debut Three New Models in China

Opel Insignia ST, Opel Astra GTC and Opel Zafira Tourer MPV to be Unveiled on March 28

On March 28 an exclusive group of automotive and business journalists will get their first look at three Opel models coming to China this year – the Insignia ST, Astra GTC and Zafira Tourer. The models will make their China debut at the Opel Brand Night that evening in Beijing. The new Opel entries will enable the brand to broaden its product lineup in China to help satisfy the increasingly diverse demands of Chinese vehicle buyers.

Opel Insignia ST

"These three models meet the needs of buyers in different market segments. With their exquisite craftsmanship, innovative design and extraordinary performance, they will help support the growth of the Opel brand in China," said Chen Wenxin, Director of GM China Opel Operations.

Opel Astra GTC

The three models embody Opel’s proud heritage of German engineering and technology excellence. The Zafira Tourer and Astra GTC both feature modern designs, with a panoramic windshield and a high seating position for an excellent view of the road ahead. The Insignia ST and Zafira Tourer are each equipped with the FlexRide chassis control system, which provides a range of settings for the driver to enjoy a combination of dynamic yet comfortable driving.

Opel Zafira Tourer MPV

The three models have already won several international awards in Europe, including the “Golden Steering Wheel 2012” for the Zafira Tourer from Auto Bild and Bild am Sonntag, two leading automotive magazines in Germany, the 2009 “red dot design award” for the original version of Insignia ST - Insignia, and the 2012 “red dot design award” for the Astra GTC. The red dot award dates back to 1955 but has since grown into one of the biggest and most prestigious design competitions of the world.

Opel models are sold in China as part of GM’s multi-brand strategy to meet the needs of Chinese consumers. Opel is will also expand its nationwide distribution network in 2013 to make owning an Opel more convenient for customers. Today the Opel Antara mid-range SUV is Opel’s best-selling model in China.

 

Opel Antara SUV

New Opel Astra J GTC wins Red Dot Design Award

Compact Coupé scores points for striking design and Panoramic Windscreen

The new Opel Astra J GTC has been given the prestigious Red Dot Design Award by a panel of international judges in this year’s product design category. The compact coupé which just had its market launch a couple of months ago is widely recognized for being sporty, efficient and packed full of innovative technologies with captivating design. 

The 30 judges on the red dot award panel praised the Astra J GTC for “scoring points with its striking and sporty design”. The judges also remarked that the “panoramic windscreen that stretches all the way to the middle of the roof without a transverse spar ensures that all passengers benefit from maximum driving fun”. 

“We are very proud to have won this award. This is further proof that our Opel design philosophy of ‘sculptural artistry meets German precision’ has enormous potential. It is also evidence that customers and industry experts alike appreciate its value in how it helps communicate our brand values," says Mark Adams, Vice President of Opel/Vauxhall Design.

Around 1,800 companies and designers from 58 nations took part in this year’s “red dot award: product design” contest. The competitors entered 4,515 products in 19 different categories creating a very tough competitive field but where the Astra GTC came out on top.

This year’s prize for the compact coupé is just the latest in a long string of “red dot awards” handed given to Opel designed vehicles. Previous winners include the Astra Sports Tourer, the Opel Flextreme GT/E Concept, the Insignia, the Opel GT and past Astra generation models. 

The Red Dot Award dates back to 1955 but has since grown into one of the biggest and most prestigious design competitions of the world.

Heavenly views thanks to panoramic windscreen

Customers who opt for the panoramic windscreen in the new Astra J GTC can treat themselves to heavenly views and cinematic vistas. In addition, the exclusive features give the dynamic look of the sporty compact coupé a further luxurious note on the outside. The large front windscreen stretches all the way to the middle of the car roof and gives the driver and the passengers an extraordinary visual, space and driving experience. In addition, the exclusive features give the dynamic look of the sporty compact coupé a further luxurious note on the outside. In the event of very powerful sun rays, a roller blind can be lowered inside the cabin which sits under the panoramic glass. The device which is continuously variable can be easily adjusted and then may be attached with a turning handle. The solar protection comes complete with an integrated sun visor which even in its opened state disappears behind the rear roof component.