!NEW! Employee representatives and management agree on corner points of social collective labor contract for Opel Bochum

IG Metall, the Bochum works council and the management of Adam Opel AG have agreed on major, binding corner points of a social collective labor contract for the Opel plant in Bochum:

•       Car production will end, as announced, on December 31, 2014.

•       Opel to remain in Bochum: the company will invest 60 million euros in the warehouse and increase its workforce in the coming years with a further 265 positions, totaling 700 jobs.

•       At least 200 employees will have the chance to move to other Opel plants.

•       Attractive, individual compensation packages will be offered - including a two-year transfer company.

•       Training continues: 171 apprentices will have the chance to get their degrees over the course of the next years. A further 40 apprentices will start as of 2014.

Ulrich Schumacher, HR Director of Adam Opel AG: "In this difficult situation it has been our goal to come to responsible and socially-acceptable solutions for our Bochum employees.  We have achieved this together - in intense but constructive discussions with the works council and IG Metall. We have reached an agreement concerning the most important cornerstones of a social collective labor contract. I am very happy that we can now provide clarity to our staff. "

Vehicle production at the Bochum site is secure for the whole year 2014 and will end as announced on December 31, 2014.

The existing contract for the warehouse which is currently operated by the logistics company Neovia, will be renewed. In the coming years, Opel will invest 60 million euros in this area. This means the existing 430 jobs can be secured in the long term. In addition, 265 more jobs will be created.

Opel will offer individual packages to the employees affected by the discontinuation of vehicle production. These offers are based on individual needs and will support a reorientation of employees. Attractive compensation, a two-year transfer company and special programs for older employees will create prospects for individuals. A minimum of 200 Bochum employees will have the possibility of moving to other Opel plants.

Particular emphasis will be on the placement and qualification of employees in other fields of activity in the greater region of Bochum. This will be pursued in particular by the ‘Bochum 2022 perspective’. Cooperation with other reputable companies should lead to attractive employment opportunities.

The company will make sure that the training of the current 171 Opel apprentices can be finalized properly in cooperation with TÜV Nord Bildung Opel GmbH. In 2014, 40 additional young people will get the chance to start their apprenticeship.

Together with the ‘Bochum Perspektive 2022’ initiative and the ‘Lernfabrik’ project, we will create the prerequisites to make today's training an integral part of a joint training system equipped for the challenges of the future.

!NEW! Opel Monza Concept: Infotainment and Connectivity for Tomorrow

• Trailblazer: Opel Monza Concept creates unique instrument and infotainment experience
• Revolutionary: LED projectors form continuous multi-function display
• Connection: Comprehensive connectivity with internet community possible

New Opel Monza Concept

Efficiency and connectivity are two main focal points that will define development of the next generation of automobiles. The celebrated Opel Monza Concept, which premiered at this year’s Frankfurt International Motor Show, is a visionary and pioneer in both areas, offering a fascinating preview of the future of vehicle development. With its captivating exterior styling and innovative modular powertrain system design, the Monza Concept embodies stylish and ultra-modern efficiency on four wheels, taking this even further in the interior. There Opel’s youngest concept car impresses with unique projection technology and versatile connectivity possibilities that seem like a quantum leap for drivers today but will soon be a normal part of everyday life.

A spectacular view when opening: The expansive doors provide maximum functionality and offer an unobstructed view of the spacious, open passenger cabin

Doors open with a mere sweep of a hand: Just place your hand over the diverse design shades of blue that make up the gradated LED design line and the expansive doors of the Opel Monza Concept open and close like condor wings.

“The Opel Monza Concept breaks the conventions of automobile design, particularly in the interior,” says Opel CEO Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann. “With trailblazing LED projection technology, we create a completely new infotainment world with a unique sense of space. This comes with connectivity possibilities between drivers and their family, friends and acquaintances, and even with the entire internet community that have been unimaginable to date.”

Information in 3D: LED projectors create a multi-media display

Once behind the wheel, the Monza Concept whisks you away into a completely new and unique world of instruments and infotainment with its ultra-modern LED projection technology. 

Ultra-modern LED projection technology: Once behind the wheel, the Opel Monza Concept whisks you away into a completely new and unique world of instruments and infotainment with a wide, sculpted multi-function panel that sweeps from door to door.

Drivers no longer find the conventional individual, separate monitors that display different information; instead, they face a wide, sculpted multi-function panel that sweeps from door to door, and is used as a single projection surface. Information and decorative elements are displayed on the surface, which the driver can customize according to his needs, taste or mood.

The LED projectors create a continuous, adaptable multi-functional display – a world premiere in an automobile. Already established in the events arena, Opel designers were the first to come up with the idea of implementing this technology in a passenger car. The 3D graphics are impressive, and reflect all important functions from precise vehicle and driver information to internet and communication options as well as decorative elements. So the Monza Concept offers a trendsetting multi-function design: it elicits pure emotion while offering superb functionality. Both the area displaying information and the background can be individually configured according to personal information needs and preferences; operation of the different menus and displays is via voice control and steering wheel controls.

Efficiency and clarity are also priorities here: when it came to how the displays present information, Opel engineers focused on the best and most personal way to make relevant data available to the driver. The approach was “simplifying the multitude” and so details on the car, the navigation and the smartphone settings and connection only appear when necessary or desired. So drivers can use a wide range of information without being overwhelmed by text or images. This also makes the Monza Concept a model of future HMI (Human-Machine-Interface) systems, as its interior design is based on latest research findings in this field.

Threefold connectivity: The worlds of ME, US and ALL

Three worlds at the touch of a button: The Opel Monza Concept driver can delve into three worlds of connectivity – called ME, US and ALL – and can focus solely on their driving experience, or get in touch with friends and family or even connect to the whole internet community. 

This also applies to the comprehensive smartphone connectivity in the Monza Concept. With three worlds of connectivity – called ME, US and ALL – drivers can focus solely on their driving experience, or get in touch with friends and family or even connect to the whole internet community.

·       With ME the infotainment system provides only the information necessary for the driver’s own individual driving experience and focuses solely on information the driver considers relevant. So for example, data or facts on the engine, driving style and road conditions that support the driver can be accessed.

·      US enables the passengers of the Monza Concept to connect with a group of selected people such as friends and family members who can log-in to the car’s infotainment system with their own communication device and exchange information, music and images, chat and make appointments, etc. The displays show the connection to family and friends.

·         ALL goes beyond US. It enables the driver to connect to virtually the whole outside world. Drivers can for example spontaneously share their planned route online over a tablet or smartphone so that people can catch a ride with them along the way – enabling a new kind of instant car-sharing. In addition, there are numerous functions such as options to compare information with other drivers, the display of alternative routes and much more. 

Three different worlds in 3D graphics: The Opel Monza Concept driver can delve into three worlds of connectivity – called ME, US and ALL – and can focus solely on their driving experience (above), or get in touch with friends and family or even connect to the whole internet community (below).

With this trailblazing infotainment and connectivity technology, the Monza Concept shows how far ahead Opel designers and engineers are thinking, so that the next generation of cars makes its contribution to a harmonious, connected society.

Comprehensively connecting road users enhances not just intercommunication but also safety, as dangerous traffic situations can thus be registered earlier and more accurately than before. So in terms of interior cabin experience, connectivity and safety, the revolutionary infotainment and HMI system is the heart of the Opel Monza Concept and also of future automobile development.

!NEW! Opel Meriva MPV: Very Attractive Prices for Flexibility Champion

Affordable: New Opel Meriva now available to order; entry-level price from 15,990 euros

Attention-getting: High-class equipment, modern technologies and sophisticated design

Clean performance: Now also with new 1.6 CDTI- Opel whisper diesel 

New Opel Meriva MPV - Now with LED DRL

The new Opel Meriva MPV is making waves with its refined design, high-class equipment, trendsetting infotainment and engine technology and extremely attractive prices. Opel’s flexibility champion is now available to order for a sensational entry-level price of 15,990 euros (RRP incl. VAT in Germany), almost 700 euros less than before. The entry-level Selection variant with the 1.4-liter, 74 kW/100 hp gasoline engine and five-speed manual transmission offers standard features including the FlexSpace seating concept that has been highly praised by the AGR (Campaign for Healthy Backs), electric exterior mirrors and front window lift, electric park brake, adaptive braking lights and many more safety features.

New Opel Meriva MPV with redesigned front fascia

Opel goes even further in the higher equipment levels: customers can order the new Meriva Edition with the popular 88 kW/120 hp 1.4 turbo for 19,450 euros – increasing value for money by around five percent. The new Meriva Edition variant now comes standard with additional safety and comfort details such as cruise control, leather steering wheel and the infotainment system CD 400 with steering wheel remote controls and Aux-in connectivity. In the INNOVATION variant, the Meriva comes standard with the new, state-of-the-art IntelliLink system CD 600 including a seven-inch color monitor, Aux-in, USB and hands-free speaking system via Bluetooth. On the outside, the compact features energy-saving LED daytime running lights and rear lamps as well as innovative curve and cornering light.

New Opel Meriva - Bi-Halogen Adaptive Lights with DRL LEDs

“With the new Opel Meriva, we offer a compelling package of elements from design, equipment and price that compact van-lovers will find irresistible,” says Andreas Marx, Marketing Director Germany. “It carries on the successful, hugely popular flexibility concept and offers many innovative equipment features like the revolutionary IntelliLink system and engines that already fulfill the stringent future Euro 6 emissions standard. This makes the new Opel Meriva even more attractive for customers who want to switch to an all-purpose, comfortable and ultra-modern compact van – and this all comes with a five-percent increase in value for money.”

Convincing elements: IntelliLink, new transmissions and Euro 6 engines

New Opel Meriva with IntelliLink: New infotainment system comes with a high-definition, 7 inch color monitor, fast and user-friendly navigation and voice control.

The first and only series production automobile in the world to receive an award for its comprehensive ergonomic concept convinces across the board. In the cabin, the new Opel Meriva features the state-of-the-art IntelliLink infotainment system with a high-resolution, seven-inch color monitor, voice recognition and optional navigation system. The FlexFix seating concept, FlexRail center console, FlexDoor door system and FlexFix bicycle carrier ensure top ergonomics and flexibility. In terms of exterior design, the Meriva boasts a new face that has the characteristics of the new Opel Insignia. Opel Meriva shares the top model’s elegant, generously chromed front grille and sparkling design for the lights with LED daytime running lights and rear lamps.

New Opel Meriva - LED Tail lights with chrome elements

As well as looking the part, a class act also needs a first class engine. The new Meriva features Opel’s new generation diesel powertrain, the 1.6 CDTI that was exclusive to the Zafira Tourer. This ultra-refined whisper-diesel, the quietest in its class, is initially available with power output of 100 kW/136 hp and 320 Newton meters of maximum torque. In addition to the 1.6 diesel, all gasoline engines and the LPG variant in the new Meriva already comply with the future strict Euro 6 emissions standard. The 1.4 liter turbo gasoline engines (88 kW/120 hp and 103 kW/140 hp) are also offered in combination with a reworked low-friction six-speed automatic transmission. As for the five and six-speed manual gearboxes, these have been substantially upgraded and offer more precise shifting, with smooth operation and minimal effort.

New Opel ECOTEC 1.6 CDTI  Euro 6 engine with 100 kW/136 hp and 320 Nm of max. torque

Downloads: Opel Meriva MY 14.5 Brochure (GER)
                      Opel Meriva MY 14.5 Price list (GER)

Wallpapers: New Opel Meriva - Exterior Design 1 (1440x900)
                     New Opel Meriva - Exterior Design 2 (1440x900)
                     New Opel Meriva - Driving Dynamics (1440x900)
                     New Opel Meriva - Exterior Design 3 (1440x900)