!NEW! Travelling Lounge with Top Connectivity and Flexibility: New Opel Zafira

• Online: Wi-Fi Hotspot and new infotainment systems with smartphone integration
• Relaxing: New ergonomic cockpit and lounge comfort for up to seven people
• Innovative: New adaptive safety lighting system AFL LED turns night into day
• Bold: Sculptural chrome bar and new double wing LED Daytime Running Lights

 New Opel Zafira 

Ever since Opel introduced its revolutionary integrated seven-seat system in the compact van segment in 1999, the Opel Zafira has been characterized by a unique blend of exceptional versatility and optimum comfort. Opel has sold 2.7 million units of the Zafira, mainly to families and professionals who need a spacious and flexible vehicle for travelling long distances in high comfort.

 New Opel Zafira rolls out to dealerships in September

The new Opel Zafira can now be ordered for the attractive entry-level price of €21,990 (RRP incl. VAT in Germany). And when it rolls out to dealerships in September, it won’t only be counting on the tried and true optional qualities of its predecessor such as the Flex7 seating system, the AGR-certified ergonomic front seats (Aktion Gesunder Rücken e.V. – Campaign for Healthier Backs), the FlexFix bicycle carrier or the adaptive FlexRide chassis – the new Opel Zafira also features a new, bold exterior design and a re-designed interior with an especially spacious ambience and superb connectivity. Depending on the end device, Opel’s newest-generation IntelliLink infotainment system is compatible with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto; the personal connectivity and service assistant Opel OnStar, available as standard or as an option depending on the trim, turns the new Opel Zafira into a mobile 4G/LTE Wi-Fi Hotspot for driver, friends and family1. And for the first time in this vehicle class, Opel offers the latest-generation Adaptive Forward Lighting AFL with Full LED technology as an option. This all makes the new Opel Zafira a comfortable travelling lounge for driver and passengers.

Quality you can see: Sporty exterior design and first-class interior

 New Opel Zafira - The sculptural chrome logo bar optically blends into the headlights, giving the car a wider look

The dynamic headlamp design together with the markedly sportier grille set the tone for the Zafira’s fresh design. Its front headlamps melt into the radiator grille to form a graphic unity. The sculptural chrome logo bar optically blends into the headlights, giving the car a wider look. The new typical Opel double chrome wing Daytime Running Lights – the upper one doubles as an LED blinker – add to the striking impression the new Opel Zafira makes with its solid, sporty and dynamic front design.

New typical Opel double chrome wing Daytime Running Lights – The upper one doubles as an LED blinker

“The new Zafira’s front design takes over key features from the new, award-winning Opel Astra and is an integral part of Opel’s model portfolio. The chiseled double wing Daytime Running Lights bring sophistication that also flows into the interior. With the completely redesigned instrument panel, the cockpit is clearer, tidier and more user-friendly,” says Mark Adams, Vice President GM Europe Design.

New Opel Zafira - Completely redesigned instrument panel

The new, elegant cockpit design gives driver and front passenger optimum forward visibility. All important functions such as the display and operating controls are comfortably within the driver’s reach zone. While the infotainment system’s display was located above the center console before, it has been replaced by a touchscreen in the new Opel Zafira cockpit and integrated lower down in the center console. At the same time, designers were able to reduce the number of buttons and switches in the cockpit. The high-quality 7-inch touchscreen makes a premium impression. The new, three-dimensionally sculptured steering wheel with the small and efficiently packaged airbag cover not only looks great, it is also extremely ergonomic.

New Opel Zafira - Elegant cockpit with Navi 950 IntelliLink infotainment

Opel offers the new Zafira with two latest-generation IntelliLink infotainment systems – both with a 7-inch color touchscreen. The R4.0 IntelliLink system brings the world of smartphones into the travelling lounge and is, depending on the end device compatible with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Navi 950 IntelliLink is ideal for customers looking for an infotainment system with on-board navigation. Opel OnStar is also on board. The personal connectivity and service assistant protects passengers with Automatic Crash Response and many other features. Together with Navi 950, it also offers destination download. And Opel OnStar also turns the new Zafira into a 4G/LTE Wi-Fi Hotspot (market-dependent). Up to seven devices – one for each passenger – can be connected to the car network.

New Opel Zafira - R4.0 IntelliLink with 7-inch color touchscreen and Apple CarPlay & Android Auto support

Top combination: Highest flexibility meets airy lounge atmosphere

As in the previous Opel Zafira generations, driver and passengers can also enjoy relaxing journeys in the optional AGR-certified ergonomic seats. The multi-functional FlexRail center console on aluminum rails offers flexible storage modules between the front seats.

Passengers in the second row can enjoy the cabin transformation into a spacious and comfortable lounge. Thanks to a clever folding mechanism, the back of the middle seat folds down and rotates to offer comfortable armrests for the outer seats. These also slide to the rear and towards the center of the vehicle, enabling the lounge seating system to provide the especially generous leg and shoulder room of a premium-class sedan. The third row of seats can also be folded down flush with the floor of the luggage compartment, thus creating a level load surface. Personal comfort is top priority: Opel designers have turned the flexible interior into a lounge to relax and enjoy the spacious atmosphere, be it on a business trip or a vacation.

The optional panorama windscreen and panorama sunroof increase comfort and the sense of space even more. The windscreen stretches from the engine hood almost to the B-pillar, giving driver and front passenger a sweeping, unobstructed view upwards. The panorama sunroof reaches from the windscreen to the rear of the car, enhancing the interior’s light and airy lounge atmosphere.

It fits: Intelligent storage solutions

But the new Opel Zafira offers much more than “just” an extremely comfortable way to travel. The travelling lounge can easily double as a small transporter. In a 5-seat configuration, according to ISO 3832 the Zafira can carry a minimum load volume of 710 liters that can be increased 1,860 liters by folding down the second-row seats.

Furthermore, Opel Zafira features more than 30 storage possibilities. The optional FlexFixbicycle carrier integrated in the rear end is extremely practical. It slides out of the rear bumper like a drawer and can accommodate up to four bicycles (with a total weight of 80 kilograms).  As the loaded bicycle carrier can be tilted back, the tailgate can still be opened even when FlexFix is fully loaded.

Top technologies on board: Innovative, safe, individually adjustable, dynamic

Elsewhere, Opel engineers again implemented the company strategy of making innovative technologies available to a broad group of buyers with the next generation of Adaptive Forward Lighting AFL with Full LED technology. The new AFL LED system automatically adapts the lighting patterns of the headlamps to the driving situation so that the optimum light performance is always given. The system features nine different functions/lighting patterns including town and country light as well as a tourist mode and stop mode light (eco). The latter, for example, activates the energy-saving mode when stopped at a red light.

The newest version of the Opel Eye front camera supports many driver assistance systems including the AFL LED lighting system’s High Beam Assist (HBA) and Traffic Sign Recognition (TSR). Following Distance Indication (FDI) also utilizes the front camera to detect moving vehicles ahead, while Forward Collision Alert (FCA) provides visible and audible caution alerts when the distance between the Zafira and the vehicle ahead diminishes too quickly. Lane Departure Warning (LDW) is activated automatically at speeds over 60 km/h and warns the driver with a telltale in the instrument panel and an audible warning if the car unintentionally leaves its lane.

Two other features in the new Opel Zafira that increase comfort and reduce stress are Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) and the FlexRide chassis. Using radar sensors located behind the front grille, Adaptive Cruise Control helps the driver to maintain the selected speed while keeping a pre-set distance to the vehicle ahead. In addition to speed, the driver can also select the distance from three available options: far, medium, near. Based on the driver’s personal preferences, the adaptive mechatronic FlexRide chassis continuously adapts to driving style and situation.

New Opel Zafira - Sport and Tour switch for FlexRide chassis 

Performance range: Driving fun with gasoline, diesel, LPG or CNG

Opel Zafira buyers also have a large range of engines to choose from, as the new Opel Zafira will be the only vehicle in its class offering the entire spectrum of powertrains. This encompasses gasoline, diesel, liquefied petroleum gas and compressed natural gas units with outputs from 88 kW/120 hp to 147 kW/200 hp (Fuel consumption urban 11.7-6.1 l/100 km, extra-urban 7.7-4.2 l/100 km, combined 9.2-4.7 l/100 km; CO2 emissions combined 182-129 g/km (according to Regulation (EC) No 715/2007); energy efficiency class D-A in Germany). The top-of-the-line engine in the Zafira portfolio is the 147 kW/200 hp 1.6 ECOTEC Direct Injection Turbo. With maximum torque of 280 Nm, it accelerates the compact van from zero to 100 km/h in just 8.8 seconds and takes it to a top speed of 220 km/h. The powerhouse masters the sprint from 80 to 120 km/h in fifth gear in just 8.3 seconds (Fuel consumption with six-speed manual transmission, Start/Stop and low-rolling-resistance tires urban 8.4 l/100 km, extra-urban 5.9 l/100 km, combined 6.8 l/100 km; CO2 emissions combined 160 g/km (according to Regulation (EC) No 715/2007); energy efficiency class C in Germany).

!NEW! Buick Launches Updated Encore SUV in China

Updated Buick Encore was launched in Chengdu, China.

Buick introduced the updated version of its popular Encore SUV in China on June 18. Encore was Buick’s best-selling vehicle in North America in 2015, accounting for nearly a third of overall sales, and one of GM’s most popular SUVs in China, with deliveries of 81,766 units last year.

SAIC-GM Medium and Small Vehicle Platform Executive Director Gu Yebin introduced the highlights of the new Buick Encore.

The new Encore adopts Buick's latest exterior design language and comes with an upgraded interior design, more advanced technologies, a segment-leading powertrain and the intelligent all-wheel-drive (AWD) system. Five variants are available, priced from RMB 139,900 to RMB 189,900.

Youthful and Dynamic Exterior

New Buick Encore: Full LED headlights with double-wing-shaped daytime lights

An urban SUV for a new generation of young consumers, the new Encore comes with an all-new winged chrome grille complemented by wing-shaped Full LED headlights and sharp double-wing-shaped daytime lights, which are appearing for the first time on a Buick model.

New Buick Encore: Wing-shaped LED taillights

All-new wing-shaped LED taillights surrounded in chrome trim echo the design of the front. A roof-mounted luggage rack and new 18-inch, 10-spoke aluminum alloy wheels add to the youthful and dynamic look.

New Buick Encore: New 18-inch, 10-spoke aluminum alloy wheels

Premium Interior

The new Buick Encore’s interior is on par with interiors in upper-medium passenger cars. The SUV has a wealth of soft materials, including new maple-leaf red premium Alcantara® suede complemented by French double-stitching craftsmanship, to cater to the tastes of younger buyers.

New Buick Encore: Premium interior with soft materials, red Alcantara and French double-stitching

The new Encore incorporates Buick's signature 360 degree wraparound interior layout. It introduces a new center console design, a new-generation 7-inch HD touch screen and a standard three-spoke multifunction steering wheel.

New Buick Encore: New center console design, new-generation 7-inch HD touch screen and standard three-spoke multifunction steering wheel.

Buick's patented QuietTuning technology gives the new Encore a peaceful interior that is best in class. Adding to the comfort is a spacious cabin with 986 mm of headroom and 908 mm of legroom in back. The new Encore also provides 1,372 liters of cargo space.

Precise Handling and High Efficiency

A powerful 1.4L turbocharged engine comes standard across the new Encore lineup. It generates segment-leading power of 103 kW at 4,900-6,000 rpm and peak torque of 200 Nm at 1,700-4,800 rpm, enabling the driver to overtake effortlessly.

The engine is paired with a choice of a six-speed manual transmission or a six-speed DSS intelligent transmission with smooth acceleration and gear shifting. All variants come with engine stop/start technology, which enhances fuel economy and reduces emissions in stop-and-go driving.

The new Encore rides on a professionally tuned European-style chassis and adopts the electric power steering (EPS) system. The Sport driving mode maximizes driving pleasure through precise handling and agility, while the adoption of electronic stability control (ESC) adds to the smooth handling and safety.

The new Encore is available with the intelligent AWD system, which can switch between different driving modes in two-tenths of a second. The system  continuously controls torque distribution, automatically varying the front-to-rear torque split between 100:0 and 50:50. This allows the SUV to confidently tackle low-friction conditions such as wet, muddy, slippery, snow-covered and gravel-covered roads.

Advanced Infotainment and Safety

The new Encore comes with Buick's new-generation IntelliLink infotainment system with Baidu CarLife compatibility and a navigation system with voice control. Users have multiple ways to connect with their smart devices.

Advanced technologies such as cruise control, keyless entry, push-button start and remote engine start (RES) are complemented by the OnStar full-time online assistant, the tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS), an anti-dazzle rearview mirror and heated outside rearview mirrors.

Joins 2016 “Route Awakening” Buick China Culture Tour

The new Encore will accompany other members of Buick's SUV family on the 2016 “Route Awakening” Buick China Culture Tour. This is Buick’s third year joining the National Geographic Channel in sponsoring the activity, which is among the largest and longest culture tours in China. The “Route Awakening” documentary series will showcase China’s magnificent landscape and splendid ancient civilization.

!NEW! Opel in Germany with Sales Growth of 26 Percent in May

• Passenger car sales up nearly 4,400 units
• Market share up by more than 0.8 percentage points to more than 7.4 percent
• New Opel Astra generates additional impetus

New Astra drives growth: Opel has increased its May sales figures in Germany by 26 percent. 

Opel continues to grow on the important German market. The Rüsselsheim-based brand’s passenger car sales were up by nearly 26 percent or by roughly 4,400 units to around 21,260 in May. Opel therefore grew at more than twice the rate of the total German passenger car market. Opel’s share of the passenger car market was up by more than 0.8 percentage points to more than 7.4 percent.

Opel also continued its growth path in the course of the year. With almost 103,000 passenger cars, Opel increased its sales for the period from January to May by around 13,250 units (15 percent). Also in this period, the brand grew more than twice as strong as the total German passenger car market. Market share was up by more than 0.5 percentage points to around 7.4 percent, which is the best result in this period for five years.

Europe’s “Car of the Year 2016”, the new Opel Astra, was once again the main driver of this growth. So far this year more than 26,600 Astra have been sold – an increase of around 30 percent compared to the same period of last year.

Car of the Year 2016: New Opel Astra has been sold more than 26,600 times this year – an increase of around 30 percent compared to the same period of last year.

Elsewhere, the Opel Mokka was another guarantee for success. Sales of the successful SUV increased by almost 40 percent in May alone, thus taking top spot in the monthly and the year-to-date SUV B segment rankings.

“Things are continuing to look up at Opel. I am sure that our new models will add further impetus to our sales. Especially given the fact that the new Opel Mokka X has been available for order in Germany since the beginning of the week,” said Jürgen Keller, Opel Executive Director Sales, Marketing and Aftersales in Germany.