Wednesday, 8 November 2017

Euro NCAP Five-Star Rating for Opel Crossland X

Integrity of Opel Crossland X safety concept confirmed in Euro NCAP crash tests


In its latest safety ratings published today, Euro NCAP awarded the Opel Crossland X B-segment crossover the maximum five stars, based on good assessments in the four safety areas adult occupant protection, child occupant protection, pedestrian protection and safety assist. The Crossland X performed especially well in the side barrier tests, where it scored maximum points for both adult and child occupant protection.

In addition to the safety equipment fitted as standard, such as Driver Drowsiness Alert and Lane Departure Warning, the Opel Crossland X also offers optional innovations for even higher driving safety: Forward Collision Alert with pedestrian detection and Automatic Emergency Braking, Driver Drowsiness Detection, high-tech Full LED headlights, 180-degree Panoramic Rear View Camera and Side Blind Spot Alert are just some examples.



Crisp and compact on the outside and especially spacious and versatile on the inside, with trendy two-tone paintwork and cool SUV looks, the Opel Crossland X has already convinced more than 70,000 customers from all over Europe since sales began in March.



Friday, 3 November 2017

Opel Helps Drivers Stay Connected Hands-Free

  • Variety of infotainment systems and mountings for Opel cars from ADAM to Zafira
  • Phone-operation via button-press, touch, remote control or voice recognition
  • Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility on selected IntelliLink systems

Top-of-the-line: New Opel Insignia features the latest generation Navi 900 IntelliLink infotainment system.


Using your mobile telephone while driving the car is forbidden in many countries. If you are “caught in the act” by the police, it can also be very expensive. In Germany, for example, where fines were recently increased and the ban extended to other devices such as tablets and e-books, just picking up your phone to look at the display risks a €100 fine and one point on your driving licence.

Fortunately for drivers who want to stay connected or motorists who use their smartphone for navigation, the German automobile manufacturer Opel offers a variety of infotainment systems and mounting devices across its passenger car range, which enable hands-free operation of the phone.

Depending on the Opel infotainment system, phones are operated either by button-press (at the entry-level), or by touch-screen and remote controls on the steering wheel and voice recognition. R 4.0 IntelliLink, Navi 4.0 IntelliLink and the top-of-the line Navi 900 IntelliLink infotainment system additionally allow operation of suitably-equipped phones via their own voice-control system, such as Siri or Google.


Opel brings the world of smartphones into its KARL, ADAM, Corsa, Astra, Crossland X, Grandland X, Mokka X, Insignia and Zafira models with the R 4.0 IntelliLink system. Depending on the end device, R 4.0 IntelliLink is compatible with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Navi 4.0 IntelliLink: Integrated navigation Opel KARL, ADAM, Corsa and Zafira


In addition to the advantages of the R 4.0 IntelliLink system – seven-inch touch screen display, Bluetooth-connectivity as well as both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility – Navi 4.0 IntelliLink adds integrated navigation featuring European roadmaps displayed in 2D or 3D and dynamic route guidance via TMC. With the OnStar[1] “guardian angel” at their side, drivers can also have destinations sent straight to the navigation system (Destination Download), either by the OnStar advisor or via the MyOpel app. 


With the lean, clear menu structures of Navi 4.0 IntelliLink and its intuitive usability, the Opel KARL, ADAM, Corsa and Zafira belong to the best connected small cars and compact vans on the market.

In the Opel Crossland X and Grandland X, Navi 5.0 IntelliLink comes with an eight-inch colour touchscreen and also allows seamless integration of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto via compatible smartphones.


The latest generation of the Navi 900 IntelliLink system available with the Opel Astra, Mokka X and Insignia ensures excellent and individual entertainment. The system is also compatible with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which bring their respective smartphone worlds into the Insignia both quickly and comprehensively, building on the features smartphone users rely on most.



In order to make mobile phone-use in combination with Bluetooth even more convenient, Opel also offers wireless charging, which enables you to recharge your phone’s battery via an electromagnetic field, reducing clutter and the need for cables – just place your smartphone on the integrated charger and charging will begin immediately. Wireless charging is possible in the Opel ADAM, Corsa, Crossland X, Grandland X and Insignia.

Neat and tidy without cables: Wireless charging enables recharging of smartphones via an electromagnetic field, as shown here in the new Opel Insignia.

Of course, Opel also offers classic hands-free solutions such as the FlexDock mounting system for smartphones, which is available in the ADAM and Corsa. Fixed to the instrument panel, FlexDock also enables the smartphone to be used as a navigation system. Another advantage is that FlexDock recharges smartphones without any additional cables.


 [1] [Opel][Vauxhall] are not responsible for the provision of OnStar services or Wi-Fi services. OnStar Services require activation and an account with OnStar Europe Ltd, [a GM Company]. Wi-Fi services require account with OnStar Europe Ltd’s mobile network operator supplier. All services subject to mobile network coverage and availability. Use of OnStar services (except Wi-Fi) is free of charge for 12 months from registration date or delivery of vehicle, whichever comes first. Wi-Fi trial has a time limit and capped data allowance. Charges apply after expiry of applicable trial periods. Check [LOCAL SITE] for service limitations and charges.

Wednesday, 1 November 2017

Finalization of the acquisition of Opel and Vauxhall financial operations by Groupe PSA and BNP Paribas


  • Creation of a new automotive finance organisation for Opel and Vauxhall.
  • The new organisation will benefit from the experience of Banque PSA Finance and BNP Paribas Personal Finance’s expertise in the field of finance offers through an exclusive partnership with the Opel and Vauxhall brands.
  • New organisation led by Alexandre Sorel, (Banque PSA Finance), CEO supported by deputy CEO Pascal Brasseur (BNP Paribas Personal Finance) and Erhard Paulat (Opel Bank).
  • Strategic plan to generate profitable, agile growth will be presented in 100 days.

Finalization of the acquisition of Opel and Vauxhall financial operations by Groupe PSA and BNP Paribas
Groupe PSA and BNP Paribas today announced the closing of their joint acquisition of the financial operations of Opel and Vauxhall, announced on March 6th.

The new organisation combining the existing brands Opel Bank, Opel Financial Services and Vauxhall Finance is created. It will benefit from the combined expertise of financial captive Banque PSA Finance and automotive finance specialist, BNP Paribas Personal Finance to more effectively serve Opel and Vauxhall dealers and customers.

Opel and Vauxhall's financing operations are an essential element of the commercial performance of 1,800 dealers in 11 European countries. They provide a comprehensive range of auto financing products, including consumer loans, leasing and service contracts as well as dealer financing and insurance. Together, they represented around €9.6 billion in total financing at end 2016.

Alexandre Sorel, Chief Executive Officer, Pascal Brasseur and Erhard Paulat, both Deputy CEO, will take over the management of the new organisation.

From left to right: Erhard Paulat & Pascal Brasseur, Deputy CEO & Alexandre Sorel, CEO of the new organization
This new management will present in 100 days its strategic plan with the support of Banque PSA Finance and BNP Paribas Personal Finance. The objective of the plan is to accelerate the development of the entity, and to offer the most competitive offers to customers of Opel and Vauxhall.

Commenting on the transaction,  Chief Executive Officer Alexandre Sorel said: "We are now thoroughly committed, alongside all of the teams, to building the strategic plan with the clear purpose of improving the performance of the company's businesses and the competitiveness of our financial solutions for Opel and Vauxhall customers. Everyone's involvement across the company is critical at this stage."

"The development of this automotive finance company is essential to the growth of the Opel and Vauxhall car brands. We are proud to be joining forces to create the conditions for growth and to work with the teams to write another chapter in the company's history. Our complementary areas of expertise are a key asset for making this partnership a success." concluded Alain Van Groenendael, Chairman of BNP Paribas Personal Finance and Rémy Bayle, Chief Executive Officer of Banque PSA Finance

For further information about the new executive team

Alexandre Sorel
CEO


Alexandre Sorel (46) is the CEO of the new organisation, board member of Opel Bank SA and member of Banque PSA Finance Executive Committee.

Through several experiences within Groupe PSA from 1994 to 2017, Alexandre Sorel has a deep knowledge of the automotive industry as well as of the banking sector. He was previously CFO of Banque PSA Finance. Prior to that position, he held several positions in Groupe PSA, on the OEM side as in the auto finance business.

Alexandre Sorel holds a MBA from Neoma Business School, Reims (France).

Pascal Brasseur
Deputy CEO


Pascal Brasseur (49) has been Head of the Retail Business Line at BNP Paribas Personal Finance since September 2012. Pascal served as Commercial Director beginning in 2009 for Northern Europe (UK, Germany, Belgium, Netherlands, Switzerland, and Norway). Prior he was General Manager of BNP Paribas subsidiaries in France specialized in Mortgages and Debt Consolidation. Prior to that, he held leadership roles in the financing area. He joined BNP Paribas Group in 1992, and began his career in Spain.

Pascal Brasseur holds an MBA from ESCP Europe.

ED Paulat
Deputy CEO


Erhard (ED) Paulat (48) has been Executive Vice President, U.K., Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Sweden at GM Financial International Operations since April 2013. In the same year, he was named Managing Director of Opel Bank in Germany, which he had been overseeing as Chief Operating Officer together with Austria and Switzerland, beginning in 2012. Ed Paulat served as Managing Director U.K. beginning in 2007, and assumed responsibility for Sweden in 2010. Prior to that, he held leadership roles on three continents and in various areas, including audit and commercial credit. He joined the company in 1992.

Ed Paulat holds an MBA from Henley Management College, U.K.