Exchange made easy: Bonus for Euro 1 to 4 vehicles of any brand when buying an Opel vehicle
Attractive trade-in offers for Euro 5 Opel diesel vehicles for customers living in German regions with especially high air pollution when they buy a new model
Opel is looking to a speedy fleet renewal as one way of reducing vehicle emissions and is therefore introducing a special environment bonus of up to €8,000: Owners of older diesel vehicles of any brand that meet the Euro 1 to Euro 4 emissions standards can benefit from this bonus. The condition is that the old diesel vehicle is handed in and scrapped. The bonus will also be paid when Euro 5 models made by Opel are traded in for an Opel vehicle [1] by customers who live or whose company is located in German areas [2] with especially high air pollution.
Both private and small commercial customers in Germany can take advantage of this attractive offer. Furthermore, Opel will also grant a further two years guarantee in addition to the manufacturer guarantee on young used cars [3].
“With the introduction of the “Opel Environment Bonus”, we are making it easier for customers to switch to the latest and most efficient Opel models and are thus contributing to an improvement of air quality. Customers who buy a new Opel now therefore need not fear city driving bans from today’s perspective,” said Jürgen Keller, Executive Director Sales, Marketing & Aftersales Opel Germany. Opel is already prepared for the future with its ultra-modern portfolio: The Rüsselsheim-based carmaker is ready for the new Euro 6d-TEMP emissions standard that comes into force for all new registrations in September 2019. The company already offers 127 passenger car variants that meet the more stringent limits of the new standard.
[1] New cars, demonstration cars and test cars.
[2] Areas with especially high air pollution: München, Stuttgart, Köln, Reutlingen, Düren, Hamburg, Limburg an der Lahn, Düsseldorf, Kiel, Heilbronn, Backnang, Darmstadt, Bochum, Ludwigsburg along with the neighbouring districts.
[3] Valid for selected young used cars from the existing stock of Opel Automobile GmbH.
When the horses moved under the bonnet: Opel starts with Patentmotorwagen in 1899
Mobility for the masses: Doktorwagen, Laubfrosch and Kadett pave the way
From Lutzmann to Insignia; 120 years of car manufacturing in Rüsselsheim
Company goal until this very day: Opel democratises technologies
The first Opel: Patent Motor Car, System Lutzmann, 1899
Opel is one of the carmakers with the richest tradition
in the world. Next year, the brand will celebrate 120 years of
automobiles. After listening to the advice of her sons Karl, Wilhelm and
Friedrich, Sophie Opel decided to start producing cars in 1899 – four
years after the death of company founder Adam Opel. What started in a
garage in Rüsselsheim am Main with 65 hand-made Opel Patentmotorwagen
“System Lutzmann”, has long become a mass phenomenon will more than 70
million vehicles built to date. From the very beginning, Opel championed
the cause of producing cars as efficiently as possible and thus making
them affordable for a broad audience. For example, Opel was the first
German manufacturer to introduce the especially economic assembly line
production as early as 1924. This helped the Opel 4/12 PS “Laubfrosch”
and all later Opel 4 PS variants become bestsellers. The
Rüsselsheim-based company already produced technologically-advanced
vehicles for the masses with the Opel P4 and the Kadett (already with a
self-supporting body) in the 1930s. Made in Germany and German
engineering became affordable and accessible. Opel even stayed true to
this democratising of mobility when developing a sports car: An
affordable dream car hit the roads in 1968 in the Opel GT.
The brand has played a leading role in all segments – models such as
the Opel Kadett, Rekord and Kapitän characterised the period of
reconstruction and the period of the economic miracle. Stylish icons
such as the Opel GT, Manta and Monza then followed. In the 1980s and
1990s models such as Corsa, Astra and Zafira then became bestsellers and
symbols of reunification. After the fall of the Berlin Wall and the
opening of the plant in Eisenach, Opel became more popular than ever
before. The first generation Astra was produced 4.2 million times
between 1991 and 1998 making it the most built Opel model ever. Until
this very day, the Rüsselsheim-based carmaker is firmly anchored in the
centre of society and offers technologies that are normally reserved for
expensive premium cars. Innovative solutions such as the IntelliLux LED Matrix light in the compact Astra (Car of the Year 2016) as well as in
the Insignia flagship, the AGR-certified active ergonomic seats
(available in many carlines) or the extensive array of assistance
systems for more safety and comfort (all carlines) are typical for Opel.
From Lutzmann to Opel Doktorwagen: The pioneering years
Opel joins the ranks of the automotive pioneers of the late 19th
century that include Daimler, Benz and Peugeot by buying Friedrich
Lutzmann’s motor car factory. In the spring of 1899, the first Opel
patent motor car “System Lutzmann” is built in Rüsselsheim. Two years
later, a converted Lutzmann wins the Heidelberg-Königstuhl “Mountain
Race” by beating “16 other vehicles made by well-known German
carmakers”. Overall, the development in the automotive industry is fast
and furious. While the first models are direct descendants of
horse-drawn carriages, Opel launches an ultra-modern small car for an
extremely competitive price in 1909. The 4/8 hp Opel Doktorwagen already
has an Opel engineered and Opel built 4-cylinder in-line engine. In the
adverts, Opel promises that it is ideal for “Doctors, veterinarians and
lawyers”. The Doktorwagen is available for prices between 4,000 and
5,000 Mark while many other cars made during this period cost 20,000
Mark. It transforms the motor car from a prestigious toy for the rich
and the famous into an affordable mobility solution for a broad
audience.
4/8 hp Opel Doktorwagen from 1909.
From Opel Laubfrosch to Kadett: Mass mobility
Friedrich – who had since been promoted to chief engineer – and his
brother Wilhelm introduce the assembly line production at Opel in 1924.
Ford were the first company to introduce this cost-cutting method in
America in 1913. Opel always had a keen eye for developments in other
countries. Adam Opel became fascinated by the sewing machine during his
years of travel in France and later the System Darracq provided a major
boost for car manufacturing in Rüsselsheim. The Opel brothers then
launch the innovative 4/12 PS “Laubfrosch”. The two-seater with a top
speed of 60 km/h is available for 3,900 Goldmark thanks to assembly line
production. Later, the “car for everyone” is available for 1,930
Reichsmark. In the following years, an entire vehicle family is created
based on the Laubfrosch technology. In total, 119,484 Opel 4 PS models
are made until 1931.
4/12 hp Opel “Laubfrosch” (Tree Frog), 1924
What these revolutionary cars are for the 1920s, the Kadett is for
the 1930s. Automotive progress is taking huge steps. The Kadett replaces
the successful Opel P4 and celebrates its debut with a self-supporting
steel body, single-wheel front suspension, 4-cylinder four-stroke engine
and hydraulic drum brakes. The prices are well below those of the
direct competitors. In 1938, the “normal” Opel Kadett limousine is
available for an affordable 1,795 Mark.
The Kadett nameplate is revived in 1962 and Opel ups the ante even
further with the Kadett A. While many competitors still rely on
two-stroke or air-cooled rear-mounted engine, the newcomers shines with
the comfort of a water-cooled 4-cylinder unit, a quiet 4-speed
transmissions and body styles ranging from coupé to Caravan.
From Olympia Rekord to the “KAD” models: Prosperity increases
The first all-new Opel after the war is the Olympia Rekord and it
sounds in a new era with its ponton-style body and chrome plated shark
mouth. The design takes cues from that of large American limousines –
and is perfect for the economic miracle that is just beginning. Those
who are successful want to show it again. And a new type of vehicle also
makes its debut with the Olympia Rekord Caravan – a lifestyle estate
for the whole family. An all-new Opel Kapitän arrives in 1954, the Opel
Rekord P2 is introduced in 1960 and the Rekord A follows in 1963 with
disc brakes and soon afterwards with 6-cylinders. No matter whether as a
coupé, estate or limousine – the mid-size Rekord becomes synonymous
with the new middle class in the young Federal Republic of Germany. Opel
produces 882,433 Rekord A by 1965. This success opens the door for the
“big three” and in 1964 the “KAD” – for Kapitän, Admiral and Diplomat
– arrive in the luxury class. The second generation of these KAD models
can even boast a unique level of driving comfort thanks to the
legendary de Dion rear axle. Opel introduces the safety steering column
in all passenger car models in 1968. Innovations to help cope with the
growing amount of traffic.
From the Opel GT to the Calibra: New sportiness
Opel Experimental GT was shown on a slightly slanted platform at the IAA in 1965 to emphasize the two-seater’s dynamic shape.
Opel becomes the first European manufacturer to open a true, modern
design studio in June 1964. And only one year later, the first concept
car from a European manufacturer, the Experimental GT, celebrates its
debut at the 1965 Frankfurt Motor Show. A further 36 months later, the
serial production Opel GT is available from Opel dealers and marks the
birth of a sports car legend. The icon is affordable for a broad
audience thanks to mass production technology and the GT is the next hit
from Rüsselsheim. The company sticks to this approach in the coming
years. Opel Manta shares its technology with the Ascona when it is
launched in 1970 and the Calibra “borrows” the Vectra’s technology from
1989.
The top-of-the-range variant of the aerodynamics world champion
(Cd of 0.26), the Calibra Turbo 4x4 delivers 204 hp and offers the
driving performance of sports cars twice its price.
From Opel Corsa to Ampera: Bestsellers and trendsetters
In 1982, Opel made a huge splash with a small car. Corsa A
rounded off the company’s offering by sitting neatly under the Kadett. Opel Corsa was an impressive display of getting the most out of a small
space without compromising on driving pleasure or cost effectiveness.
Every single generation of the Corsa (A to E) has driven and continued
the democratisation of individual mobility. To date, almost 14 million
Corsa have been registered.
And next year the next generation will
follow adding a new chapter to the story – with a fully electric version
of the Corsa.
Just as the Corsa has shaped the small car segment, the Zafira has
defined the compact van segment with room for seven since 1999. The
third row of seats that disappears entirely under the boot floor is
simply a stroke of genius. Owners of models made by competitors have to
painstakingly remove the additional heavy seats when the boot space is
required. Seven people can easily fit into the 4.32 metre long Zafira.
Alternatively, the compact van can double as a transporter in a matter
of seconds by folding award the seats and created a 1.56 by 1.15 metre
loading area with a total capacity of up to 1,700 litres.
The current
Opel Zafira is also a master of metamorphosis doubling as a transporter and a
lounge on wheels thanks to the Flex7 Plus seating system.
A further trendsetter follows in the footsteps of the Corsa and
Zafira after celebrating its world premiere at the 2009 Geneva Motor
Show: The Opel Ampera, a car that redefines electro-mobility. The 2012
Car of the Year drives electric and also has its own source of power on
board with the range extender. This makes the Ampera just as independent
from loading stations as a conventional passenger car.
Opel presents
the next generation of the electric car at the 2016 Paris Motor Show.
The Ampera-e has an all-electric NEDC range of 520 kilometres thanks to
its 60 kWh state-of-the-art lithium-ion battery. And the 150 kW/204 hp
electric motor gives it sports car-like acceleration. The next electric
car from Rüsselsheim will follow next year already and electro-mobility
will get another boost with the Corsa-e – out of the niche and on to the
road.
From Opel Astra to Insignia: New efficiency
Opel discovers the new lightness of being with the launch of the
current generation Astra in 2015. The compact car weighs up to 200
kilogrammes less than its predecessor did. The engine offering follows
the downsizing strategy: with smaller displacement and turbocharging,
lower fuel consumption and higher efficiency. For the first time, the
Astra is available with a highly efficient 3-cylinder direct injection
petrol unit and the revolutionary IntelliLux LED Matrix
light. The innovative system turns night into day without glaring other
road users – a unique feature in the compact class.
Opel Astra convinces
customers and experts alike and is voted “Car of the Year 2016”.
The Insignia A is the first Opel that can recognise traffic signs
from 2008 and offers the intelligent AFL+ lighting system. Just like the
Astra, the second generation of the Opel flagship has been trimmed for
efficiency. The new generation Insignia is lighter, more economic and
simultaneously much more spacious. A highlight feature of the Insignia
GSi, Country Tourer, Grand Sport and Sports Tourer is the adaptive
all-wheel drive with torque vectoring that can accelerate the rear
wheels individually in a split-second depending on the driving
situation. The Opel Insignia is the first vehicle made by a volume
manufacturer to offer this technology in the mid-size segment.
From Opel Mokka to Grandland X: SUV phenomenon
SUV is the buzzword of the hour in the automotive industry. Customers
want to sit a little bit higher to have a better overview and to enjoy
the flair of long-distance travel and adventure. Opel recognised this
trend at a very early stage and proposed a unique offer in the
B-segment. The cool sub-compact Opel Mokka is also available with all-wheel
drive and proves to be extremely popular from the very start. It is
joined in the compact class by the Opel Crossland X and the Opel Grandland X in
2017. All members of the X-Family are available with the AGR-certified
(Aktion Gesunder Rücken e.V.) active seats. Ergonomic and comfortable
seats have been a part of the Opel DNA for a long time – 120 years ago
the Opel Patentmotorwagen “System Lutzmann” already proudly sported
leather upholstery.
Premiere: First time one brand wins two awards in Auto Bild Klassik readers’ choice
Celebrities: Opel designer Erhard Schnell and touring car legend Volker Strycek accept awards
Vintage Car of the Year in the sports car and coupé segment: Opel GT designer Erhard Schnell next to his award-winning brainchild.
The 1968 Opel GT and the 1988 Opel Corsa GSi have won “Vintage Car of the Year”
awards. It is the first time ever that two cars made by a single brand
have celebrated victories at the “Golden Vintage Car” readers’ choice
award organised by magazine Auto Bild Klassik. The pan-European
award was established in 2010 and readers can choose their favourites
in six categories. The iconic Opel GT won the “Sports cars and coupés”
segment while the speedy Opel Corsa A GSi impressed in the “Small and
compact car segment”. Two very special Opel ambassadors travelled to the
award ceremony in Stuttgart. 91-year-old former Opel designer Erhard
Schnell accepted the award for his brainchild – the Opel GSi. Elsewhere
“Mister GSi”, Opel Director Performance Cars Volker Strycek, collected
the trophy for the Corsa GSi.
“The courage we displayed when designing the Opel GT has paid off
time and time again. I am delighted that its design still fascinates
people today and has resulted in it winning ‘Vintage Car of the Year’,”
said Erhard Schnell. “Opel has always built cars that spark emotion.
This is demonstrated by icons such as the Opel GT but also by little
sports cars such as the Corsa GSi – of which the latest variant is
currently available,” added Volker Strycek.
Vintage Car of the Year in the small and compact car
segment: “Mister GSi” Volker Strycek with the 1988 Opel Corsa A GSi.
Opel Corsa GSi was launched exactly 30 years ago. It was as
dynamic as a motorbike: extremely compact, 820 kg light, with cheeky
wheel arches, sport seats, 100 hp and a top speed of 188 km/h. It laid
the foundations for further Corsa GSi models and its DNA can still be
seen in its latest descendent. The latest generation Corsa GSi
celebrated its world premiere a few weeks ago. Powered by a turbocharged
1.4-litre petrol engine (fuel consumption[1]: urban 8.0-7.7 l/100 km, extra-urban 5.5-5.1 l/100 km, combined 6.4-6.1 l/100 km, 147-139 g/km CO2)
it accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 8.9 second and has a top speed of
207 km/h. The new Corsa GSi and its big brother the Insignia GSi are
thus continuing Opel’s successful GSi tradition.
A groundbreaking design was already a feature of the very first
sketch for Opel’s other winner at this year’s awards, the Opel GT.
Presented at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 1965, the Opel GT was already
rolling off the production line three years later thanks to the
excitement it stirred. The advertising slogan “Only flying is better” is
just as iconic as the “Coke bottle” shape and the “sleeping eyes”
pop-up headlights. Even back then, those responsible combined sportiness
with comfort and trendsetting efficiency – just as the Opel designers
are doing today with the Opel GT X Experimental.
The forward-looking brand concept is a bold, 4.06-metre, 5-door,
all-electric compact SUV with coupé appeal and brimming with innovative
ideas, which gives a preview of what the future holds for Opel models.
[1] Values measured according to WLTP and converted to NEDC for comparison.
