Wednesday, 17 July 2024

People Carrier is Ready to Go: Order Books Open for New Opel Combo Electric

  • For family, travel and everyday tasks: New Opel Combo Electric from €38,600 (RRP incl. VAT in Germany)
  • Up-to-date: With Opel Vizor brand face for first time, glare-free IntelliLux LED Matrix Light, up to 18 assistance systems, and best-in-class connectivity
  • Electric increase: Opel Combo Electric now with up to 345 kilometres of locally emissions-free range (WLTP 1)
  • Plenty of space: Opel Combo Electric with a load volume of up to 4,000 litres

Opel has already shown first pictures and highlights of the next Combo generation. Now the new people carrier from the brand with the Blitz is also available to order. The new, locally emissions-free Opel Combo Electric is available from €38,600 (all prices RRP incl. VAT in Germany). The new generation of the practical, electric everyday and family van is clearly recognisable at first glance with its characteristic Opel Vizor brand face. In addition, Opel Combo offers the class-leading adaptive glare-free IntelliLux LED Matrix Light for the first time in its history. The intuitive multimedia infotainment system with 10-inch colour touchscreen as well as wireless smartphone connection ensure the best entertainment and connectivity right from the entry-level version. 

Numerous assistance systems – Opel Combo Electric has up to 18 electronic assistants on board – make every journey safer and more relaxing. And the all-electric newcomer now offers a driving range of up to 345 kilometres (WLTP 1) – around 60 kilometres more than before.

“Shuttle services, outdoor enthusiasts and families can now order the next generation of their mobile all-rounder – the new Opel Combo Electric. Top technologies, an all-electric and locally emissions-free drive combined with plenty of space make the flexible van a modern, comfortable and sustainable companion. And with its sharpened design including Opel Vizor front, new Opel Combo is an eye-catcher in everyday life as well as at vacation destinations,” said Patrick Dinger, Head of Opel in Germany.

Increased range: Opel Combo Electric now with up to 345 km (WLTP 1) on a single charge

Battery-electric Opel Combo Electric offers travel-friendly and resource-saving mobility without compromises. New electric people carrier enables a silent and locally emissions-free journey of up to 345 km (according to WLTP 1) on a single charge. This is made possible by the further development of the fully electric drivetrain and the highly efficient heat pump, which helps to conserve battery range in low temperatures. And thanks to the practical underfloor location of the battery, passengers benefit from exemplary space in the cabin.

Powered by the electric motor with 100 kW (136 hp) and 270 Newton metres of torque, the new Combo Electric can reach a top speed of 135 km/h. Depending on their personal preference, drivers can choose between the Eco, Normal and Power driving modes. The new regenerative braking system can be adjusted in three recuperation levels using paddle shifters behind the steering wheel. With the 11 kW on-board charger (standard in Germany), the battery can be quickly supplied with alternating current. It can also be recharged to 80 per cent of its capacity in around 30 minutes at a 100 kW DC fast-charging station.

New Opel Combo generation: Maximum flexibility with up to 7 seats and plenty of space

New Opel Combo generation is the ideal family vehicle. Customers can once again choose from two vehicle lengths: the 4.41-metre version with space for up to five people, while the 4.76-metre version (Opel Combo XL) can optionally accommodate up to seven passengers in three rows. If desired, Opel Combo Electric offers additional flexibility with three individual seats in the second row. Depending on the seating configuration Opel Combo XL offers up to 4,000 litres (up to the roof and with front passenger seat folded down) of load volume. Features such as the separately opening window in the tailgate make it easier to access the cargo area. 27 storage options in the cabin as well as the optionally available panorama roof with versatile overhead storage offer up to 186 litres of space for everyday items.

Wide choice: Many top technologies and state-of-the-art assistance systems

New Opel Combo generation offers numerous top technologies that make everyday mobile life more relaxed and safer. For the first time in its history, spacious Opel Combo comes with the adaptive, glare-free IntelliLux LED Matrix Light – class-leading. Highlights of the up to 18 state-of-the-art driver assistance systems include Adaptive Cruise Control with stop & go function as well as the high-resolution 180-degree rear-view camera. In addition to many standard systems, other electronic helpers such as blind spot warning or IntelliGrip complement the extensive portfolio. And the redesigned ergonomic cockpit, which can be ordered with the fully digital 10-inch driver information display, delivers all important information including data on energy consumption and charging.

[1] Range values determined according to WLTP test procedure methodology (R (EC) No. 715/2007, R (EU) No. 2017/1151). Actual range can vary under everyday conditions and depends on various factors, in particular on personal driving style, route characteristics, outside temperature, use of heating and air conditioning and thermal preconditioning.

[2] A vehicle's values not only depend on vehicle's efficient use of fuel, but are also influenced by driving behaviour and other non-technical factors.

Monday, 15 July 2024

ADAC Opel Electric Rally Cup: Dominant Home Win for Luca Pröglhöf at Rallye Weiz

  • Pröglhöf leads at halfway point of ADAC Opel Electric Rally Cup “powered by GSe”
  • Austrian claims third win of season on home event at Rallye Weiz
  • Strong performance from motorbike ace Matthias Walkner in Opel Corsa Rally Electric debut

Luca Pröglhöf celebrated his third win of the season in this year’s ADAC Opel Electric Rally Cup “powered by GSe” at weekend. Even a heavy storm that struck Weiz Rally service park on Friday afternoon, damaged team tents and caused entire rally to be interrupted until next morning could not stop him. Alongside his co-driver Christina “Dina” Ettel, 24-year-old Austrian showed a phenomenal performance at his home rally, was the fastest in 10 of 11 special stages and had a lead of 2:11 minutes over runners-up, the Frenchmen Anthony Rott and Hervé Faucher, at the finish on Saturday evening. Third place went to Spanish duo Alex Español Jove/Patricia Sáiz Ruiloba.

“Mission accomplished,” rejoiced Pröglhöf, who increased his lead in overall standings to 31 points at halfway point of season. “We had prepared as best as possible, studied a lot of onboards from last year and made perfect pace notes. We quickly got into rhythm and were able to set a fast pace without having to take too many risks.” On ninth special stage, Austrian even set 10th fastest time in overall field in his Opel Corsa Rally Electric, which boasts 100 kW (136 hp) and 260 Nm of torque; Pröglhöf/Ettel left behind some all-wheel drive cars that were twice as powerful. “Downhill it's just fire away!” laughed Pröglhöf. “Opel Corsa Rally Electric handles fantastically, and after three years I trust myself and car so much that I can push myself to limit in these sections. It was great fun again.”

Rott was also happy with his performance again, but  Alsatian wants more: “We had prepared very well for Rallye Weiz after things didn't go so well here last year. I benefited a lot from Hervé's experience. We got a good feel for the changing grip conditions and felt comfortable in car. Now we hope that we can do a little better in Stemwede and put more pressure on our friend Luca.” With podium finish, Alex Español moved up to third place in the overall rankings: “It was a difficult rally, we struggled to find our rhythm on the first day. Congratulations to Luca, he was unbeatable here. But all in all, I am also happy with my performance.”

Fastest woman in field this time was Belgian Lyssia Baudet, with Frenchwoman Lea Sam-Caw-Frève in co-driver’s seat. Baudet, supported by Belgian automobile association RACB, finished fourth ahead of  French FFSA sponsored drivers Emma Chalvin/Emy Ailloud-Perraud, who thus retained their fourth place in the interim rankings. “First rally with Lea went really well,” said Lyssia Baudet happily. “Rally was very challenging due to constantly changing grip conditions, but we got better and better. Fourth place is great, but I won't be really happy until we can move up a bit.”

Austrian Matthias Walkner also made a great impression. Winner of the motorcycle classification of the 2018 Dakar Rally put on a brilliant performance alongside co-driver Thomas Haider in what was only his second car rally and was very fast as the pilot of the course car. “I have to say that this electric rally one-make cup works very well,” said Walkner. “We felt perfectly at home and had a lot of fun. I was pleasantly surprised at how well balanced Opel Corsa Rally Electric is. With every kilometre we got better at handling the car and built up more and more confidence. I'm looking forward to hopefully more!”

Journalist Reiner Kuhn and co-driver Ilka Minor also did well in their first outing in Opel Corsa Rally Electric – apart from lightly touching a wall in the first special stage. “After that, we took it a bit easier,” said the experienced rally writer with a smile. “When I got used to the car and became more confident, the fun increased. I achieved my goal and brought the car safely to the finish line.”

Fifth round of ADAC Opel Electric Rally Cup “powered by GSe” will take place on August 9/10 as part of  ADAC Rallye Stemweder Berg around Lübbecke.

Standings ADAC Opel Electric Rally Cup “powered by GSe” after 4 of 8 rounds:

1. Pröglhöf                              130 points.

2. Rott                                      99.

3. Español                               74.

4. Chalvin                               68.

5. Hangodi                              64.

6. Baudet                                48.

7. Lemke                                42.

8. Pottier                                38.

9. Melse and Wittenbeck       37 each.

11. Kamermans                     16.

12. Bayer                               14.

Monday, 8 July 2024

Opel Corsa: Best-Selling Small Car in Germany in First Half of 2024

  • Hugely popular Opel Corsa with over 20,000 new registrations in Germany so far this year
  • Opel Corsa Electric also leading the segment of battery-electric small cars
  • Opel achieves growth of almost 18% in June, passenger car market share up significantly to 5.8% 

Opel Corsa continues to go from strength to strength. The small car bestseller from Rüsselsheim was Germany's most popular small car in the first half of 2024. According to the Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA), the Corsa leads the ranking in its segment after the first six months of the year with 20,231 new registrations across all drive variants. Opel Corsa Electric is also number one among battery-electric small cars so far this year. Opel Corsa is thus writing another chapter in its long-standing success story and supports the company's clear electromobility strategy.

Since its debut in 1982, more than 14.6 million Corsa cars have been sold worldwide. In Germany, Opel Corsa has been the most popular model in the small car segment for the past three years.

Corsa has always stood for Opel's brand promise of making mobility and technical innovations accessible to a wide range of customers. Equipped with Opel Vizor brand face, Opel Corsa offers an intuitive digital cockpit as well as numerous top technologies, such as the new glare-free IntelliLux LED Matrix Light.

Elsewhere, Opel also achieved very strong overall results in Germany both in June and the first six months of 2024. According to the KBA, 17,107 Opel passenger cars were registered in June – an increase in new registrations of 17.9 % compared to the same month of 2023. The passenger car market share was 5.8 percent, significantly higher than in June 2023 (5.2%). 77,235 Opel passenger cars were newly registered in the first half of the year giving Opel a market share of 5.2 per cent in Germany. This represents growth of 15.5% compared to the same period of 2023 (market share 2023: 4.8%).

“Opel has achieved an excellent result so far this year. Among the German brands, Opel even achieved the largest increase in registrations in June. As the segment leader in the first half of the year, our bestseller Corsa made a major contribution to this. The significant growth in new registrations of Opel passenger cars shows that our model range is well tailored to the needs of customers,” said Patrick Dinger, head of Opel Germany.