“Opel Banks on Eisenach”: The Thuringian Plant Opened 25 Years ago

• After reunification: Opel one of the first manufacturers in the new federal states
• Large anniversary celebration: Open day on September 30 from 10:00 CET
• Behind the scenes: How Opel ADAM and Opel Corsa are built 

September 23, 1992 was a special day in Opel’s history because on this day the company opened its plant in Eisenach. With former German Chancellor Helmut Kohl in and the employees in attendance, the first ever Opel Astra “made in Eisenach” drove off the production line. Today, the plant located in the direct vicinity of the famous Wartburg is one of the most modern in the world in terms of environmental sustainability, manufacturing technology and production systems. And it is also an integral part of the city and the region. Around 1,800 employees produce the Opel Corsa, the Opel ADAM along with its ADAM ROCKS and ADAM S sibling here. The carmaker will celebrate the anniversary with an open day on September 30. Employees with their families, Opel aficionados and all interested parties from the Eisenach region are invited to attend.

“The Opel plant in Eisenach has been setting standards ever since its opening 25 years ago,” said plant manager Pieter Ruts. “We have developed a new production system and established a sophisticated logistics system. Then as now, the Eisenach plant stands for team spirit and top production quality.”

New beginning with Opel

Two years before the first Astra from Eisenach left the plant, Opel started manufacturing the Vectra in Thuringia, thus becoming the first West German carmaker to commit itself to the new federal states. Simultaneously the company laid the foundations for the revitalization of automotive production in the region by opening the new plant and investing more than one billion Deutsch Mark. Furthermore, Opel also created numerous new jobs, also within the supplier industry.

Only eight months after start of production of the Opel Astra, the first Opel Corsa drove off the production line in 1993. The first Opel Corsa “made in Eisenach” is also the first ever Opel Corsa “made in Germany”. Previously, it had only been built in the Spanish plant in Zaragoza. In 2012, the small car welcomed a brother to its home – the stylish Opel ADAM.

Democratic decision

The two founding fathers behind Opel’s Eisenach plant are Dr. Wolfram Liedtke and Louis Hughes. Liedtke, managing director of the Automobilwerk Eisenach (AWE) and former Opel Chairman Hughes battled significant opposition to make a case for the location. Originally, the Automotive Combine of the German Democratic Republic had other plans for the AWE. However, as these plans remain vague for a long time and the future of the people in Eisenach is thus uncertain, Opel decided to present a convincing concept. Liedtke then managed to take AWE out of the combine and Eisenach could forge its own destiny.

The workforce gets behind Liedtke, determined to safeguard the plant and their own future. A democratic decision follows during a staff meeting in 1990. Opel Chairman Hughes travels to Eisenach especially and answers the employee’s questions. In the end, a vast majority votes for a future with Opel.

Then things happen really fast, always under the motto “Opel banks on Eisenach”. The company is the first European manufacturer to introduce completely new manufacturing methods when the new Opel production system was implemented. It is based on five guided principles: employee involvement, continuous improvement, quality control from the start, standardization and short throughput times thanks to smooth logistics.

The Opel plant in Eisenach has also been setting standard in environmental management for its opening. The consistent use of water-soluble paints in the modern paint shop along with recycling loops to re-use production residues in all areas are just two examples of the sustainable system.

But automotive production is not the only thing Opel is concentrating on in Thuringia. A training facility for dealership employees was opened in Eisenach in 2001, where experienced coaches deliver sessions on technical and commercial topics.

Look behind the scenes

On September 30, visitors will be able get close to the eventful history of the plant. For example, when founding fathers Liedtke and Hughes along with Harald Lieske, who was chairman of the works council for many years, receive a special distinction and will talk about their experiences. Furthermore, Opel fans will get the chance to look behind the scenes in production and find out how ADAM and Corsa are built and test or even buy one of the bestsellers from the company’s current product portfolio.

In addition to the central stage, numerous clubs, association and institutions from the region will set up stands. And obviously, there will be an entertaining program for visitors of all age groups. Doors will open for the public at 10:00 CET.

Opel Astra: 500,000 Orders for the ‘European Car of the Year 2016’

• Sought after: Innovative technologies go down well with customers
• Smart: Almost 60 percent order front camera, 55 percent Navi 900 IntelliLink
• Sophisticated: Dynamic and INNOVATION trims much in demand
• Successful: Opel Astra second in compact car sales in Europe and Germany

Dynamic duo: Opel Astra Sports Tourer and Opel Astra five-door have convinced more than 500,000 customers from across Europe.

Lightweight vehicle architecture, highly efficient propulsion technologies along with trendsetting digital connectivity and driver assistance systems – these qualities of the Opel Astra, introduced at the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show, have already convinced more than 500,000 customers across Europe. The perennial bestseller currently holds second place in the European compact class market, while also being second in Germany and on other important markets.

 

Since this year, the Astra has managed to claim top spot in its segment in the Netherlands. Its technological highlights include Opel OnStar, the personal connectivity and service assistant, and the IntelliLux LED Matrix light, which enable permanent and glare-free high beam. Numerous international awards such as the ‘Golden Steering Wheel’ and ‘European Car of the Year 2016’ cement the athletic eye-catchers credentials.

“We are delighted that our latest generation Astra has already been able to convince over half a million customers. The high demand for leading innovations and equipment features along with ultra-modern assistance systems shows that our philosophy of bring trendsetting technologies into the compact class and thus making them available to a broad audience is paying dividends. This is what we understand by ‘the future is everyone’s’,” said Managing Director Sales & Aftersales Peter Küspert.

Bestsellers: Opel Eye front camera, Navi 900 IntelliLink and AGR seats

The orders for the Opel Astra reflect the outstanding reputation of the high-tech solutions. Almost 60 percent of all customers decide on the Opel Eye front camera, which in combination with numerous driver assistance systems, makes driving the Astra not just more pleasant but also safer. The driver assistance systems included Traffic Sign Recognition, Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning, Following Distance Indication along with Forward Collision Alert with Autonomous Emergency Braking. The latter actively helps avoid or mitigate rear-end collisions. If the gap shrinks below a safe distance, it warns the driver with a loud audible alarm, a visual warning in the instrument cluster and an LED projection on the windscreen.

Furthermore, Autonomous Emergency Braking is initiated when a collision threatens. Lane Keep Assist provides the driver with an audible and visual warning if he should unintentionally leave the lane while Lane Departure Warning softly acts again unintentional veering. Elsewhere, Following Distance Indication continuously calculates the distance to moving vehicles on the road ahead. This value is then displayed to the driver in seconds. A stylized green car symbolizes the vehicle ahead. If the distance is insufficient, the Headway Alert function is automatically activated and the symbol turns amber.

The Opel Astra is also available with the latest generation optional radar and based Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), which automatically maintains the pre-set distance to the vehicle ahead. ACC automatically adapts the speed and follows in accordance with the set safe distance; three distance settings (near – mid – far) are available. ACC behaves like conventional cruise control if there is no vehicle in the driving lane ahead, but it will additionally apply the brakes to maintain the set speed when driving downhill. Icons in the instrument cluster inform the driver about set speed, selected gap and if ACC has detected a vehicle ahead.

Around every third Astra customer chooses the LED tail lamps so that they are even easier to see in the dark. However, Opel Astra customer do not just look for safety. They are also want comfort and comprehensive infotainment. The second most popular equipment feature after the front camera package is Navi 900 IntelliLink. Around 55 percent of all Opel Astra models sold across Europe feature the ultra-modern infotainment system with eight-inch color touchscreen and integrated navigation. The maps cover all of Europe. Furthermore, the optional system is, depending on the device, compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

In order to enjoy an even more comfortable ride, around every fourth Opel Astra customer orders the AGR-certified (Aktion Gesunder Rücken e.V.) and multiple award-winning ergonomic seats for driver and front passenger. They have a massage function, ventilation and side bolster setting – a unique combination in the compact class.

Upscale trim levels popular

Elsewhere, both the higher trims available for the Opel Astra, ‘Dynamic’ and ‘Innovation’, have also proved to be extremely popular with customers. Since the European “Car of the Year 2016” was launched, over 60 percent of Astra buyers have opted for the higher trim choices, giving them access to a lot more standard equipment and features that they subsequently do not need to order as an option. For example, Opel’s personal connectivity and service assistant Opel OnStar comes as standard in both of the aforementioned trim levels. The personal connectivity and service assistant offers functions such as Automatic Crash Response, Vehicle Diagnostics or Stolen Vehicle Assistance and a 4G/LTE Wi-Fi Hotspot^[1] for a stable internet connection. Up to seven devices can connect to the system simultaneously and use the high-speed mobile connection. Hotel bookings^[2] and finding a suitable parking lot^[3] are also no problem with OnStar. The driver can contact an Opel OnStar Advisor by pressing the blue button. The advisor will then look for a hotel in the desired price category and books a room or send the address of the closest parking possibility to the navigation system. Furthermore, the Dynamic and INNOVATION trims also include comfort features such as leather steering wheel, adjustable armrest or fog lamps.

^[1] OnStar Services require activation and account with OnStar Europe Ltd. Wi-Fi Hotspot Services require account with nominated network operator. Charges apply after expiry of applicable trial periods. All services subject to mobile network coverage and availability. Check [LOCAL SITE] for service limitations and charges.

^[2] Via Booking.com. E-Mail address and credit card required.

^[3] Via Parkopedia

Opel CEO Announces First Plug-In Hybrid from Opel at IAA

• Three world premieres: Opel Grandland X, Opel Insignia GSi and Country Tourer
• Efficient propulsion: Grandland X to be Opel’s first plug-in hybrid
• Opel stand opened: Press conference with Opel boss Michael Lohscheller and Groupe PSA CEO Carlos Tavares

World premiere: Opel CEO Michael Lohscheller announced the arrival of the first Opel plug-in hybrid at the IAA – Grandland X SUV

Opel CEO Michael Lohscheller opened the Opel stand (D09 in Hall 8.0) at the 67^th International Motor Show in Frankfurt (open daily until September 24) with a press conference today. With 300 journalists and Groupe PSA CEO Carlos Tavares in attendance, the Opel CEO presented three world premieres.

Strong showing: World premiere for sporty Insignia GSi with Group PSA CEO Carlos Taveres and Opel CEO Michael Lohscheller.

The Rüsselsheim-based carmaker is bidding to take the booming SUV segment by storm with the compact Opel Grandland X. Lohscheller also announced that the newcomer will soon be available with a new top-of-the range diesel and an eight-speed automatic transmission. Furthermore, the Grandland X will be the first Opel to be offered as a plug-in hybrid.

“Our new Opel Grandland X as plug-in hybrid is the next big example of the opportunities that await us as a member of the PSA group,” said Lohscheller at the press conference. “We will follow this path closely.”

Elsewhere, the new top-of-the-line Opel Insignia models also took center stage. The dynamic GSi continues Opel’s long tradition of sporty limousines with that certain something while the all-wheel drive Country Tourer is the right choice for adventurers.

“We are continuing the biggest model offensive in Opel’s history with these three world premieres. We have made decisive additions to our portfolio this year with the electric range champion, the Ampera-e, the Opel Crossland X crossover, the Vivaro Life recreational vehicle and the Opel Grandland X SUV,” explained Lohscheller in Frankfurt. “We at Opel are proud to be part of the PSA Groupe now. Together we will create a European champion. We will do so by continuing to make technology ‘made in Germany’ available to as many customers as possible, thus staying true to our brand credo the future is everyone’s.”