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New Opel Astra wins the Golden Steering Wheel award 2009

http://www.gmeurope.info (gmeurope) — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 10:54:28 +0100

· First major award for Opel’s new compact class car
· More than 40 million readers in 26 European countries were invited to vote
· Some 50 VIPs participated in the election

European car buffs have handed the Opel Astra its first major trophy last night in Berlin, winning the Goldene Lenkrad (Golden Steering Wheel) in the compact class. It is the most prestigious award issued by the Axel Springer Group’s Auto Bild magazines. This year’s election involved readers in 26 European countries, representing more than 40 million readers overall.

The New Opel Astra won by a comfortable margin, getting top marks in the engine, energy consumption, chassis, braking, steering and safety relevant driver assistance categories. Motor sport drivers and technical experts ranked the Astra number one. The racers gave the Astra seven out of eight points. Technical experts awarded the compact car five out of eight.

“Astra is following the footsteps of the Opel Insignia as a winning car. We are very excited to receive this award before the 10th generation of Opel compact cars even hits showrooms,” says Carl-Peter Forster, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Adam Opel GmbH. The new Astra 5-door, launched earlier this year at the IAA Frankfurt Motor Show, brings into the compact class its own interpretation of the brand’s award-winning design language of combining sculptural artistry with German precision along with an array of technological innovations first featured on the Insignia.

The Golden Steering Wheel election is organized in two phases. In the first round, European readers voted for their favorite vehicles, selecting 46 vehicles in six categories (small, compact, mi-upper, luxury, supersport and vans). Next, a panel of 50 experts including technicians, race drivers, chief editors and VIPs tested and judged the nominees on dynamics, comfort and quality. In addition to a number of German celebrities, racing drivers also participated in the vote, including two-time World Rally Champions Walter Röhrl and Isolde Holderied, DTM pilots Mattias Ekström and Ralf Schumacher; German legend Hans-Joachim Stuck and Swiss star driver Christina Surer.

Opel has won the Golden Steering award on 12 occasions in the 33 years the election has been held. The Opel Zafira was the last winner in 2005.

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Opel Statement on GM Board Decision

http://www.gmeurope.info (gmeurope) — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 10:31:36 +0100

The GM Board of Director’s decision shows that Opel and Vauxhall have an important role in GM’s global strategy, a role that GM is eager to maintain. Following difficult and lengthy negotiations between many parties with different interests, it is now clear that Opel / Vauxhall will continue to play a strategic role within GM. In the interest of all Opel / Vauxhall employees and the continuation of the Opel / Vauxhall business which in recent months has delivered many sales and product successes, a clarification of any open question is of particular importance. In the interest of Opel / Vauxhall, all parties will work to safeguard a successful future for the two brands.

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GM Board Decides to Retain Opel

http://www.gmeurope.info (gmeurope) — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 10:28:00 +0100

· New GM supports restructuring of Opel
· GM restructuring plan involves lower investment compared to investor proposals
· Discussions with stakeholders on restructuing to begin in earnest

Given an improving business environment for GM over the past few months, and the importance of Opel//Vauxhall to GM’s global strategy, the GM Board of Directors has decided to retain Opel and will initiate a restructuring of its European operations in earnest.

“GM will soon present its restructuring plan to Germany and other governments and hopes for its favorable consideration,” said Fritz Henderson, president and CEO. “We understand the complexity and length of this issue has been draining for all involved. However, from the outset, our goal has been to secure the best long term solution for our customers, employee, suppliers and dealers, which is reflected in the decision reached today. This was deemed to be the most stable and least costly approach for securing Opel/Vauxhall’s long-term future.”

On a preliminary basis, the GM plan entails total restructuring expenses of about €3 billion, significantly lower than all bids submitted as part of the investor solicitation. GM will work with all European labor unions to develop a plan for meaningful contributions to Opel's restructuring. While Opel continues to outperform against its viability plan assumptions and immediate liquidity is stable, time is of the essence.

“While strained, the business environment in Europe has improved.” Henderson said. “At the same time, GM’s overall financial health and stability have improved significantly over the past few months, giving us confidence that the European business can be successfully restructured. We are grateful for the hard work of the German and other EU governments in navigating this difficult economic period. We’re also appreciative of the effort put forward by Magna and its partners in Russia in trying to reach an equitable agreement.”

Henderson added that GM also hopes to build on its already significant business in Russia and to resume work directly with GAZ to contribute to both the modernization of its operations and the joint development of the Russian vehicle market on a mutually attractive basis. More details on the next steps in the restructuring will be provided as the plans and developments warrant.

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New Opel Corsa ecoFLEX with only 3.7 liter/100 km and 98g/km CO2

http://www.gmeurope.info (gmeurope) — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 10:13:23 +0100

· 95 hp and 190 Nm of torque add driving dynamics
· Three- and five-door models seat five and yet emit less than 100g/km CO₂
· Diesel Particulate Filter is standard

Starting January 2010, the new Opel Corsa ecoFLEX is more respectful of the environment and fun to drive than ever. It is powered by a sophisticated, 70 kW/95 hp 1.3 CDTI diesel engine boosted by a turbo with a variable geometry. It is packed with 28 percent more power than the previous generation Corsa ecoFLEX even though fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions are slashed by some 10 percent – yet the price is the same as the standard 90 hp Corsa 1.3 CDTI.

The new Corsa ecoFLEX illustrates Opel’s philosophy of developing ecologically responsible cars that are still fun to drive. With its 190 Nm of torque available between 1750 and 3250 rpm, this Corsa ecoFLEX needs only 3.7 l/100 km, releasing just 98 g/km CO₂ as a three-door. The five-door Corsa emits 99 g/km.

Both versions are equipped with a standard Diesel Particulate Filter which dramatically reduces the emissions that are the most detrimental to health. With this Corsa ecoFLEX, fleet and private drivers in many European countries may benefit from special eco tax advantages without polluting the air with diesel particulates.

Also, the new Corsa ecoFLEX can be ordered with a variety of equipment variants. This means that customers have the choice of which trim and equipment they would like in their car, from the starter level up to optimized Cosmo variant.

The engine of the new Corsa ecoFLEX combines two strengths: low CO₂ and high performance. Opel engineers achieved this by using a turbo with variable turbine geometry, which significantly improves the engine’s performance. To support the higher turbo pressure, engineers slightly reduced the compression ratio from 18 to 16.8: 1. Opel engineers optimized the calibration on the engine; they greatly increased low-end torque and the peak power, making a new transmission set-up possible: A longer transmission gear ratio was selected for the five-speed unit. The new 95 hp has a top speed of 177 km/h and needs only 12.3 seconds to reach 100 km/h from a standstill. This ‘’wide ratio, eco-friendly ‘’ gear set work together to lower CO₂ values below 100g.

Aerodynamics has been improved by lowering the car by 20 mm and optimizing the air flows via the air intakes. Wheels are fitted with newly designed, more efficient wheel caps. The Corsa ecoFLEX is equipped with special, 175/70 tires that are roll-resistance-optimized and fitted to lighter, flow formed , 14” steel wheels – 15” wheels are optional.

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Vauxhall Commercial Vehicles Shows Its Strength At Interbuild 2009

http://www.gmeurope.info (gmeurope) — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 18:31:36 +0200

The ability of Vauxhall to offer vans for every building, glazing and construction industry light commercial vehicle application is being demonstrated by a six-strong display at Interbuild 2009 (National Exhibition Centre, Birmingham, 18-21 October, Stand 04-A16)

Visitors can see the cavernous 3.5 tonne Movano panel van. Featuring an external glass carrying system from Supertrucks of St Helens that will be of interest to visitors to Glassex, which forms part of Interbuild, as well as being been kitted out as a coffee bar from which visitors can get a freshly made cup of coffee.

Also on show are the stylish Corsavan Sportive and Astravan Sportive SE. Both show the superb features of the Sportive specification that adds to driver comfort and results in a van that stands out from the crowd. These include:

Sports seats and a leather-covered sports steering wheel

Air conditioning

Alloy wheels

High output unique diesel engine

Two-coat metallic/pearlescent paint

Crew-carrying vehicles are also well represented with the inclusion of the Movano crew cab tipper, Vivaro Sportive Doublecab and a Combo crew van. Designed to carry between five and seven people in comfort, they also offer ample load space for tools and materials.

Retail customers can also obtain details of a highly competitive new offer aimed at significantly reducing the cost of buying and running a Vauxhall van over the first four years of its life.

Called the 4x4x4x4 deal it offers 4 years 0% finance, 4 years free servicing, 4 years breakdown assistance, and 4 years warranty. Buyers don't have to take the finance offer to take advantage of the other deals, so, for example, they can pay cash and still get the other offers. The 4x4x4x4 deal is available up until 02 December 2009 through local Vauxhall Commercial Vehicle retailers.

Speaking of their strong presence at Interbuild, Simon Culley, Marketing Manager – Commercial Vehicles, said: “The construction market is an important one for Vauxhall. As can be seen on our stand, we offer a wide selection of models specifically targeted at this sector, including crew cab vehicles and light tippers, as well as car-derived vans and panel vans, up to 3500 GVW.

“Recognising the challenging conditions faced by the construction sector at present, we have also addressed the issue of finance and the ongoing costs of running vehicles. Our highly competitive 4x4x4x4 offer will have strong appeal to small companies and self-employed tradesman, making it easier for them to acquire and run their vehicles.”

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Winter Check & Top Up To Ensure Trouble Free Motoring

http://www.gmeurope.info (gmeurope) — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 18:26:31 +0200

Free Winter Car Care Pack with every check

As we sadly wave goodbye to summer and start to look ahead to dark and cold winter days, it’s important to make sure that our cars are in perfect condition to handle the harshest of UK winter conditions.

Your vehicle has to endure the effects of cold temperatures, icy and damp starts as well as salt and grit from the road. All these elements combined can put additional strains on your vehicle and its reliability during the winter months.

To help motorists get through this, Vauxhall MasterFit has announced a comprehensive Winter Safety Check & Top Up, which will include a 25 point visual safety inspection of your vehicle in addition to the topping up of all vital fluids and tyre pressures - all for just £35.

Dave Elder from Vauxhall Aftersales comments: “Maintaining your car with regular servicing and checks is vital to ensure trouble free motoring and this is particularly true during the winter. Our comprehensive Winter Check & Top Up, undertaken by highly trained technicians who understand your vehicle, will help reduce the chances of incident and breakdown during the harsh months ahead.”

In addition, every motorist who comes in for a Winter Check at their local MasterFit centre will receive a free Winter Car Care Pack, worth over £12. The pack includes all the essentials you need to help you cope with the winter months ahead and contains a window de-icer, screen wash anti freeze and clearview solution, an ice scraper and de-misting pad.

For details of your local Vauxhall retailer please visit www.vauxhall.co.uk

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Insignia is Europe’s Favorite Car

http://www.gmeurope.info (gmeurope) — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 11:46:14 +0200

· Internet Auto Award 2009 from AutoScout24 for Opel
· Biggest public Internet award in Europe
· 26th distinction for the Opel Insignia in one year

The Opel Insignia has expanded its already impressive trophy collection by winning the most popular public Internet poll for the automotive sector in Europe, the Internet Auto Award 2009 from AutoScout24. In the category “Europe’s most popular car”, the Internet users put the Insignia clearly at the top.

Carl-Peter Forster, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Adam Opel GmbH, accepted the trophy known as the “Carolina” at the official awards ceremony in Munich. “This new award for the Insignia proves that our blend is right: sporty, elegant design combined with innovative technology. The new Opel philosophy also resonates with the customer. We have already sold over 150,000 Insignia throughout Europe.”

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Vauxhall To Bid Farewell To British Touring Cars

http://www.gmeurope.info (gmeurope) — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 11:06:08 +0200

An era of British motorsport which dates back over 20 years will be brought to an end this weekend when Vauxhall bids farewell to the British Touring Car Championship. After two decades of competition in this premier British racing series the multi-champion manufacturer will contest the final three races of this season at Brands Hatch circuit. VX Racing, the manufacturer team run by Triple Eight Engineering, with drivers Fabrizio Giovanardi, Matt Neal and Andrew Jordan, will make their final appearance at the Kent track. Giovanardi remains in contention for his third, back-to-back, Drivers’ Championship title, VX Racing is still battling for the Teams’ title, while Vauxhall has already provisionally secured the Manufacturers’/Constructors’ Championship.

Vauxhall will be bringing together the stars and cars of its BTCC campaigns for the final round of this season. The Brands Hatch round will bring together some of Vauxhall’s most successful, former BTCC drivers including Jeff Allam, Phil Bennett, Derek Warwick, John Cleland and Yvan Muller.

The venue will also be the backdrop for a display which includes the Astra B GTE, Cavalier, Astra Coupe, Astra Sport Hatch, Vectra, and one of Vauxhall’s most significant race cars, ‘Old Nail’. Old Nail is the most successful saloon race car of all time being the first ever production and race Firenza. It started life as a Firenza, driven by Gerry Marshall and went through a series of modifications, from special saloon to super saloon and others, winning 63 races and many championships.

Vauxhall’s motorsport history is rich and varied, stretching from rallying and saloon car series to junior single seater championships, although it is the British Touring Car Championship which has been the mainstay of the marque’s motor racing heritage. The British car manufacturer first entered BTCC in 1976 with the Vauxhall Magnum Coupe. Gerry Marshall won his class and third overall in that year and Jeff Allam finished fourth overall a year later. It was 12 years later when Vauxhall returned to the Championship and started their long tenure with the series, with the company focusing on the saloon car championships in the intervening years.

John Cleland drove an Astra B GTE model for the marque’s return in 1989, winning the series overall, having amassed the largest points haul in his class. Once into the ‘Super Touring’ era, with a single class touring formula and 2-litre engines, Vauxhall has competed in every season, firstly with the Cavalier II, then the Vectra B, followed by the Astra G Coupe, Astra H Sports Hatch and latterly, the Vectra C.

The Astra Coupe proved to be one of the outstanding models in BTCC history. Vauxhall was the dominant force in 2001 with its new model. The Triple Eight-engineered car won 25 of the 26 rounds and in a dramatic final round at Brands Hatch, and after a season of bitter rivalry, Jason Plato beat team-mate Yvan Muller to achieve his first title. In 2002, the Astra was again untouchable, although manufacturer entries from Honda and MG kept it on its toes. James Thompson this time beat Muller to the crown. Vauxhall would win the next two titles with Muller and, again, Thompson, the latter’s second crown in 2004 being achieved by a margin of just one point from his French team-mate (thanks to setting the fastest race lap in the season’s very last race). The Astra Coupe remains one of the most successful in BTCC history with an incredible 62 wins from 96 starts in the manufacturer’s hands.

In 2006 seven times (and three-times European) touring car champion Fabrizio Giovanardi joined VX Racing. After a year without a victory campaigning the Astra Sport Hatch, the Italian driver notched up Vauxhall’s 100th BTCC win. For 2007 Vauxhall switched to the Vauxhall Vectra and this, once again, dominated the championship. In its first season Giovanardi took it to his first BTCC title, including a dramatic final round showdown against Plato. The Italian Touring Car master followed this up with another title in 2008 and is now in the thick of the fight for his third straight title. Read more ...

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New Opel Astra: The First Class Compact

http://www.gmeurope.info (gmeurope) — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 15:05:00 +0200

· Spirited: Athletic, sculptured design promises a thrilling driving experience
· Agile: New mechatronic chassis raises standard in handling and comfort
· Efficient: Clean and powerful engine range lowers fuel consumption
· Upscale: Exceptional technologies and innovations in the compact class

With its sporty, good looks, comfortable driving experience, innovative technology and a full fuel efficient powertrain line-up, the new Opel Astra, which debuted in Frankfurt at the IAA as a five-door hatchback, is set to energize Europe’s compact car segment.

Grounded in the tradition Opel initiated in 1936 with the first Kadett, the Astra has consistently made the top-three list of Europe’s best-selling compacts for decades – a segment which accounts for 27 percent of the total car market. Astra sales make up a third of all Opel/Vauxhall purchases, for an average volume of nearly 500,000 units per year.

The new Astra brings many comfort and safety features to the compact class from the upper segment – most were introduced by the Insignia to the midsize class. Exceptional technologies like an all-new mechatronic chassis, the most advanced lighting system, a front camera that recognizes traffic signs and seats with the best ergonomics will be available.

“The new Astra raises the standard in the compact class with exciting design, dynamic driving and great practical features. It shows that we at Opel build automobiles that speak to one’s emotion and are loaded with German engineering excellence,” says Alain Visser, Vice President Sales, Marketing & Aftersales Opel/Vauxhall. Read more ...

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GM India and Reva Announce Electric Vehicle Partnership

http://www.gmeurope.info (gmeurope) — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 09:26:47 +0200

General Motors India and Reva Electric Car Company announced today in New Delhi the signing of an agreement to cooperate in the development of electric vehicles for the India market.

GM India and Reva will jointly develop car platforms, electric vehicle technology and advanced vehicle control systems. Their goal is to create and launch an affordable small car for domestic consumers.

"We are pleased to be joining hands with Reva, a leader in the development of electric drivetrains and control systems," said GM India President and Managing Director Karl Slym. "We will also work closely with the government of India, which has expressed a goal of reducing fossil fuel dependence, in the development of an electric vehicle infrastructure. We look forward to giving our customers a new choice of environmentally friendly products."

The two companies have begun feasibility studies of GM's small vehicle platforms to host the electric technology. GM and Reva plan to announce more details about the vehicle soon and begin production in 2010.

Chetan Maini, Deputy Chairman and Chief Technology Officer of Reva, said: "We are extremely happy that we have found a partner in GM India that shares our passion for reducing carbon emissions. Reva and GM India will leverage our companies' strengths to help make India a global hub for the development and manufacture of electric vehicles and related technologies. Our unique collaboration has the potential to result in far-reaching changes for the industry."

"Development of small electric vehicles is a growth area for the automotive industry. We expect cooperation with Reva in India to accelerate GM's progress to meet the emerging needs in many parts of the world," said Nick Reilly, President of General Motors International Operations.

GM is pursuing several energy alternatives and advanced technology options to meet the varied needs of customers around the globe. GM believes that electrically driven vehicles, based on battery and hydrogen fuel cell technology, offer the best long-term solution for providing sustainable personal transportation. It will continue its own research and development in this area.

GM recently opened its new Global Battery Systems Lab, which is the largest and most technologically advanced battery lab in the United States. The new lab will lead GM's global advanced battery engineering resources and expedite the introduction of electrically driven vehicles, including the Chevrolet Volt, as well as plug-in hybrid and hybrid-electric vehicles and fuel cell vehicles.

The Chevrolet Volt, which is scheduled to start production in The United States in late 2010 as a 2011 model, is expected to travel up to 40 miles (64 kilometers) on electricity from a single battery charge and be able to extend its overall range to more than 300 miles (483 kilometers) with its flex fuel-powered engine-generator. The Chevrolet Volt uses grid electricity as its primary source of energy to propel the car.

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Opel Expands its European Solar Offensive

http://www.gmeurope.info (gmeurope) — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 16:54:00 +0200

· Cooperation between Opel, Tauber-Solar and SOLON SE
· Largest network of solar roof power plants in Europe
· Total output of 13 megawatt in Rüsselsheim

Opel expands its initiative to promote regenerating electricity production by building a solar energy power plant on the roof of its Rüsselsheim and Kaiserslautern manufacturing sites. Together with partners Tauber-Solar and SOLON SE, Opel will harness 13 megawatts of energy from the sun, thereby reducing CO2 emissions by about 7,500 tons per year at the Rüsselsheim plant.

Work on the 225,000 square-meter solar modules began in July; the first panels will be mounted in late fall. The solar panels will encompass a total of 225,000 square meters. Opel has partnered with Tauber-Solar-Energie und Wärmetechnic GmbH to build the power plant in Rüsselsheim and SOLON SE to plan, deliver components and run it.

When paired with the solar power plant that sits on the roof of the Opel site in Zaragoza, Spain, Opel has a large network of solar rooftop power plants in Europe. The Opel solar project will continue with the manufacturing site at Kaiserslautern. Opel energy experts are examining the viability of building solar roof power plants at various sites in Europe.

“Our experience with the first solar rooftop power plant in Zaragoza was thoroughly positive, so we decided to expand the program. With the next step of our solar initiative we are showing our commitment to sustainable energy and environmentally friendly mobility,” says Opel Supervisory Board Chairman Carl-Peter Forster at an opening ceremony. Hessen State Premiere Roland Koch was also present.

The first harbinger of the Opel solar offensive can already be seen in front of Adam Opel Haus: A so-called Solar Mover, a photovoltaic system that rotates on two axles, directing the solar cells to the sun’s rays regardless of the time of day in order to obtain the highest yield of solar energy.
Read more ...

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Reader’s Choice: Opel Insignia Sports Tourer Wins Best Design Award

http://www.gmeurope.info (gmeurope) — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 10:16:33 +0200

· Autonis award from Germany’s auto motor und sport for best design 2009
· Opel top model wagon beats out even competitors from premium segment

The Opel Insignia Sports Tourer has won the Autonis Award 2009 for the best design of the year in the mid-size class category. The winner of the prize, organized by auto motor und sport, one of Germany’s more important car magazines, was chosen by 10,429 readers from an array of 89 new models in eight categories. Opel’s stylish station wagon received 42.4 percent of the vote, positioning the Insignia Sports Tourer clearly ahead of its competitors – even from those in the premium segment.

“Sculptural elegance paired with German precision” is the description of Opel’s new design language first seen on the Insignia sedan. For the Sport Tourer’s design, Opel kept the elegant yet sporty line of the Insignia, yet allowed it to have its own profile without loosing any practicality. The Sports Tourer exudes a muscular, powerful refinement. The rear keeps a self-confident line that swings from the rear to the flank. Completely integrated taillights add a distinctive accent.

“We are extremely happy that the readers of auto motor und sport have chosen the Insignia Sports Tourer as the most beautiful new entry in the mid-class segment,” says Carl-Peter Forster, head of the Opel Supervisory Board. “We at Opel are very proud to receive yet another award for the Insignia. It proves once again that we are on the right track with the quality of design and technology in the car.”

This is the 25th international prize which the Insignia has won in the year since it was launched. To date, some 150,000 orders have been received throughout Europe.

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Opel at IAA: A world debut and a revolutionary concept

http://www.gmeurope.info (gmeurope) — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 14:00:23 +0200

· Astra: Sporty, high-tech and fuel-efficient compact unveiled in Frankfurt
· Ampera: The electric family car that can drive anywhere, anytime
· Corsa: New ecoFLEX Opel variant emits only 98 g CO2
· Insignia ecoFLEX: New 130 hp version easy on earth and wallet
· Clean: Start/Stop technology to be introduced across carline
· Insignia OPC: Celebrating 10 years of high-end performance cars
· Entrance: Opel presents a new logo and slogan, “Wir leben Autos”

At the Frankfurt Motor Show, Opel premieres the new generation Astra, allows a peek at the revolutionary electric Ampera and flexes its ecological muscles with fuel efficient new powertrain entries.

“We have a lot of good reasons to be confident here at the motor show in Frankfurt, our home territory. We can launch a new chapter of Opel history with the premiere of the tenth generation compact class car, the Astra hatchback,” says Carl-Peter Forster, Head of the Supervisory Board at Opel. “The variety of projects we’re showing gives us the opportunity to demonstrate how passionate we are about the automobile.” The zeal for what the brand does now is evident with a new, fresh logo and slogan, “Wir leben Autos.”

New generation Astra is the first class compact car

The new five-door Astra hatchback comes with a sporty yet elegant styling that is derived from the same design language as its sibling, the Insignia, yet the interpretation is different. The new generation Astra debuts with an eight engine powertrain line-up that boasts an average fuel consumption that has improved by more than 12 percent over the current generation.

The new Astra brings to the compact class many comfort and safety features that were first introduced by the Insignia in the midsize segment. Exceptional technologies like an all-new mechatronic chassis, the most advanced lighting system, a front camera that recognizes traffic signs and seat technology with the best ergonomics will be available on the new Astra at attractive prices. Read more ...

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New Opel Astra: Sculpted and engineered for the compact class

http://www.gmeurope.info (gmeurope) — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 13:19:04 +0200

· Spirited: Athletic sculptured design promises a thrilling driving experience
· Agile: New mechatronic chassis raises bar in class for handling and comfort
· Efficient: Clean and powerful engine range lowers carbon footprint
· Upscale: Exceptional technologies and innovations in the compact class

Designed for sporty good-looks, engineered with innovative technology and equipped with a full clean powertrain line-up, the all-new Opel Astra, debuting as a five-door hatchback, is set to re-energize Europe’s compact car segment.

Grounded in the compact class tradition Opel initiated in 1936 with the first Kadett, the Astra has consistently made the top three list of Europe’s best-selling compacts – a segment which accounts for 27 percent of the total car market. Astra sales make up a third of all Opel/Vauxhall purchases, for an average volume of nearly 500,000 units per year.

The new Astra brings many comfort and safety features to the compact class that the Insignia first introduced to mid-sized cars. Exceptional technologies like an all-new mechatronic chassis, the most advanced lighting system, a front camera that recognizes traffic signs and seat technology with the best ergonomics will be available.

“The new Astra raises the bar in its class with exciting design, dynamic driving and great practical features,” says Alain Visser, Vice President Sales, Marketing & Aftersales Opel/Vauxhall.

Opel’s new design language reinterpreted for the compact class

The new Opel Astra brings into the compact class its own interpretation of the brand’s award-winning design language of combining sculptural artistry with German precision first seen in the Insignia. Its strong coupé-like silhouette and stylish details add to a new handsome look. Elegant proportions give it a strong, cab-forward silhouette, with a steeply-raked windshield and falling rear roofline, adding visual excitement to the traditional hatchback format.

Also new to the Astra are double wing-shapes in each of the rear lights and a dynamic inverted blade on the flank that visually connects to the powerful movement of the rear window and C-pillar.

“The design cues introduced in the Insignia, like the wing and the blade, have been given a fresh interpretation in the Astra, because it’s important that each Opel model has its own personality,” says Mark Adams, Vice President of Design, General Motors Europe.

The interior echoes the flowing forms of the bodywork: sweeping lines, curvaceous shapes and the quality of the execution are all part of Opel’s design language. A signature design cue is the wraparound wing shape of the instrument panel that arcs into the top of the door moldings. The effect is a warm embrace of the occupants, providing a welcoming ambience. Read more ...

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Opel Ampera development cars: Testing keeps production on target

http://www.gmeurope.info (gmeurope) — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 12:54:32 +0200

· Extended-range electric development cars in testing
· Electrically-driven family car practical for everyday use
· Production on target for 2011

Visitors to the Frankfurt Motor Show will have a chance to view the Opel Ampera, a game-changing electric family car that is practical for everyday use without range-anxiety.

Only weeks before the IAA, Opel has begun testing two development cars of the Ampera extended-range electric vehicle (E-REV) on its Dudenhofen proving ground, keeping the revolutionary four-seater on schedule for a late 2011 production date.

Engineers have installed the Ampera’s revolutionary Voltec electric propulsion system – including the battery, motor, engine and electric-generator – inside the body of an existing production car. They call this kind of a development car a mule because, like their name-sake animals, the mules are a mixture of two species. Mule cars help engineers test technology at an early stage of vehicle development.

Specifically, engineers in Rüsselsheim are testing the Voltec system’s performance and the overall driving impression. In addition, engineers in Mainz-Kastel have developed and are further testing the lithium-ion battery.

“The Ampera development cars show that a practical, electric four-seater with cargo space and the capability to be the first automobile in the household, is not just theory, but a car that will be reality by 2011,” says Frank Weber, Vehicle Line Executive for Ampera development. Read more ...

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