| Full title: | Opel |
| Other names: | Adam Opel AG |
| Existence: | January 21, 1862 - today |
| Location: | Germany: Rüsselsheim |
| Key Figures: | President Karl-Thomas Neumann |
| Products: | Passenger cars, engines |
| The lineup: | Opel Astra F |
In the German town of Russelheim, the head office of the Opel company, one of the largest car manufacturers, is located. Opel is an integral part of the General Motors concern.
The company's products are very extensive. It includes both passenger cars, minivans and buses.
Sewing machines, bicycles, cars
The company appeared two years before the end of the 19th century. The founders are the five sons of Adam Opel. Adam had his own factory that produced two types of equipment: sewing machines and ... bicycles.
The sons decided to meet the progressive mood and change the products of the family factory to something else. After Adam's death, the brothers "got sick" with cars. Since they did not have their own developments, the enterprise began to assemble products based on imported components. Car chassis and motors were supplied from neighboring France by Darracq.
The first at the beginning of the 20th century. a model was assembled with a name consisting of numbers and letters - 10 / 12PS. The low-powered Opel had a two-cylinder engine. The second model "12/14" was somewhat more powerful. Even more “solid” was the third model “20 / 24PS”, which appeared next year.
A little accustomed to the automotive field, the plant switched to the production of more solid cars. So, in 1905, the Opel "35 / 40PS" appeared with a 6.9-liter engine.
By the beginning of the second decade of the 20th century, the company had grown stronger and received well-deserved recognition in its own country. In a fire that broke out in 1911, the enterprise burned down almost completely.
The brothers restored the plant. At the same time, equipment was installed that corresponded to the latest technical achievements. In particular, Opel became the first European company to have a conveyor belt.
Two years later, the company began to produce trucks. For their bright green color they were dubbed "Opel Laubfrosch". Literally translated, the phrase means "tree frog". This "frog" outwardly almost did not differ from the French model Citroen 5 CV. But the German car sold better than the French one, largely due to a very cleverly planned sales technique. By the way, Opel got its own bank, which allowed the company to make purchases on credit.
At the very beginning of the third decade of the 20th century, another car was in special demand - "8/25" with an engine whose volume was equal to two liters. This model served as the basis for the creation of more powerful four-cylinder "10/35", and a little later, "14/38".
American Times "Opel"
The inflationary period came in Germany in the post-war period. The Opel brothers had to part with their brainchild. Since the end of the twenties, the enterprise has become the property of the powerful overseas concern General Motors by 80%. In 1931, the remaining 20% of the shares went General Motors.
The Americans knew a lot about cars. With their help, the enterprise, equipped with advanced technology, acquired the status of the largest European company - a manufacturer of medium and small cars.
Despite the fact that the company changed leaders, the cars retained the main "European features" of previously produced models. There was something left in them from the Opel Olympia and from the Opel Kadett. These two models were the true symbols of those times.
The labor resources of the enterprise amounted to 13 thousand people. This number of workers ensured the daily production of six thousand bicycles and five hundred cars. In 1936, Opel becomes the largest European automaker. It was decided to abandon bicycles and direct efforts exclusively to four-wheeled vehicles.
Around this time there were famous cars: Opel sedan"Kapitan" and six-cylinder executive Opel "Admiral". In the fortieth, the millionth Opel was produced.
The well-established production of Americans in the fall of the fortieth was "taken over" by the Nazis. They announced the nationalization of factories. "Opel" retrained for the production of military vehicles. Basically, these were trucks and aircraft engines, that is, what was required for the needs of the fascist army.
Return of General Motors to Germany
After the defeat of the Nazis, German enterprises were also defeated. What was left went to the winners. Thus, equipment from the Opel car factories migrated to the USSR. One part of it was received by the Moscow plant, which produced small cars, and the other by the Gorky enterprise GAZ.
It was not difficult for General Motors to restore its rights to German production, because the Americans were among the victors of Nazism. Restored power with amazing speed. "Olympia" began to assemble already in 1947.
A year later, a slightly improved "Captain" appeared. In 1962, the construction of a plant in Bochum was completed. From that moment on, a rapid increase in production began, both in terms of the number of already known models and the creation of new ones.
By the 66th, the Cadets alone had produced a huge number - 1 million units. In addition to these machines, there were also Commodore, Admiral, Diplomat. The last two models, like the "Kapitan" from the 69th, received fuel-injected engines.
In the 70s, Opel "Manta" appeared - sports coupe and Opel Ascona. In the 80s, the company was closely involved in environmental issues. There were many developments that were introduced into the production process. Models of gasoline and diesel engines, during the operation of which few toxic gases (CO, hydrocarbons, aldehydes) were formed.
The nineties are significant in that Opel opens representative offices in many foreign countries. Its products appear in Spain, Poland, Italy.
Over the last decade of the last century, almost all models have undergone restyling. The "Cadet" was replaced by a more modern "Astra". Particularly interesting were the Tigra coupe and the Sintra station wagon.
Opel's recent past
Opel products of the twenty-first century are different modern equipment. On models latest generation navigation systems installed. Because of this, sometimes there is a problem with finding spare parts for the car. If you can't find suitable spare parts, then you can contact here, here they will definitely help you.
There were also new developments. Among them are: roadster "Speedster", microvan "Agila", coupe "Astra".
General Motors tried to sell Opel in 2009. Among the potential buyers was the Russian Sberbank. Protracted negotiations with clarifications and agreements on the terms of the deal lasted two years. GM representatives did not agree to the proposed terms under which Russian auto industry could get access to the technologies he patented. In 2011, the Americans refused to sell and everything remained the same.
.March 6, 2017.
In January 2019, there were reports that in 2019 the assembly of Opel in Russia, but already at the Kaluga plant PCMA (Peugeot). But while it's about assembly minivan Opel Zafira and van Opel Vivaro. However, these models are already cloned copies of the Peugeot Traveler/Expert and Citroen SpaceTourer/Jampy models. The assembly of Opel passenger cars is still in question. (source auto.mail.ru).
On June 30, 2015, GM mothballed the Russian assembly of cars brands Chevrolet, Opel and Cadillac for an indefinite period. Two years later, Opel was sold to a French PSA concern. It was officially announced in March 2017. Now, since Opel is French, the Russian assembly of this german mark should be adjusted at the PSMA plant in Kaluga, where Peugeot, Citroen and Mitsubishi models are assembled.
The sale of Opel to the French was the result of a collaboration between GM and PSA since 2012. The transaction price is 2.2 billion euros (GM received 1.32 billion (670 million in PSA shares), Opel received 900 million). Prior to this, Opel was claimed by many financial groups, including even the Russian Sberbank. Opel went to the French with a good dowry - along with the British brand Vauxhall, which belongs to Opel. Vauxhal has three factories in the UK and employs 25,000 people.
For the first time, they started talking about the sale of Opel back in 2009, when General Motors began bankruptcy proceedings, as a result of which it was nationalized by the US and Canadian governments. But then Opel remained American, despite the fact that there was a possibility of selling it to a consortium of Sberbank of Russia and the Canadian Magna. In fact, the deal was ready, but suddenly GM changed its mind and gave reverse, which provoked legal action Sberbank of Russia to the leadership of GM.
Opel was part of GM from 1927 to 2017. In February 2015, GM management announced a possible reduction in sales of all Opel models in Russia by the end of 2015. At the same time, the management of the American holding assured that for all new cars sold, factory warranty, all cars will be serviced in full as before. The supply of new parts will also continue. Among the reasons for this forced step was the depreciation of the ruble (from 35 to 60 rubles per dollar) and, as a result, a sharp rise in the price of new cars, which in turn had a negative impact on sales. For example, at the beginning of 2015, just over 600 new cars were sold. popular model Opel Astra. (Last year almost 6 thousand cars of this model were sold during the same period). The recycling program did not help Opel either, despite the fact that the discounts under this program were quite generous:
Opel Corsa - 40 thousand rubles
Opel Mokka - up to 100 thousand rubles
Opel Antara- 195 thousand rubles
How OPEL appeared
Adam Opel whose name the company is named,
had nothing to do with car production.
In 1862 he established mass production sewing machines in Russelsheim.
A little later, he set up another and bicycle manufacturing
The general business brought a good income until the bicycle production was taken up
other companies, i.e. Opel bicycles lost their monopoly. In 1985
Adam Opel passed away, but his work was continued by his widow and his five sons.
In 1899 they created an automobile company,
naming his company in honor of the head of the family - Adam Opel AG.
The first car with a 2-cylinder engine appeared in 1902.
The company successfully developed until the 1920s when the
economic crisis, as a result of which Opel was on the verge of bankruptcy.
American came to the rescue
General Motors concern, which redeemed 80% of the shares German concern.
A year later, GM bought the remaining 20% and Opel finally became American.
However, after the Nazis came to power in the early 1930s,
GM lost control of Opel
which was returned only after the Second World War.
Opel also left its mark on the Soviet automobile industry:
after the 2nd World War part of the Opel equipment.
was taken to the USSR for the future AZLK - this is how the Moskvich-400 model was born.
Used photo materials of the site
Opel - brand history:
Part of General Motors, Opel GmbH is a German automobile manufacturer with a long tradition founded in 1863 by Adam Opel. Like many other manufacturers, Opel started out with something other than cars, in this case sewing machines and bicycles. In 1899, he had already bought an automobile factory owned by Friedrich Lutzman. When Adam died, for another 2 years his sons continued to build cars with Lutzman, and later began to work for themselves.
In 1902, their next partner was French manufacturer Darracq crews, supplying car bodies along with Opel. This partnership also came to an end in 1906, when Opel had gained enough experience to make their own own cars. The first model was presented at the Hamburg Motor Show in 1902. From 1907 until 1911, cars were produced at the Opel factory in parallel with sewing machines, when, after a devastating fire, the factory almost completely burned down.
When production resumed, they continued to make only cars, and instead of sewing machines, Opel started making motorcycles. In 1913 it had already become the largest car manufacturer in Germany. But Opel did not stop there and in 1924 introduced the first mass production of the Laubfrosch model in Germany.
By that time, Opel cars had already earned a reputation for being cheap and reliable, which helped the company survive during a period of inflation and at the same time retain its title. the largest automaker in Germany until 1928. But the “depression” was approaching, and the Opel brothers began looking for a partner who would help them move forward. This partner was the American GM, which in 1929 bought a controlling stake in Opel, but allowed them to make independent decisions when it came to car production.
By 1930, Opel had become the largest car manufacturer in Europe. That, and the fact that the partnership with GM opened up access to foreign markets, gave Opel Opportunity further expansion of production and the launch of new models, such as the Opel Olympia - the first mass-produced car, whose body and frame were made entirely of steel.
Second World War was hard time For Opel plant and for the entire company. The first car produced at the plant after the war was the Blitz truck, and then, much later, passenger car production resumed with the Olympia. The factories were not completely overhauled until 1956, but Opel managed to produce its 2 millionth car.
Working in full force, Opel opened a new factory in Bochum where the new Kadett models were launched, marking a new era for the German manufacturer. Next, the line has been modified to create something for the fans. sports cars- GT model. By making these changes, Opel retained its title the largest manufacturer cars in Germany in 1972.
What followed next could easily be interpreted as an attempt by Opel to take over the world. In 1963 he opened a plant in Ellesmere Port (England), then with GM in 1967 in Antwerp (Belgium). In the 80s, several more plants opened around the world: Zaragoza (Spain) in 1982, in the same year the engine and gearbox plant in Viena (Austria), in 1986 (the year Ascona was launched) a new GM plant in Zurich (Switzerland) and in 1989, after buying a 50% stake in Saab, a GM plant was opened in Turkey.
In 1988, after the release of Vectra, the most successful model, Opel is adding catalytic converters to all of its vehicles. Premiered a year later sports model Calibra when the brand has already produced 25 million vehicles since its inception. In 1991, Kadett "retired" and Astra was named the successor. Since 1991, Frontera and Monterey have become off-road models Opel, released one year apart.
In 2000, Opel launched the Agila microvan, the first in Germany. But the new age is not only for new cars, but also for the transformation of old ones, so the new generation of Corsa and the second Astra generation appeared in 2001. The sports market was filled with the Speedster (2002) and Tigra (2004) models.
Opel has focused on being always ahead and providing people with quality affordable prices. Although later, with the introduction of the Insignia in 2008, it seemed that Opel could try to break into an entirely new class for itself, along with German rivals Mercedes, BMW and Porsche, where luxury is paramount.
The well-known company Opel has received recognition from motorists around the world. First of all, it is recognized for its quality, which invariably pleases customers. Opel's history began as a sewing machine company that has grown to become one of the best automotive brands in the world.
The history of Opel began with sewing machinesearly years
From childhood, Adam Opel was interested in mechanisms. When he had the opportunity to do what he loved, he created a sewing machine, which was received positively by everyone. To put it into mass production, in 1862 he created the Opel company. Since his large family used bicycles extensively at the time, he took advantage of this by organizing their production. In 1890, his firm became the best in Germany. The history of the name is closely connected with its founders.
When in 1899 the management of the company passed to the brothers Friedrich and Wilhelm Opel, they, under the impression of one of the presentations, released their first car. He was one of the first of his kind, so he had a lot of flaws. Because of this, sales were at a fairly low level, but the history of the Opel brand continued to develop.
History of the logo
During its existence, the company logo has changed several times. Before the war, it looked like lightning, but later acquired an oval with a ruler, which was an anagram of its own name. A little later, the icon was given the image of an airship, and even later - a ringed lightning. In 2009, the management firmly decided to change the image, due to which the logo took on the form of a three-dimensional lightning bolt with the name of the company.
Treaty of great importance
When Opel became interested in the Darracq enterprise, they signed a contract between themselves, the result of which in 1903 was the release of a new Opel car Darracq. He showed good sales giving impetus to the development of the company. So, 1906 was the beginning of a complete Opel. At this time, the company was not yet well-known, and its work did not have the best appearance, but they were solidly assembled.
When the First World War came, Opel began to produce trucks to support the army. Of course, the engineers at that time had many new ideas, but the crisis prevented them from being implemented.
Problem solving
When the company had already got the opportunity to do its own business, in 1923 it carried out a complete modernization of its facilities. This mainly concerned the machine tools and the conveyor, which had no analogues in all of Germany. The result of this period was a new car, exactly repeating the famous Citroen. Its name was "4/12 l. s., and it was painted in shades of green. For this, the car was nicknamed "The Frog", and the total circulation of the car until 1927 was 39,000 units.
Opel history developed rapidly and the company soon came under the control of General Motors, which made it its representative office in Germany. Thanks to this, it was possible to increase the pace of work and the creation of new machines. So, in 1935, the brand produced 100,000 units. Unfortunately, at that time there were severe restrictions on the creation of progressive technology, so the development of the company was suspended.
In 1936 it was demonstrated new car Olympia. She was the first among her own kind, and had a load-bearing body. This was the beginning for a whole direction of such lines. A feature of this model was an excellent assembly, which was distinguished by reliability and safety, and the car itself had good aerodynamics. To features vehicle can be attributed to its load-bearing body, which made it possible to make the car lower, it also became lighter.
In 1937, the production of Opel created an oversized truck that had 75 hp. With. and a 6 cylinder engine. In subsequent years, this transport has undergone many modifications, but its appearance and corporate logo have become a symbol of the company of that time.
Mode influence
When the development of the country depended on the decisions of the fascist leadership, the activities of General Motors fell sharply. The concern regularly received instructions in the creation of military equipment, despite the company's strategy. Until 1945, the company produced weapons, which led to huge losses, but in the eyes of the country the company became a representative of patriotism.
Due to the military conflict in 1944, all the production facilities of the plant were destroyed by the Soviet troops. Everything was in ruins, and the leaders of the company from Brandenburg and Rüsselheim dispersed to different countries. It was difficult time for the brand, since even the remains of equipment from the ruins were taken to the Union, until nothing remained of Opel in 1946.
New breath
Formerly known in the company car Kadett was created in the Soviet style in Moscow. Due to the received drawings, it remained almost the same, but was called "Moskvich-400". Very soon this brand was sold in Belgium and Finland, and original spare parts shipped from Germany. It was also the time of the creation of the Pioneer tractor and the Ifa (Avia) trucks.
Then there was the need for trucks. To cover it, production in Rüsselsheim was partially restored. Then the world saw again Opel models Blitz, which could work with a weight of 3 tons. Later, the production of Opel Kapitan passenger cars began to improve, but its engine could not have a volume of more than 1.5 liters, due to occupational restrictions. The most powerful by that standards was the Olympia model, the mass production of which was established in 1947.
This car has got a new look. An expressive grille and an oversized bumper were mounted in it. The gearbox has also been moved closer to the steering column. This stamp was a great success, and in 1953 its 100,000th copy was created. After that, a restyled Opel Kapitan was added to it, which received neat round headlights.
Performance improvement
It got much better when production in Rüsselsheim was restored in 1950. It bore little resemblance to an American design, but this allowed the company to quickly scale up its work.
One of best cars of that time was the Opel Olympia Rekord P-1, which was demonstrated at the Frankfurt Motor Show. He was the embodiment of all the desires of the people of the 50s. The car had a successful solution in the form of two doors - both the convertible version and the "Caravan" (sedan and simple passenger car). Some experts believe that the body of this car was the basis of the famous Moskvich-402. The production of the model was carried out from 1953 to 1957 inclusive.
Fashion trends
Since Opel already had enough free solutions to work with, they began to make design changes. So, the front lines were restyled. Soon the Rekord P-1 was a huge success, but that didn't stop the brand. Already in 1958, the world saw an updated Rekord. Of course, he was present old motor, but the designers improved the body by lengthening it, which made the car slightly lower.
The technical side of the Opel Kapitan was only affected in the late 50s, when it was added power unit. Already in 1960, the Rekord P-2 came off the assembly line, which had four doors. Its design was quite simple, and the roof pillars became narrower. This one was also similar to the American design, including a grille and round headlights.
A year later, full-scale production of the Opel coupe model began. Its power was at the level of 60 liters. s., and she moved at a speed of 140 km / h. At this time, minor changes were made to the design of the sedan, the release of which lasted until 1963.
Successful decisions
Soon the Rekord P-2 car received an undoubted leadership, which was comparable to the legendary "Beetle". When Opel turned 100 years old in 1962, it was decided to expand its capacity. For this reason, a factory was built in the city of Bochum to produce the Kadett line. It had improved characteristics, as engineers from Germany and America worked on it. The result was the installation of the engine from Chevrolet. A little later, coupe and combi options were added to the line of a two-door sedan.
Improvements also touched Rekord - in 1963 he added more powerful engine class "A". July 1964 was remembered for the change in the Rekord model, which received a more powerful motor from Kapitan. The same model was also improved, after which it entered car dealerships with the name Admiral - production continued until 1968. Thus, the company had already fully decided on its style and policy in the 60s. New models did not stay on the market for more than 5 years, being replaced by a new car.
Modifications were present for almost every car, so in 1965 the Kadett B model received options with both two and four doors. Engineers increased the power of the car to 90 horsepower (previously it was 45). Although the model had a fairly ordinary appearance, this did not affect its sales.
free ideas
Since the company previously existed under American control, in 1965 it received its own power management, creating four-cylinder engines. This was followed by the release of the Diplomat V8 car, which was Opel's own take on mechanical engineering. Its circulation did not exceed 50 pieces, but buyers positively perceived the car, as it was the fastest in the history of the brand, allowing you to drive up to 200 km / h.
In 1966, a special model Rallye Kadett was released, with a black hood and sports instrumentation. Young people immediately opted for it, so production continued until 1973. During this time, the car was improved and accelerated more than once, which only increased its popularity.
By the middle of the decade, the brand's activities expanded to a new line: Commodore A, Kapitan A and Diplomat A. weak engine, which worsened sales, but was soon replaced by a more powerful one. Rekord also got a new bodywork, which was even lower than all the options before.
Improvements and a new look
Very soon, the Rekord Coupe 6 car, which has a 6-cylinder engine, went on sale. Its power was 100 liters. With. Complemented this the lineup Opel GT car, which had an unusual bright design. It was demonstrated in 1965 in the city of Frankfurt.
The Opel GT model became a breakthrough for fashionable Europe in 1965. The coupe was taken from the basis of Kadett. It was planned to organize mass production of such a model, but later the release was made limited, that is, exclusive. Among the features of the flagship, it should be noted the extended headlights with characteristic visors, an elongated front end, a rear end that improves aerodynamic properties, stabilizers with curved shapes and a sophisticated look of the whole car. The release of the model lasted until 1973.
March 1969 was remembered for the history of the concern by the creation of the "Big Three". Diplomat, Kapitan and Admiral received the "B" index and a modified body. It only made them look better. Nationalization began in the 1970s production capacity General Motors company.
Movement across the ocean
Since Opel already had enough high level sales and popularity in Europe and Germany, it was decided to organize deliveries to new countries. For this, in 1970, was chosen Sport Car GT/J, which previously received the new kind. next car became Manta A - Opel's new look at the sporty class. She was the main competition for the Ford Capri, having a large capacity.
The original production also received an innovation, the Ascona A car in 1970. The Kadett configuration was used as the basis for the chassis - the model was not a huge success. The year 1971 was remembered for the company by testing the new GT on an electric type drive. New technology allowed to get 136 horsepower and gave a speed of 188 km / h.
Soon the trend of using diesel engines, which found its way to the brand in 1972. His flagship sports class was able to win 20 records for his segment. In 1971, the concern produced its ten millionth car. A year later, a successful presentation took place for the Commodore B and the Rekord D model. Outwardly, they were impossible to distinguish.
More news
Similar original ideas continued into the 1970s when the company created unusual coupe. General Motors soon made an equally urgent decision - the release of the Kadett C model, in the assembly of which all firms from the countries of the concern should take part. It was necessary for the new car to meet all the requirements of a modern and high-quality flagship. The name of such a vehicle was Kadett C Coupe, and the car went on sale in 1973.
Soon, the flagship Manta B was presented in Frankfurt. Due to the popularity of the novelty, she received changes to her engine as many as five times until 1982. The best option the GTE assembly is considered to have a capacity of 105 hp. With. One of the original modifications for the Manta SS can be attributed to the 1978 version, which has a large back. Thanks to the successful execution, success came very quickly, leaving behind Ford competitors. Among the elite flagships of this year are Diplomat and Commandore S.
The way forward
Constant development created the Senator A. This passenger car was to replace all the big flagships of the time - Admiral and Diplomat. This decision came about due to big expense fuel when the oil crisis had already begun. This brand had 4 doors and great engine for 180 l. With.
The concern actively adhered to new trends until 1979. Then the company decided to go the other way, using the front drive wheels. Such cars became a little shorter, but thanks to the modified drive, it was possible to expand the interior. The changes also affected the engine displacement, making the car a bestseller.
80s
At this time, the model range of the Opel concern has already been completely changed. These trends continued, and in 1981 an improved Ascona C model with a 1.6-liter engine went on sale. This car was already the second all-wheel drive flagship, as it was originally planned for international sales. For this, a system was introduced whereby all cars for such sales had the same platform in order to become universal for each country.
In 1982, improvements continued and affected the outdated Monza A2 and Senator A2 models. The motor was replaced in them and the front part of the body was improved. Also, the Manta B and Rekord E2 sports class lineup was soon improved. In 1983, the company created Corsa A, which immediately attracted the attention of admirers compact machines. It was supplemented by the flagship Ascona C Cabrio, whose assembly was in Zaragoza (Spain). The hatchback car had four-wheel drive and was produced in variations with three different engines.
Way out of difficulties
After the creation of the last brands, sales slowed down. This is due to the monotonous design, because of which all car models were similar to each other. So, in 1984, the company creates an improved Kadett E.
Already in the mid-80s, the Opel concern was considered one of the best in Europe in terms of sales. Based on this, the company begins to apply for its cars catalytic converters. This becomes the basis for the release of the improved Kadett E, for which she receives the Car of the Year award. Due to its success, deliveries to South Korea were even organized, and later Bertone himself personally took care of one of the models.
Late 80s
In 1986, Opel created an improved Omega A. This car was sold in wagon and sedan body styles. Thanks to huge selection engines for him, the concern again became the leader of the year in sales. For 9 years he held the championship thanks to his high performance. A little later, a modification of the Omega Lotus came out, which is capable of developing a power of 300 hp. With. in just 5 seconds. Due to the high accident rate on the roads associated with this car, it began to be sold only to holders of a sports license.
The year 1987 was memorable for the company with the Ascona Touring car and the introduction of two engines in the Senator B. This made it possible to achieve a speed of 240 km / h and was supplemented automatic transmission gears. But the transport never found its buyer, so in 1991 it was withdrawn from sale.
The closure of production also affected the Ascona brand in 1988, when it was replaced by the more advanced Vectra A. This car had a more powerful assembly and was produced in two body types. In 1989, the car got all-wheel drive system And great choice motors. Among these options, the model with 204 stood out horsepower. Other well-known models have also received modifications.
Company in the 90s
The year 1990 was remembered for the release of one of the best cars of all time - the Opel Calibra. The company took as a basis the chassis and engine from the Vectra. Its aerodynamic features in C x =0.29 even today seem sky-high to many. Several drive options were introduced to the market, as well as a limited 204 hp model. With. Its release continued for another 9 years.
A year later, a complete design overhaul was carried out for the Omega A. Among the innovations for 1992 was the introduction of a turbodiesel in the Frontera. A little later, the company released the Monterey model, in the creation of which Isuzu took part. A year later, Corsa B models appeared, which were based on the classic 1983 product.
Opel produced a completely new Tigra in 1994. The car was light enough strong power. She was highly appreciated by the younger generation. The new model Astra Cabrio saw the world in 1995, simultaneously receiving increased engine power. In the same year, the market met fundamentally new Opel Vectra B. The company also led joint work with the General Motors division of North America.
Moving into a new generation
In 1997, the company decided on its future design, which was implemented in Astra G. Smooth and clear lines were traced for several more years with new models and modifications of old ones. Appeared a little later minivan Opel Zafira. He made a splash with his high handling.
In it Opel time entered the high-quality car market, which was dominated by Audi and Mercedes. To find their place, they launched into production Opel Omega 2000, which was appreciated by users.
In the 2000s, the company radically changed its lineup. One of the best representatives is an Agila with an updated body, which is often used in Japan. In the coming years, the concern organized production for two 6-cylinder engines, which received increased power.
Today, Opel is the best branch of General Motors. Its factories are located in different cities and produce cars of various formats. The company's products were awarded by EuroNCAP as the manufacturer of the most quality machines. From the time of its first steps, the concern was able to gain popularity among all representatives of society and applied modern technical innovations, which continues today.
Many car enthusiasts prefer to buy foreign cars. If you consider yourself a fan of quality proven over the years and technological innovations, Opel in best measure will meet all wishes. The brand attracts with its versatility, because anyone can find the appropriate model for themselves.
The history of the development of the Opel concern
The first years of formation
Cars manufactured by Opel are currently recognized on the sales markets as the most affordable cars of German brands.
Back in 1898, the Opel brothers created their own company and gave it the name of their father, Adam Opel, who owned the production of sewing machines and bicycles. First, they started assembling their cars on the basis of the chassis and power elements, which were produced by the Darracq company from France. And only with the beginning of the twentieth century, a model of the car was made, which received the index 10/12 PS. It was the first development owned by the company. The car was based on a 2-cylinder engine with a volume of 1885 cm3. and a capacity of 12 liters. forces, she could reach speeds of up to twenty-five kilometers per hour.
But three years later, the brothers began to manufacture more upscale cars. First produced the 35/40PS model with 6.9 liter engine. But by 1907, the company was already the leader in the production of automobiles in all of Germany.
3 years later, the first Doktorwagen was produced, its two-cylinder engine had a power of eight liters. forces, and the cooling system was water.
The car remained reliable in operation even after a long period of operation. The brand of this car became popular, and after a while the production of cars was doubled. Opel is considered the pioneer in the production of small cars. A Puppchen brand car was soon released.
In those days, the concern gained a well-deserved authority, reputation and achieved incredible success. An indicator of this fact can be considered the fact that the German emperor Wilhelm II bought cars only of this brand. And by the beginning of World War I, the brothers were already considered the chief designers in the country for the production of cars.
Period of two world wars
During the years of World War I, the manufacturer began to produce trucks for the needs of the German army, but after it ended, the company urgently needed global changes, which they soon did. And already in 1924, the improvement was completed production process. So Opel became the first, and at that time the only owner of the technology, according to which the assembly of cars was carried out in a conveyor way. The first to leave was the 4/12 PS, which was nicknamed the frog by consumers because of its bright green hue. And they produced this model until the thirties, when the company had already mastered the production of cars of various models and types of equipment.
In 1928, Opel joined the General Motors concern. For the German manufacturer, this was a successful step, which helped him to further make a technical breakthrough and allowed him to further develop his commercial success.
In 1935, before the Olympic Games in Berlin, Opel released a model called the Olympia. The car had a 37-horsepower engine in its equipment and brought its creator a well-deserved success.
In the pre-war years, Opel was able to bypass the Citroen and Fiat concerns and became the first among car manufacturers in Europe. Released a year later Opel Kadett, which has a significant consumer success.
At the beginning of 1940, the millionth model of this brand rolled off the conveyor of the concern. During the Second World War, the company was nationalized and worked only for military needs. It was on the squares of Opel that a cargo truck was produced Blitz car, whose name translates as lightning, it was the most successful model of all that were produced in those days, and extremely popular.
Recovery time
After the end of World War II, the Opel concern was completely destroyed. From the occupied area, which was controlled by the army of the Soviet Union, they took out everything that remained intact, including equipment and automobile drawings. And soon Soviet Union began to produce the Moskvich 400 car, which, in terms of its external indicators, was very much like the Cadet model of the pre-war years.
In the first years after the end of the war, the company concentrated its efforts on the production trucks not very large payload. In 1946, Blitz was produced, with a carrying capacity of one and a half tons. The company was able to return to the production of passenger cars only a year later, the recovery process began with the release updated version Olympia cars.
By 1972, the Opel concern had become the main German automaker; in the domestic markets in the country, its products occupied 1/5 of all vehicles presented.
The company has always tried to keep up with the latest developments, including technical ones. When the fuel crisis began, the concern developed and began to produce engines with high dynamic properties with minimal fuel consumption. And therefore, each next car differs from the previous one in improved aerodynamic characteristics.
Since 1985, catalytic converters have been installed on all car models. And by 1989, the 25 millionth car was made, it was the Opel Omega Caravan.
At the automaker, increased attention is paid to security issues. On all models of cars of this brand, the most different systems safety, they are designed to protect all people inside the car from any kind of bumps and collisions. Thanks to the use of reinforced beams, it became possible not only to reduce the weight of the car, but also to get a body that can be slightly deformed in the event of an accident.
Nowadays
The beginning of the nineties of the last century can be safely called the peak of the concern's development. It was during this period of time that many new car models were produced and conditions were created for the further popularization of cars of this brand. Opel factories began to be located not only in Germany, but also in some European countries.
But the company is not going to stop on its achievements and today it occupies a worthy place in the market. The flagship in the Opel lineup is rightfully called the Insignia, presented in station wagon and sedan bodies. No less interesting is the Astra of the latest generation, which has pronounced features sports car. Almost all classes are regularly updated with new models, for example, a number of parquet SUVs recently replenished Antara and Mokka.
