American corporation General Motors and the French concern PSA announced that the deal for the sale of Opel was approved. This became known on the eve of the opening of the Geneva Motor Show, so in the coming days we will learn more and more details of this transaction. While PSA chief Carlos Tavares (pictured left) and GM head Mary Barra (right) announced that both the Opel brand and its subsidiary brand Vauxhall along with GM's European financial structures.
The value of the transaction amounted to 2.2 billion euros: 1.3 billion euros for the automotive business and 0.9 billion for the financial business. However, PSA will pay only 1.8 billion of them, as the financial division of GM is acquired in half with the bank BNP Paribas. In addition, GM can earn more if Opel develops successfully: under the terms of the deal, the Americans received an option for 650 million euros, according to which in the next nine years they can buy up to 4.7% of PSA shares at the current price (17.34 euros), but they will be obliged to immediately sell this package at real quotes.
In 2016, Opel and Vauxhall occupied 5.7% of the European market with 1.2 million vehicles sold and revenues of 17.7 billion euros. Since 2013, the company has been led by the former head of the Chinese division of the Volkswagen brand, Karl-Thomas Nomainn, and according to the plan of his team, Opel was supposed to break even last year. However, the calculation did not work and for the seventeenth time in a row the year ended with losses: the loss amounted to 0.3 billion euros. The reasons were given as Brexit (that is, the negative impact of the UK's decision to leave the EU), the unfavorable exchange rate of the British pound against the dollar and the high costs of launching new models.
The portfolio of PSA will be two more brands
After the addition of Opel, the PSA group will occupy about 17% of the European market, which will make the concern the number two automaker in the region: only Volkswagen is larger. For GM, this is another step to reduce costs: before that, plants in the Portuguese Azambuzh, Belgian Antwerp, German Bochum were closed, last year they curtailed the production of motors in Australia, and this fall they also curtailed the assembly of cars.
Opel has been part of the General Motors empire since 1929 - and now, 88 years later, it is leaving it. PSA management expects to bring the profitability of operating activities to 2% by 2020, and to increase it to 6% by 2026. As part of the deal, the Opel and Vauxhall brands, six assembly and five aggregate plants, an engineering center in Rüsselheim and 40,000 employees will be transferred to PSA. The engineering center in Turin will remain with GM.
Immediately after the deal was announced, Karl-Thomas Nohminn promised that "Opel will remain a German brand and Vauxhall an English one." This probably means that there are no plans to close factories in the UK and Germany. This assumption is confirmed by the head of the PSA, Carlos Tavares, who said: “There is no need to close the factories. Over the past few years, we have improved their efficiency, while since I took office, we have not closed any of the plants.”
Opel and Vauxhall will continue to use GM's intellectual property and technology until existing models are replaced by new ones developed on PSA platforms. By the way, within the framework of previously concluded agreements, Opel has already developed two models on French platforms - a small crossover based on the Peugeot 2008 and Grandland X based on the 3008 model. uses the GM platform. It is assumed that Opel will continue to supply cars to GM for sale in the Australian market, under the Holden brand, and in the US, under the Buick brand.
| 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 advances. In particular, Opel became the first European company to have a conveyor belt.
Two years later, the company began producing 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 to 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, famous cars appeared: 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, a rapid growth in production began, and, as in terms of quantity, famous 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 - a sports coupe and Opel "Ascona". In the 80s, the company was closely involved in environmental issues. There have been many developments that have been implemented in manufacturing process. Models of gasoline and diesel engines were developed, during which little 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 distinguished by modern equipment. On models latest generation installed navigation systems. Because of this, sometimes there is a problem with finding spare parts for the car. If you can not find suitable spare parts in any way, 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 the Russian auto industry could gain access to its patented technologies. In 2011, the Americans refused to sell and everything remained the same.
Manufacturer country: Germany
"Opel"(Adam Opel AG), a German automobile company that is part of the General Motors concern. Produces cars, minibuses, minivans. The headquarters is located in Rüsselheim, Germany.
The company was founded in 1898 by the five Opel brothers and named after their father, Adam Opel, the founder and owner of the factory. sewing machines and bicycles. After the death of his father, his sons began producing cars, having mastered production based on the chassis and engine of the French company Darracq.
The first original model "10/12PS" of the two-cylinder Opel appeared in 1902. Shortly thereafter, the "12/14" was created.
In 1903 "20/24PS" appeared.
In 1905, Opel began producing higher-class cars. The "35/40PS" model appears with a 6.9 liter engine.
Having established mass production, the Opel brothers won recognition in Germany, but a fire in 1911 destroyed their factory. However, the installation of modern equipment, made out of necessity, gave the company a significant advantage over its competitors. For the first time in Europe, a conveyor belt appeared at Opel enterprises.
In 1913, the company mastered the production of trucks. Sophisticated Opel Laubfrosch (Opel Laubfrosch, literally tree frog), so named because of the bright green color, was frankly similar to the Citroen 5 CV, but was much more successful due to a well-thought-out sales strategy through its own network.
1916 The prototype of the first Opel with a 6-cylinder engine is created.
Early 20s. Model "8/25" with a 2-liter engine has received wide acceptance. More powerful versions were created on its basis: "10/35" and "14/38" with 4-cylinder engines up to 3430 cc. cm.
The years of post-war inflation ruined the Opel brothers and in the late 1920s they ceded their enterprise to the American concern General Motors. With the help of overseas partners, Opel has become the largest automobile firm Europe, focusing on the production of small and medium-sized cars. The typical European features of the early Opels were preserved in the design of the cars: Opel Olympia (“Opel Olympia”) and Opel Kadett("Opel Kadett"). These small class models have become a symbol of their time. The design of the three-ton Opel truck, produced in the 1930s and 1940s, was successful.
1924 The first conveyor began to work, on which "Laubfrosh" cars, identical to the "Citroen 5CV", were assembled.
1925 "Opel 10/14PS" appeared, equipped with a 4-cylinder 2.6-liter engine.
1927 The company started production new series comfortable cars equipped with a 1735 cc 6-cylinder engine. cm.
1928 Featured sport car"Rak-2", a modernized version of which accelerated to 220 km / h. Opel became part of General Motors. New "Regent" model introduced.
1934 The "Olympia" was introduced and became the first mass-produced monocoque car.
1935 The "Kadett" model was launched and was very popular with the public.
1937 "Opel Super Six" launched. There was also a representative car "Admiral" ("Opel Admiral") with a 6-cylinder engine of 3626 cc. see, with its outlines creating the image of the “powerful beauty” of the reborn Reich.
1938 The company introduced the "Kapitan" middle-class sedan with a monocoque body.
During the period of Nazi rule, the enterprises were actually confiscated from General Motors and the company became state-owned.
After Germany's defeat in World War II, most production base"Opel" was exported to the USSR, where it formed the basis of the equipment of the Moscow plant small cars(later AZLK), and partly went to GAZ. However, Opel quickly restored and exceeded the pre-war level of production. In 1947, the company resumes production of the "Olympia" model.
1948 Modernized "Kapitan" with a 2.5-liter engine is produced.
The 1953 Opel Rekord led West Germany in terms of sales for ten years. In 1959, "Rekord" began to be produced with a new 4-door sedan, and a month later the "Opel-1200" appeared.
In the 1960s, the company introduces the Opel Kapitan ("Opel Captain"). In Frankfurt, at the 1965 Motor Show, a prototype of the Opel GT sports car with a coupe body was presented. These models were a reaction to the increased demand for expensive cars.
In 1967 "Commodore" appeared.
Since 1969, the "Kapitan", "Admiral" and "Diplomat" models have been equipped with fuel-injected engines.
Sports opel coupe Manta ("Opel Manta") appeared in the 1970s.
In 1970, the production of the Ascona model began, after 5 years deep modernization this model.
Released since 1982 small model Corsa. In 1993, the presentation of the new generation "Corsa" took place.
1986 Classic layout "Omega" family shown.
1987 The presentation of the car "Senator" was held, which was headed by the lineup firms.
1988 The "Vectra" model of the same type appeared.
The range of models in the 1990s was completely redesigned and expanded; the Astra model ("Astra"), which replaced the Cadet line, became the center of the production program.
In 1994, the same type of compact coupe "Tigra" was released.
1997 The 6-8 seat station wagon "Sintra" appeared.
Opel starts the new millennium by continuing the development of new products and the renewal of production. With the Agila microvan, the Speedster roadster, the new generation Corsa and the Astra Coupe, as well as the upcoming Astra being produced as the Eco 4, Opel is launching an unprecedented number of new models that include features such as navigation systems and mobile telecommunications.
Opel launches the Agila, a versatile microvan, the Astra Coupe and Astra ECO 4, the first 4-litre cars in the compact class, and the third generation of the Opel Corsa.
Opel introduces the two-seater, mid-engined sports car Speedster and the Zafira fuel cell concept car "HydroGen1" (Fuel Cell Zafira "HydroGen1"). Opel also presents the Zafira 1.6L engineering project. 16V CNG powered by compressed natural gas. This car has a power output of 74KW/100HP, maximum torque of 150Nm at 3800rpm. and maximum speed - 172 km / h.
Opel (Adam Opel AG) is a German automobile company that is part of the General Motors concern. Produces cars, minibuses, minivans. The headquarters is located in Rüsselheim, Germany.
The company was founded in 1898 by the five Opel brothers and named after their father, Adam Opel, founder and owner of a sewing machine and bicycle factory. After the death of his father, his sons began producing cars, having mastered production based on the chassis and engine of the French company Darracq.
The first original model "10/12PS" of the two-cylinder "Opel" appeared in 1902. Shortly thereafter, "12/14" was created.
In 1903 "20/24PS" appeared.
In 1905, Opel began producing higher-class cars. The 35/40PS model appears with a 6.9 liter engine.
Having established mass production, the Opel brothers won recognition in Germany, but a fire in 1911 destroyed their factory. However, the installation of modern equipment, made out of necessity, gave the company a significant advantage over its competitors. For the first time in Europe, a conveyor belt appeared at Opel enterprises.
In 1913, the company mastered the production of trucks. Sophisticated Opel Laubfrosch (Opel Laubfrosch, literally tree frog), so named because of the bright green color, was frankly similar to the Citroen 5 CV, but was much more successful due to a well-thought-out sales strategy through its own network.
1916 The prototype of the first Opel with a 6-cylinder engine is created.
Early 20s. Model "8/25" with a 2-liter engine has received wide acceptance. More powerful variants were created on its basis: "10/35" and "14/38" with 4-cylinder engines up to 3430 cc. cm.
The years of post-war inflation annoyed the Opel brothers, and in the late 1920s they ceded their enterprise to the American concern General Motors. With the help of overseas partners, Opel became the largest automotive company in Europe, concentrating its efforts on the production of small and medium-sized cars. The typical European features of the early Opels were preserved in the design of the cars: Opel Olympia (“Opel Olympia”) and Opel Kadett (“Opel Kadett”). These small class models have become a symbol of their time. The design of the three-ton Opel truck, produced in the 1930s and 1940s, was successful.
1924 The first conveyor began to work, on which Laubfrosh cars, identical to the Citroen 5CV, were assembled.
1925 The "Opel 10/14PS" was introduced, equipped with a 4-cylinder 2.6-litre engine.
1927 The company launched a new series of comfortable cars, equipped with a 1735 cc 6-cylinder engine. cm.
1928 Sports car "Rak-2" is shown, a modernized version of which accelerates to 220 km / h. Opel became part of General Motors. New "Regent" model introduced.
1934 The Olimpia was introduced and became the first mass-produced monocoque car.
1935 The "Kadett" model was launched and was very popular with the public.
1937 "Opel Super Six" launched. The executive car "Admiral" ("Opel Admiral") with a 6-cylinder engine of 3626 cubic meters was also released. see, with its outlines creating the image of the “powerful beauty” of the reborn Reich.
1938 The company introduced the "Kapitan" middle-class sedan with a monocoque body.
During the period of Nazi rule, the enterprises were actually confiscated from General Motors and the company became state-owned.
After the defeat of Germany in World War II, most of the Opel production base was exported to the USSR, where it formed the basis of the equipment of the Moscow Small Car Plant (later AZLK), and some went to GAZ. However, Opel quickly restored and exceeded the pre-war level of production. In 1947, the company resumes production of the Olimpia model.
1948 The upgraded "Kapitan" with a 2.5-liter engine is produced.
The 1953 Opel Rekord led West Germany in terms of sales for ten years. In 1959, the Rekord began to be produced with a new 4-door sedan, and a month later, the Opel-1200 appeared.
In the 1960s, the company introduces the Opel Kapitan ("Opel Captain"). In Frankfurt, at the 1965 Motor Show, a prototype of the Opel GT sports car with a coupe body was presented. These models were a reaction to the increased demand for expensive cars.
In 1967 Commodore appeared.
Since 1969, the Kapitan, Admiral and Diplomat models have been equipped with fuel-injected engines.
The sports coupe Opel Manta ("Opel Manta") appeared in the 1970s.
In 1970, the production of the Ascona model began, after 5 years a deep modernization of this model was carried out.
Since 1982, the production of the small-sized Corsa model has begun. In 1993, the presentation of the new generation Corsa took place.
1986 Classic layout "Omega" family shown.
1987 Presentation of the car "Senator" was made, which led the model range of the company.
1988 The same type of model "Vectra" appeared.
The range of models in the 1990s was completely redesigned and expanded; the Astra model ("Astra"), which replaced the Cadet line, became the center of the production program.
In 1994, the Tigra compact coupe of the same type was released.
1997 6-8 seater station wagon "Sintra" appeared.
Opel starts the new millennium by continuing the development of new products and the renewal of production. With the Agila microvan, the Speedster roadster, the new generation Corsa and the Astra Coupe, as well as the upcoming Astra being produced as the Eco 4, Opel is launching an unprecedented number of new models that include features such as navigation systems and mobile telecommunications.
Opel launches the Agila, a versatile microvan, the Astra Coupe and Astra ECO 4, the first 4-litre cars in the compact class, and the third generation of the Opel Corsa.
Opel introduces the two-seater, mid-engined sports car Speedster and Zafira fuel cell concept car "HydroGen1" (Fuel Cell Zafira "HydroGen1"). Opel also presents the Zafira 1.6L engineering project. 16V CNG powered by compressed natural gas. This car has a power output of 74KW/100HP, maximum torque of 150Nm at 3800rpm. and top speed - 172 km / h.
In the forests of southern Germany along the banks of the Rhine lies a hilly area called Oppel or Obbel. Several centuries ago, after the European Thirty Years' War, retired soldiers took up farming there. Soon, the newly appeared peasants began to be called opels.
A certain Tongez Opel decided that digging in the ground was not the most masculine occupation for his son, and sent him to study. The son grew up and became a manufacturer. He produced hats for the inhabitants of the small town of Russelsheim, for which he built a special factory in it. On May 9, 1837, a son was born in his family, who was named Adam. When the time came, Adam was sent to France, where he got acquainted with the latest miracle of technology - a sewing machine.
Returning home in 1862, Adam Opel adapted a sewing machine for the production of hats and founded the Opel company, which set up the production of machines for the production of hats. This company became the largest hat manufacturer in Germany.
In 1884, at an exhibition in France, Adam got acquainted with a bicycle and caught fire with a new idea - the release of bicycles. Adam's five sons helped their father in the factory from childhood, and in their free time they had fun riding bicycles around the house. It was they who popularized cycling in Germany and soon became the first champions. Thanks to the success of the brothers, the Opel bicycle brand soon became known throughout Europe.
Opels pioneered the use of new air-filled tires designed by an Englishman Dunlop in 1890 in bicycle wheels. The company produced 2,000 bicycles a year and was, in addition, the largest manufacturer of sewing machines and bicycles in Germany until the death of Adam Opel on September 8, 1895 . Adam Opel died at the age of 58, leaving the established production as a legacy to his sons.
As cycling champions, the Opel brothers were invited to the Berlin Motor Show in 1897, where they saw self-propelled carriages for the first time and got excited about a new idea - to start producing cars.
The two brothers Opel, Karl and Wilhelm, began their activities on the automobile path with the purchase of the Lutzmann factory in 1898, where, under license, they began to assemble their first car - a self-propelled carriage designed by Lutzman. The first car was assembled in 1899. From this moment on, the countdown of the history of cars brands Opel.
1899-1928 The first stage of development of production of cars of the Opel brand.
The first single-cylinder Lutzman Opel of 1899 had a hand-cranked engine horizontally under the seat. To do this, it was necessary to turn a huge flywheel - there were no other starting devices. The design turned out to be very “raw”, it sold poorly, and financial gaps had to be plugged at the expense of income from the sale of bicycles and sewing machines. Soon, it was decided to stop the production of Lutzman's carts.
However, the first failure did not stop the Opel brothers. In 1900 Karl Wilhelm and Fritz brought a contract from Paris with the French car factory Darrak. And in 1902, the Opel Darrak appeared on the German market, completely assembled in Germany. The business of the company went uphill, and the brothers began to develop their own models. In 1906, the contract with the French expired, but by this time Opel was firmly on its feet and did not need outside help.
In those years, Opel was famous not so much for production achievements or commercial success, but for the passion with which the company participated in sporting events. The victory in the race for the Kaiser Wilhelm Prize in 1907 significantly raised the prestige of the company. The design features of the 1907 race-winning car were used to create the elegant cars of 1908. But basically, the pre-war Opel models, despite constant improvements, were middle-class cars, worked out to the conscience, but without pretensions.
During the First World War, the company produced trucks for the army. However, the engineers did not waste time. In 1920, several variants of the new Opel model were developed, but inflation prevented these plans from being realized. It was decided to take radical measures on getting out of the crisis.
A group of leading engineers of the company, headed by Wilhelm Opel, went overseas - to adopt the experience gained in the USA in mass production of cars. Returning home, they zealously began to implement American ideas. Between 1923 and 1924, the old plant was transformed: all machines with top drive pulleys were replaced with modern equipment with electric drive. The main novelty was the first and at that time the only assembly line in Germany.
Outdated models have been discontinued. From now on, Opel pinned all its hopes on a two-seat car, very similar to the one that Citroen launched on the market two years ago. The resemblance was so striking. that the French sued. Opel lost the process and was forced to change at least the appearance of the car. The model was called "4/12 PS", but as soon as it went on sale, the official name was forgotten. All cars leaving the assembly line were painted in a bright and juicy green color, for which they paid the price - the nickname Laubforsch (“Frog”) tightly stuck to the car. By 1927, the production of "frogs" reached 39,000 pieces. 8,000 workers could produce up to 250 machines a day.
1927-1938 Adam Opel AG becomes a subsidiary of General Motors.
The success of the German firm, which produces mass-produced passenger cars, attracted the attention of the president of the American corporation General Motors for exports, James M. Mooney. In those years, Opel, the former leader among German automakers, had a hard time: German car brands retreated under the onslaught of imported, mostly American, cars. The situation was not saved even by the record results set by Fritz Opel on the AVUS track on racing cars RAK-I and RAK-II with jet engines.
The world's first rocket car jet engine RAK-I launched on March 11, 1928. The debut turned out to be unsuccessful, and two months later, a record race of another car, the RAK-II, took place on the Berlin AVUS track. The car developed a fantastic speed for that time - 238 km / h. This car was far ahead of its time and, perhaps, the creators of Thrust II used the developments of Opel engineers in their record-breaking car.
In 1925, all of Europe was talking about the purchase by General Motors of the English company Vauxhall. Already in the spring of next year, Opel decided to follow the example of the British and turned to the overseas giant for patronage. In 1928, a formal agreement was signed - Adam Opel AG became a branch of General Motors.
Now the production program of the enterprise was aimed at producing the maximum possible number of models from the minimum number of unified units and bodies. The bodies of all cars have become more spacious, the wings have acquired rounded outlines, and inside there was a place for a spare wheel.
In 1934, the cars of the German branch, like all other creations of General Motors, switched to independent front suspension. The following year, Opel was the first German automaker to produce more than a hundred thousand cars in a year.
In February 1936, the Olympia car was presented at the Berlin Motor Show - the first mass-produced car with an all-structure monocoque body. She laid the foundation for a new direction in the design of small cars. The car was named after the 1936 Olympic Games in Berlin. This small car differed from its predecessors in its low weight, combined with a high level of passive safety and good aerodynamics. Thanks to load-bearing body engineers managed to reduce the height of the car, and most importantly - its weight. Appearance has undergone major changes. For the first time in the history of the model, the headlights were included in the body, and were not mounted separately on the wings. All this determined the further appearance of the models and their unforgettable style.
The market for inexpensive cars was replenished with the P-4 model, made in the style of the 20s. The engine of this car was reliable and thought out to the smallest detail, which made it possible to install it on the next model - Opel Kadett (1936). Before the war, about 107,000 Kadett cars rolled off the assembly line.
In the late 1930s, Opel released two new six-cylinder models: the Opel Super (1937) and the Opel Kapitan (1939). pre-war model upper class bore the proud name of Opel Admiral.
1939-1950 Opel factories during the Nazi Wehrmacht and post-war reconstruction.
The restrictions imposed by the fascist regime had a negative impact on the profits of General Motors. In 1939, the fascist leadership of Germany demanded that the company put on stream the Blitz army truck, howitzers and aircraft parts, which gave rise to the new president of General Motors, William Knudsen, to ironically state: “Hitler became the complete and undivided owner of our German enterprise, with which I have the honor to congratulate all the owners and co-owners of the concern…”.
In the period from 1941 to 1945, Opel, like all other nationalized German enterprises, was engaged in the production of weapons and military equipment for the needs of the Wehrmacht.
In 1942, GM classified Opel as a war loss, valuing it at $34,980,024. In turn, Opel became a "Model National Socialist Enterprise."
The war brought large orders and corresponding considerable profits. Opel factories produced not only cars, but also NSU kettenkrad light half-tracked transporters with an engine from the Olympia model, as well as aircraft parts. The plant in Brandenburg/Havel, 50 km from Berlin, deserves special attention. At this plant, opened back in 1936, under the leadership of Heinz Nordhoff, the production of trucks under the Blitz brand (“Lightning”) was launched.
In 1937, Opel mastered the production of another three-ton truck from this series. The car was equipped with a 6-cylinder engine with a capacity of 75 hp. (He also stood on the passenger Admiral). Until 1944, it was produced in various options wheel formula and body. On its basis, the Maultier half-track truck was also produced, on the chassis of which a 10-barreled rocket mortar was mounted.
The truck turned out to be so successful that its symbolism - a ring crossed out by a zigzag of lightning - became the new emblem of Opel. He was destined to become one of the most popular trucks of the German army.
In August 1944, bombers of the allied forces almost completely destroyed the production workshops of the Opel factories.
At the end of the war, most of the factories lay in ruins. Russelheim fell into the American, and Brandenburg - into the Soviet zone of occupation. Most of the surviving equipment and documentation was taken to the Union, and Adam Opel AG began, frankly, hard days. Soviet Union exported from Germany everything that was possible. The Russians received permission from the allied command to export tools, equipment, stamps and drawings of the Kadett brand to establish the production of these machines in Leipzig. Everything needed was fully shipped by the end of July 1946. Since then, Opel has not seen its equipment again ...
But many had a chance to see the Kadett: less than half a year, a new small car plant on the outskirts of Moscow began production of the Moskvich - 400, like two drops of water similar to the pre-war Opel Kadett. In 1950, these cars began to be sold to Finland and Belgium, and in the accompanying documents it was mentioned that spare parts for the Moskvich were the easiest to purchase in Germany.
The plant in Brandeburg began to produce a tractor called "Pioneer". German citizens in the zone of Soviet occupation began to draw up the first five-year plan. Later, the production of Avia light trucks (Ifa) began at this plant.
For the post-war restoration of the destroyed economy in their zones of occupation, the Americans, first of all, needed trucks. The half-restored plant in Rüsselsheim resumed production of 1.5-ton Opel Blitz trucks with a payload capacity of 1 to 3 tons with six-cylinder engine from the Opel Kapitan model.
Then the turn came to cars. The easiest way would be to resume the production of Opel Kapitan - after all, the assembly of the engine “from it” had already been adjusted - but the occupation authorities did not allow the production of cars with engines larger than 1.5 liters. The most powerful of the machines that met this requirement was the Olympia, which was put into mass production in November 1947.
1951-1964
In 1951, the Olympia model was restyled - a new large radiator grille with horizontal ribs and a huge bumper appeared. The gearshift lever has moved to the steering column.
In 1953, the one hundred thousandth car of this brand was produced, and it was replaced by a fundamentally new model, which will be discussed below. Two years later, the production of Opel Kapitan resumed. The model did not differ from the pre-war one in almost nothing, with the exception of modest round headlights instead of shapeless ones, since the production of complex-shaped diffusers could not be resumed - the production was commanded by the American military administration, without any control from GM. The car was produced from 1947 to 1953. The position of Adam Opel AG improved only by 1950, when the main plant in Rüsselheim was completely restored, and later the building of the new enterprise was erected.
As in 1931, American influence on the firm was not immediately felt. However, throughout the decade, American design features were often seen on the passenger models of the German company.
In 1953, the volume of production for the first time exceeded the pre-war level. Introduced in the same year at the Frankfurt Motor Show Opel model Olympia Rekord P-1 reflected the dreams of German motorists of the 50s about the ideal vehicle. The Olympia Rekord was produced in two-door versions as a sedan, convertible (until 1956) and the Caravan station wagon. There is an opinion that the body of this car was used as the basis for the creation of the subcompact Moskvich-402. The car was produced from 1953 to 1957.
In 1957, the designers changed the outer lines of the car in accordance with fashion. The success of the Rekord P-1 was enormous.
The company did not stop there: in 1958, a new Rekord rolled off the assembly line, however, with an old engine. The designers lengthened and expanded the body, while making the car more squat.
Opel Kapitan still remained in production program companies. For a long time this model was subjected only to cosmetic improvements, which made the car a kind of "typical American car of European assembly." By the end of the 50s, changes also affected the design itself. The car received a new power unit along with a new body only in 1960.
1960 was marked by the introduction of the four-door Rekord P-2. She had a relatively calm design and dispensed with the Olympia prefix to her name. Narrow roof pillars, just a hint of the once-fashionable rear stabilizers, a grille that continued around the front fenders, and round headlights - that was the Rekord P-2. The design strongly resembled American cars.
In 1960 it was produced restyling Opel Captain. The car received a new body and power unit. In 1961, the first Opel coupe was launched. The power of the car was 60 hp, and the speed was 140 km / h. At the same time, some design elements of the four-door sedan were also changed. Both the coupe and the sedan were produced by the company until 1963. It's quite American style - small cars, according to GM, should not have a strong personality.
The success of the Rekord P-2 could only be compared to the Beetle phenomenon. The Opel brand again took a leading position among the automakers of West Germany - the Americans were more than satisfied.
For the 100th anniversary of Adam Opel AG in 1962, another plant was built in the city of Bochum to produce the next generation of Kadett. The new model could be called a joint American-West German development. The car was equipped with a Chevrolet engine. Initially, a two-door sedan was released, in 1963 a combi variant was added to this version, and a coupe a year later. So it was customary to first release a two-door version, and then “throw” modifications onto the market during the year - a combi (as a station wagon is called in Germany) and a coupe.
The Rekord also received attention: in 1963 it received a new, more powerful engine and a new designation - A. The model became wider and lower than its predecessor. In July 1964, modifications of the Rekord sedan and coupe were equipped with more powerful engines from the Kapitan model. In the same year, Kapitan with expensive interior trim successfully debuted under the name Admiral. The car was produced from 1964 to 1968.
1965-1970
In the 60s, the development process in the automotive industry had already taken shape. Usually the model was kept on the assembly line for 3-5 years, after which it was usually replaced by a fundamentally new model, or in the worst case, restyling was carried out. Of course, as elsewhere, there were exceptions in the form of the Citroen 5CV or the Beetle.
Following the Kadett A model, the Kadett B followed in 1965 with 2- and 4-door bodies. Not only the size of the car has increased, but also its power (from 45 to 90 hp). The car was in demand, despite the unsightly appearance.
In the same year, Opel introduced four-cylinder engines of its own design. Recall that before the engines were American or joint design.
In 1965-1967, the Diplomat V8 model was produced. And although the volume of its production did not exceed fifty copies, this machine still made a certain contribution to the history of the company. This luxurious model with a 5.4-liter Chevrolet V8 engine with 230 hp was assembled by Karman in Osnabrück. She was considered the most fast car sold in Germany. Max Speed was 200 km/h. One can only guess what the fuel consumption was. But before the oil crisis, there were still 10 years left, and no one thought about it.
In 1966, Opel released a special Rally Kadett model with a black hood, stripes on both sides, and sports instrumentation on the dashboard. The car turned out to be so popular among young people that its production continued until 1973. The car was fine-tuned in various tuning studios. At the same time, engine power was increased, a stiffer suspension was installed, sports shock absorbers, wide tires, new seats and steering wheel.
The middle of the decade was marked by the emergence of a new generation of models: Kapitan A, Diplomat A and Commodore A.
In 1967, Rekord again received a new body - even wider and lower than its predecessor. The coupe modification had a 67 hp engine under the hood. Opel's Rekord A paved the way for the Rekord B. The coupe model was replaced by the Rekord Coupe 6 model with a 6-cylinder engine with a capacity of 100 hp. This machine was the predecessor of the Commodore, which was introduced in 1967 and was sold in parallel with the Rekord C, released a year earlier. Also in 1967, the Olympia name was returned to this elegant cousin of the Kadett B sedan.
With these very respectable cars, the nimble, unusual at that time two-seater model Opel GT contrasted. The legendary GT can rightly be considered one of the brightest models of the global automotive industry. The car was first presented in 1965 at the International car exhibition in Frankfurt.
It was a coupe based on the Kadett. At first, the car was not intended for serial production - it was, so to speak, a trial step of the company into the class of sports cars. However, the enthusiastic sighs of the public changed the situation, and the Opel GT soon became a fashion statement in the automotive market.
In 1968, the GT went on sale. Here it is: extended headlights under elliptical visors, an aerodynamic tail, a long nose, a “powerful hump” on the hood, curved stabilizers and a thin waist. In a word, "mini-Corvette". The car, due to its inimitable popularity, continued to be produced from different engines up until 1973.
In March 1969 big three"Opel executive cars: Kapitan, Admiral and Diplomat - received, along with new bodies, a new designation - "B". Models began to look more solid and modern.
1971-1979
The beginning of the 1970s was marked by the General Motors corporation's policy of "internationalization" of the models of its European divisions Adam Opel AG and Voxhall Motors. Since then, cars differ only in the location of the steering wheel and decorative elements.
So, Opel, despite such a successful choice of models and their popularity both in Germany itself and throughout Europe, step by step tried to win recognition from overseas customers. The first step in this direction was sports model GT / J, which in 1970 was subject to modernization both externally and in the technical part.
At the same time, the company's engineers were guided by the American taste. The second step was the all-new Manta A sports car. Introduced as a competitor to the Ford Capri, it could take four people on board and still have a very roomy trunk. With its attractive appearance, the Manta definitely resembled the old style of GT cars in some ways.
At the same time, Opel did not forget its fellow countrymen. In 1970, the Ascona A model was presented to the public. Based on the Kadett chassis, it was produced with different types bodies. car, despite simple shapes, nevertheless found its buyer.
In 1971, Georg von Opel (grandson of the organizer and driver of the jet car in 1928, Fritz von Opel) tested the first electrically conductive GT at Hockenheim. The car, driven by two 136 hp motors, developed a speed of up to 188 km / h. A year later, a sound was heard from under the hood of the upgraded GT. diesel engine. On the highway at Düdenhof, this unusual sports car broke 20 world speed records in its class. In September 1971, Opel assembled its 10 millionth car.
In 1972, two models debuted at once: Rekord D and Commodore B. Both cars had exactly the same design and the same body type. But on the technical side, they were far from each other. In the 1970s, another successful coupe was developed, standing on the other side of the Opel product rank. We are talking about the last Kadett C.
By decision of the management of General Motors, the successor to the Kadett C was made the first "international" car: all the companies of the concern in America, Brazil, Great Britain and Germany had to be assembled simultaneously. It was decided that the body of all Kadetts, regardless of the brand emblem and local name of the car, would be typical, and engines and other components had to match. local market. The car was designed and prepared for production in August 1973, they called it Kadett C Coupe.
Meanwhile, the GT era began to come to an end without any hope of new success. At the international auto show in Frankfurt, a more advanced model Manta B was shown. At the dawn of its long career, from 1975 to 1982, the car was offered with five engine options. The most indicative was the GTE model with a 105 hp engine.
An unusual modification for connoisseurs was the Manta SS - a "coupe car" with a large "ass", introduced in 1978. The car turned out to be very successful and took a lot of customers from Ford motor company, in particular at Capri. In the fall of 1977, the luxurious Diplomat and the Commandore S, which did not lag behind, debuted. The appearance of the models underwent a change, and now the cars looked “square” on a par with their counterparts.
A year later, the Opel plant began production of a new Senator A passenger model. According to the company's forecasts, it was supposed to replace the most big cars, produced by the company so far - Diplomat and Admiral. These virtually American cars used too much gasoline, and the world has not yet recovered from the oil crisis. The new car had a five-seater 4-door body and a 180 hp engine. On the basis of the Senator, a very unusual coupe appeared - Monza A. Until 1979, Opel walked in the American style of the automotive industry (front-engine and rear-wheel drive).
In 1979, Opel took a revolutionary step for itself - the Kadett D had front wheels instead of rear wheels. The D series cars were shorter than the C series, but the front-wheel drive allowed the designers to increase the volume of the cabin. The new model was equipped with three engine options - two of 1.2 liters and a new 1.3-liter. Thanks to exchange rate stability And low flow fuel, the car took first place in sales in its class.
1980 - 1989
With the onset of the 80s, Adam Opel AG almost completely changed its entire lineup. But she decided not to stop there. And already in 1981, the upgraded Ascona C came out of the gate with more advanced engines of 1.3 and 1.6 liters.
The Ascona C, following the Kadett D introduced in 1979, became Opel's second front wheel drive car. And not by chance. Initially, the car was conceived as an “international” one, with a classic layout, especially since in the USA rear-wheel drive was preferred. GM implemented in Ascona the principle of " single platform", when cars with different looks and power units had the same bottom, suspension, wheels. These cars belonged to a common family called J-car. However, over time, the idea ceased to be relevant. For this machine, components and parts were supplied by different countries, which turned out to be very unprofitable. However, now cars on the same platform are not at all rare, but already as a rule ... But we want to note that the car lasted on the assembly line until 1988.
In 1982, the changes affected the “brothers” that had not yet “cooled down” after the debut - the Senator A2 sedan and the Monza A2 coupe. The models received a decent front end and a range of new engines. Body lines combined power and grace at the same time. The sports model Manta B and the Rekord E2 family sedan were also not forgotten - they have undergone cosmetic changes.
In 1983 in Opel family Corsa A appeared, which was supposed (and she succeeded) to cover the circle of customers who wanted to have a car smaller than the Kadett. A new addition to the convertible family has arrived - the Ascona C Cabrio.
The car, as conceived by General Motors, began to be assembled not in Rüsselheim, but at a factory in the Spanish city of Zaragoza. The front-wheel drive car in hatchback and sedan versions soon received three new engines. But, alas, it did not bear fruit. Buyers began to gradually lose interest in Opel products. It was the monotonous and boring design that turned out to be the culprit, making Kadett look like Ascona, Ascona - like Rekord, etc. To correct the situation, new solutions and ideas were needed. In the mid-1980s, Opel is one of the best-selling cars in Europe. The company has begun equipping its models with catalytic converters.
In 1984, the more technically and aerodynamically advanced Kadett E model was released. The popularity of this car in Europe was facilitated, first of all, by a wide selection of bodies and engines. The car was awarded the European title "Car of the Year 1984". Kadett simultaneously became the last car of the company to bear the "military" name. In addition, with minor changes, it began to be produced in South Korea under the name "Daewoo Nexia/Racer". A year later, a convertible version, designed by Maestro Bertone himself, arrived on the shelf.
In 1986, Rekord gave way to a more advanced Omega A model. The new car was produced with two types of bodies: a sedan and a station wagon. 15 different types of engines were installed on it. Another victory in the competition "Car of the Year" was won.
The car lasted nine years on the assembly line. This model captivated buyers with its smooth ride, comfort and economic performance. Its Omega Lotus modification was equipped with a British Lotus engine with a volume of 3.8 liters and a power of 300 hp. It was real sports sedan, and recently the car in Germany is being sold to people with a sports license due to the high number of accidents associated with it. And no wonder: the maximum speed is 280 km / h, and acceleration to 100 km / h takes 5 seconds.
In 1987 special model The Ascona Touring replaces the popular Ascona GL. At the same time, the Senator also changed: an updated Senator B model appeared. The car was equipped with only two engines: a four-cylinder 2.0-liter and a six-cylinder 24-valve, 3.0-liter. The three-liter version was equipped with an automatic transmission as standard. The maximum speed of the car was 240 km / h. But the car was not found enough buyers, and the company stopped its production in 1991.
In 1988, Ascona ceased production, and instead of it, a much more worthy Vectra A model appeared at that time. This car was more “licked” and extremely powerful. It was produced with two types of bodies: a sedan and a five-door hatchback. In April 1989, an all-wheel drive modification appeared, on which the most powerful engines were installed. By the way, the range of engines was even larger than that of Omega - about 20 modifications, including a six-cylinder one with a capacity of 150 hp. In limited quantities, the Vectra 4 × 4 turbo model was produced, with a capacity of 204 hp.
At the same time, a modification of the sedan was released at Corsa, while the appearance of the model underwent some changes. A modification of the Corsa GSi was also developed. A year later, the Kadett E series was restyled. An enlarged radiator grill has appeared (for cooling more powerful motor), anti-shock bar and wide protective strips on the sides.
1990-1999
In 1990, a masterpiece appeared - Opel Calibra. The car was based on the Vectra chassis, equipped with engines from it and had a coupe body. The drag coefficient was C x = 0.29 - a result that many cars are now far from. The car was produced in both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive versions. In limited quantities, the Calibra 4 × 4 turbo model was produced, with a capacity of 204 hp. The Calibra turned out to be such a successful car that it was produced for nine years in Germany and at the Valmet plant in Finland. With such models, Opel entered the last decade of the twentieth century.
In 1991, the Opel family again replenished. At the Frankfurt Motor Show, the company showed its new Astra F model with a variety of body options: three- and five-door hatchbacks, sedan, station wagon and convertible. New car replaced the “old” Kadett, beloved by more than one generation. But Opel lost this time - Astra was second in its class all the time - VW Golf firmly held its positions (it's not for nothing that a whole class of cars is named after him), although in some countries the leadership belonged to Astra, primarily because of the body design. The car had a wide range of engines, the most powerful (150 hp) were installed on the GSi model. The buyer liked the high passive safety, cost-effectiveness, low maintenance costs, and equipment.
In the same year, for the first time in its history, the company began producing a car. off-road- Frontera models. The first SUV was created on the basis of japanese jeep Isuzu Rodeo(51% of the shares belong to GM) and did not differ in particular technical excellence, although it looked very powerful. It turned out a typical "parquet" jeep with weak engines. The company constantly experienced difficulties with the build quality of this model. By the end of the year, the family of the company, according to the agreement between GM and Isuzu Motors, based on the already existing Japanese pickup truck The Opel Campo model was designed.
In 1991, the Omega A series underwent a cosmetic revision. 1992 brought some additions to the Frontera model, or rather, to its engine. The car began to be equipped with a turbodiesel. In the same year, another comfortable Monterey model appeared with all-wheel drive. Like the Frontera, the Monterey was co-developed with Isuzu. This model is produced in two versions: LTD with a long wheelbase and hard top and RS with a short wheelbase.
In 1993, in record time, the company developed the second generation of the smallest Corsa B model in its class. The novelty was the direct successor to the so popular 1983 model. The model had a 3- and 5-door body. A small batch also produces a modification of the Canvas Top, which means "tarpaulin top". At the same time, the buyer was offered the second generation of Omega B.
In 1994, a completely new class car appeared - Tigra. A powerful and light sports car with a very unusual look, first of all, young people liked it. In 1994, updates and additions were made to the entire range of products manufactured by Opel.
The presentation of the Astra Cabrio model took place in the summer of the same year, and already in 1995 the car went into series. Previously, the convertible was created on the basis of Kadett, and now on the new Astra base. A little later, the model was equipped with a more powerful 1.6-liter engine. The second half of the 90s was marked by the appearance in 1995 of the second generation Vectra B. The novelty was presented in three versions at once - with sedan, hatchback and station wagon bodies.
As for SUVs, another option has been added to the already existing two models - Frontera Sport Soft Top with a soft folding rear roof. With the onset of 1996, for the first time in the history of the company, a minivan appeared in the Opel lineup - Sintra, which became the fruit of the joint work of the technical center of Adam Opel AG and the North American branch of General Motors. The new minivan is the first Opel to be produced in the US. It is based on the Pontiac Trans Sport platform. In 1997, Opel slightly updated the Astra and Corsa models. In the same year, in Frankfurt, the company introduced the second generation, the Astra G.
Absolutely new design and a clear wedge shape created the image of a more solid car. In 1998, the Opel Monterey underwent a major upgrade. Changed interior trim and appearance. The changes also affected the engines: the volume increased from 3.2 to 3.5 liters, and the power from 177 to 215 hp. A new Isuzu turbodiesel has also appeared - a four-cylinder, 3.0-liter volume with direct fuel injection and a Common Rail system. Power is 159 hp. In the same year, a compact van appeared based on Opel Astra II - Zafira.
The car competed with Renault Megane Scenic. It is equipped with 100, 115 hp engines and 82 hp turbodiesel. The company also produces pickups, Movano and Campo, but they are not in great demand.
In 1999, the Vectra and Omega underwent a facelift. Updated front / rear bumpers, mirrors, rear lights, and Omega got its hands on an eight-cylinder engine.
Opel rushed into a niche market dominated by Mercedes Benz E-class and Audi A8. This year, a decision was made to launch mass production Opel Omega 2000 and Opel Speedster. In March 1999, the Opel Astra Coupe appeared.
2000s
In 1999, Opel (including Vauxhall) dropped to 4th place among Western European car manufacturers, having assembled almost the same number of cars as in the previous year (1739.9 thousand units against 1742.4 thousand in 1998) . However, with the new generation Corsa on the market and the consistently strong demand for Astra family there are hopes that the situation will improve. In 2000, the Opel lineup changed. Ceased sales of imported Sintra and Monterey models. A new family of Corsa models has appeared and the first representative of Opel in the European size class A is the Agila compact minivan.
In 2000, two new 6-cylinder engines appeared and the power of a number of previous units was increased. Gasoline engines with a working volume of 1.2; 1.6 and 1.8 liters with a capacity of 65, 75 and 115 hp added 10 hp and began to develop 75, 85 and 125 hp, respectively. Zafira models received a more powerful 2.0-liter diesel engine with 100 hp. and a 2.2-liter engine with 147 hp. The Vectra family was replenished with a 2.2-liter diesel engine with 125 hp, a 2.2-liter gasoline unit with 147 hp and a new 2.6-liter V6 engine with 180 hp. (previously 2.5L and 170PS) Omega models received three new engines: a 2.2L diesel with 120PS, a 2.6L V6 with 180PS. and a new 2.5-liter in-line diesel engine from BMW with direct fuel injection of 155 hp. (against 130 hp before).
Today Adam Opel AG is the largest subsidiary of General Motors outside the United States. At the company's factories located in Rüsselsheim, Bochum, Kaiserslautern. Berlin and the Belgian city of Antwerp employ more than 55,000 people. The Opel brand combines cars designed for every taste, demand and wealth: Corsa, Tigra, Agila, Astra, Vectra, Calibra, Meriva, Omega, Zafira. Do not forget the Frontera SUVs, as well as the Sintra minivan.
The international jury of the Car of the Year 2005 competition at the end of 2004 selected seven finalists, including the Opel Astra. This new model of the European best-seller has received a "five-star" rating from consumer protection organization EuroNCAP, the safest sedan in the compact car class. Already, the demand for this car in Western Europe exceeds the wildest expectations - even before the start of sales, the company's portfolio included over 100 thousand orders.
Since its founding in 1862, Opel has strived to make the achievements of science and technology widely available to all segments of society. This philosophy remains unchanged to this day. It was consistently embodied by Opel at all stages of the company's development, starting with the production of sewing machines, and then bicycles. Today, this philosophy underlies the creation of all Opel vehicles.
