The Austro-Canadian company Magna and the American auto giant GM made a deal to bring Opel under the control of Magna. Peer Steinbrück, German Finance Minister, announced the outcome of the negotiations that took place in Berlin and ended on the night of May 30. Magna is acting in consortium with Sberbank and GAZ Group in this deal.
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 Opel company was founded in 1862 by the German designer and industrialist Adam Opel. Initially, the company was engaged in the production of sewing machines - these products were in such demand that Opel produced sewing machines until 1911. However, in 1886, Adam Opel founded the production of carriage wheels, and a year later his enterprises mastered the production of bicycles.
The company released the first car in 1899, having spent 37 years developing it. Adam Opel himself died before automobile production was started, but his family continued the business. The sons of Adam Opel set themselves the goal of creating a car that is reliable and affordable for most of the country's population.
The history of the company can be divided into stages:
First stage: formation of the company and gaining recognition in Germany
1899-1928 Opel's first efforts in automotive manufacturing were made with partners, first with engineer Friedrich Lutzmann of Dessau and later with the French company Darracq. In 1902, Opel introduced the first own project- 10/12hp model with 2-cylinder engine. Seven years later, Opel introduced a compact 2-seat car that became known as the "Doktorwagen" (Doctor's car) because it was especially loved by country doctors.
1899 - the company signed a contract with the wagon builder Friedrich Lutzmann from Desau to build the first car in Rasselsheim - "Patented Opel Car, Lutzmann System".
1901 - Frenchman Alexandre Darracq was contracted to manufacture Darracq cars under license.
1902 - the presentation of the first car, developed entirely by the Opel company itself, took place: 10 / 12 hp, a model with a new 2-cylinder engine with a built-in water pump, maximum speed - 45 km / h.
1903 Opel "20/24PS" appeared.
1905 - the company began to produce cars of a higher class. The "35/40PS" model appears, with an engine capacity of 6.9 liters. Having established its mass production, the company won recognition in Germany
1906 - A branch of the factory is opened in Berlin (Berlin). The 1000th car of the company was manufactured.
1909 - A 4/8PS model with a 4-cylinder engine is introduced, known as the "Doktorwagen" (Doctor's Car), valued at 3950 marks. The company has taken the first step towards making cars accessible to more consumers.
1912 - The ten thousandth car was produced. In the same year, the first agreement was reached in negotiations between employers and trade unions on working conditions. It stipulated work time- 55.5 hours per week - and a minimum wage of 36 pfennings per hour.
1914 - Opel becomes Germany's largest automobile manufacturer, selling 3,335 cars a year. The company starts hiring women on assembly lines.
1924 - Opel invests one million gold marks in the modernization of automobile production and becomes the first German manufacturer to start production using the assembly line method.
1928 - With a market share of 37.5% and 42,771 units sold, Opel is Germany's largest automobile manufacturer. Opel becomes a joint-stock company German Aktiengesellschaft.
The second stage: the crisis and the beginning of cooperation with General Motors
1929 - 1945 The global economic crisis caused concern among the owners of the company. In search of a reliable partner, the Opel family came to an agreement with General Motors Corporation (General Motor Corporation), who bought the company in 1929. In 1935 at the Berlin Motor Show, Opel presented the first serial german car with a fully steel frame integrated with the body - Olympia 1.3 liters.
1929 - General Motors acquires 80% of Opel. Opel becomes the first German manufacturer to establish an insurance company and a bank to finance sales on credit.
1931 - General Motors acquires the remaining 20% of Opel. Since then, the company has been a subsidiary of General Motors. The company's 13,000 employees produce 500 cars and 6,000 bicycles daily.
1936 - With an annual production of 120,923 cars, Opel is considered the largest automaker in Europe.
1937 - Opel ceases to manufacture bicycles and sells them to the NSU corporation to concentrate on automobile production.
1940 - Opel produces the millionth car. Passenger car production stops in October.
1944 - Plants in Russelsheim and Brandenburg are destroyed by bombs.
1945 - Production equipment for the Kadett model is dismantled by the Soviet Union.
Third stage: post-war reconstruction and production growth
1945 - 1979 After the end of the war, the company's employees began to restore the almost completely destroyed plant in Russelsheim. With only minor changes were presented, the truck "Blitz" (Blitz), and later, "Olympia" (Olympia) and "Captain" (Kapitan). With the creation in 1962. plant in Bochum, Opel began new era. In 1977 Opel introduced the Senator and Monza models, re-entering the core market share.
1946 - The first post-war Opel car, a 1.5-ton Blitz truck, was produced.
1950 - The reconstruction of the Russelsheim plant was completed.
1956 - The 2 millionth Opel was produced. The company doubles productivity with the grand opening of a new K-40 case manufacturing facility.
1962 - Opel celebrates its 100th anniversary and opens a second plant in Bochum.
1966 - Millionth Cadet leaves the Bocham plant. Opel opens the Dudenhofen Proving Ground in Germany and opens a new parts plant in Kaiserslautern.
1972 - Opel is the largest car manufacturer in Germany with a 20.4% market share.
Fourth stage: development and creation of environmentally friendly cars
1980 - 1989 In the 1980s, Opel introduced a number of environmental initiatives, some of which were commercialized for the first time. The Opel Omega, introduced in 1986, offers a wide range of low emission petrol and diesel engines, becoming Car of the Year 1987. Opel sets new standards in aerodynamics with the Opel Vectra in 1988.
1981 - Opel became the first car manufacturer to introduce environmentally compatible water-based paints. More than 500 million marks have been invested in the construction of a new paint shop in Russellsheim.
1982 - Opel builds a new plant in Zaragoza (Spain) to produce the Opel Corsa, the most compact car the company has ever produced.
1983 - The 20 millionth vehicle leaves the Russelsheim factory. Asbestos-free clutch discs become standard equipment.
1985 - Opel becomes the first manufacturer to offer a full range of models equipped with catalytic converters. At the same time, the company begins to cooperate with athletes and sports teams and develops a sponsorship concept to promote team sports.
1987 - Opel celebrates its 125th anniversary. New DM 300 million paint shop in Bocham installs world standards on ecology with water-soluble paints.
1989 - The 25 millionth Opel Omega Caravan rolls off the assembly line. Opel becomes the first company to install a closed catalytic converter as standard equipment on all of its petrol vehicles in Germany.
Fifth stage: internationalization of the company brand
1990 - 1999 Opel significantly expands the lineup, improve production technology and achieve internationalization of the brand. The company's technical development center in Russellsheim becomes the center of creation of General Motors' international product development strategy and a leading source of projects and technologies. Opel is investing heavily in the expansion of existing European plants and operations and in new production facilities around the world. By the end of this period, the company is ready to introduce the Opel brand to new markets around the world.
1992 - The company's new plant in Eisenach, Germany sets a new benchmark for GM's future production service facilities.
1993 - The Opel Technical Development Center in Russellsheim is assigned responsibility for design and manufacturing development for operations outside North America.
1994 - Opel produces the 30 millionth car and becomes the main sponsor of FIFA (Football World Cup in the U.S.A.)
1995 - Opel becomes the first German manufacturer to open an assembly plant in Poland.
1997 - "Opel" and Italian company Bertone is celebrating 10 years of partnership during which approximately 105,000 Opel vehicles have been assembled at the Bertone plant near Turin, Italy.
1999 - Chancellor Gerhard Schroder and Prime Minister Hans Eichel meet with the management of Adam Opel AG to mark the centenary of Opel vehicles."
The sixth stage: the renewal of production and the global crisis
2000 -2009 In 2002, Opel launched a new program to develop new products and upgrade production. It is planned to invest about 10 billion Euros. Opel plans to release a new (updated) model every six months for the next five years. As a result of these innovations, two new models are being released this year - a five-seater minivan Opel Meriva and progressive Opel Signum.
2000 - Opel starts building a new plant in Russelsheim. The company announces the most revolutionary cars in its history. New generation - ECOTEC engines - high power and low level of environmental pollution.
2001 - Adam Opel AG and GM Europe announce the expansion of a restructuring program aimed at regaining lost ground and rebranding. Opel introduces a two-year warranty on all products.
Astra Celebrates its 10th birthday. Since the start of production of the most successful model, more than 7 million cars have been sold in more than 90 countries around the world.
2002 - Opel plans to release a new (updated) model every six months for the next five years.
2003-2007 The new Vectra is being built at the state-of-the-art plant in Russelsheim. The Corsa, the most successful small car in the world, is celebrating its 20th birthday. Since September 1982, more than 11 million vehicles have been produced.
2007 - Opel produced about 300 thousand cars of various brands at factories in Germany.
2008 - Due to the financial crisis that began in the United States, all divisions of the General Motors concern find themselves in a difficult economic situation and asks the authorities for financial support. The financial crisis develops into a global economic crisis. By 2009, it becomes clear that GM is on the verge of bankruptcy. In November, Opel was the first German car manufacturer to approach the federal and state governments for financial assistance.
2009 - GM begins restructuring its assets. The Austro-Canadian company Magna, the Italian concern Fiat, the transnational investment company Ripplewood and the Chinese automaker BAIC are bidding for Opel's shares. As a result of negotiations in May 2009, Ripplewood, BAIC and Fiat abandon their intentions.
On May 30, 2009, it becomes known that Magna and GM have entered into a deal to bring Opel under the control of Magna. Magna in this deal is acting in a consortium with Sberbank of the Russian Federation and GAZ Group. IN As a result of the transaction, the Canadian company should receive 20% of Opel, GM and Sberbank - 35% each, and Opel will retain 10%. Russian automaker GAZ claims to be an industrial partner. In particular, GAZ is ready to provide its facilities for the production of Opel models.
The material was prepared on the basis of information from RIA Novosti and open sources
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 the French carriage manufacturer Darracq, who supplied car bodies with Opel. This partnership also came to an end in 1906, when Opel had gained enough experience to make their 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's cars had already earned a reputation for being cheap and reliable, which helped the company survive the inflationary period and still maintain its title as Germany's largest automaker 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. This, and the fact that the partnership with GM opened up access to foreign markets, gave Opel the opportunity to further expand production and launch new models, like the Opel Olympia, the first mass-produced car whose body and frame were made entirely of steel.
Second World War was a difficult time for the Opel plant, and indeed for the entire company. The first car produced at the factory after the war was the Blitz truck, and then, much later, the production cars resumed with the Olympia model. The factories were not completely overhauled until 1956, but Opel managed to produce its 2 millionth car.
Working at full capacity, Opel opened a new plant in Bochum where new Kadett models were launched, marking a new era for German manufacturer. Next, the line was modified to create something for sports car fans - the GT model. With these changes, Opel retained its title as Germany's largest car manufacturer 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 adds catalytic converters to all its vehicles. A year later, the sports model Calibra premiered, when the brand had already produced 25 million cars since its inception. In 1991, Kadett "retired" and Astra was named the successor. Beginning in 1991, the Frontera and Monterey became Opel off-road models 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 at 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 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 took up the assembly of their cars on the basis of the chassis and power elements, which were produced by a company from France "Darracq". 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 they produced a 35/40PS model with a 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 long term 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 of the production process was completed. 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. A year later, Opel Kadett is released, which has a significant success with consumers.
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 purposes. It was on Opel squares that the Blitz truck was produced, whose name translates as lightning, it was the most successful model of all that was 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 the 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 of trucks of not very large carrying capacity. 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 of an updated version of the Olympia car.
By 1972 concern Opel became the main German automaker; in the domestic markets in the country, its products occupied 1/5 of all presented cars.
The company has always tried to keep up with the latest developments, including technical ones. When did it start fuel crisis, 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 manufactured, it became 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. flagship in Opel lineup rightly called Insignia, presented in station wagon and sedan. No less interesting is the Astra of the latest generation, which has pronounced features of a sports car. Almost all classes are regularly updated with new models, for example, a number of parquet SUVs recently replenished Antara and Mokka.
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, 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, 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 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 "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 Shown sports 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 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 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 a deep modernization of this model was carried out.
Since 1982, the production of the small-sized Corsa model has been launched. 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 made, which led the model range of the company.
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 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.
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 thing 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 champions in bicycle racing, the Opel brothers were invited to the Berlin Motor Show in 1897, where they first saw self-propelled carriages and set about a new idea - to start producing cars.
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The two Opel brothers 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 Lutzmann. The first car was assembled in 1899. From this moment on, the history of Opel cars has been counting down.
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 to overcome the crisis.
A group of leading engineers of the company, led by Wilhelm Opel, went overseas to learn from the experience gained in the United States mass production cars. Returning home, they zealously began to implement American ideas. Between 1923 and 1924, the old factory was transformed: all machines with top drive pulleys were replaced with modern electrically driven equipment. 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 coming off the assembly line were painted bright and juicy. green color, for which they paid - 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 car manufacturers, had a hard time: German marks cars 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.
238 km / h, developed by Opel RAK-2 - a phenomenal result of that time.
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 subsidiary 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 low weight, combined with a high level of passive safety and good aerodynamics. Thanks to the load-bearing body, the 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). The pre-war model of the highest class bore the proud name of Opel Admiral.
1939-1950 Opel factories during the Nazi Wehrmacht and post-war reconstruction
Six-cylinder Opel Super 6.
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 variants of the wheel arrangement 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. The 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.
The production of Opel Kapitan was resumed only in 1953, after a number of minor improvements.
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 it was the turn of 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 passenger models The German company often saw American design features.
In 1953, the volume of production for the first time exceeded the pre-war level. Presented in the same year Frankfurt Motor Show the Opel Olympia Rekord P-1 model 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 the company's production program. 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.
The appearance of the phenomenally successful Opel Rekord P-2 was influenced by American fashion.
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 sway bars, 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. car received 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. Brand Opel 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 machine was equipped Chevrolet engine. Initially, a two-door sedan was released, in 1963 a combi variant was added to this performance, and a coupe a year later. So it was customary to first release a two-door version, and then “toss” modifications to 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 automotive industry already formed. 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 luxury model With Chevrolet engine V8, with a volume of 5.4 liters, with a capacity of 230 hp, was assembled by Karman in Osnabrück. It was she who was considered the fastest car sold in Germany. The maximum 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.
Opel Kadett Rally - as it is now fashionable to say, "charged hatchback." Enjoyed great popularity among hot youth.
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 has been fine-tuned in various tuning studios. At the same time, engine power was increased, a stiffer suspension, sports shock absorbers, wide tires, new seats and a steering wheel were installed.
The middle of the decade was marked by the emergence new generation models: Kapitan A, Diplomat A and Commodore A.
Weak motor with a capacity of only 67 hp. installed on the Opel Rekord C Coupe model, did not make the car popular and was soon replaced by a 100 horsepower engine.
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 sibling of the Kadet 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 Automobile Exhibition in Frankfurt.
It was a coupe based on the Kadett. At first, the car was not intended for mass 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 with different engines until 1973.
In March 1969, the "big three" of 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 good choice 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.
A simple, solid and inexpensive Opel Ascona A was liked by many.
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 of 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.
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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 Kadett, regardless of company logo and the local name of the car, would be typical, and the engines and other components had to match the 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 away a lot of customers from the Ford Motor Company, in particular from 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 largest 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. A very unusual coupe, the Monza A, appeared on the basis of the Senator. rear wheels).
In 1979, Opel took a revolutionary step for itself - the Kadett D did not have rear wheels, but front 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 roadholding and low fuel consumption, 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.
Despite some similarities to the Kadett, the Ascona had rear-wheel drive. And not by chance. Initially, the car was conceived as "international", with a classic layout, especially since in the United States preference was given to the "classic". GM implemented the principle of a “single platform” in Ascona, when cars with different looks and power units had the same bottom, suspension, and wheels. These cars belonged 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.
The Opel Corsa A was created with young customers in mind, or those for whom the Kadett is too big.
In 1983, the Corsa A appeared in the Opel family, which was supposed (and succeeded) to reach a circle of customers who wanted a car smaller than the Kadett. The newest addition to the convertible family is 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. Front wheel drive car hatchback options and the sedan soon received three new engines. But, alas, it did not bear fruit. Buyers began to gradually lose interest in Opel products. The culprit turned out to be the monotonous and boring design, which made Kadett look like Ascona, Ascona - like Rekord, etc. To correct the situation, new solutions and ideas were needed. In the mid-1980s, Opel was one of the best-selling cars in Europe. The company has begun equipping its models with catalytic converters.
In 1984, a more technically and aerodynamically improved Kadett E model was released. The popularity of this car in Europe was facilitated, first of all, by wide choose bodies and engines. The car was awarded the European title "Car of the Year 1984". Kadett simultaneously became last car firms bearing 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.
Opel Omega A replaced Opel Rekord on the assembly line and immediately won the title of car of the year.
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 characteristics. 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 a real sports sedan, and lately the car has been sold to people with a sports license in Germany 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, the Ascona Touring special model 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 did not find enough buyers, and the company stopped its production in 1991.
Opel Vectra A took over from Opel Ascona. The car turned out to be very powerful and gained popularity.
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 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. It has also been developed corsa modification GSi. 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. The new car has replaced the “old” Kadett, which has fallen in love with 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, profitability, low maintenance costs, complete sets.
In the same year, for the first time in its history, the company launched the production of a cross-country vehicle - the Frontera model. 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 special technical perfection, although it looked very powerful in appearance. 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 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.
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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.
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 model range - Sintra, which became the fruit of joint work technical center of Adam Opel AG and the North American division of General Motors. New minivan became the first Opel produced in the USA. It is based on the Pontiac Trans Sport platform. In 1997, Opel slightly updated Astra models and Corsa. In the same year, in Frankfurt, the company introduced the second generation, the Astra G.
A completely 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 system common rail. Power is 159 hp. In the same year, a compact van appeared based on Opel Astra II - Zafira.
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 of the Opel Omega 2000 and Opel Speedster. In March 1999, the Opel Astra Coupe appeared.
The Opel Speedster is a car with timeless design and excellent driving performance.
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 introduction of the new generation of the Corsa model on the market and the consistently high demand for the Astra family, hopes for an improvement in the situation are pinned. In 2000 model Opel row has 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.
The compact and tall Opel Agila is clearly made with an eye on Japanese market, there this type of bodywork is not new.
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 bestseller was tested by the consumer protection organization EuroNCAP with "five stars" - the rating of the safest sedan in the class. compact cars. 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.
