Opel

Opel
source
Name	Opel Automobile GmbH
Type	Subsidiary
Foundation	21 January 1862 in Rüsselsheim am Main
Founder	Adam Opel
Location	Rüsselsheim am Main, Hesse, Germany
Key people	Florian Huettl (CEO)
Industry	Automotive industry
Products	Automobiles, commercial vehicles
Parent	Stellantis
Homepage	opel.com

Opel. Opel Automobile GmbH is a German automobile manufacturer headquartered in Rüsselsheim am Main, Hesse. Founded by Adam Opel in 1862, the company initially produced sewing machines and bicycles before manufacturing its first automobile in 1899. A subsidiary of the multinational automotive corporation Stellantis since 2021, Opel is a mainstream brand with a significant presence across Europe, known for models like the Corsa, Astra, and Mokka.

History

The company's origins trace back to the Opel family's establishment of a sewing machine factory in Rüsselsheim. Under the leadership of Adam Opel's sons, particularly Friedrich Opel and Heinrich Opel, the firm diversified into bicycle manufacturing, becoming Europe's largest bicycle maker by the 1890s. The first automobile, the Opel Patentmotorwagen System Lutzmann, was produced in 1899 after acquiring the workshop of Friedrich Lutzmann. Following a partnership with the French automaker Darracq and a major factory fire, the company fully committed to auto manufacturing, introducing the Opel Doktorwagen in 1909. In 1929, the controlling interest was acquired by the American giant General Motors, marking the start of an 88-year ownership. Key post-war developments included the launch of the iconic Opel Kadett in 1962 and the expansion of major production plants in Bochum and Eisenach. After years of financial struggles within General Motors Europe, the brand was sold to the Groupe PSA in 2017, which later merged with Fiat Chrysler Automobiles to form Stellantis.

Products

Opel's vehicle lineup primarily consists of passenger cars, light commercial vehicles, and, historically, larger commercial trucks. Its core model ranges include the city car Opel Corsa, the compact Opel Astra, and the subcompact Opel Crossland. The brand's sport utility vehicle offerings feature the Opel Mokka and the larger Opel Grandland. In the past, Opel produced notable models such as the Opel Rekord, the Opel Omega, and the Opel Calibra coupé. The company also markets its commercial vans, like the Opel Combo and Opel Vivaro, under the Opel Vauxhall sub-brand in some markets. Since integration into Stellantis, Opel vehicles increasingly share platforms and technologies with sister brands like Peugeot, Citroën, and Fiat.

Operations

The company's main engineering center and headquarters remain at its historic home in Rüsselsheim am Main, which also houses a major production plant for vehicles like the Opel Insignia. Other significant manufacturing facilities within Germany include the Opel Eisenach plant. Primary assembly operations for key models are located across Europe, utilizing Stellantis group resources, such as plants in Zaragoza (Spain), Gliwice (Poland), and Ellesmere Port (United Kingdom). The brand's vehicles are distributed through a dedicated network of dealerships and importers throughout the European Union, United Kingdom, and other international markets like Chile, South Africa, and Japan.

Corporate affairs

As a wholly owned subsidiary of Stellantis, Opel forms part of the group's multi-brand strategy for the European market. The brand is managed alongside its British sibling, Vauxhall Motors, with which it shares most models. The current Chief Executive Officer is Florian Huettl, who oversees the brand's operations and its "Opel Goes Electric" strategy, aiming for a fully electric lineup in Europe by 2028. The company engages in various research and development activities, particularly in electrification and Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems, often in collaboration with other Stellantis marques and through partnerships with institutions like the University of Applied Sciences Darmstadt.

Motorsport

Opel has a long and varied history in competitive racing, achieving significant success in touring car championships. The brand dominated the Deutsche Tourenwagen Meisterschaft in the 1990s with the Opel Calibra V6, driven by champions like Manuel Reuter. It has also been active in rallying, with the Opel Ascona and Opel Manta achieving victories in the World Rally Championship during the 1980s. In more recent years, Opel supported works teams in the FIA European Rally Championship and the ADAC Opel Rallye Cup, a junior series using the Opel Adam R2. The company also has a notable history in formula racing, having manufactured engines for the Formula 3 Euro Series and previously operating its own Opel Team Rosberg squad.