Opel

Opel was founded in 1862 by Adam Opel in Rüsselsheim, Germany, and initially produced bicycles and sewing machines. It began automobile production in 1899 and gradually became a major player in the German and European automotive industries. In 1929, the brand became part of General Motors, then transferred to the PSA Group in 2017 and subsequently came under the Stellantis NV umbrella in 2021. Today, Opel offers a broad product range including internal combustion engine, hybrid and electric vehicles.

Opel Logo (Opel Official Website)

Historical Development

In the mid-20th century, Opel established a broad customer base in Europe with models such as the Kadett, Rekord and Manta. During the 1990s, the brand maintained its position in the European market under General Motors management. The restructuring process initiated by PSA Group’s acquisition in 2017 gained global scale with the formation of Stellantis in 2021. The Frontera and new-generation Grandland models introduced in 2024 marked significant steps in the brand’s transition to fully electric SUVs.

Product Range

Passenger and Compact Models

Corsa

Astra

Frontera (new-generation BEV SUV)

SUV and Crossover Models

Mokka

Grandland

Rocks

Light Commercial Vehicles

Combo

Vivaro

Movano

Electric Vehicle Technology

Opel produces electric SUV models based on Stellantis’s STLA Medium platform. The new-generation Grandland, whose production began in 2024 at the Eisenach facility in Germany, is among the earliest examples of this electric transition. Battery efficiency, fast-charging capability and software-based driving assistance systems are key technical priorities. The brand aims to make all its models in the European market 100 percent electric by 2028.

Global Production Network and Financial Performance

Opel’s manufacturing facilities are located in Germany (Rüsselsheim, Eisenach), Poland (Gliwice, Tychy), the Czech Republic, Spain and the United Kingdom. In 2024, Opel achieved a 5.6 percent market share in Germany with approximately 175,000 vehicle sales and reported a 9.1 percent market share in the light commercial vehicle segment. The Eisenach and Zaragoza plants are among Stellantis’s key electric vehicle production hubs in Europe.

Market Performance and International Growth

In 2024, Opel increased its vehicle sales in Germany by 6.4 percent. The Combo, Vivaro and Movano models in the light commercial vehicle segment recorded growth of nearly 40 percent. The Grandland and Astra models strengthened the brand’s position in the C and D segments. Electric models Frontera and Mokka are playing a key role in meeting rising demand across Europe.

Strategic Goals and Future Vision

Opel aims to fully transition to electric vehicle production in Europe by 2028 in line with Stellantis’s Dare Forward 2030 strategy. Additionally, the company has adopted a carbon-neutral production target by 2038. The commencement of electric Grandland production at the Eisenach facility has accelerated the electrification of the entire model lineup, with new platforms integrated into the STLA infrastructure.