From the Blitz to the Kadett, from the Corsa to the Zafira, the history of Opel is a soap opera full of twists and turns. In 1940, the brand assembled its millionth vehicle, a Kapitan, it celebrates today (and already) the 75 millionth!
75 millionsis the number of vehicles produced by Opel since its creation ! The German brand, created by Adam Opel in 1862originally designed sewing machine. She had embarked on the adventure of the automobile in 1898. It is one of the oldest car manufacturers still in business! Having produced passenger cars, utility vehicles and trucks (notably the famous Blitz which will be released in 1937). Opel saw the American group General Motors buy out 80% of its capital in 1929.
It’s two years later in 1931, that it became a wholly owned subsidiary of GM once the remaining 20% has been acquired. Its history has been closely linked to that of the American manufacturer for more than 85 years. Opel models have been produced in many countries. Frequently distributed under other brands associated with the group (Chevrolet, Buick, Holden, Saturn, Subaru…).
From General Motors to PSA
Opel is also Vauxhall. If the two brands were formerly distinct each other, even in competition on certain markets (Rekord/Victor), General Motors had in the mid-1970s decided to bring together engineering as well as design and design offices of both brands. Since then, Vauxhalls have become nothing more than right-hand-drive Opels for the British market. The brand will go from success to success from the 80scarried by the Corsican townspeople and the compact Astra notably.
During the Great Recession that hit General Motors in 2009, Opel is almost bankrupt. It survives thanks to its sedans, minivan Zafira and at the Insignia wagon notably. Since 2017, the manufacturer has belonged to PSA (now Stellantis), which has since pulled him up with a renewal completely of its range, a repositioning of its products, and a clarified branding.
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The Grandland of all Rekords
Ses 160 years of history and 75 million cars produced have not always been a long calm river, but the brand is still there! From 1940, it reached its millionth example produced, with a Kapitan. In the 80s, the Omega A will get 25 million, and in 1999 the Omega B the 50 million.
More than 25 years later, it’s a completely different model that has had the honors. The 75 millionth vehicle produced by Opel is a Grandland Gse biton white and black. The sporty plug-in hybrid version of the brand’s flagship SUV begins a new era. We don’t know what the future will hold, but we can bet without too much risk that the 100 millionth Opel model to be assembled will be an electric vehicle…
