11 Interesting Facts About Opel

Opel is a German automaker that has been a subsidiary of the multinational Stellantis group since 2021. Stellantis was formed through a merger between Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) and PSA Group, which had previously acquired Opel from General Motors (GM) in 2017. Under Stellantis, Opel remains one of the key brands, especially in Europe, known for its compact cars, SUVs, and electric vehicles.

Market Position:

In 2023, Opel’s market share within Europe hovered around 4%, making it a mid-sized player compared to larger European brands like Volkswagen and Peugeot.

While exact figures for Opel’s revenue are not always reported separately within Stellantis, the Stellantis group, which includes Opel and other major brands like Peugeot, Fiat, and Jeep, reported €179.6 billion in net revenues in 2022.

Interesting Facts About Opel:

1. Over 160 Years of History: Opel was founded in 1862 as a sewing machine manufacturer. It wasn’t until 1899 that Opel produced its first automobile, making it one of the oldest car manufacturers still in operation.
2. Part of General Motors: From 1929 to 2017, Opel was part of the American automotive giant General Motors (GM). Opel vehicles were even rebadged as Buick models for sale in the U.S. and China.
3. Electric Vehicle Pioneer: Opel was among the early adopters of electric vehicles. The Opel Ampera, a plug-in hybrid version of the Chevrolet Volt, was introduced in 2011 and won the European Car of the Year award in 2012.
4. Iconic Small Cars: Opel has been known for producing some of the most popular small cars in Europe, such as the Opel Corsa and Opel Astra. These models remain popular choices for budget-conscious consumers.
5. Rally Racing Success: Opel has a long history in motorsports, particularly in rally racing. Models like the Opel Kadett and Opel Manta have been successful in various European rally championships.
6. Opel Blitz in WWII: During World War II, Opel produced the Opel Blitz, a light truck used extensively by the German military. It became one of the most recognizable military vehicles of the era.
7. Rebirth with PSA and Stellantis: Since being acquired by PSA Group and later Stellantis, Opel has undergone a significant transformation, focusing heavily on electric and hybrid models, including the all-electric Opel Corsa-e.
8. British Counterpart: Many of Opel’s cars are sold in the UK under the Vauxhall brand, but both brands are essentially identical in terms of design and engineering.
9. Opel Kadett: The Opel Kadett was a bestseller in the European market for many years, and it was known for being the inspiration behind several American compact cars under GM.
10. Opel Ampera: The Opel Ampera was the first plug-in hybrid to win the European Car of the Year in 2012, leading the way for early hybrid models in Europe.
11. Opel Astra: The Opel Astra has been a consistent best-seller in Europe for decades, receiving numerous awards, including Car of the Year in multiple countries.

Famous Owners of Opel:

• Jürgen Klopp:
  • Car: Opel Insignia.
  • Location: Jürgen Klopp, the Liverpool FC manager, has been an Opel ambassador in Germany and continues to be associated with the brand. He has been seen driving different Opel models as part of this partnership.
  • Date: Spotted with Opel models from 2020 through the present.
• Patrick Dempsey:
  • Car: Opel Insignia.
  • Location: Patrick Dempsey, known for Grey’s Anatomy, remains a key face for Opel in Europe. He has continued promoting the Opel Insignia during multiple campaigns and has been spotted driving it at events.
  • Date: Seen promoting and driving Opel Insignia from 2020 onwards.
• Heidi Klum:
  • Car: Opel Crossland X.
  • Location: Supermodel Heidi Klum was involved in an Opel campaign promoting the new Crossland X, and she has been spotted driving the SUV during promotional events.
  • Date: Spotted with the Crossland X during campaigns in 2020-2021.
• Gerard Depardieu:
  • Car: Opel Astra.
  • Location: The French actor has maintained a long-standing relationship with Opel. Though his association with Opel began earlier, he has continued driving an Opel Astra and appeared at several events post-2020.
  • Date: Spotted in multiple events throughout 2020-2022.