FRANKFURT - Opel launches the new Astra with the news that 30,000 pre-orders have already been taken.

• Karl-Thomas Neumann, CEO of Opel Group: "The Opel Astra is the best we've ever built"

• The product offensive shifts gear: 29 new Opel models by 2020

• Mary Barra, GM CEO: "We want to be number two in Europe."

• The new connectivity Opel OnStar

The 66th International Motor Show in Frankfurt Opel begins with the world premiere of the new generation Astra. This event also marks the beginning of a new era for Opel. "New Opel Astra is the best we've ever built and for us represents a quantum leap from many points of view," said Karl-Thomas Neumann, CEO of Opel Group, in his opening speech during the official press conference that Astra took place in the Universe. "Everyone did a great job on the new Astra. It 'a new chapter in the rebirth of Opel.

"The eleventh generation of compact cars in the Opel brand is lighter, more agile and more efficient than ever and has features borrowed from higher segments. Opel CEO Group was joined on stage stand D09 in Hall 8.0, about the size of 3,300 square meters, from Mary Barra, CEO of General Motors, with which he presented 5-door Astra and the new Astra Sports Tourer . With approximately 30,000 orders, the car is already a great success, although the official launch is expected only on October 10.

Mary Barra (GM CEO): speed up the product offensive. Soon a new flagship

Mary Barra, CEO of General Motors, has announced some major changes in relation to the offensive and product models on the European market. "We want to speed up the product offensive Opel: between 2016 and 2020 we will launch 29 new models, including an electric vehicle and a second flagship that will join Insignia. 

The new SUV will be produced in Rüsselsheim by the end of the decade and will push the brand even higher in terms of technology. "The goal for the future is clearly defined: Opel intends to become the second largest manufacturer in Europe by 2022, after placed third last year.

One of the key technologies of the future is autonomous driving, which GM and Opel are working with great energy. "In the next 5-10 years in this business we will see more news of what happened in the last 50 years," he said Barra, who also mentioned the prospect of a world in zero accidents. "With all the active safety systems supplied with it, the new Opel Astra is an important step in this direction," he added, summing up the qualities of this new model built from scratch.

Neumann: New Astra door C-segment technologies typical of luxury cars

The latest compact Opel shows exactly how futuristic idea can be transformed quickly into reality. "With the new Astra we realize concretely the new philosophy presented two years ago at the Frankfurt Motor Show with the Monza Concept. Compact size, spacious cabin with a sleek and athletic and very advanced digital connectivity, "he said Neumann explaining the main features of nuovabestseller compact Opel.

Efficiency: the new Astra is built on a new architecture and light. Each component has been designed with utmost attention to reduce the weight and the result is that the new model weighs up to 200 kilograms less of the current model. The latest generation engines, powerful, efficient and clean, are the perfect match. "The new Astra engines push to the summit segment," added Neumann.

Connectivity: The manufacturer of Rüsselsheim presented connectivity solutions revolutionary thanks to Opel OnStar and new infotainment systems IntelliLink , compatible with Apple and Android CarPlay Auto. The connectivity service and personal assistance is a guardian angel that offers many services. The car, equipped with a powerful antenna, turns into a Wi-Fi hotspot to which you can connect as many as seven devices.

"OnStart is a unique system in Europe. Once again, Opel is a pioneer in this field, "said Neumann.

However not all new Astra and continues to "wreak havoc in the world of luxury," as stated in the ad campaign. Astra is the first compact ever to mount headlights intelligent antireflective IntelliLux LED® series of innovative driver assistance and many practical functions. Hatchback Astra Sports Tourer, for example, opens and closes with a simple movement of the foot under the rear bumper.

"We remain true to our philosophy, which is to offer technology from the category of luxury all Opel customers at affordable prices," said Neumann. "And remember: the new Astra is at the top of its segment for the total cost of ownership. This new efficiency leads to concrete results. "

The Opel stand welcomes the world of football: Jürgen Klopp and the stars of the Bundesliga in the Universe Astra

In the coming days the Universe Astra will be attended by many prominent guests from the world of football.The first will be Jürgen Klopp, brand ambassador, who Saturday, September 19 will deliver the proceeds of the sale of a BVB-ADAM (20,100 euros) to the NGO "Ein Herz for Kinder" (A Heart for Children). 

At 11 am it will be at the side of the Opel Group CEO Karl-Thomas Neumann for the presentation of the new advertising campaign of Astra. Footballers and leaders Mainz 05 will meet instead with Peter Christian Küspert, Vice President Sales & Aftersales Opel Group, visit the Opel stand at 11.00 the following day. Hans-Joachim Watzke, Managing Director of Borussia Dortmund, the new coach Thomas Tuchel and three players of Borussia grant interviews at the Opel stand at 14 to Thursday, Sept. 24. And Sunday, September 27, a delegation led by the coach of Bayer 04 Leverkusen Roger Schmidt and sporting director Rudi Völler will visit the Universe Astra starting at 11.