Vauxhall-Opel opens a €210 Million 7-floor testing and development building for propulsion systems of the future.

• Seven-floor testing and development building for propulsion systems of the future
• €210 million investment at Rüsselsheim, Germany headquarters

Only two years after the ground breaking ceremony the new, ultra-modern Global Propulsion Systems Center at Opel headquarters in Rüsselsheim, Germany is ready to go into service. The Opel Group includes the Vauxhall brand representing its largest market.

More than 800 engineers and technicians will develop the propulsion systems of the future in the complex with a surface area of around 36,000 square metres. 

The complex not only has a technology centre and office space but also 45 latest generation test dynamometers.

The €210 million invested in the new Global Propulsion Systems Center is the biggest single investment in buildings in Rüsselsheim since the inauguration of the new production plant in 2002.

“The new development centre will make our work even faster and even more efficient. It not only strengthens Opel but also Rüsselsheim and the entire GM development network,” said Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann, Opel CEO.

“This new centre is a very important strategic investment. We will develop the propulsion systems of the future here by using ultra-modern tools and a total of 45 new dynamometers. GM decided to build this centre in Rüsselsheim for good reason. It is a sign of appreciation for the performance and the know-how of our highly-qualified Opel engineers. The global network makes GM and Opel especially strong”, said Dan Nicholson, Vice President GM Global Propulsion Systems.

This new construction is part of the €230 million investment in new testing and development facilities at the International Technical Development Centre (ITDC) and at the Development Centre in Rodgau-Dudenhofen announced two years ago, with most of the total amount being invested in Rüsselsheim.

The facility is integrated in the global development system of GM Global Propulsion Systems. The output can be optimally evaluated and implemented thanks to the internationally standardised testing procedures and software.

Opel to voluntarily re-test all its models for CO2 and NOX emissions after issues were raised.

• Engineering initiative for more transparency and credibility
• From Q2 2016, Opel will start publishing WLTP cycle fuel consumption numbers for specific models reflecting more everyday driving conditions
• Engineers developing improved SCR diesel applications – improvement towards RDE NOx specifications, including voluntary customer satisfaction field action

Opel is voluntarily taking the next step to meet future emissions guidelines, both on CO₂ and NOx. From Q2 2016, and in addition to the official fuel consumption and CO₂ information, fuel consumption numbers recorded under the WLTP cycle will also be published. In addition, diesel engineers have recently started working on an initiative to implement NOx emission improvements on SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction) diesel applications. 

This is a voluntary and early improvement towards the so-called RDE (Real Driving Emissions) legislation that goes into effect in 2017. Opel is committed to providing the testing authorities transparency.

“The events and discussions in the last weeks and months have shown that there is a tremendous focus on the automotive industry and it is now time to act based on the learnings,” says Opel Group CEO Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann. 

“It is obvious to me that the diesel discussion is a turning point. The world is not as it was before. We cannot ignore this and it is in the hands of the automotive industry to change the perception of the new reality.”

Fuel Consumption and CO₂

From Q2 2016, and in addition to the official fuel consumption and CO₂ information of Opel models, fuel consumption numbers recorded under the WLTP cycle will be published, starting with the new Astra. This procedure has broad industry acceptance and has been developed to be more representative of what customers will experience in use. 

According to EU plans, the “New European Driving Cycle” (NEDC) will be replaced starting in 2017 with the more modern standard “Worldwide Harmonized Light Duty Vehicles Test Procedure” (WLTP). 

The WLTP – also a test conducted in laboratory conditions – is based on stringent test procedures, more consistent with fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions in real-life road traffic. This new test cycle is important to maintain standardized, reproducible and comparable results.

SCR Technology

Related to NOx emissions, Opel is also acting right now. The Rüsselsheim automaker has started working on improved solutions for the effectiveness of exhaust gas treatment systems in Euro 6 diesel engines with SCR technology to make improvements in the direction of future RDE guidelines. RDE is the real driving emissions standard which supplements current test methods and measures a car’s emissions directly on the road.

"Our analyses in the last months show that we have no devices that tell us if our vehicles are in a test cycle or not. 

Nevertheless, we also believe that we are capable of further improving the effectiveness of reduction of oxides of nitrogen emissions from our Euro 6 diesels with SCR technology and so we are making an improvement towards future RDE specifications,” emphasizes Dr. Neumann. “We will use SCR as the mainstream system for Euro 6 diesel going forward as we continue to develop improved technologies to explore higher efficiencies.”

The work on this Euro 6 SCR improvement has started and we expect a production implementation as of the summer of 2016. This activity will also include a voluntary customer satisfaction field action that will involve 43.000 vehicles that are already on the road in Europe (Zafira Tourer, Insignia and Cascada).These vehicles will get a new calibration once it becomes available.

Opel CEO Dr. Neumann also calls for improving the transparency between automakers and authorities in Europe. “In the USA, the companies disclose their complete calibration philosophy to authorities. I would like to see us embrace this practice in Europe.” 

In this context, the Opel CEO also wants to suggest that all automakers that are active in Europe take part in a negotiated agreement for more transparency.

GERMANY - Opel is investing in the engines of the future.

• A seven-story building dedicated to the design, development and testing of the engines of the future
• The investment of 210 million euros in Rüsselsheim on schedule
• Dan Nicholson, one of the top executives of GM in the area of ​​engine development, highlights the global responsibility of Opel

Opel is investing in the engines of the future. 210 million euros have been allocated for the construction of the new and ultra-modern power units currently under construction center in Rüsselsheim, where it will be developed and tested efficient drive systems. 

The construction of the center proceeds within the timescale envisaged: the ceremony for the completion of the roof took place today, and the center will be inaugurated in 2017.

The Group CEO Opel, Karl-Thomas Neumann, and the head of the Opel works council, Wolfgang Schäfer-Klug, he joined during the official ceremony Dan Nicholson, chief expert of engine development and vice president of GM Powertrain Division World . 

It was present among the guests also the Mayor of Rüsselsheim, Patrick Burghardt, when Sascha Göbel, representative of the construction company in charge, gave the traditional speech that usually accompanies such occasions.

Karl-Thomas Neumann stressed the importance of this investment for the future of the brand. "We take very seriously our responsibility to the climate and the environment and we are on track to meet the target set for 2020 for emissions of CO2. 

The new center Thrusters make our work more efficient. Not only strengthen Rüsselsheim, but also the entire network of development of GM, Opel ensuring a leading role in the scope of the propulsion with low environmental impact. "

"The Centre Thrusters is a strategic investment of extreme importance for the company. GM has decided to create this structure in Rüsselsheim for a very good reason, because here is concentrated the development of gasoline engines for small and medium size. 

GM recognizes therefore the skills and expertise of highly qualified engineers to Opel, "said Dan Nicholson.

This is the comment of the head of the Opel works council, Wolfgang Schäfer-Klug: "The negotiations on the collective agreement of Opel formed the basis for the decision to invest in a new center Thrusters here in Rüsselsheim. 

This will ensure and broaden the employment opportunities in the center of development. I am therefore particularly pleased to participate today in the ceremony of the roof of the building. "

"The new center will further enhance the Thrusters primary role of the International Center of Technological Development of the plant in Rüsselsheim and the considerable expertise of Opel in R & D. 

Beyond that, Rüsselsheim remains synonymous with innovative technology and pioneering projects, "concluded Patrick Burghardt, mayor of Rüsselsheim.

In addition to the workshop and area dedicated to offices, the new complex will include three wings with test benches and a technical center. 

The complex will cover a total area of ​​about 36,000 square meters. Among other things, the new center will also host 43 test benches of the latest generation to measure the performance of the engines.

The ceremonial start of work was held last summer and since then construction activities continued without incident for a total of 180,000 hours worked.

The new complex is part of a series of investments of total value of 230 million euros for the construction of new facilities development and testing at the International Center of Technological Development and testing center of Rodgau-Dudenhofen. 

Most of the amount allocated, or 210 million euros, will be invested in the site in Rüsselsheim. The complex will cover an area of ​​about 13,000 square meters to the south of the railway line and west of Gate 45 of Rüsselsheim, parallel to Rugbyring. 

This is the largest investment made in the construction of the new opening Rüsselsheim

production plant, in 2002.

The site is integrated into the global network engineering of GM Powertrain. The international synchronization of software and test methods, therefore, allows to analyze the results and implement the solutions optimally.

New Generation i20 receives ‘iF Design Award 2015’ in the product category.

• New Generation i20 receives ‘iF Design Award 2015’ in the product category
• Recognises distinctive, sophisticated design of Hyundai’s new B-segment car
• Further validation of Hyundai Motor’s design and quality

Hyundai Motor has once again received international recognition for its vehicle design from the prestigious iF Design Awards jury. The New Generation i20 has won the iF Design Award 2015 in the “Product” discipline, under the “Automobiles / Vehicles / Bikes” category.

The award recognises the refined design of the newest addition to Hyundai Motor’s car line-up. 

The distinctive appearance of the All - New Generation i20 hatchback was influenced by the latest interpretation of the company's Fluidic Sculpture design philosophy, characterised by the car's clean and elegant lines and the prominent hexagonal grille that marks it out as a Hyundai.

The team from Hyundai Motor’s Design Centre Europe in Rüsselsheim, Germany paid particular attention to achieving balanced proportions. The front-end design and long hood create a powerful stance, and the gloss-black C-pillar delivers a unique floating-roof motif. Inside, the driver-oriented cockpit features extensive use of soft-touch materials, as well as subtle piano black inserts and chrome detailing, to create a modern and sophisticated interior package.

Peter Schreyer, President and Chief Design Officer of Hyundai Motor Group, said: "It's an honour for Hyundai to be once again internationally recognised in the iF Design Awards, with New Generation i20 following the success of All-New Genesis last year. Design plays a core role in shaping our brand and driving consumer purchases of Hyundai cars, so we're delighted to receive such a prestigious accolade from a respected authority on design."

For more than 60 years, the iF Design Awards have been recognised across the world as a symbol of design excellence. Organised by iF International Forum Design GmbH, the awards recognise outstanding design across various disciplines and categories. The jury awarded the sought-after prize to Hyundai’s New Generation i20 following a rigorous judging process, involving almost 5,000 entries from 53 countries.

The iF Design Award night will take place on 27 February 2015.

Designed, engineered and manufactured in Europe, the New Generation i20 is on sale now throughout the region.

GM CEO confirms massive investment at Russelsheim for a new Flagship SUV.

• GM Chief Executive Officer Mary Barra announces production of a new SUV in  Rüsselsheim
• Considerable investments in engine and transmission production in the Rüsselsheim, Kaiserslautern and Tychy plants
• Third shift at the Eisenach plant will be added next year
• Clear commitment to Opel/Vauxhall, Germany and Europe

During her second visit to Germany this year, Mary Barra, Chief Executive Officer of General Motors, announced considerable additional investments. Barra confirmed that a new model will be produced at Opel’s traditional headquarters in Rüsselsheim by the end of the decade. 

“This SUV will be the second flagship alongside the Insignia,” Barra said. 

As announced in March, 245 million euro will be invested in Opel’s Rüsselsheim plant to meet future requirements. Furthermore, Barra declared additional investments of more than half a billion euro in the engine and transmission plants in Rüsselsheim, Kaiserslautern and Tychy (Poland), thus providing the impetus for Opel/Vauxhall to move to the next stage of its powertrain offensive with fuel efficient engines and transmissions.

“Opel/Vauxhall is of high strategic importance for GM. The product offensive with 27 new models and 17 new engines has enjoyed a very successful start. These additional investments will help the brands shine again and further strengthen our position in Europe. 

They are a clear sign of GM’s commitment to Opel/Vauxhall, to Germany and to Europe,” said Barra.

Opel Group CEO Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann was delighted by the clear message: “General Motors and Opel/Vauxhall are closer than ever before. Opel/Vauxhall has General Motors’ full support, the additional investments are further proof of the excellent cooperation.”

Both Mary Barra and Dr. Neumann pointed out that all necessary decisions were taken after a constructive dialog with employee representatives. They recognized the cooperation with the European employee representatives and Opel/Vauxhall’s general works council.

Dr. Neumann also announced that a third shift will be established at the plant in Eisenach as of mid-2015. “This is good news for Eisenach as we are enjoying strong demand for the ADAM and the new Corsa.”

Mary Barra expressed her delight with the new Corsa, adding that 45,000 orders before the official market launch show that the fifth generation of the small car is well on its way to becoming a bestseller.