Opel denies having any "cheat" programs within any of it's products, as the VW scandal widens.

Opel emphatically rebuts the claims of the German Environmental Relief. We would once again like to emphasize the following, valid for all our cars: GM developed software has no features that detect whether the vehicle is undergoing an exhaust emissions test.

The results of the alleged Zafira test conducted by the German Environmental Relief (DUH) are not comprehendible. It is not fair that the German Environmental Relief makes assertions but did not disclose the alleged results, despite us asking for them on multiple occasions.

After receiving the communication from the German Environmental Relief, our engineers immediately put a corresponding vehicle (a Zafira with a 1.6-liter Euro 6 diesel engine) on the test bench and conducted and protocolled additional tests in accordance with the regulations – both on a two-roller and a four-roller test bench. 

The result: the values comply with the legal limits both for testing on two-wheel or four-wheel setups. This is the only result to be expected, as it has no influence on the emission systems whether or not the rear wheels are in motion. This means: The allegations are clearly false and unfounded.

An approach, as implied by the German Environmental Relief, would contradict our integrity, our values and the work of our engineers. We are committed to the reliable compliance with exhaust emissions thresholds in all our vehicles. We have clear global processes that ensure that our products meet all exhaust emission standards in the markets they are sold in.

Vauxhall brings back it's own scrappage scheme, to give buyers of older cars a cash boost.

• £2,000 Scrappage Allowance available across most Vauxhall passenger cars
• Cars of any age and from any manufacturer are eligible
• Option of combining scrappage with Vauxhall’s other great finance offers

Vauxhall has re-launched its Scrappage Allowance scheme, which means customers can take advantage of a £2,000 (including VAT) scrappage trade-in against most new passenger cars in its range.

To qualify for the scheme, customers must have owned their trade-in vehicle for a minimum of 90 days. There is no upper age limit for cars and any manufacturer’s vehicle will be accepted.

Customers can combine scrappage with Vauxhall’s other great offers including Flexible Finance, Flexible PCP and a free insurance offer. For example, young drivers could take advantage of £99 insurance (18 to 20 year olds) for one year’s insurance on both ADAM SLAM and Corsa Limited Edition, while those aged 21 and over could get one year’s free insurance.

This means that a 21-year old customer participating in scrappage, could receive £1,190 finance deposit contribution and pay just £193 per month over 36 months for a Corsa three-door 1.2-litre Limited Edition, which includes one year’s free insurance and one year’s free OnStar and 4G Wi-Fi*.

“Vauxhall’s Scrappage Allowance scheme makes buying a new car even more affordable,” said Leon Caruso, Vauxhall's Retail Sales Director. “Even customers who think that their current car is only worth a few pounds can now turn it into a £2,000 contribution towards the cost of a new Vauxhall – and that’s over and above any other deals they negotiate with the retailer, including free insurance on ADAM SLAM and Corsa Limited Edition.”

As part of the scheme, vehicles must be traded-in and scrapped to be eligible for the allowance.  All surrendered vehicles will be handled by Vauxhall’s official contracted end of life vehicle partner Autogreen through their online platform 

www.rewardingrecycling.co.uk. 

The offer is available across Vauxhall’s passenger car range excluding VIVA, Corsa Sting and Sting R and ADAM JAM. The Scrappage Allowance scheme is available at participating Vauxhall retailers. Terms and conditions apply.

*On selected models only. OnStar is a comprehensive package, which includes a high-speed 4G Wi-Fi mobile network, emergency response notification and stolen vehicle recovery technology.

Vauxhall takes the #1 spot for retails sales in September with a nice hefty growth over 2014.

Vauxhall sold more cars and vans to retail customers in the crucial plate-change month of September than any other manufacturer, according to figures released today by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).

The Luton-based manufacturer sold 43,848 cars last month, an impressive 6.49 per cent increase on September 2014. It’s the first time Vauxhall has been number one for retail buyers in a plate-change month since electronic records began in 1996. Mokka and Zafira Tourer were also number one in their respective segments.

Further highlights included the Corsa supermini, Vauxhall’s best-selling model, achieving sales of 15,670, a 25.3 per cent increase on September last year. The Insignia also had a bumper month, leading total sales in its segment.

Vauxhall Commercial Vehicles also made strong gains in the CV market showing improved sales across its entire van range from January to September this year, making it the number one manufacturer for retail customers.

The van market itself enjoyed strong growth in September with 58,744 light commercial vehicles registered, up 19.5 per cent versus the same month last year.

Vauxhall sold 31,038 LCVs in the nine months to September corresponding to a 10.9 per cent market share and a 37.9 per cent increase on the same period last year.  That was more than double the rate of increase in the market as a whole, which was up 17.4 per cent with 284,161 units registered.  Vauxhall claimed top spot in the retail van charts with 11,425 registrations and an impressive 17.1 per cent market share.

The popular Vivaro, built at Vauxhall’s Luton plant, was the stand-out performer, accounting for an 11.01 per cent share of the retail van market. Overall, 20,231 Vivaro units have been sold year-to-date (compared to 13,411 for the same period last year), an increase of 50.8 per cent. This means there have been more Vivaros sold in the first nine months of 2015 than there were in the whole of 2014.

“September was a great month for Vauxhall with sales results that we can be truly proud of,” said Rory Harvey, Vauxhall’s Chairman and Managing Director. “Now we focus on finishing the year strongly with New Astra arriving in showrooms this month and OnStar giving us a tremendous lead in the vehicle connectivity arena.”

Vauxhall offers VX360° for all servicing & repairs, 7 will email/text you the video & info on work to be completed.

• See and authorise work on your car, from a computer or mobile device
• Available now as a complimentary extra at participating Vauxhall retailers

Vauxhall is offering servicing you can see for yourself with VX360°, a programme that allows onsite expert technicians to capture on video recommended repair work and share it with owners immediately via mobile and email.

Available now as a complimentary extra at participating retailers, VX360° allows Vauxhall customers to authorise work with complete transparency and confidence.

How VX360° works:

1. The customer books in their car at a participating retailer
2. The retailer shares a film of the customer’s car via email or text, providing details, should there be any urgent or recommended work
3. The customer approves the work at the click of a mouse or by emailing their service advisor

“The innovative VX360° system can be requested free as part of a regular service at participating retailers and enables owners to view exactly what the technician sees, thanks to filmed footage of the customer’s vehicle whilst it is in a workshop,” said Alex Shields, Aftersales Business Operations Manager.

“This places customers in a unique position, where they can view the footage and make the choice about whether they wish to proceed and let workshop teams know immediately, saving both time and hassle.”

VX360° is available with different types of work, such as an MOT, servicing or repairs. Customers can request it on the day or when booking their Vauxhall in over the phone or online. 

SPAIN/WORLDWIDE - OPEL SALES JUNE - Growth in many segments continues for the German marque.

• In June sales increased 9% in Europe and 25% in Spain.
• In the first quarter have increased by 3% in Europe, exceeding 18% in Spain.
• Increase registrations in 20 European countries.

Opel maintained its good performance in the European market: according to preliminary figures from June, new car registrations have increased by more than 9,800 units for the month of June last year - an increase of 9% , a total of 118,600 units. The market share recorded in this past month was 6.35%. 

The result of Opel in the first six months of this year is also positive. Between January and June 2015, the German manufacturer has sold 582 300 vehicles, representing an increase of 3%, or 18,400 units more than in the same period of 2014. With these figures has achieved a market share of 5 9% slightly better than in the first half of last year.

In Spain, during the month of June, Opel has enrolled a total of 10,201 units, querepresenta an increase of 25.2% over the same month of 2014. These sales represented a market share of 7.93% market share Total Spanish (passenger cars and commercial vehicles) and Opel has risen to fourth in the ranking of sales. 

In the car market, Opel sales were of 9,701 units, which represents a share of 8.7% and an increase of 23.1% compared to June last year. For models, the Zafira has been boosted to the first position in its segment, while the Meriva keeps the second position and the compact SUV Mokka reaches the quarter with an increase of 340% higher sales.

"The increase in volume in more than 20 European markets in the first six months of this year shows that our customers like models. The new Opel KARL, which already have more than 30,000 orders, the personal service of connectivity and OnStar assistance and the new Opel Astra will give us new impetus for further growth, "said Peter Christian Küspert, VP of Sales and Aftermarket Group Opel.

In the first half of 2015, Opel has registered sales increases in more than 20 European markets, including Germany (+ 2%), the UK (+ 4%), France (+ 7%), Spain (+ 18%), Italy (+ 17%), Portugal (+ 21%), Poland (+ 20%) and Turkey (+ 36%). The German brand has also increased its market share in more than 13 markets.Countries where more has increased its participation have been in Bosnia-Herzegovina, Estonia, Bulgaria, Serbia and Macedonia Poland.

During the month of June, Opel has been the best-selling brand in the passenger car market in Hungary, with a market share of 11.3%. It has also achieved the second position in Austria (7.57%) and the Netherlands (8.1%). In addition, the British subsidiary Vauxhall was the second best-selling brand in England during this month (11.66% share) and in the first half of this year (10.35%).

In Spain, during the first six months of this year, Opel has enrolled a total of 47 057 units, representing an increase of 18% from the first half of 2014 and a market share of 7.31%. The brand remains in third all passenger car sales with 44,247 registrations place and a market share of 8.0%. The Insignia and Meriva models occupy second place in their respective segments, while the Zafira and Corsa reach the third position and reached the fifth Mokka, having increased its sales by 180% over the previous year.

Also in Europe the Mokka is registering very good figures, with sales have increased by more than 20,000 units, or 28%, while Corsa registrations grew by more than 18,000 units, or 12% and ADAM, which It is growing by more than 2,500 units or 9%.

Likewise, Opel is achieving very good results in the market for light commercial vehicles during the first half of the year. Registrations are up 25% to 51,000 units in Europe. The market share has increased by 0.56 percentage points and now stands at 4.03%. The three ranges of commercial vehicles have experienced an increase in volume in the head Movano (+ 34%), followed by Vivaro (+ 27%) and the Combo (+ 15%).

Vauxhall brings back "THE BIG EVENT" with discounts and £500 of free fuel - time to pop along !

• The Big Event for new Vauxhalls runs 15th to 18th May 2015
• £500-worth of free fuel with all vehicles sold*
• Available in addition to market-leading finance offers
• 20 per cent off all Vauxhall accessories

Vauxhall retailers nationwide are hosting The Big Event, on the weekend of Friday 15th May to Monday 18th May, where customers get £500-worth of free fuel with selected car and van purchases.

The offer is even available on hot Vauxhall newcomers including the new Corsa supermini, the fashionable ADAM and the Mokka compact SUV.

Vauxhall’s £500 free fuel is in addition to its other great offers including a range of Flexible Personal Contract Purchase Plans (PCP). Customers can choose from a selection of Vauxhall models with low monthly payments and all the flexibility that PCP finance allows at the end of the chosen term.

As well as passenger cars, the offer is open to commercial vehicle customers across Vauxhall’s multi-award winning van range including the new Corsavan, Combo, Brit-Built Vivaro and Movano.

Big Event customers can also get 20 per cent off all Vauxhall Accessories including a vast array of equipment including sat-navs, iPhone/iPad cradles and cargo liners.

“Vauxhall’s Big Event gives customers the opportunity to take advantage of a range of fantastic offers and incentives, from helping to cut costs at the fuel pumps to discounts on accessories,” said Tim Tozer, Vauxhall’s Chairman and Managing Director. “Vauxhall customers can make big savings on new cars and vans including new-to-market models such as Corsa and Vivaro.”

For more information or to find your nearest retailer visit: www.vauxhall.co.uk.

*£500 inc VAT Free Fuel applies to customer orders placed between Friday 15th May and Monday 18th May 2015.

Offer available on selected new Vauxhall vehicles – exclusions apply. £500 will be supplied via pre-pay debit card (purchase only, cannot be used to withdraw cash). Terms and conditions apply. For full Terms and Conditions, please contact your local retailer.

Vauxhall/Opel to showcase new tech and all new cars at Geneva Motor Show 2015.

• OnStar to provide Vauxhall range with connectivity of tomorrow
• World premieres for all-new VIVA and Corsa VXR hot hatch

Vauxhall/Opel is to preview OnStar at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show (March 5^th–15^th) with a comprehensive package including high-speed mobile network and numerous services across its passenger car range. There will also be world premieres for the all-new VIVA and the Corsa VXR.

OnStar

In the second half of 2015, Vauxhall/Opel will introduce OnStar across its passenger car range. OnStar will represent the next step in automotive connectivity in Europe. In the USA, Canada, China and Mexico around seven million customers already count on the comprehensive package, which includes Wi-Fi hotspot and numerous mobile and emergency services.

OnStar is reliable. No matter what emergency the driver may be confronted with when on the road – the system can offer assistance, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. An advisor will always be available. And if the airbag deploys, Vauxhall/Opel OnStar will be activated automatically.

Information on and access to the car is also guaranteed. 

Vehicle data such as tyre pressure or oil life can be accessed via the OnStar smartphone app. Locking/unlocking can also be controlled via the app. And if the car is stolen, OnStar will ‘work’ closely with the police to locate the stolen vehicle.

The Vehicle Diagnostics functionality is also very convenient: OnStar will send a monthly report with the most important vehicle data and information. Furthermore, a diagnostics check can be requested at any time at the push of a button.

With the introduction of OnStar, each Vauxhall will become a powerful, mobile Wi-Fi hotspot. Up to seven mobile devices can be connected simultaneously allowing for passengers to stay in touch with family and friends via social media, stream movies or watch TV via their favourite app and play games or for the driver to work while away from the office when stationary.

VIVA

Debuting at Geneva and arriving in the UK in the summer, the VIVA will be the latest addition to Vauxhall’s small car range joining the ADAM and the new Corsa.

With a name that pays homage to Vauxhall’s original Viva made from 1963 to 1979, the all-new VIVA shares the original’s philosophy of clean lines, durability and practicality.  It is designed for modern, everyday life and at 3.68 metres long is practical and spacious, providing room for up to five people.

After first appearing in the ADAM ROCKS AIR and subsequently the New Corsa, VIVA is the latest Vauxhall to feature its new 1.0-litre three-cylinder ECOTEC engine.  Specially-developed for VIVA, this 75PS powertrain is smooth, punchy and efficient, and is mated to a slick five-speed transmission.

Like its stablemates, ADAM and Corsa, VIVA is fully-connected thanks to the IntelliLink infotainment system, which allows seamless integration of Apple iOS and Android devices.

Corsa VXR

Vauxhall will take the wraps off the new Corsa VXR, its ultra-powerful small hot-hatch, at Geneva.

Benefiting from the significant revisions in technology, interior/exterior design and chassis showcased in the recently launched New Corsa, the VXR is set to raise the bar for small, fast hatchbacks when it appears in UK showrooms in May.

Headline performance figures are 0-60mph in 6.5 seconds and a top speed of 143mph – quicker than the outgoing car, but more importantly the VXR produces its 245Nm of torque from lower revs (between 1,900rpm and 5,800rpm, compared with 2,250rpm to 5,500rpm for the outgoing Nürburgring and ClubSport models). This makes the VXR a potent performer between 50-75mph, which it can dispatch in just 6.6 seconds in fifth gear.

An overboost facility provides an additional 35Nm of torque, ideal for swift and safe overtaking. Maximum power from its 1.6-litre turbocharged engine is 205PS, while the Corsa VXR achieves 37.7mpg on the combined cycle with CO₂ emissions of 174g/km.

Vauxhall takes title as biggest brand in Scotland 2014, for the seventh year running.

Vauxhall was the biggest-selling manufacturer in Scotland last year, for the seventh year running. Innovative finance programmes helped drive retail sales with many models now available with great value PCPs.

The outgoing Corsa had an excellent 2014 and with over 10,000 sold. It was the number one selling vehicle in Scotland at retail, private buyers purchasing vehicles with their on hard-earned cash or on finance, with over 8,000 registered.  It just missed out on the top spot overall, a position it has held for six of the last seven years by just 79 cars.

“We are delighted to be Scotland’s biggest-selling car manufacturer for the seventh year running,” said Gordon Hannen, Vauxhall’s Regional Operations Manager for Scotland. “We are confident the new 2015 Corsa, in showrooms now, can regain its position at the top of the Scottish car charts.”

Priced from just £8,995 on-the-road, Vauxhall’s all-new Corsa raises the class benchmark for driveability, comfort and practicality.