View source for Opel

{{Short description|German automotive brand, subsidiary of Stellantis}}
{{for|siliceous mineraloid|opal}}
{{About|the German automobile manufacturer}}
{{EngvarB|date=January 2018}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2018}}
{{Infobox company
| name = Opel Automobile GmbH
| logo = Opel logo 2023.svg{{!}}class=skin-invert
| logo_size = 170
| type = [[Subsidiary]]
| industry = [[Automotive industry|Automotive]]
| founder = [[Adam Opel]]
| area_served = Europe ([[Vauxhall Motors]] in the UK), Middle East and Asia-Pacific<ref name=occ>{{cite web |url=http://www.opel.com/content/dam/Opel/OpelCorporate/corporate/nscwebsite/en/company/Opel_Facts_and_Figures_2014_EN.pdf |title=Year in Review 2014 – Facts & Figures |author=Opel Corporate Communications |date=2014 |website=Opel |publisher=Adam Opel AG |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171002120801/http://www.opel.com/content/dam/Opel/OpelCorporate/corporate/nscwebsite/en/company/Opel_Facts_and_Figures_2014_EN.pdf |archive-date=2 October 2017 |url-status=live |access-date=25 July 2017 }}</ref>{{rp|pages=. 40, 41}}
| key_people = Florian Huettl (CEO)
| products = [[Automobiles]]<br />[[Electric vehicle]]s<br />[[Commercial vehicles]]
| production = {{increase}} 1.2 million vehicles (2016)<ref name="Facts">{{cite web | url = http://www.opel.com/company/locations.html| title = Facts}}</ref>
| revenue = {{increase}} $18.7 billion (2016)<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.statista.com/statistics/275303/revenue-and-ebit-of-general-motors-europe/ |title=Statista |year=2016|access-date=1 March 2018}}</ref>
| num_employees = 37,000 (2017)<ref name="Facts"/>
| parent = {{ubl|[[General Motors]] (1929&ndash;2017)|[[PSA Group]] (2017&ndash;2021)<ref name="PSA-Subsidiary" />|[[Stellantis]] (2021&ndash;present)<ref name="Opel History">{{cite web|title= History & Heritage |url=http://www.opel.com/company/history.html|archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20181217055208/http://www.opel.com/company/history.html |publisher=Opel|archivedate=17 December 2018}}</ref>}}
| divisions = [[Opel Performance Center]]<ref name=carscoop>{{cite web |url=http://www.carscoops.com/2013/05/opc-boss-volker-strycek-drives-and.html |title=OPC Boss Volker Strycek Drives and Talks About the Astra OPC |last = Mihalascu |first=Dan |date=25 May 2013 |website=Carscoops |publisher=Carscoop & Carscoops |access-date=13 August 2013}}</ref>
| subsid = {{plainlist|
* [[Opel Eisenach]]
* Opel Special Vehicles<ref name=gm10k2012>{{cite web |url=http://services.corporate-ir.net/SEC/Document.Service?id=P3VybD1hSFIwY0RvdkwyRndhUzUwWlc1cmQybDZZWEprTG1OdmJTOWtiM2R1Ykc5aFpDNXdhSEEvWVdOMGFXOXVQVkJFUmlacGNHRm5aVDA0TnpNek16RTJKbk4xWW5OcFpEMDFOdz09JnR5cGU9MiZmbj1HZW5lcmFsTW90b3JzQ29tcGFueV8xMEtfMjAxMzAyMTUucGRm |title=Form 10-K Annual Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 for the Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2012 Commission File Number 001-34960 General Motors Company |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |date=15 February 2013 |website=General Motors |publisher=General Motors Company |format=PDF |archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/6IgGIw1UX?url=http://services.corporate-ir.net/SEC/Document.Service?id=P3VybD1hSFIwY0RvdkwyRndhUzUwWlc1cmQybDZZWEprTG1OdmJTOWtiM2R1Ykc5aFpDNXdhSEEvWVdOMGFXOXVQVkJFUmlacGNHRm5aVDA0TnpNek16RTJKbk4xWW5OcFpEMDFOdz09JnR5cGU9MiZmbj1HZW5lcmFsTW90b3JzQ29tcGFueV8xMEtfMjAxMzAyMT |archive-date=6 August 2013 |url-status=live |access-date=6 August 2013 }}</ref>{{rp|at=Exhibit 21}}}}
| homepage = {{url|https://www.opel.com/|opel.com}}
| foundation = {{Start date and age|df=yes|1862|01|21}}<ref name="Opel History" />
| location_city = [[Rüsselsheim am Main]], [[Hesse]]
| location_country = Germany
| locations = 10 manufacturing facilities
}}

'''Opel Automobile GmbH''' ({{IPA|de|ˈoːpl̩}}), usually shortened to '''Opel''', is a German [[automobile manufacturer]] which has been a subsidiary of [[Stellantis]] since January 16, 2021. It was owned by the American automaker [[General Motors]] from 1929 until 2017 and the [[PSA Group]] prior to its merger with [[Fiat Chrysler Automobiles]] to form Stellantis in 2021. Most of the Opel lineup is marketed under the [[Vauxhall Motors|Vauxhall]] brand in the United Kingdom since the 1980s. Some Opel vehicles were [[badge engineering|badge-engineered]] in Australia under the [[Holden]] brand until 2020, in North America and China under the [[Buick]], [[Saturn Corporation|Saturn]] (until 2010), and [[Cadillac]] brands, and in South America under the [[Chevrolet]] brand.

Opel traces its roots to a sewing machine manufacturer founded by [[Adam Opel]] in 1862 in [[Rüsselsheim am Main]]. The company began manufacturing bicycles in 1886 and produced its first automobile in 1899. With the [[Opel RAK]] program, the world's first rocket program, under the leadership of [[Fritz von Opel]], the company played an important role in the history of aviation and spaceflight: Various land speed records were achieved, and the world's first rocket-powered flights were performed in 1928 and 1929. After listing on the stock market in 1929, General Motors took a majority stake in Opel and then full control in 1931, making the automaker a wholly owned [[subsidiary]], establishing an American ownership of the German automaker for nearly 90 years.<ref name="Opel History"/> Together with British manufacturer [[Vauxhall Motors]], which GM had acquired in 1925, the two companies formed the backbone of GM's European operations – later merged formally in the 1980s as [[General Motors Europe]].

In March 2017, PSA Peugeot Citroën agreed to acquire Opel, the British twin sister brand Vauxhall and the European auto lending business from General Motors for €2 billion ($2.3 billion), making the French automaker the second biggest in Europe, after [[Volkswagen Group|Volkswagen]].<ref>{{cite news|title=PSA targets Opel turnaround as GM exits Europe|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-opel-m-a-psa/psa-targets-opel-turnaround-as-gm-exits-europe-idUSKBN16D0J1|access-date=1 March 2018|work=Reuters|date=6 March 2017}}</ref>

Opel is still headquartered in Rüsselsheim am Main. The company designs, engineers, manufactures, and distributes Opel-branded passenger vehicles, light commercial vehicles, and vehicle parts; together with its British sister marque Vauxhall, they are present in over 60 countries around the world.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.opel.com/company/locations.html| title = Locations & Facts| date = 1 March 2018| website = Opel| access-date = 1 March 2018 }}</ref>

==History==
[[File:Opel Nähmaschinen 1901.jpg|thumb|Advertisement for the Opel Perfecta sewing machines (1901)]]
[[File:Opel bicycle5.JPG|thumb|Opel [[safety bicycle]]]]

===1862–1898===
The company was founded in [[Rüsselsheim]], [[Hesse]], Germany, on 21 January 1862, by [[Adam Opel]]. In the beginning, Opel produced [[sewing machine]]s. Opel<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.auto-power-girl.com/cars-2012/opel-specifications/opel_adam_in_paris-5893 |title=Opel Adam |website=Auto-power-girl.com |access-date=19 November 2014 |archive-date=1 July 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170701131756/http://www.auto-power-girl.com/cars-2012/opel-specifications/opel_adam_in_paris-5893 |url-status=dead }}</ref> launched a new product in 1886: he began to sell high-wheel [[bicycles]], also known as [[penny-farthing]]s. Opel's two sons participated in high-wheel bicycle races, thus promoting this means of transportation. In 1888, production was relocated from a cowshed to a more spacious building in Rüsselsheim. The production of high-wheel bicycles soon exceeded the production of sewing machines.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.autoscout24.de/modelle/opel/|title=Informationen zu Opel|publisher=Autoscout24.de| access-date=1 October 2010}}</ref> At the time of Opel's death in 1895, he was the leader in both markets.

===1898–1920===
The first cars were designed in 1898 after Opel's widow [[Sophie Opel|Sophie]] and their two eldest sons entered into a partnership with Friedrich Lutzmann, a locksmith at the court in [[Dessau]] in [[Saxony-Anhalt]], who had been working on automobile designs for some time.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.cartype.com/pages/1444/lutzmann |title=Lutzmann |publisher=Cartype |access-date=13 June 2009 |archive-date=6 July 2017 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20170706062758/http://cartype.com/pages/1444/lutzmann |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.gm.com/company/historyAndHeritage/creation.html|title=History & Heritage – Our Company |website=gm.com|access-date=19 March 2017|archive-date=9 December 2015|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20151209194417/http://www.gm.com/company/historyAndHeritage/creation.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> The first Opel production Patent Motor Car was built in Rüsselsheim early 1899, although these cars were not very successful (A total of 65 motor cars were delivered: eleven in 1899, twenty-four in 1900 and thirty in 1901) and the partnership was dissolved after two years, following which Opel signed a licensing agreement in 1901 with the French [[Automobiles Darracq France]] to manufacture vehicles under the brand name [[Automobiles Darracq France#Opel Darracq|Opel Darracq]]. These cars consisted of Opel bodies mounted on Darracq chassis, powered by two-cylinder engines.

The company first showed cars of its design at the 1902 [[Hamburg]] [[Auto show|Motor Show]]. Production began in 1906, with the licensed Opel Darracq version discontinued in 1907.<ref name="Academic OneFile">{{cite news| first=Wim Oude |last=Weernink |work=Automotive News Europe |title=Opel: German Roots, Global Reach |url= http://link.galegroup.com/apps/doc/A54998270/AONE?sid=AONE&xid=0bd17c06 |page=24B| date=21 June 1999}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.companieshistory.com/opel/ |title=Opel |date=6 December 2013 |website=companieshistory.com |access-date=1 October 2016}}</ref>

In 1909, the [[Opel 4/8 PS|Opel 4/8&nbsp;PS]] model, known as the ''Doktorwagen'' ({{lit|Doctor's Car}}) was produced. Its reliability and robustness were appreciated by physicians, who drove long distances to see their patients back when hard-surfaced roads were still rare. The ''Doktorwagen'' sold for only 3,950 marks, about half as much as the luxury models of its day.

The company's factory was destroyed by fire in 1911, and a new facility was built with more up-to-date machinery.

Opel's cars were initially tested on public roads, leading to complaints about noise and road damage. Under public pressure, Opel began construction of a test oval in 1917. The track was completed in 1919, but not open to the public until 24 October 1920 under the official name of [[Opel-Rennbahn]] (Opel Race Track).<ref name = "faz">{{cite web|url= https://www.circuitsofthepast.com/opel-rennbahn |title=Opel-Rennbahn – The old Opel Test Track |date=28 November 2018 |work=Circuits of the Past |access-date=3 April 2021}}</ref>

===1920–1939===
[[File:Opel RAK1 2.jpg|thumb|Opel RAK.1 – world's first public flight of a manned rocket-powered plane on 30 September 1929]]
[[File:Opel Admiral Cabriolet, Bauzeit 1937-1939 (08.07.2007).jpg|thumb|[[Opel Admiral]] convertible (1937–1939)]]
[[File:1939 Opel Kapitän, Owner Arild Nilssen who, as his lady companion wear matching attire cropped to highlight the car.jpg|thumb|[[Opel Kapitän]] (1938–1940)]]
In the early 1920s, Opel became the first German car manufacturer to build automobiles with a mass-production assembly line. In 1924, they used their assembly line to produce a new open two-seater called the [[Opel Laubfrosch|''Laubfrosch'' (Tree frog)]]. The Laubfrosch was finished exclusively in green lacquer. The car sold for an expensive 3,900&nbsp;marks (expensive considering the less expensive manufacturing process), but by the 1930s, this type of vehicle would cost a mere 1,930 marks – due in part to the assembly line, but also due to the skyrocketing demand for cars. Adam Opel led the way for motorised transportation to become not just a means for the rich, but also a reliable way for people of all classes to travel.

Opel had a 37.5% market share in Germany and was the country's largest automobile exporter in 1928. The "Regent" – Opel's first eight-cylinder car – was offered. The RAK 1 and RAK 2 rocket-propelled cars made sensational record-breaking runs.

Opel as a company and its co-owner [[Fritz von Opel]], grandson of Adam Opel, were instrumental in popularizing rocket propulsion for vehicles and have an important place in the history of spaceflight and rocket technology. In the 1920s, Fritz von Opel initiated together with [[Max Valier]], co-founder of the "Verein für Raumschiffahrt", the world's first rocket program, [[Opel-RAK]], leading to speed records for automobiles, rail vehicles and the first manned rocket-powered flight in September 1929.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.airforcemag.com/article/0904rocket/ |first=Walter J. |last=Boyne |title=The Rocket Men |work=Air Force Magazine |date=1 September 2004 |access-date=19 July 2022}}</ref> Months earlier in 1928, one of his rocket-powered prototypes, the Opel RAK2, piloted by von Opel himself at the AVUS speedway in Berlin, reached a record speed of {{cvt|238|kph}} in front of 3,000 spectators and world media representatives, including [[Fritz Lang]], director of ''[[Metropolis (1927 film)|Metropolis]]'' and ''[[Woman in the Moon]]'', world boxing champion [[Max Schmeling]], and many other sports and show business celebrities. A world speed record for rail vehicles was reached with RAK3 at a top speed of {{cvt|256|kph}}.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.opelpost.com/05/2018/opel-sounds-in-the-era-of-rockets/|title = Opel Sounds in the Era of Rockets|date = 23 May 2018}}</ref> After these successes, von Opel piloted the world's first public rocket-powered flight using [[Opel RAK.1]], a rocket plane designed by [[Julius Hatry]].<ref>{{cite AV media |title=Das RAK-Protokoll |url=https://opel-tv-footage.com/v/The%20RAK%20Protocoll?p=4&c=86&l=1}} a 25-minute documentary on the Opel RAK program</ref> World media reported these events, including Universal Newsreel in the US, causing "Raketen-Rummel" or "Rocket Rumble" immense global public excitement, particularly in Germany, where, among others, [[Wernher von Braun]] was highly influenced.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.airspacemag.com/daily-planet/century-elon-musk-there-was-fritz-von-opel-180977634/ |first=Frank H. |last=Winter |title=A Century Before Elon Musk, There Was Fritz von Opel |work=Air & Space Magazine |date=30 April 2021 |access-date=19 July 2022}}</ref>

[[File:Opel RAK liquid-fuel rocket plane Friedrich Sander.jpg|thumb|Friedrich Sander, Opel RAK technician August Becker and Opel employee Karl Treber (from right to left) in front of liquid-fuel rocket-plane prototype while test operation at Opel Rennbahn in Rüsselsheim]]Opel RAK became enthralled with liquid propulsion, building and testing them in the late 1920s in Rüsselsheim. According to [[Max Valier]]'s account, Opel RAK rocket designer, [[Friedrich Wilhelm Sander]] launched two liquid-fuel rockets at Opel Rennbahn in [[Rüsselsheim]] on 10 and 12 April 1929. These Opel RAK rockets were the first European, and after Goddard, the world's second, liquid-fuel rockets in history. In his book ''Raketenfahrt'' Valier describes the size of the rockets as of {{cvt|21|cm}} in diameter and with a length of {{cvt|74|cm}}, weighing {{cvt|7|kg}} empty and {{cvt|16|kg}} with fuel. The maximum thrust was 45 to 50 kp, with a total burning time of 132 seconds. These properties indicate a gas pressure pumping. The first missile rose so quickly that Sander lost sight of it. Two days later, a second unit was ready to go, Sander tied a {{convert|4000|m|adj=on|sp=us}}-long rope to the rocket. After {{cvt|2000|m}} of rope had been unwound, the line broke, and this rocket also disappeared in the area, probably near the Opel proving ground and racetrack in Rüsselsheim, the "Rennbahn". Sander and Opel also worked on an innovative liquid-propellant rocket engine for an anticipated flight across the English Channel. By May 1929, the engine produced a thrust of 200&nbsp;kg (440&nbsp;lb.) "for longer than fifteen minutes, and in July 1929, the Opel RAK collaborators were able to attain powered phases of more than thirty minutes for thrusts of 300 kg (660-lb.) at Opel's works in Rüsselsheim," again according to Max Valier's account.

The [[Great Depression]] led to an end of the Opel-RAK program, but Max Valier continued the efforts. After switching from solid-fuel to liquid-fuel rockets, he died while testing and is considered the first fatality of the dawning space age. Sander's technology was confiscated by the German military in 1935. He was forced to sell his company and was imprisoned for treason. He died in 1938.

In March 1929, General Motors (GM), impressed by Opel's modern production facilities, bought 80% of the company. The Opel family gained $33.3&nbsp;million from the transaction. Subsequently, during 1935, a second factory was built at [[Opelwerk Brandenburg|Brandenburg]] for the production of "[[Opel Blitz|Blitz]]" light trucks. In 1929 Opel licensed the design of the radical [[Neander (motorcycle)|Neander motorcycle]] and produced it as the Opel Motoclub in 1929 and 1930, using Küchen, [[J.A.P.]], and [[Motosacoche]] engines. [[Fritz von Opel]] attached solid-fuel rockets to his Motoclub in a publicity stunt, riding the rocket-boosted motorcycle at the [[Avus]] racetrack.<ref>'Ernst Neumann-Neander und seine Motorrädder', Trapp, 1996, Heel AG, Schindellegi Schweiz. {{ISBN|3-89365-546-8}}</ref>

After acquiring the remaining shares in 1931, General Motors had full ownership of Adam Opel AG and organized it as a wholly owned subsidiary. In 1935, Opel became the first German car manufacturer to produce over 100,000 vehicles annually. This was because of the popularity of the [[Opel 1,2 Liter|Opel P4]] model. The sales price was 1,650&nbsp;marks and the car had a {{convert|23|PS|kW|lk=on|abbr=on}} 1.1&nbsp;L four-cylinder engine achieving a top speed of {{convert|85|km/h|mph|abbr=on}}.
[[File:Bundesarchiv Bild 183-2007-0910-500, Brandenburg, Lkw-Produktion.jpg|thumb|upright|[[Opel Blitz]] assembly at the [[Opelwerk Brandenburg|Brandenburg plant]], 1936]]
Opel also produced the first mass-production vehicle in Germany with a [[Unibody|self-supporting ("unibody")]] all-steel body, closely following the 1934 [[Citroën Traction Avant]]. This was one of the most important innovations in automotive history.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Nieuwenhuis |first1=Paul |first2=Peter E. |last2=Wells |page=109 |title=The Automotive Industry and the Environment |edition=First |publisher=Woodhead Publishing |date=8 August 2003 |isbn=978-1855737136 }}</ref> Launched in 1935, the [[Opel Olympia|Olympia]] was light and its aerodynamics enhanced performance and fuel economy.

The 1930s was a decade of growth, and by 1937, with 130,267 cars produced. Opel's Rüsselsheim facility was Europe's top in terms of vehicle production, and ranking seventh worldwide.<ref name=OpellautMichaels>{{cite news|url= http://www.zeit.de/1964/08/der-grosse-sprung-nach-vorn/komplettansicht |title="...Mit einer Produktion von 130 267 Fahrzeugen waren sie im Jahre 1937 die größte Automobilfabrik Europas und die siebtgrößte der Welt.|work=Der große Sprung nach vorn: Kann Opel Deutschlands größter Autolieferant werden? |date=21 February 1964 |last=Michaels |first=Heinz |publisher=Die Zeit (online)|access-date=13 September 2015}}</ref>

1938 saw the presentation of the highly successful [[Opel Kapitän|Kapitän]]. With a 2.5&nbsp;L six-cylinder engine, all-steel body, front independent suspension, hydraulic shock absorbers, hot-water heating (with electric blower), and central speedometer. 25,374 Kapitäns were made before the intensification of [[World War II]] brought automotive manufacturing to a temporary stop in the autumn of 1940, by order of the government.

[[File:Bundesarchiv Bild 101I-303-0554-24, Italien, Soldaten auf LKW Opel-Blitz.jpg|thumb|Military Opel Blitz in Italy (1944)]]

===World War II===
Opel automobile production ended in October 1940, after the company's American leadership had rejected an "invitation" to switch to munitions manufacture a few months earlier.<ref name=KL55>{{cite book |ref=KL1 |title=Opel: wheels to the world; a seventy-five year history of automobile manufacture |first=Karl E. |last=Ludvigsen |publisher=Princeton Publishing |date=1975 |isbn=0-915038-01-3 |page=55 }}</ref> In 1942 Opel switched to wartime production, making aircraft parts and tanks. Truck manufacture continued at the [[Opelwerk Brandenburg|Brandenburg plant]], where the 3.6-liter [[Opel Blitz]] truck had been built since 1938. These {{convert|3|ST|t|lk=on|abbr=on}} trucks were also built under license by Daimler-Benz in [[Mannheim]].<ref name=KL55/>

===1945–1970===
[[File:Opel Werk In Ruesselsheim From Train.jpg|thumb|An administration building of Opel Rüsselsheim]]
After the end of the war, with the [[Opelwerk Brandenburg|Brandenburg]] plant dismantled and transported to the Soviet Union, and 47% of the buildings in Rüsselsheim destroyed,<ref name=DasAuto194612>{{cite magazine|first=F.A.E. |last=Martin |title=Das Alte stürzt...Es aendert sich die Zeit...und neues Leben blüht aus den Ruinen |magazine=Das Auto |volume=1 |pages=2–3 |date=December 1946}}</ref> former Opel employees began to rebuild the Rüsselsheim plant. The first postwar [[Opel Blitz]] truck was completed on 15 July 1946 in the presence of [[United States Army]] General [[Geoffrey Keyes]] and other local leaders and press reporters.<ref name=DasAuto194612/> Opel's Rüsselsheim plant also made Frigidaire refrigerators in the early post-war years.<ref name=KL60>[[#KL1|Ludvigsen]], p. 60.</ref>

[[Opel GT]] This two seater sports car was introduced in 1968 and was produced until 1973.

<gallery widths="200" heights="120">
File:Opel-Fridgidaire.jpg|Opel product of the 1940s: [[Frigidaire]] refrigerator
File:Opel Kapitän 1952 Fahrzeugausstellung Malter (cropped).jpg|1952 Opel Kapitän
File:Opel Rekord 1700 P1 (2008-06-14) ret.jpg|[[Opel Rekord P1]] (1957–1960)
</gallery>
{{clear left}}

===1970–2017===
During the 1970s and 1980s, the Vauxhall and Opel ranges were rationalised into one consistent range across Europe.

The 1973 version of the [[Opel Kadett]] was later rebadged in hatchback, saloon, and estate form as the [[Vauxhall Chevette]] for the UK market, with German factories producing the Opel versions. The [[Opel Ascona]] of this era was sold on the UK market (and made in British and continental factories) as the [[Vauxhall Cavalier]]. Both of these cars had mild styling changes, as did the flagship [[Opel Rekord]] and [[Vauxhall Carlton]] saloon and estate ranges, which went on sale towards the end of the 1970s.

By the 1970s, Opel had emerged as the stronger of GM's two European brands; Vauxhall was the third-best-selling brand in Great Britain after the [[British Motor Corporation]] (later [[British Leyland]]) but made only a modest impact elsewhere. The two companies were direct competitors outside of each other's respective home markets. Still, mirroring US automaker Ford's decision to merge its British and German subsidiaries in the late 1960s, GM followed the same precedent. Opel and Vauxhall had loosely collaborated before, but serious efforts to merge the two companies' operations and product families into one did not start until the 1970s – which had Vauxhall's complete product line replaced by vehicles built on Opel-based platforms – the only exception to the rule being the [[Bedford CF]] panel van. This only solely Vauxhall design was marketed as an Opel on the continent. By the turn of the 1980s, the two brands were, in effect, the same.

Opel's first front-wheel drive car – the new version of the Kadett – entered production in 1979, initially built in Germany and Belgium. It was sold in the UK alongside the stronger-selling Vauxhall version – the [[Vauxhall Astra|Astra]] – which entered UK production in 1981.

During the 1970s, Opel expressed interest in building an additional production facility in [[Spain]] and eventually settled on a location near [[Zaragoza]], intending to develop a new supermini for the 1980s there. The factory opened in 1982, and its first product was the [[Opel Corsa]] (imported to the UK as the [[Vauxhall Nova]] from 1983).

The Ascona switched to front-wheel drive for an all-new General Motors J-Car global model format in 1981, with the Cavalier nameplate continuing for the UK market. The Kadett was revamped again in 1984, and became the company's first winner of the [[European Car of the Year]] accolade. The Rekord's successor, the [[Opel Omega]] (still Vauxhall Carlton in the UK), achieved the same success two years later.

The long-running Ascona nameplate was discontinued in 1988, with its replacement being sold as the [[Opel Vectra|Vectra]], although the UK market version was still sold as the Vauxhall Cavalier. The Opel Manta coupe was also discontinued in 1988, with its Vectra-based successor, the [[Opel Calibra|Calibra]], being launched the following year. Soon afterward, Opel launched a high-performance version of the Omega – the Lotus Omega (Lotus Carlton in the UK) – which featured Lotus-tuned suspension and had a top speed of 175&nbsp;mph.

[[File:Opel Rekord E2 front 20081127.jpg|thumb|Opel Rekord E, mk.2 (1982–1986)]]
Opel's first turbocharged car was the [[Opel Rekord#E|Opel Rekord 2.3 TD]], first shown at [[Geneva Motor Show|Geneva]] in March 1984.<ref name="QR4-84">{{cite magazine |magazine=Quattroruote |title=Autonotizie: Anche la Opel si dà al turbo |trans-title=Car News: Opel too with turbo |language=it |date=April 1984 |volume=29 |issue=342 |location=Milan, Italy |editor-first=Gianni |editor-last=Mazzocchi |page=108}}</ref>

In the 1990s, Opel was considered GM's cash cow, with profit margins similar to Toyota's. Opel's profit helped to offset GM's losses in North America and to fund GM's expansion into Asia.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Phelan |first1=Mark |title=Soul searching at GM after selling Opel |url= https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/cars/2017/03/09/soul-searching-gm-after-selling-opel/98933702/ |access-date=11 March 2017 |work=Detroit Free Press |date=9 March 2017}}</ref> 1999 was the last time when Opel was profitable for an entire year after almost 20 years.<ref>{{cite web|url= https://qz.com/914573/after-losing-20-billion-over-17-years-general-motors-gm-may-quit-europe-by-selling-opel-and-vauxhall-to-peugeot/ |title=After losing $20&nbsp;billion over 17 dismal years, General Motors may finally quit Europe |first=Jason |last=Karaian |date=18 February 2017 |access-date=19 March 2017}}</ref>

The first major Opel launch of the 1990s was the 1991 Astra, which spelled the end for the Kadett nameplate that had debuted more than 50 years earlier. The company also turned to [[Japan]]ese [[Isuzu]] for its first SUV, the [[Isuzu MU|Frontera]], which was also launched in 1991 but produced in Europe despite its Japanese origins. The larger [[Opel Monterey|Monterey]] joined the company's SUV line-up in 1994, but had been dropped from the UK and continental markets by 2000 due to disappointing sales.

At the end of 1992, the company unveiled a completely new Corsa, which, like the original model, was produced at the Zaragoza plant. This car carried the Corsa nameplate on the UK market as a Vauxhall.

A second generation Omega was launched in early 1994. It remained in production for a decade, but when production finished, there was no direct successor due to declining sales of executive saloon models from mainstream brands. A Corsa-based coupe, the [[Opel Tigra|Tigra]], was also launched around this time and lasted in production for six years.

The second generation Opel Vectra was launched in 1995, with the Vectra nameplate now extending to the Vauxhall version in the UK.

The first Opel MPV, the [[Opel Sintra|Sintra]], was launched in Europe in 1996, imported from the US where it was sold as a [[Pontiac (automobile)|Pontiac]], but discontinued after three years due to disappointing sales. The Vauxhall-badged UK market version was also slated in motoring surveys for its dismal build quality and reliability.

1997 saw the demise of the Calibra coupe after an eight-year production, with no immediate replacement.

The Opel Astra hatchbacks, saloons, and estate were wholly revamped for 1998 and, within two years, had also spawned coupe and cabriolet versions, as well as a compact MPV, the [[Opel Zafira|Zafira]].

In 1999, Opel unveiled its first sports car, the [[Opel Speedster|Speedster]] (Vauxhall VX220 in the UK). However, it was not a success and was discontinued in 2005. The company moved into the city car market in early 2000 with the [[Opel Agila|Agila]] launch.

The third generation Opel Corsa was launched in 2000, followed by a new version of the Vectra in 2002 and the Astra in 2004.

Three generations of Vectra gave way to the [[Opel Insignia|Insignia]] in 2008, with the new model becoming the company's first European Car of the Year award winner for 22 years.

After the [[2008 financial crisis]], and the [[General Motors Chapter 11 reorganization]], on 10 September 2009, GM agreed to sell a 55% stake in Opel to a consortium including [[Magna International|Magna]] group and [[Sberbank]] – with the approval of the German government. The deal was later called off.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.carscoops.com/2009/11/gm-decides-to-keep-opel-after-all.html|title=GM Decides to Keep Opel After All, Cancels Sale with Magna|work=Carscoops |date=4 November 2009|access-date=19 March 2017}}</ref>

With ongoing restructuring plans, Opel announced the closure of its [[Antwerp]] plant in [[Belgium]] by the end of 2010.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.autoblog.com/2010/01/24/gm-announces-plans-to-close-opel-antwerp-facility/|title=GM announces plans to close Opel Antwerp facility|first=Michael|last=Harley|date=24 January 2010 |access-date=19 March 2017}}</ref>

In 2010, Opel announced that it would invest around [[Euro|€]]11&nbsp;billion in the next five years.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=newsarchive&sid=aweFLsLewNdE|title=GM's Opel Outlines 11 Billion-Euro Investment as It Seeks Aid|publisher=Bloomberg L.P.|date=9 February 2010|access-date=14 July 2011}}</ref> €1&nbsp;billion of that was designated solely for the development of innovative and fuel-saving engines and transmissions.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.derwesten.de/nachrichten/Opel-Betriebsrat-begruesst-Elf-Milliarden-Investition-von-GM-id2523074.html |archive-url=https://archive.today/20100212052253/http://www.derwesten.de/nachrichten/Opel-Betriebsrat-begruesst-Elf-Milliarden-Investition-von-GM-id2523074.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=12 February 2010 |title=Autobauer: Opel-Betriebsrat begrüßt Elf-Milliarden-Investition von GM – Nachrichten – DerWesten |language=de |publisher=Derwesten.de |date=9 February 2010 |access-date=30 June 2011 }}</ref>

On 29 February 2012, Opel announced the creation of a major alliance with [[PSA Peugeot Citroen]], resulting in GM taking a 7% share of PSA, becoming PSA's second-largest shareholder after the Peugeot family. The alliance was intended to enable $2&nbsp;billion per year of cost savings through platform sharing, common purchasing, and other economies of scale.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-17213021 |title=GM and Peugeot announce alliance |access-date=29 February 2012 |work=BBC News |date=29 February 2012}}</ref> In December 2013, GM sold its 7% interest in PSA for £250&nbsp;million, after plans of cost savings were not as successful.<ref name=BBC14022017/> Opel was said to be among Europe's most aggressive discounters in the market.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Flak|first1=Agnieszka|last2=Cremer|first2=Andreas|title=Autos bosses focus on technology rather than PSA-Opel |url= https://www.reuters.com/article/us-autoshow-geneva-idUSKBN16E0ZZ|access-date=10 March 2017 |work=Reuters |date=7 March 2016}}</ref> GM reported a 2016 loss of US$257&nbsp;million from its European operations.<ref name=BBC14022017>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/business-38969791 |title=Peugeot in talks to buy GM's Vauxhall and Opel business |access-date=14 February 2017 |work=BBC News |date=14 February 2017}}</ref> It is reported that GM has lost about US$20&nbsp;billion in Europe since 1999.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Kirchfeld|first1=Aaron|last2=Philip|first2=Siddharth|last3=Welch|first3=David|last4=Hammond|first4=Ed|last5=David |first5=Ruth |title=Peugeot Owner PSA Explores Acquisition of GM's Opel Division |url= https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-02-14/peugeot-owner-said-to-explore-acquisition-of-gm-s-opel-business |access-date=10 March 2017 |agency=Bloomberg |date=14 February 2017}}</ref>

Opel's plant in [[Bochum]] closed in December 2014, after 52 years of activity, due to overcapacity.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.dw.com/en/end-of-the-line-for-opel-car-manufacturer-in-bochum/a-18111230 |title=End of the line for Opel car manufacturer in Bochum |date=12 May 2014 |work=Deutsche Welle |access-date=10 May 2024}}</ref>

Opel withdrew from China, where it had a network of 22 dealers, in early 2015<ref>{{cite news|title=Carmaker Opel pulls out of China, to build Buicks for parent GM |url= http://dw.com/p/1BXoQ |access-date=25 March 2017 |work=Deutsche Welle |date=28 March 2014}}</ref> after General Motors decided to withdraw its Chevrolet brand from Europe starting in 2016.<ref>{{cite news|title=General Motors to withdraw Chevrolet brand from Europe |url= https://www.bbc.com/news/business-25237227 |access-date=25 March 2017 |work=BBC |date=5 December 2013}}
</ref>

=== 2017–present ===
In March 2017, the [[PSA Group]] agreed to buy Opel, its British sister brand [[Vauxhall Motors|Vauxhall]] and their European auto lending business from [[General Motors]] for {{US$}}2.2&nbsp;billion.<ref name="BloombergDWelch">{{cite news|last1=Frost |first1=Lawrence |last2=Taylor |first2=Edward |title=PSA targets Opel turnaround as GM exits Europe |url= https://www.reuters.com/article/us-opel-m-a-psa-idUSKBN16D0J1 |access-date=10 March 2017 |work=Reuters |date=6 March 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Welch |first1=David |title=GM to Make Pension Payments for Years Just to Get Out of Europe |url= https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-03-06/gm-hangs-onto-years-of-pension-payouts-to-end-europe-cash-burn |access-date=25 March 2017 |agency=Bloomberg |date=6 March 2017}}</ref> In return, General Motors will pay PSA US$3.2&nbsp;billion for future European pension obligations and keep managing US$9.8&nbsp;billion worth of plans for existing retirees. Furthermore, GM is responsible for paying about US$400&nbsp;million annually for 15 years to fund the existing pension plans in Great Britain and Germany.<ref name="BloombergDWelch" />

In June 2017, Michael Lohscheller, Opel's chief financial officer, replaced Karl-Thomas Neumann as CEO.<ref>{{cite web| url = http://media.opel.com/media/intl/en/opel/home.detail.html/content/Pages/news/intl/en/2017/opel/06-12-m-lohscheller-new-opel-chef.html?sf87657525=1| title = Michael Lohscheller Appointed New CEO of Opel, media.opel.com, 12 June 2017}}</ref> The acquisition of Opel and Vauxhall was completed in August 2017.<ref name="PSA-Subsidiary">{{cite web
 | url=https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/industry/vauxhall-PSA-Group-takeover
 | title=PSA Group purchase of Opel and Vauxhall completed with new financial company
 | website=www.autocar.co.uk
 | date=August 1, 2017
 | accessdate=August 29, 2019
 }}</ref>

In the 2018 financial year, Opel achieved an operating income of €859 million. It was the first positive income since 1999.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.groupe-psa.com/en/document/rapport-annuel-2018|title=2018 Annual Results – PSA Groupe|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190810124245/https://www.groupe-psa.com/content/uploads/2019/02/Annual-results-Groupe-PSA-2018.pdf|archive-date=August 10, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.spiegel.de/wirtschaft/unternehmen/opel-verbucht-ersten-operativen-gewinn-seit-20-jahren-a-1255123.html|title=Nach Dauerkrise: Opel verbucht ersten Gewinn seit fast 20 Jahren|date=2019-02-26|work=Spiegel Online|access-date=2019-02-26}}</ref>

On 16 January 2021, Opel became part of [[Stellantis]] following the merger of its parent company [[PSA Group]] with the Italian-American group [[Fiat Chrysler Automobiles]].

In September 2021, Stellantis appointed Uwe Hochgeschurtz to Opel's management<ref>{{cite press release|url= https://www.stellantis.com/en/news/press-releases/2021/july/uwe-hochgeschurtz-will-join-opel-as-new-brand-ceo-on-september-1st |title= Uwe Hochgeschurtz will join Opel as new brand CEO on September 1st |website=stellantis.com |access-date=2021-07-13}}</ref> to replace Michael Lohscheller who left to [[Vinfast]].<ref>{{cite web|url= https://www.whichcar.com.au/news/vinfast-ceo-michael-lohscheller-opel |title= Opel boss Michael Lohscheller to join VinFast as new CEO |work=Wheels Magazine Australia |date= 29 July 2021 |access-date=2021-07-29}}</ref>

==Company==
{{Update section|date=June 2018}}
[[File:OPEL Eisenach Gesamtansicht 2009.jpg|thumb|Assembly plant in [[Eisenach]]]]
[[File:Opel Vectra C Caravan Facelift front 20100711.jpg|thumb|The Opel Vectra C, in production from 2002 to 2008]]
Opel operates 10 vehicle, powertrain, and component plants and four development and test centres in six countries, and employs around 30,000 people in Europe. The brand sells vehicles in more than 60 markets worldwide. Other plants are in [[Eisenach]] and [[Kaiserslautern]], Germany; [[Szentgotthárd]], Hungary; [[Figueruelas]], Spain; [[Gliwice]], and [[Tychy]], Poland; [[Aspern]], Austria; [[Ellesmere Port]], and [[Luton]], United Kingdom.<ref name="Note-OpelWien-Vienna">Note: The powertrain plant ''[[Opel Wien|Opel Wien GmbH]]'' in [[Aspern]]/[[Vienna]] (Austria) is not a subsidiary of ''Adam Opel AG'' but a first-tier subsidiary of ''General Motors Europe Limited (GME)'' (99.5%) and of ''GM AUTOMOTIVE UK (GMAUK)'' (0.5%), see {{cite web|url=http://www.firmenabc.at/opel-wien-gmbh_OEr|title=Opel Wien GmbH, FN&nbsp;110500a|publisher=FirmenABC Marketing GmbH|access-date=3 April 2017}} Both, GME and GMAUK, are located in Luton. ''GME Ltd.'' itself is a daughter company of ''GM CME Holdings CV'', which is directly controlled by the ''General Motors Corporation (GMC)'', see {{cite web|url=https://www.companysearchesmadesimple.com/company/uk/07556915/general-motors-europe-limited/|title=Name: GENERAL MOTORS EUROPE LIMITED, Company Number: 07556915|publisher=Company search, Made Simple Group Ltd.|access-date=3 April 2017}}</ref> The [[General Motors Proving Grounds|Dudenhofen Test Center]] is located near the company's headquarters and is responsible for all technical testing and vehicle validations.

Around 6,250 people are responsible for the engineering and design of Opel/Vauxhall vehicles at the International Technical Development Center <!-- (ITDC) --> and European Design Center in Rüsselsheim.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.opel.com/experience_opel/design/philosophy.html |title=Opel Design: "Sculpural artistry meets German precision" – discover the unique Opel design language – Opel International |access-date=2013-08-24 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130901175448/http://www.opel.com/experience_opel/design/philosophy.html |archive-date=1 September 2013 |df=dmy-all }}</ref> All in all, Opel plays an important role in Stellantis' global R&D footprint.

===Leadership===
[[File:Neumann_1.JPG|thumb|Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann,<br />CEO of the Opel Group from March 2013 to June 2017]]
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:right;"
|+ [[Chairman|Chairmen]]/[[CEO]]s of Adam Opel AG/GmbH since 1948
|- class="background color5" style="text-align:center"
! Name || From || To
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| {{ill|Edward W. Zdunek|de|vertical-align=sup}} (Gaston de Wolff, acting chairman) || November 1948 || February 1961
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| Nelson J. Stork || February 1961 || March 1966
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| L. Ralph Mason || March 1966 || 1970
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| Alexander Cunningham || 1970 || January 1974
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| John P. McCormack || February 1974 || February 1976
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| James F. Waters || March 1976 || August 1980
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| [[Robert C. Stempel]] || September 1980 || February 1982
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| Ferdinand Beickler || February 1982 || February 1986
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| Horst W. Herke || February 1986 || March 1989
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| Louis Hughes || April 1989 || June 1992
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| David Herman || July 1992 || June 1998
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| Gary Cowger || June 1998 || October 1998
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| Robert Hendry || October 1998 || March 2001
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| [[Carl-Peter Forster]] || April 2001 || June 2004
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| [[Hans Demant]]|| June 2004 || January 2010
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| Nick Reilly || January 2010 || March 2011
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| [[Karl-Friedrich Stracke]]<ref>[https://www.tagesschau.de/wirtschaft/opel1374.html Opel bekommt neuen Chef]. www.tagesschau.de: Pressemitteilung der Adam Opel AG. Retrieved 17 March 2011.</ref> || April 2011 || July 2012
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| Thomas Sedran (interim chairman)<ref>{{cite magazine|author=Trefis Team |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/greatspeculations/2012/07/18/gm-is-headed-for-27-50-unless-europe-bleeds-more-cash/ |title=GM Is Headed For $27.50 Unless Europe Bleeds More Cash |magazine=Forbes |date=18 April 2012 |access-date=13 October 2012}}</ref> || July 2012 || February 2013
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| Dr. [[Karl-Thomas Neumann]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://gmauthority.com/blog/2013/01/opel-officially-appoints-dr-karl-thomas-neumann-as-chairman-gm-europe-president-vice-president/|title=Opel Officially Appoints Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann As Chairman, GM Europe President, GM Vice President|date=31 January 2013|access-date=19 March 2017}}</ref> || March 2013 || June 2017
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| [[Michael Lohscheller]] || June 2017|| September 2021
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| Uwe Hochgeschurtz || September 2021|| May 2022
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| Florian Huettl || Since June 2022||
|}

===Plants===

{| class="wikitable sortable"
|- class="background color5"
!Production site
!Image
!Production since
!Products
!Comments
!Employees
|-
|[[Rüsselsheim am Main]], Germany
|[[File:Opel_Rüsselsheim_Factory.jpg|150px]]
|1898
|
* [[Opel Astra|Astra]]
|
* International Technical Development Center (ITDC)
* Headquarters of Opel Automobile GmbH
* [[General Motors Proving Grounds|Dudenhofen Test Center]]
|style="text-align:center;"| 12.990
|-
|[[Kaiserslautern]], Germany 
|
|1966
|
* Components
* [[Engines]]
|
|style="text-align:center;"| 2.150
|-
|[[Kikinda]], Serbia (*Ex-Yugoslavia)
|
|1977–1992
|
*Car parts
*[[Opel Kadett]], [[Opel Omega]], [[Opel Senator]] (also known as Opel Kikinda), [[Opel Vectra]]
|
*[[IDA-Opel]] (Industry for car parts Opel)
|style="text-align:center;"| ?
|-
|[[Opel Eisenach|Opel Eisenach GmbH]]<br />[[Eisenach]], Germany
|[[File:ESA_Opelwerk1.jpg|150px]]
|1990
|
* [[Opel Grandland]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.automobil-produktion.de/hersteller/wirtschaft/erster-opel-hybrid-laeuft-in-eisenach-vom-band-110.html|title = Erster Opel-Hybrid läuft in Eisenach vom Band}}</ref>
|1300 Employees for 3 Months from 1 October 2021 until 31 December 2021 at short-time work at home, due factory close because chips issue.<ref>{{cite news|author=Kai Schöneberg |url=https://taz.de/Kurzarbeit-fuer-1300-Opel-Mitarbeiter/!5800824/ |title=Kurzarbeit für 1.300 Opel-Mitarbeiter: Keine Chips, keine Arbeit |newspaper=Die Tageszeitung: Taz |publisher=taz.de |date= 30 September 2021|accessdate=2022-02-27}}</ref>
|style="text-align:center;"| 1.420
|-
|[[Figueruelas]], near [[Zaragoza]], Spain
|
|1982
|
* [[Opel Corsa E|Corsa E]] (three-, four-, and five-door)
* [[Opel Meriva|Meriva B]]
* [[Opel Mokka|Mokka]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://gmauthority.com/blog/2013/07/opel-announces-plan-to-build-mokka-in-spain-beginning-2014/|title=Opel Announces Plan To Build Mokka in Spain Beginning 2014|date=10 July 2013|access-date=19 March 2017}}</ref>
* [[Opel Corsa#Corsa F (2019–present)|Corsa F]]
* [[Opel Crossland]] (2017–present)  
|
|style="text-align:center;"| 5.120
|-
|[[Gliwice]], Poland
|[[File:Opel Gliwice.JPG|150px]]
|1998
|
* [[Opel Astra K]] (5-door)
|
|style="text-align:center;"| 2.920
|-
|[[GM Powertrain Poland|Opel Manufacturing Poland]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://media.opel.com/media/intl/en/opel/news.detail.html/content/Pages/news/intl/en/2013/opel/04-22-gm-purchases-remaining-shares-in-tychy-plant-opel.html|title=GM Purchases Remaining Shares in Tychy Plant|access-date=19 March 2017}}</ref><br />[[Tychy]], Poland
|[[File:Katowicka Specjalna Strefa Ekonomiczna (Podstrefa Tyska) - Isuzu Motors Polska 2.jpg|150px]]
|1996
|
* Diesel engines
|
|style="text-align:center;"| 480
|-
|[[Opel Szentgotthárd]]<br />[[Szentgotthárd]], Hungary
|
|1990
|
* Engines
* Transmissions
|
|style="text-align:center;"|810
|-
|[[Vauxhall Ellesmere Port]]<br />[[Ellesmere Port]], United Kingdom
|[[File:Vauxhall's, Ellesmere Port - geograph.org.uk - 218503.jpg|150px]]
|1962
|
* [[Opel Astra|Astra K]] Sports Tourer (estate/wagon)
|
|style="text-align:center;"|1.630
|-
|[[IBC Vehicles|IBC Vehicles Ltd]]<br />[[Luton]], Great Britain
|[[File:GM building - geograph.org.uk - 560801.jpg|150px]]
|1907–2025
|
* [[Opel Vivaro B|Vivaro B + Fiat Talento II + Nissan NV300 + Renault Trafic III]]

|
* headquarters of [[Vauxhall Motors|Vauxhall]]
|style="text-align:center;"|1.140
|-
|GM Auto LLC<br />[[Saint Petersburg]], Russia
|
|2008–2015
|
* [[Opel Astra|Astra J]] (five-door, saloon/sedan)
|
|style="text-align:center;"|880
|}
Plant controlled as first-tier subsidiary of ''General Motors Europe Limited'', second-tier subsidiary of ''GM CME Holdings CV'' and third-tier subsidiary of ''General Motors Corporation (GMC)'':<ref name="Note-OpelWien-Vienna" />
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|- class="background color5"
!Production<br />site
!Image
!Production since
!Products
!Comments
!Employees
|-
|[[Opel Wien|Opel Wien GmbH]]<ref name="Note-OpelWien-Vienna" /><br />[[Aspern]], Austria
|[[File:Aspern (Wien) - Opel-Werk, Verwaltungsgebäude (2).JPG|150px]]
|1982–2024
|
* [[GM Family 0 engine|Family 0]] engines 
* [[Transmission (mechanics)|Transmissions]]
| Opel Wien in Austria also well known as its first name General Motors Austria<ref>General Motors Austria Gesellschaft&nbsp;m.b.H. (GMA, founded 1963 as sales organisation; from 1979: Administration, Non-productive Departments an Sales) and General Motors Austria Werke Gesellschaft&nbsp;m.b.H. (GMAW founded 1979; Production). In November 1987 GMAW (Austrian [[Company register|Handelsregister]], HRB 24.436) were merged into GMA (HRB 20.133b, actual Firmenbuch FN&nbsp;110500a).</ref>
|style="text-align:center;"|1.480
|}

==Marketing==
===Logo===
{{Unreferenced section|date=July 2013}}
[[File:Old Opel logo.jpg|thumb|1862: Adam Opel's initials]]
[[Adam Opel]] began his manufacturing venture in Rüsselsheim, Germany, in 1862, initially producing sewing machines. To represent the brand, the earliest known logo featured a bronze "A" for Adam and a red "O" for Opel—his initials forming the foundation of the company's visual identity.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Fitzgerald |first=Craig |date=2018 |title=Opel’s Bechromed Blitz |url=https://www.hemmings.com/stories/opels-bechromed-blitz/ |website=Hemmings}}</ref>

In 1866, Opel expanded and started to produce bicycles. Around 1890, the logo was completely redesigned. The new logo also contained the words "Victoria Blitz" (referring to Lady Victory; they were certain of the triumph of their bicycles). The word "Blitz" (English: lightning) first appeared back then, but without a depiction.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=admin |date=2023-01-16 |title=Opel Logo and sign, new logo meaning and history, PNG, SVG |url=https://logohistory.net/opel-logo/ |access-date=2025-04-13 |website=logohistory.net - logohistory.net |language=en-US}}</ref>

[[File:Das-Opel-Auge in-guten-Haenden LWS2577.jpg|thumb|1910: the blue eye]]
Another redesign was commissioned in 1909. The new logo was much more spirited and contained only the company name Opel. It was placed on the motorcycles that they had started to produce in 1902, and on the first cars which were produced in 1909.

In 1910, the logo was the shape of an eye, and it was surrounded by laurels, with the text "Opel" in the centre.<ref name=":0" />

From the mid-1930s to the 1960s, passenger cars carried a ring which was crossed by some kind of a flying thing pointing to the left, which in some form could be interpreted as a [[zeppelin]], the same flying object being used also as a forward-pointing [[hood ornament]]. In some versions, it looked like an arrow; in others, like an aeroplane or a bird.

Besides the hood ornament flying through the ring, Opel also used a coat of arms in various forms, which mostly had a combination of white and yellow colours in it, a shade of yellow which is typical for Opel until today. One was oval, half white and half yellow. The Opel writing was black and in the middle of the oval symbol.

The origin of the lightning in the Opel logo lies in the truck Opel Blitz (German ''Blitz'' = English "lightning"), which had been a commercial success, widely used also within the [[Wehrmacht]], Nazi Germany's military. Originally, the logo for this truck consisted of two stripes arranged loosely like a lightning symbol with the words "Opel" and "Blitz" in them, in later, 1950s models simplified to the horizontal form of lightning which appears in the current Opel logo.<ref name=":0" />The jag in the lightning always follows the original from the "Opel Blitz" text stripes, in the form of a horizontally stretched letter "Z".

By the end of the 1960s, the two forms merged, and the horizontal lightning replaced the flying thing in the ring, giving way to the basic design which is used since then with variations. Through all its variations, this logo is simple and unique, and both easily recognisable and reproducible with just two strokes of a pen.

In the 1964 version, the lightning with a ring was used in a yellow rectangle, with the Opel writing below.<ref name=":0" />The whole logo was again delimited by a black rectangle. The basic form and proportions of the Blitz logo have remained unchanged since the 1970 version, which made the lightning tails shorter so that the logo could fit proportionately within a yellow square, meaning it could be displayed next to the 'blue square' General Motors logo. In the mid-1970s, the Vauxhall "Griffin" logo was, in turn, resized and displayed within a corresponding red square, so that all three logos could be displayed together, thus signifying the unified GM Europe.

<gallery caption="Evolution of hood ornament flying through ring">
File:Opel olympia 1935-1937.JPG|Hood ornament of the Opel Olympia (1935–37)
File:Opel-z-37.jpg|alt=1937: Hood ornament flying through the ring|Hood ornament flying through the ring (1937)
File:1937 Opel Gläser Cabriolet (only 2 built) IMG 3535 - Flickr - nemor2.jpg|Hood ornament of a 1937 Opel car, typical for many other Opels at the time
File:Milestoned's photostream - 003 - Logo-in-Reserverad.jpg|Logo on spare wheel cover of a 1938 Kapitän
File:Opel Kapitän '51 (1951-53) am 2009-10-13 Heck nur-Logo.jpg|Logo on the rear of a 1951 Kapitän
File:Opel Kapitän 1959 01 nur-Logo.jpg|1959 Opel Kapitän
</gallery>

<gallery caption="The lightning of the Opel Blitz replacing the hood ornament">
File:2011-09-30 Bonn Polizeiauto Deutschlandfest (Logo-und-Grill).jpg|alt=early 1950s Opel Blitz with words in horizontal lightning|Early 1950s Opel Blitz with words in horizontal lightning
File:1961 Opel 1 75 pic1 Logo-only.jpg|1961 Opel Blitz with stylised horizontal lightning
File:Opel Blitz 2,1T (1968) pic2 Logo-only.jpg|Basic form of current logo on a 1968 Opel Blitz
File:Opel Kapitän B BW 1 (1969) Logo-only.jpg|Lightning in ring on a 1969 Opel Kapitän
File:Opel Logo Handel 1970.svg|alt=The 1970-1987 version, the "Opel" script was dropped in 1981.|The 1970-1987 version, the "Opel" script, was dropped in 1981.
File:OPEL 2002 logo.png|Opel logo (2002–2007)
File:Opel logo.svg|Opel logo (2009–2017)
File:Opel-Logo 2017.png|alt=2017-2021: Opel logo|Opel logo (2017–2020)
File:Opel logo 2020.svg|alt=Since 2020: Opel logo|Opel logo (2020–2023)
File:Opel logo 2023.svg|Opel logo (Since 2023)
</gallery>

===Clubs===
The [[SC Opel Rüsselsheim]] is a [[association football|football]] club with over 450 members. RV 1888 Opel Rüsselsheim is a cycling club.

===Slogans===
Opel's corporate [[tagline]] as of June 2017 is ''The Future Is Everyone's'' (German: ''Die Zukunft gehört allen''). The list of Opel's slogans is shown below:
*Fresh thinking – better cars. (2002–2007) 
*Discover Opel (2007–2009) 
*{{abbr|Wir Leben Autos.|We live cars.}} (2009–2017)
*The Future is Everyone's (2017–present)

===Partnerships===
Opel currently has partnerships with [[association football]] clubs such as [[Bundesliga]] clubs [[Borussia Dortmund]] and [[1. FSV Mainz 05]].
Opel cooperates with French oil and gas company [[TotalEnergies]] on plans for a battery cell factory.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Parnell |first1=John |title=Total and Opel Consider Gigafactory-Sized Battery Plants in France and Germany |url=https://www.greentechmedia.com/articles/read/total-and-opel-plan-european-battery-gigafactories |website=www.greentechmedia.com |date=30 January 2020}}</ref> From 1994 until 2006, Opel has been partnership with [[AC Milan|Milan]] and previously with [[ACF Fiorentina|Fiorentina]] from 1983 until 1986 in Italy, from 1995 until 2002 with [[Paris Saint-Germain FC|Paris Saint-Germain]] in France, from 1989 until 2002 with [[FC Bayern Munich]] in Germany and from 2013 until 2017 with [[Feyenoord Rotterdam]] in Netherlands.

==World presence==
{{Expand section|date=June 2018}}
The Opel brand is present in most of [[Europe]], parts of [[North Africa]], [[South Africa]], the [[Middle East]] (EMEA), [[Chile]], [[Colombia]], [[Ecuador]], [[Uruguay]], [[Japan]], [[Singapore]], [[Taiwan]], and [[New Zealand]].<ref>{{cite web | title=Opel Worldwide | url=https://www.opel.com/ | access-date=11 October 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Opel International|url=http://www.opel.com/.emission.html|publisher=Opel.com|access-date=13 January 2014|archive-date=13 January 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140113155015/http://www.opel.com/.emission.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> Their models have been rebadged and sold in other countries and continents, such as Vauxhall in Great Britain, and previously, [[Chevrolet]] in [[Latin America]], [[Holden]] in Australia and New Zealand, and [[Saturn Corporation|Saturn]] in the United States and Canada. Following the demise of General Motors Corporation's Saturn division in North America, Opel cars were rebadged and sold in the United States, Canada, Mexico,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://gmauthority.com/blog/2012/09/buick-launches-regal-turbo-in-mexico/|title=Buick Launches Regal Turbo in Mexico|date=21 September 2012|access-date=19 March 2017}}</ref> and China under the Buick name with models such as the [[Opel Insignia]]/[[Buick Regal]], [[Opel Astra]] sedan/[[Buick Verano]] (both which share underpinnings with the Chevrolet Cruze), and [[Opel Mokka]]/[[Buick Encore]].

In 2017, GM confirmed plans of a "hybrid global brand" which includes Vauxhall, Opel and Buick to use more synergies between the brands.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://gmauthority.com/blog/2013/06/opel-buick-to-expand-product-sharing/|title=Opel, Buick To Expand Product Sharing, Become A "Hybrid Global Brand"|date=17 June 2013|access-date=19 March 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://media.gm.com/content/media/intl/en/opel/news.detail.html/content/Pages/news/intl/en/2013/opel/06-26-Tina-Mueller-New-Chief-Marketing-Officer.html|title=Tina Müller New Chief Marketing Officer and Opel Board Member|access-date=19 March 2017|date=26 June 2013|archive-date=25 September 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130925013435/http://media.gm.com/content/media/intl/en/opel/news.detail.html/content/Pages/news/intl/en/2013/opel/06-26-Tina-Mueller-New-Chief-Marketing-Officer.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> This plan was overridden by the sale of Vauxhall and Opel brands to PSA Peugeot Citroën.

===North America===
====United States====
Opel cars appeared under their own name in the U.S. from 1958 to 1975, when they were sold through Buick dealers as [[captive import]]s. The best-selling Opel models in the U.S. were the 1964 to 1972 Opel Kadett, the 1971 to 1975 [[Opel Manta]], and the 1968 to 1973 [[Opel GT]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.opelclub.com/ |title=Opel Motorsport Club |publisher=Opel Motorsport Club |access-date=1 October 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.opelgt.com |title=Opel GT |publisher=Opel GT |access-date=1 October 2010}}</ref> (The name "Opel" was also applied from 1976 to 1980 to vehicles manufactured by [[Isuzu]] (similar to the "[[Isuzu I-Mark]]"), but mechanically those were entirely different cars).

Historically, Opel vehicles have also been sold at various times in the North American market as either heavily modified, or "badge-engineered" models under the Chevrolet, Buick, [[Pontiac (automobile)|Pontiac]], Saturn, and [[Cadillac]] brands – for instance the [[GM J platform|J-body]] platform, which was largely developed by Opel – was the basis of North American models such as the [[Chevrolet Cavalier]] and [[Cadillac Cimarron]]. Below is a list of the most recent Opel models which were sold under GM's North American brands.

===== Buick Regal (fifth generation, 2009–2017, and sixth generation, 2018–2020) =====
The last two generations of the Buick Regal have been rebadged versions of the Opel Insignia.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.caranddriver.com/features/gm-and-opels-strange-love|title=GM and Opel's Strange Love – Feature|access-date=19 March 2017|date=11 March 2010}}</ref> The main differences are the modified radiator grill and the altered colour of the passenger compartment illumination (blue instead of red). The Regal GS is comparable to the Insignia OPC. The 5th generation Buick Regal was first assembled alongside the Insignia at the Opel plant in Rüsselsheim. In the first quarter of 2011, it began to be built on the flexible assembly line at the GM plant in Oshawa, Ontario, Canada.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://blog.caranddriver.com/2011-buick-regal-will-be-built-in-canada/|title=2011 Buick Regal Will be Built in Canada|date=25 November 2009|publisher=Blog.caranddriver.com|access-date=13 October 2012|archive-date=3 January 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130103115020/http://blog.caranddriver.com/2011-buick-regal-will-be-built-in-canada/|url-status=dead}}</ref> All 6th generation Buick Regals were built alongside the Insignia at the Opel plant in Rüsselsheim, Germany.

<gallery widths="160" heights="90">
File:Opel Insignia 20090717 front.jpg|Opel Insignia 1st gen
File:2011 Buick Regal CXL 1 -- 07-03-2010.jpg|[[Buick Regal#Fifth generation (2008)|Buick Regal 5th gen]]
File:Opel Insignia Grand Sport 1.6 Diesel Business Innovation (B) – Frontansicht, 5. Mai 2017, Düsseldorf.jpg|Opel Insignia 2nd gen
File:2018 Buick Regal Sportback Preferred II FWD, Ebony Twilight Metallic, front right.jpg|[[Buick Regal#Sixth generation (2018)|Buick Regal 6th gen]]
</gallery>

===== Buick Cascada =====
The Buick Cascada was a rebadged [[Opel Cascada]], built in Poland and sold in the United States unchanged from the Opel in all but badging.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://media.opel.com/media/intl/en/opel/news.detail.html/content/Pages/news/intl/en/2015/opel/01-11-buick-cascada.html|title=Buick Cascada: Developed in Germany and Built in Poland|work=media.gm.com|access-date=20 June 2017}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.caranddriver.com/news/2016-buick-cascada-convertible-photos-and-info-news|title=2016 Buick Cascada Convertible: From Opel, with Love – Official Photos and Info|access-date=20 June 2017}}</ref>

<gallery widths="160" heights="90">
File:Opel Cascada 1.6 EDIT Innovation – Frontansicht, 23. März 2014, Düsseldorf.jpg|Opel Cascada
File:2016 Buick Cascada Premium.jpg|Buick Cascada
</gallery>

===== Buick LaCrosse =====
Unlike the vehicles listed above, the [[Buick LaCrosse]] was not a rebadged version of an Opel model. However, it was based on a long-wheelbase version of the Opel-developed [[GM Epsilon II platform|Epsilon II]]-platform, so shared many key components with the Opel Insignia and thereby the Buick Regal.

<gallery widths="160" heights="90">
File:2014 Buick LaCrosse.jpg|2014 Buick LaCrosse
</gallery>

===== Saturn Astra (2008–2009) =====
The [[Opel Astravan|Astra H]] was sold in the US as the [[Saturn Astra]] for model years 2008 and 2009.

<gallery widths="160" heights="90">
File:Opel Astra H 1.8 Innovation Facelift front 20100822.jpg|Opel Astra five-door
File:2008 Saturn Astra XE 5d, front right.jpg|Saturn Astra XE five-door
</gallery>

===== Saturn L-Series (2000–2005) =====
The [[Saturn L-Series]] was a modified version of the Opel Vectra B. Though the Saturn had different exterior styling and had plastic door panels, it shared the same body shape as the Opel. Both cars rode on the [[GM2900 platform]]. The Saturn also had a different interior, yet shared some interior parts, such as the inside of the doors.

<gallery widths="160" heights="90">
File:Opel Vectra front 20080118.jpg|Opel Vectra B Sedan
File:00-02 Saturn L-Series sedan.jpg|Saturn L-Series Sedan
</gallery>

===== Saturn VUE (2nd generation, 2008–2010), Chevrolet Captiva Sport =====
The second generation of the Saturn VUE, introduced in 2007 for the 2008 model year, was a rebadged version of the German-designed [[Opel Antara]], manufactured in Mexico. After the demise of the Saturn brand, the VUE was discontinued, but the car continued to be produced and sold as Chevrolet Captiva Sport in Mexican and South American markets. The Chevrolet Captiva Sport was introduced for the US commercial and fleet markets in late 2011 for the 2012 model.<gallery widths="160" heights="90">
File:Opel Antara front-1.jpg|Opel Antara
File:2008-Saturn-Vue-XE.jpg|Saturn VUE
File:'09 Chevrolet Captiva Sport.jpg|Chevrolet Captiva Sport
</gallery>

===== Cadillac Catera (1997–2001) =====
The [[Opel Omega B]] was sold in the US as the [[Cadillac Catera]].

<gallery widths="160" heights="90">
File:Opel Omega II 2.2i Facelift front 20100509.jpg|Opel Omega
File:00-01 Cadillac Catera.jpg|Cadillac Catera
</gallery>

=== Africa ===
Opel exports a variety of models to Algeria, Egypt, Morocco, South Africa, and Tunisia.

==== South Africa ====
{{main|General Motors South Africa}}

The 2015 Opel range in South Africa comprises the [[Opel Adam]], [[Opel Astra]], [[Opel Corsa#Corsa D|Opel Corsa]], [[Opel Meriva]], [[Opel Mokka]], and [[Opel Vivaro B|Opel Vivaro]]. No [[diesel engine|diesel]] versions are offered.

From 1986 to 2003, Opel models were produced by [[Delta Motor Corporation]], a company created through a management buyout following of GM's [[Disinvestment from South Africa|divestment]] from [[South Africa under apartheid|apartheid South Africa]]. Delta assembled the Opel Kadett, with the sedan version called the Opel Monza. This was replaced by the [[Opel Astra#South African models|Opel Astra]], although the Kadett name was retained for the hatchback and considered a separate model. A version of the [[Opel Rekord Series E#Opel Rekord in South Africa|Rekord Series E]] remained in production after the model had been replaced by the [[Opel Omega|Omega]] in Europe, as was a [[Opel Commodore C|Commodore]] model unique to South Africa, combining the bodyshell of the Rekord with the front end of the revised Senator. The Opel Corsa was introduced in 1996, with kits of the [[Brazil]]ian-designed sedan and pick-up (known in [[South African English]] as a ''bakkie'') being locally assembled.

Although GM's passenger vehicle line-up in South Africa consisted of Opel-based models by the late 1970s, these were sold under the Chevrolet brand name, with only the [[Opel Kadett#South Africa|Kadett]] being marketed as an Opel when it was released in 1980. In 1982, the Chevrolet brand name was dropped, with the [[Opel Ascona|Ascona]], [[Opel Rekord|Rekord]], [[Opel Commodore|Commodore]], and [[Opel Senator|Senator]] being rebadged as Opels.

===Oceania===
Many Opel models or models based on Opel architectures have been sold in Australia and New Zealand under the Holden marque, such as the Holden Barina (1994–2005), which were rebadged versions of the Opel Corsa, the [[Holden Astra]], a version of the Opel Astra, and the Captiva 5, a version of the [[Opel Antara]]. In New Zealand, the Opel Kadett and Ascona were sold as niche models by [[Holden New Zealand|General Motors New Zealand]] in the 1980s, while the Opel brand was used on the Opel Vectra until 1994.

For the first time ever, the Opel brand was introduced to Australia on 1 September 2012, including the Corsa, Astra, Astra GTC, and [[Opel Insignia|Insignia]] models.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.heise.de/autos/artikel/Opel-strebt-auf-aussereuropaeische-Wachstumsmaerkte-wie-China-1066499.html |title=German article from heise online reporting that Opel is going to enter outer-european markets |date=25 August 2010 |publisher=Heise.de |access-date=1 October 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |author=GoAutoMedia |url=http://goauto.com.au/mellor/mellor.nsf/story2/DBEC2DFD91494CF4CA25779E0015B3D5 |title=Opel 2011 Astra – Holden eyes Opel |publisher=GoAuto |date=14 September 2010 |access-date=1 October 2010 |archive-date=23 October 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101023093815/http://www.goauto.com.au/mellor/mellor.nsf/story2/DBEC2DFD91494CF4CA25779E0015B3D5 |url-status=dead }}</ref> On 2 August 2013, Opel announced it was ending exports to Australia due to poor sales, with only 1,530 vehicles sold in the first ten months.<ref>{{cite web|last=Tschampa|first=Dorothee|title=Opel to Exit Australia After 11-Month Effort Proves Unprofitable|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-08-09/opel-to-exit-australia-after-11-month-effort-proves-unprofitable.html|work=Bloomberg|access-date=10 August 2013|date=9 August 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/business/companies/opel-abandons-australian-arm-after-less-than-a-year-after-poor-sales/story-fni0d54u-1226690333291|title=Jobs to go as Opel abandons Australia|access-date=19 March 2017}}</ref>

After the closure of Opel Australia, Holden imported newer Opel models such as the Astra GTC (ceased 1 May 2017), Astra VXR (Astra OPC), Cascada (ceased 1 May 2017), and Insignia VXR (Insignia OPC, ceased 1 May 2017), under the Holden badge.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://media.opel.com/media/intl/en/opel/news.detail.html/content/Pages/news/intl/en/2014/opel/05-01-holden-australia.html|title=Opel to Build Vehicles for Holden in Australia and New Zealand|access-date=19 March 2017}}</ref> The 2018 5th-gen [[Holden Commodore (ZB)|Holden Commodore ZB]] is a badge-engineered Opel Insignia, replacing the Australian-made, rear-wheel-drive [[Holden Commodore|Commodore]] with the German-made front-wheel/all-wheel-drive Insignia platform; however this model is no longer offered since the closure of Holden.

Opel returned to the New Zealand market in 2022, backed by the existing importer of the Peugeot and Citroën brands.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.autocar.co.nz/opel-to-launch-in-new-zealand/|title=Opel to launch in New Zealand|first=Tom|last=Gasnier|date=24 March 2022}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.whichcar.com.au/news/opel-returns-to-new-zealand|title=Opel returns to Australasia – but New Zealand only|website=WhichCar|date=29 March 2022 }}</ref> Opel's New Zealand model line-up consists of the Corsa, Mokka, Astra and Grandland models, with the first two in both electric and petrol drivetrains.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ebbett.co.nz/brand/opel|title=Which Opel Are You?|website=Ebbett Opel}}</ref>

===Asia===

====China====
Opel's presence in China recommenced in 2012 with the Antara, and added the Insignia estate in 2013.<ref>{{cite web|title=First Opel Insignia Sports Tourer in China Delivered to Customer|url=http://media.gm.com/content/media/cn/en/opel/news.detail.html/content/Pages/news/cn/en/2013/May/0528_Opel.html|work=Opel|access-date=10 August 2013|date=30 May 2013}}</ref> Opel-derived models are also sold as Buick. On 28 March 2014, Opel announced that it would leave China in 2015.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://media.opel.com/media/intl/en/opel/news.detail.html/content/Pages/news/intl/en/2014/opel/03-28-invests-245-millions-ruesselsheim.html|title=Opel Invests 245 Million Euros in Ruesselsheim|access-date=19 March 2017}}</ref>

====Japan====
{{See also|:ja:オペル#日本での販売{{!}}オペル (ja)}}
Opel was long General Motors' strongest marque in [[Japan]], with sales peaking at 38,000 in 1996. However, the brand was withdrawn from the Japanese market in December 2006, with just 1,800 sales there in 2005.<ref>{{cite web|date=2006-05-11|title=Opel pulls out of Japanese market|url=https://europe.autonews.com/article/20060515/ANE/60511025/opel-pulls-out-of-japanese-market|access-date=2021-11-21|website=Automotive News Europe}}</ref> Since then, Opel has not sold any cars or SUVs in Japan. Opel has been back on the Japanese market since 2022.<ref>{{cite web|title=オペル日本語サイトオープン 発売およびディーラーオープンは2022年上半期を予定。|url=https://newsroom.groupepsajapan.jp/news/20210804opel_japan_info|access-date=2021-11-21|website=newsroom.groupepsajapan.jp|language=ja}}</ref>

====Singapore====
A wide range of Opel models are exported to Singapore.

====Malaysia====
Opel was marketed in [[Malaysia]] beginning from the 1970s, and early models exported were Kadett, [[Opel Gemini|Gemini]], and [[Opel Manta|Manta]]. Opel had moderate sales from the 1980s until the early 2000s, when Malaysian car buyers favoured Japanese and Korean brand cars such as [[Toyota]], [[Honda]], [[Hyundai Motor Company|Hyundai]] ([[Inokom]]) and [[Kia]] ([[Naza]]), which offered more competitive prices. Sales of Opel cars in Malaysia were dropped then, as Opel's prices were slightly higher than the same-segment Japanese, Korean, and local [[Proton Holdings|Proton]] and [[Perodua]] cars, and they were hard to maintain, had bad aftersales services, and spare parts were not readily available.

Opel was withdrawn from Malaysian market in 2003, and the last models sold were the Zafira, Astra, and Vectra, and the rebadged [[Isuzu MU]] as the Frontera, later replaced by Chevrolet.

==== India ====
[[General Motors India|Opel India Pvt Ltd (OIPL)]] was founded in 1996 and gave the average Indian car buyers their first choice of (somewhat) affordable German engineering with the Astra sedan. Opel was withdrawn from the Indian market in 2006, replaced by Chevrolet.

==== Indonesia ====
Since 1938, the country has been producing Opels in a General Motors-owned plant since 1938. The plant was nationalized in 1957. In 1995, General Motors invested a new manufacturing plant in Indonesia, producing the Opel Astra (as Opel Optima), Opel Vectra, and [[Chevrolet S-10 Blazer|Chevrolet Blazer]] (as Opel Blazer).<ref>{{cite web|last=GridOto.com|title=Ini Alasan Blazer Pertama Dipasarkan di Indonesia Pakai Nama Opel - GridOto.com|url=https://jip.gridoto.com/read/261692363/ini-alasan-blazer-pertama-dipasarkan-di-indonesia-pakai-nama-opel|access-date=2020-10-24|website=jip.gridoto.com|language=id}}</ref> The latter was proved a sales success in the country.<ref>{{cite web|last=Indonesia|first=C. N. N.|title=Sejarah 100 Tahun General Motors di Indonesia Sebelum Pamit|url=https://www.cnnindonesia.com/teknologi/20200331140520-384-488688/sejarah-100-tahun-general-motors-di-indonesia-sebelum-pamit|access-date=2020-10-24|website=teknologi|language=id-ID}}</ref> In 2002, the Opel brand was replaced by the global Chevrolet brand.<ref>{{cite web|title=Sejarah Opel di Indonesia|url=https://www.mobilmotorlama.com/2017/12/sejarah-opel-di-indonesia.html|access-date=2020-10-24|website=Mobil Motor Lama|date=31 December 2017}}</ref>

====Thailand====
Since the 1970s, Opel cars were imported along with [[Holden]] cars by Universal Motors Thailand and Asoke Motors. Among the models imported were the [[Opel Rekord]], [[Holden Torana]], and the [[Opel Olympia]]. They were replaced by Phranakorn Yontrakarn (PNA) as the exclusive distributor of Opel cars in Thailand in the mid-1980s. PNA imported the [[Opel Kadett|Kadett]], [[Opel Astra|Astra]], [[Opel Vectra|Vectra]], [[Opel Omega|Omega]], and the [[Opel Calibra|Calibra]] to Thailand. The [[Opel Corsa#Corsa B (S93; 1993)|Corsa B]] was one of the more popular Opel models sold by PNA in the 1990s. In the mid to late 1990s, [[General Motors Thailand]] took over from PNA in the overseeing of sales and distribution of Opel cars in the country, with plans to build an assembly plant in [[Rayong province|Rayong]] to manufacture the [[Opel Zafira|Zafira]] for the domestic and export markets. However, due to the [[1997 Asian financial crisis]], the Opel brand was phased out from the Thai market in 2000 and was replaced by [[Chevrolet]]. The [[Opel Zafira#Zafira A (1999)|Zafira A]], by then rebadged as a Chevrolet, went on sale in May 2000, to considerable success.

====Philippines====
Opel was one of the most popular non-Japanese car brands in the country during the 1970s and the 1980s alongside Ford, but left the Filipino market in 1985 as a result of the economic crisis at that time. GM Philippines returned with the Opel brand in 1997, and started selling the [[Opel Vectra|Vectra]], [[Opel Omega|Omega]] and later the [[Opel Tigra|Tigra]] and [[Opel Astra|Astra]]. Sales were good years after its introduction but Opel still struggled as Japanese manufacturers dominated the local automobile market. GM Philippines withdrew the brand by 2004–2005 due to poor sales. The last cars sold by Opel in the country before leaving the Philippine market were the Astra and the [[Opel Zafira|Zafira A]] (Which was being sold under the Chevrolet brand). The Opel brand was later replaced by Chevrolet's lineup.

====Taiwan====
In the 1980s, Kadett E and Omega A were imported to the Taiwanese market but the dealers imported base models and modified them with unstable quality. The CAC company became the sole import agent of Opel in Taiwan and the models were later manufacturing and sold the Astra F and Vectra B in the market. However, CAC went bankrupt in the late 1990s and stopped manufacturing Opel cars. GM Taiwan and then Yulon GM, a joint venture between Yulong and General Motors, kept importing and selling Astra G/H, Corsa B/C, Omega B, and Zafira A/B in Taiwan until 2012.<ref>{{cite web|title=GM quits Taiwan Yulong GM on cash crunch auto and parts, directory, query system, automotive standards, auto maker, auto supplier, auto manufacturer, auto and parts standards, auto information|url=http://www.wheelon.net/news/newslast_6698.html|access-date=2020-07-28|website=www.wheelon.net}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=OPEL 全車系提供ESP選擇|url=http://www.auto-online.com.tw/news/10805|access-date=2020-07-28|website=汽車線上情報 Auto-Online|language=zh-tw}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=110週年車聚圓滿落幕，Opel新一代Corsa首度在台曝光|url=https://news.u-car.com.tw/article/10623|access-date=2020-07-28|website=U-CAR.com.tw}}</ref> In 2022, Master Win Group relaunched Opel in the Taiwanese market.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://autos.udn.com/autos/story/7825/6393489|title=Opel汽車確認年底重返台灣市場！Master Win集團成為總代理|date=16 June 2022|website=發燒車訊}}</ref>

===South America===
Several Opel models were sold across Latin America, mainly Brazil and Argentina, for decades with Chevrolet development badges and its derivatives, including the Corsa, Kadett, Astra, Vectra, Omega, Meriva, and Zafira. In the early 2010s, the Chevrolet line-up changed to adopt North American models such as the Spark, Sonic, and Cruze, or local, own Brazilian development models like the Cobalt, Celta, Onix, Spin, and Agile - of which the Onix, Cobalt, and Spin are still produced. This ended once Opel came under Stellantis ownership.

Opel has exported a wide range of products to [[Chile]] since 2011<ref>{{cite web|url=http://gmauthority.com/blog/2010/09/opel-to-export-to-chile-other-expanding-markets/|title=Opel To Export To Chile, Other Expanding Markets|date=28 September 2010|access-date=19 March 2017}}</ref> and [[Colombia]], [[Ecuador]], [[Uruguay]] since 2021. 

===Europe===

====United Kingdom====
{{main|Vauxhall Motors}}

====Ireland====
In the 1980s, Opel became the sole GM brand name in Ireland, with the Vauxhall brand having been dropped.<ref>[https://books.google.com/books?id=KNITAQAAMAAJ&q=%22under+the+Opel+name%22 ''European Motor Business''], Issues 24–27, [[Economist Intelligence Unit]], 1991, p. 112.</ref> Vauxhall's Managing Director has also been Opel Ireland's Chief Executive since 2015.<ref>[https://www.bloomberg.com/research/stocks/private/person.asp?personId=27634208&privcapId=42448528&previousCapId=22816321&previousTitle=Chevrolet%20UK%20Ltd Rory Harvey, Chief Executive Officer, General Motors Ireland Limited], Bloomberg</ref>

There were two Opel-franchised assembly plants in [[Republic of Ireland|Ireland]] in the 1960s. One in [[Ringsend]], [[Dublin]], was operated by Reg Armstrong Motors, which also assembled [[NSU Motorenwerke|NSU]] cars and motorcycles. The second assembly plant was based in [[Cork (city)|Cork]] and operated by O'Shea's, which also assembled [[Škoda Auto|Škoda]] cars and [[Zetor]] tractors. The models assembled were the Kadett and the Rekord. From 1966, the Admiral was imported as a fully built unit and became a popular seller.

==European Car of the Year==
Opel have produced five winners of the [[European Car of the Year]] competition:
* '''1985''': [[Opel Kadett|Opel Kadett E]]
* '''1987''': [[Opel Omega|Opel Omega A]]
* '''2009''': [[Opel Insignia]]
* '''2012''': [[Opel Ampera]]
* '''2016''': [[Opel Astra|Opel Astra K]]

===Shortlisted models===
Several models have been shortlisted,{{clarify|date=October 2020}} including the:
* '''1980''': [[Opel Kadett|Opel Kadett D]]
* '''1981''': [[Opel Ascona|Opel Ascona C]]
* '''1989''': [[Opel Vectra|Opel Vectra A]]
* '''1991''': [[Opel Calibra]]
* '''1992''': [[Opel Astra|Opel Astra F]]
* '''1995''': [[Opel Omega|Opel Omega B]]
* '''1999''': [[Opel Astra|Opel Astra G]]
* '''2000''': [[Opel Zafira|Opel Zafira A]]
* '''2007''': [[Opel Corsa|Opel Corsa D]]
* '''2010''': [[Opel Astra|Opel Astra J]]
* '''2011''': [[Opel Meriva|Opel Meriva B]]

==Nomenclature==
From the late 1930s to the 1980s, terms from the [[German Navy]] (''[[Kapitän]], [[Admiral]], [[Kadett]]'') and from other official sectors (''[[Diplomat]], [[Senator]]'') were often used as model names. Since the late 1980s, the model names of Opel passenger cars end with an a. As Opels were no longer being sold in Great Britain, the need to have separate model names for essentially identical Vauxhall and Opel cars (although some exceptions were made to suit the British market) was made redundant. The last series to be renamed across the two companies was the Opel Kadett, being the only Opel to take the name of its Vauxhall counterpart, as Opel Astra. Although only two generations of Astra were built prior to the 1991 model, the new car was referred to across Europe as the Astra F, referring to its Kadett lineage. Until 1993, the Opel Corsa was known as the Vauxhall Nova in Great Britain, as Vauxhall had initially felt that Corsa sounded too much like "coarse", and would not catch on.

Exceptions to the nomenclature of ending names with an "a" include the under-licence built [[Opel Monterey|Monterey]], the [[Opel Speedster|Speedster]] (also known as the [[Vauxhall VX220]] in Great Britain), [[Opel GT|GT]] (which was not sold at all as a Vauxhall, despite the VX Lightning concept), the [[Opel Signum|Signum]], [[Opel Karl|Karl]], and the [[Opel Adam|Adam]]. The Adam was initially supposed to be called, "Junior" as was its developmental codename and because the name 'Adam' had no history/importance to the Vauxhall marque.

Similar to the passenger cars, the model names of commercial vehicles end with an o (Combo, Vivaro, Movano), except the Corsavan and Astravan.

Another unique aspect to Opel nomenclature is its use of the "Caravan" (originally styled as 'Car-A-Van') name to denote its [[station wagon]] body configuration, (similar to Volkswagen's ''Variant'' or Audi's ''Avant'' designations), a practice the company observed for many decades, which finally ceased with the 2008 Insignia and 2009 Astra, where the name "Sports Tourer" is now used for the estate/station wagon versions.

==Current model range==
{{main article|List of Opel vehicles}}
The following tables list current and announced Opel production vehicles as of 2024:

{| class="wikitable"
|-
| [[Opel Corsa|Corsa]]<br />(Production: 1982–present)
| [[File:2023_Opel_Corsa_F_IMG_8800.jpg|100px]]
| {{nowrap|Supermini}}
|
* Hatchback
|-
| [[Opel Astra|Astra]]<br />(Production: 1991–present)
| [[File:Opel Astra 1.2 Turbo Ultimate (L) – f 13122024.jpg|100px]]
| {{nowrap|Small family car}}
|
* Hatchback
* Sports Tourer (Estate/Wagon)
|-
| [[Opel Frontera (2024)|Frontera]]<br />(A rebadged [[Citroën C3 Aircross]])<br />(Was previously a rebadged [[Isuzu MU]] from 1991 to 2004)<br />(Production: 1991–2004 (original), 2024–present (revival))
| [[File:Opel Frontera C Electric DSC 9332.jpg|100px]]
| {{nowrap|Mid-size SUV}} (original)<br />{{nowrap|Subcompact crossover SUV}} (revival)
|
* SUV (original)
* Crossover SUV (revival)
|-
| [[Citroën Jumpy#Third_generation_(K0;_2016)|Zafira Life]]<br />(A rebadged [[Peugeot Traveller]]/[[Citroën SpaceTourer]])<br />(Production: 1999–present)
| [[File:Opel_Zafira_Life_(Facelift)_IMG_9905.jpg|100px]]
| {{nowrap|Minivan}} (Was previously a compact MPV from 1999 to 2019)
|
* MPV
|-
| [[Opel Mokka|Mokka]]<br />(Production: 2012–present)
| [[File:2025 Opel Mokka-e Auto Zuerich 2024 DSC 6132.jpg|100px]]
|Subcompact crossover SUV
|
* Crossover SUV
|-
| [[Opel Grandland|Grandland]]<br />(Production: 2017–present)
| [[File:Opel Grandland B DSC 8689.jpg|100px]]
| {{nowrap|Compact crossover SUV}}
|
* Crossover SUV
|-
| [[Opel Combo|Combo Life]]<br />(A rebadged [[Peugeot Rifter]]/[[Citroën Berlingo]])<br />(Production: 2018–present)
| [[File:Opel Combo E (Facelift) IMG 0657.jpg|100px]]
| {{nowrap|Leisure activity vehicle}}
|
* MPV
|-
| [[Citroën Ami (electric)|Rocks]]<br />(A rebadged [[Citroën Ami (electric)|Citroën Ami]])<br />(Production: 2021–present)
| [[File:Opel_Rocks-e_1X7A7069.jpg|100px]]
| {{nowrap|Quadricycle}}
|
* Quadricycle
|}

===Light commercial vehicles===
{| class="wikitable"
|-
| [[Opel Combo|Combo]]<br />(A rebadged [[Peugeot Partner]]/[[Citroën Berlingo]])<br />(Was previously a panel van version of the [[Opel Kadett]] from 1986 to 1993)<br />(Was previously a panel van version of the [[Opel Corsa]] from 1993 to 2006)<br />(Was previously a rebadged [[Fiat Doblò]] from 2012 to 2018)<br />(Production: 1986–present)
| [[File:2023 Opel Combo E IMG 9753.jpg|100px]]
| {{nowrap|Panel van}}
|
* Van
|-
| [[Fiat Ducato|Movano]]<br />(A rebadged [[Fiat Ducato]])<br />(Was previously a rebadged [[Renault Master]] from 1998 to 2021)<br />(Production: 1998–present)
| [[File:Opel Movano C Facelift DSC 8688.jpg|100px]]
| {{nowrap|Light commercial vehicle}}
|
* Van
* Chassis cab
* Crew cab
|-
| [[Opel Vivaro C|Vivaro]]<br />(A rebadged [[Peugeot Expert]]/[[Citroën Jumpy]])<br />(Was previously a rebadged [[Renault Trafic]] from 2001 to 2019)<br />(Production: 2001–present)
| [[File:Opel Vivaro C (Facelift) DSC 9329.jpg|100px]]
| {{nowrap|Light commercial vehicle}}
|
* Van
* Chassis cab
|}

==Discontinued models==
===Introduced before acquisition by [[General Motors]] (1866–1935)===
{| class="wikitable"
|-
|[[Opel Patentmotorwagen „System Lutzmann“|System Lutzmann]]
|[[File:Lutzmann Motorcar.jpg|75px|centre]]
|1899–1902
|-
|[[Opel 10/12 PS|10/12 PS]]
|
|1902–1906
|-
|[[Opel Darracq|Darracq]]
|[[File:1902 Opel Darracq.jpg|75px|centre]]
|1902–1907
|-
|[[Opel 20/22 PS|20/22 PS]]
|
|1903–1906
|-
|[[Opel 12/14 PS|12/14 PS]]
|
|1904–1908
|-
|[[Opel 14/20 PS|14/20 PS]]
|[[File:1904-1906_Opel_16-18_PS_double_phaeton_(2012-10-26)_02.jpg|75px|centre]]
|1904–1908
|-
|[[Opel 35/40 PS|35/40 PS]]
|
|1905–1909
|-
|[[Opel 45/50 PS|45/50 PS]]
|
|1906–1909
|-
|[[Opel 18/30 PS|18/30 PS]]
|
|1907–1909
|-
|[[Opel 10/18 PS|10/18 PS]]
|[[File:Opel_10_18_PS_Doppelphaeton_1908.jpg|75px|centre]]
|1907–1910
|-
|[[Opel 33/60 PS|33/60 PS]]
|
|1908–1913
|-
|[[Opel 4/8 PS|Doktorwagen]]
|[[File:Opel 4 8 PS Doktorwagen 1910.jpg|75px|centre]]
|1909–1910
|-
|[[Opel 6/12 PS|6/12 PS]]
|
|1909–1910
|-
|[[Opel 6/14 PS|6/14 PS]]
|[[File:1910_Opel_Touring.JPG|75px|centre]]
|1909–1910
|-
|[[Opel 15/24 PS|15/24 PS]]
|[[File:Opel_16-35_PS_1.jpg|75px|centre]]
|1909–1911
|-
|[[Opel 21/45 PS|21/45 PS]]
|
|1909–1914
|-
|[[Opel 8/16 PS|8/16 PS]]
|[[File:1908_Opel_8_16_Doppelphaeton_Lingen_08.08.2010_(3).jpg|75px|centre]]
|1910–1911
|-
|[[Opel 28/70 PS|28/70 PS]]
|
|1910–1914
|-
|[[Opel 24/50 PS|24/50 PS]]
|[[File:Opel_25-55_pic1.JPG|75px|centre]]
|1910–1916
|-
|[[Opel 8/20 PS|8/20 PS]]
|[[File:Opel_8-20_PS_(1911)_at_Autoworld_Brussels_(8460369149).jpg|75px|centre]]
|1911–1916
|-
|[[Opel 10/24 PS|10/24 PS]]
|
|1911–1916
|-
|[[Opel 6/16 PS|6/16 PS]]
|[[File:Opel_6_16_PS_Zweisitzer_1910.jpg|75px|centre]]
|1911–1920
|-
|[[Opel 5/12 PS|Puppchen]]
|[[File:Opel_5-12_PS_(1911)_Classic-Gala_2021_1X7A0283.jpg|75px|centre]]
|1911–1920
|-
|[[Opel 18/40 PS|18/40 PS]]
|
|1912–1914
|-
|[[Opel 40/100 PS|40/100 PS]]
|
|1912–1916
|-
|[[Opel 13/30 PS|13/30 PS]]
|[[File:Opel_14-48_PS_1.jpg|75px|centre]]
|1912–1924
|-
|[[Opel 34/80 PS|34/80 PS]]
|
|1914–1916
|-
|[[Opel 12/34 PS|12/34 PS]]
|
|1916–1919
|-
|[[Opel 18/50 PS|18/50 PS]]
|
|1916–1919
|-
|[[Opel 9/25 PS|9/25 PS]]
|[[File:Opel_9_25_PS_Doppelphaeton_1912.jpg|75px|centre]]
|1916–1922
|-
|[[Opel 21/55 PS|21/55 PS]]
|
|1919–1924
|-
|[[Opel 30/75 PS|30/75 PS]]
|
|1919–1924
|-
|[[Opel 8M21|8M21]]
|
|1921–1922
|-
|[[Opel 10/30 (10/35) PS|10/30 PS]]
|[[File:Opel_10-35_PS_1.jpg|75px|centre]]
|1922–1924
|-
|[[Opel Laubfrosch|Laubfrosch]]
|[[File:Opel laubfrosch.jpg|75px|centre]]
|1924–1931
|-
|[[Opel 10/40 PS|10/40 PS]]
|
|1925–1929
|-
|[[Opel 12/50 PS|12/50 PS]]
|
|1927–1929
|-
|[[Opel 15/60 PS|15/60 PS]]
|
|1927–1929
|-
|[[Opel 8/40 PS|8/40 PS]]
|[[File:Opel_touring_car_(8353272381).jpg|75px|centre]]
|1927–1930
|-
|[[Opel Regent|Regent]]
|[[File:Opel_Regent.jpg|75px|centre]]
|1928–1929
|}

===Introduced after acquisition by [[General Motors]] (1929–2017)===
{| class="wikitable"
|-
|[[Opel Blitz|Blitz]]<br />(the final generation was a rebadged [[Bedford CF]])
|[[File:Bedford_blitz_v_sst.jpg|75px|centre]]
|1930–1988
|-
|[[Opel 1.8 Liter|1.8 Liter]]
|[[File:Opel_Model_18B_1,8-Liter_4-Door_Sedan_1931b.jpg|75px|centre]]
|1931–1933
|-
|[[Opel 1,2 Liter|P4]]
|[[File:Opel_P4,_Baujahr_1936_(Sp).JPG|75px|centre]]
|1931–1937
|-
|[[Opel 1,3 Liter|1,3 Liter]]
|[[File:Opel_1.3ltr._Bj_1934-2.jpg|75px|centre]]
|1934–1935
|-
|[[Opel 2.0 litre|»6«]]
|[[File:Opel_Regent_Pullman-Limousine_1936.jpg|75px|centre]]
|1934–1937
|-
|[[Opel Olympia|Olympia]]
|[[File:1968-Opel-Olympia.jpg|75px|centre]]
|1935–1940 (Original)<br />1947–1953 (1st Revival)<br />1967–1970 (2nd Revival)
|-
|[[Opel Super 6|Super 6]]
|[[File:Opel Super 6 BW 3.JPG|75px|centre]]
|1937–1938
|-
|[[Opel Admiral|Admiral]]
|[[File:OPEL-DIPLOMAT-A.jpg|75px|centre]]
|1937–1939 (Original)<br />1964–1976 (Revival)
|-
|[[Opel Kadett|Kadett]]
|[[File:Opel_Kadett_E_1991.jpg|75px|centre]]
|1937–1940 (Original)<br />1962–1993 (Revival)
|-
|[[Opel Kapitän|Kapitän]]
|[[File:Opel_Kapitän_B_BW_1.JPG|75px|centre]]
|1939–1940 (Original)<br />1948–1970 (Revival)
|-
|[[Opel Rekord|Rekord]]
|[[File:Opel_Rekord_E2_front_20081218.jpg|75px|centre]]
|1953–1986
|-
|[[Opel Diplomat|Diplomat]]
|[[File:Opel_Diplomat_V8_1Y7A6126.jpg|75px|centre]]
|1964–1977
|-
|[[Opel Commodore|Commodore]]
|[[File:Opel_Commodore_C_vl_red.jpg|75px|centre]]
|1967–1982
|-
|[[Opel GT|GT]]<br />(the newer generation was a rebadged [[Pontiac Solstice#Saturn Sky|Saturn Sky]])
|[[File:Opel_GT_front.JPG|75px|centre]]
|1968–1973 (Original)<br />2007–2009 (Revival)
|-
|[[Opel Ascona|Ascona]]
|[[File:Opel_Ascona.JPG|75px|centre]]
|1970–1988
|-
|[[Opel Manta|Manta]]<br />(to be revived as a Crossover SUV in 2026)
|[[File:1987_Opel_Manta_GSI.jpg|75px|centre]]
|1970–1988
|-
|[[Opel K 180|K 180]]<br />(Latin America only)
|[[File:Opel_K-180_1.JPG|75px|centre]]
|1974–1978
|-
|[[Isuzu Gemini|Gemini]]<br />(a rebadged [[Isuzu Gemini]])<br />(Malaysia and Thailand only)
|[[File:Isuzu_Gemini_PF_Osaka_JPN_001.jpg|75px|centre]]
|1975–1983
|-
|[[Opel Monza|Monza]]
|[[File:OPEL-VAUX-MONZA-A-FACELIFT.jpg|75px|centre]]
|1978–1986
|-
|[[Opel Senator|Senator]]
|[[File:Opel_Senator_B_front_20080102.jpg|75px|centre]]
|1978–1993
|-
|[[Opel Chevette|Chevette]]<br />(a rebadged [[Vauxhall Chevette]])
|[[File:Vauxhall_Chevette_Sedanlette.jpg|75px|centre]]
|1980–1982
|-
|[[Opel Omega|Omega]]
|[[File:Opel_Omega_II_2.2i_Facelift_front_20100509.jpg|75px|centre]]
|1986–2003
|-
|[[Opel Vectra|Vectra]]
|[[File:Opel_Vectra_C_2.2_Direkt_front.JPG|75px|centre]]
|1988–2008
|-
|[[Opel Calibra|Calibra]]
|[[File:Opel Calibra front 20071212.jpg|75px|centre]]
|1990–1997
|-
|[[Opel Campo|Campo]]<br />(a rebadged [[Isuzu Faster]])
|[[File:2001_Opel_Campo_TFS_54_Sports_Cab_(8067005773).jpg|75px|centre]]
|1991–2001
|-
|[[Opel Monterey|Monterey]]<br />(a rebadged [[Isuzu Trooper]])
|[[File:OPEL-VAUX-MONTERREY-FACELIFT.jpg|75px|centre]]
|1992–1999
|-
|[[Opel Tigra|Tigra]]
|[[File:Opel_Tigra_Twin_Top_20090510_front.jpg|75px|centre]]
|1994–2001 (Original)<br />2004–2009 (Revival)
|-
|[[Holden Commodore|Calais]]<br />(a rebadged [[Holden Commodore|Holden Calais]])<br />(Malaysia and Singapore only)
|[[File:1996_Holden_Commodore_(VS)_Equipe_sedan_(2015-07-15)_01.jpg|75px|centre]]
|1995–1997
|-
|[[Chevrolet S-10 Blazer|Blazer]]<br />(a rebadged [[Chevrolet S-10 Blazer|Chevrolet Blazer]])<br />(Indonesia only)
|[[File:Opel_Blazer_front,_Karangasem.jpg|75px|centre]]
|1995–2002
|-
|[[Opel Sintra|Sintra]]<br />(a rebadged [[Chevrolet Venture]])
|[[File:OPEL-VAUX-SINTRA-A.jpg|75px|centre]]
|1996–1999
|-
|[[Opel Arena (van)|Arena]]<br />(a rebadged [[Renault Trafic]])
|[[File:Opel_arena_passenger_side.jpg|75px|centre]]
|1997–2000
|-
|[[Opel Agila|Agila]]<br />(a rebadged [[Suzuki Splash]],<br /> a rebadged [[Suzuki Solio]] from 2000 to 2008)
|[[File:Opel Agila B front.JPG|75px|centre]]
|2000–2014
|-
|[[Opel Speedster|Speedster]]
|[[File:Opel_Speedster_IMG_5210.jpg|75px|centre]]
|2001–2005
|-
|[[Opel Signum|Signum]]
|[[File:Opel Signum front 20090919.jpg|75px|centre]]
|2003–2008
|-
|[[Opel Meriva|Meriva]]
|[[File:Opel Meriva 1.4 Design Edition (B) – Frontansicht, 11. März 2012, Heiligenhaus.jpg|75x75px]]
|2003–2017
|-
|[[Opel Antara|Antara]]
|[[File:Opel Antara 2.4 4x4 Design Edition (Facelift) – Frontansicht, 29. Oktober 2011, Düsseldorf.jpg|75px]]
|2006–2015
|-
|[[Opel Insignia|Insignia]]
|[[File:Opel Insignia B FL IMG 4300.jpg|Opel Insignia Grand Sport 1.6 Diesel Business Innovation (B) – Frontansicht, 5. Mai 2017, Düsseldorf|75px|centre]]
|2008–2022
|-
|[[Chevrolet Volt|Ampera]]<br />(a rebadged [[Chevrolet Volt]])
|[[File:Opel Ampera – Frontansicht, 18. Juni 2012, Düsseldorf.jpg|75x75px]]
|2012–2015
|-
|[[Opel Adam|Adam]]
|[[File:Opel Adam 1.4 Slam – Frontansicht, 15. Januar 2014, Düsseldorf.jpg|75px]]
|2013–2019
|-
|[[Opel Cascada|Cascada]]
|[[File:Opel Cascada 1.6 EDIT Innovation – Frontansicht, 23. März 2014, Düsseldorf.jpg|75px]]
|2013–2019
|-
|[[Opel Karl|Karl]]<br />(a rebadged [[Chevrolet Spark]])
|[[File:Opel KARL (2).jpg|75px]]
|2015–2019
|-
|[[Chevrolet Bolt|Ampera-e]]<br />(a rebadged [[Chevrolet Bolt]])
|[[File:Opel Ampera-e mit BMW-Genosse als Hintergrund.jpg|75x75px]]
|2017–2019
|}

===Introduced after acquisition by [[PSA Group]] (2017–present)===
{| class="wikitable"
|-
|[[Opel Crossland|Crossland]]
|[[File:Opel Crossland IMG 4883.jpg|100px]]
|2017–2024
|}

==Motorsports==
[[File:2013-03-05 Geneva Motor Show 8022.JPG|thumb|Opel Adam R2 Rallye at the 2013 [[Geneva Motor Show]]]]
[[File:2005 DTM Zandvoort (17185339802).jpg|thumb|[[Opel Vectra GTS V8 DTM]] of [[Phoenix Racing (German racing team)|Phoenix Racing]] at [[Circuit Park Zandvoort]] in 2005]]
[[Opel Rally Team]] took part in [[World Rally Championship]] in the early 1980s with the [[Opel Ascona]] 400 and the [[Opel Manta]] 400, developed in conjunction with Irmscher and Cosworth. [[Walter Röhrl]] won the [[1982 World Rally Championship season|1982 World Rally Championship]] drivers' title, and the 1983 [[Safari Rally]] was won by [[Ari Vatanen]].

In the 1990s, Opel took part in the [[Deutsche Tourenwagen Meisterschaft]] and the succeeding International Touring Car Championship, and won the [[1996 International Touring Car Championship season|1996 championship]] with the [[Opel Calibra|Calibra]]. The brand also participated in the [[Super Tourenwagen Cup]] in the 1990s, winning the manufacturers' title in [[1998 Super Tourenwagen Cup|1998]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2012-11-21 |title=Opel Returns to Motor Sport |url=https://www.automotiveworld.com/news-releases/opel-returns-to-motor-sport/ |access-date=2023-07-30 |website=Automotive World}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=History – S. Spiess Motorenbau GmbH |url=https://www.spiess-racing.com/company/history/ |access-date=2023-07-30 |website=www.spiess-racing.com}}</ref> Opel took part in the revived [[Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters|German DTM]] race series between 2000 and 2005 with the [[Opel Astra|Astra]] and [[Opel Vectra GTS V8 DTM|Vectra]] models, but after winning several races in 2000, it struggled for results afterwards and never won the championship. However, Opel won the [[Nürburgring 24 Hours]] with the Astra in 2003.

Opel returned to [[motorsport]] competition with the [[Opel Adam|Adam]] in 2013.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://media.gm.com/media/intl/en/opel/news.detail.html/content/Pages/news/intl/en/2012/opel/11_21_opel_motorsport.html|title=Opel returns to motor sport|access-date=19 March 2017|date=21 November 2012|archive-date=4 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304002242/http://media.gm.com/media/intl/en/opel/news.detail.html/content/Pages/news/intl/en/2012/opel/11_21_opel_motorsport.html|url-status=dead}}</ref>

In 2014, Opel presented a road-legal sport version of the Adam R2 Rally Car – the [[Opel Adam S]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.auto-power-girl.com/cars-news/2014/11/18/opel/8797/opel_adam_s_gets_priced.html|title=150HP Opel Adam S|work=Auto-Power-Girl.com|access-date=19 November 2014|archive-date=25 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181025071042/http://www.auto-power-girl.com/cars-news/2014/11/18/opel/8797/opel_adam_s_gets_priced.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> – powered by a 1.4 L turbocharged engine which generates 150 HP. The car makes 0–100&nbsp;km/h in just 8.5 seconds.

In 2019 at IAA, Opel presented the Corsa Rally Electric, an electric rally car for customer motor sport. Together with ADAC, Europe's largest automobile association, Opel has started the ADAC Opel Electric Rally Cup, the first rally brand cup for electric cars in the world in 2021. The charging infrastructure uses renewably generated electricity from the public power grid. In 2023, teams from seven nations took part in eight races in Germany, Austria, France and Switzerland. The electric motor, battery, inverter, and onboard charger come from the Corsa production vehicle. In 2024, the cup will enter its fourth season.

==Sponsorship==
Opel had previously sponsored football clubs [[AC Milan]] (1994–2006), [[Bayern Munich]] (1989–2002), [[Paris Saint-Germain]] (1995–2002), [[Fiorentina]] (1983–1986), [[FC Girondins de Bordeaux|Bordeaux]] (1985–1991) and [[Feyenoord]] (2013–2017).

==See also==
* [[Fritz von Opel]]
* [[Rikky von Opel]]
* [[Wilhelm von Opel]]
* [[Irmscher]]
* [[Steinmetz Opel Tuning]]
* [[IDA-Opel]]
* [[List of German cars]]
{{Portalbar|Germany|Cars|Transport|Companies}}

==References==
{{Reflist|30em}}

==External links==
{{Commons category}} 
* {{Official website}}
* [http://www.thecaryoudrive.com/en/021206c1a Technical specifications of Opel models]
* {{YouTube|user=opelblog}}
* {{PM20|FID=co/017676|TEXT=Documents and clippings about|NAME=}}

{{Opel}}
{{Opel timeline}}
{{Navboxes|list1=
{{Opel timeline 1919 to 1950}}
{{Classic Opel timeline}}
{{Stellantis}}
{{Automotive industry in Germany}}
{{German bicycle manufacturers}}
}}

{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Opel| ]]
[[Category:Companies that filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2009]]
[[Category:Car manufacturers of Germany]]
[[Category:Vehicle manufacturing companies established in 1862]]
[[Category:Companies based in Hesse]]
[[Category:German brands]]
[[Category:Luxury motor vehicle manufacturers]]
[[Category:Stellantis]]
[[Category:Truck manufacturers of Germany]]
[[Category:Motorcycle manufacturers of Germany]]
[[Category:Cycle manufacturers of Germany]]
[[Category:1862 establishments in the German Confederation]]
[[Category:Car brands]]
[[Category:2017 mergers and acquisitions]]
[[Category:German subsidiaries of foreign companies]]