Among the original brands in Europe, Opel, established in 1862, is defined as “conservative” when it comes to far-reaching changes and has always been associated with drivers who do not like to leave their comfort zone. However, since Opel came under the wing of Peugeot-Citroen in 2016 and today both are managed by Stellentis, the company chooses to go to the other end – attractive designs, up-to-date technology and even electrified sports editions in the form of the new Gse family (in the main photo).
As of last year, Opel already offers electric cars in several categories – and only wants to sell fully electric vehicles in Europe this decade. The current models are bolted onto flexible platforms, and although they are useful, energetically, they do not have the best performance data due to the compromises required for range and efficiency, the German company says. According to CEO Florian Hotel, “the customers are still satisfied – and the brand is on the way to the future of the industry.”
“What we can clearly see are several things: our customers are no longer afraid of the distance to travel on the electric vehicle as they were in the first years – they learn to be well organized, learn the limitations and understand how to deal with electric mobility.” Second thing he says: “The buyers in a group of passenger cars like Opel such as Corsa, Mocha or Electric Combo express great satisfaction. And the third thing, and the essential thing in his eyes: “We see above all: there is no way back. He who drives electric once, always drives electric. This understanding gives us the certainty that we are on the right path.”
He sees the transition to e-mobility, as he says, as a task for the entire society. “This is a decision made in Europe by democratically elected representatives of the European Union. So you now need the appropriate support from politics and the energy industry. Opel makes its contribution in terms of the vehicle range.” He also adds that next year any Opel can also be bought electrified, that is, as an electric car or with a hybrid drive. Starting in 2028, the brand will be fully electric. “This strategy is already bringing many new buyers – two out of three new customers to the manufacturer. And the share in the battery-electric segment is higher than the entire market share of Opel.”
At Opel, similar to Peugeot-Citroen, they are focused and invest their energy “with full power for electricity”, he comments. According to data published at the beginning of 2023, last year the brand increased the sales rate of electric models by 52%. “We are doing better than we have done in a very long time.”