Opel Marks 150 Years with Celebration in Russelsheim and Investment of 28.5 Million Euro at Opel Test Centre

SYDNEY – Sept 25, 2012: On the eve of its 150th anniversary celebrations in Rüsselsheim, Germany, Opel has re-opened its completely renewed high-speed circuit at the Dudenhofen Test Center. The re-vamped test track is part of an investment totaling 28.5 million euros Opel has committed to the Opel Test Centre. In addition to the new 40 degree banked circuit, the investment also includes the installation of world-class test and sensor technologies.

“The opening of the high-speed circuit is a milestone for our Test Center”, said Mike Ableson, Opel vice president of Engineering, during the opening ceremony.

“This is a clear sign of our commitment to the long-term future of our development facilities in Germany. The extensions are a significant contribution to further increasing the quality of our products, and quickly bringing new and affordable innovations to our customers.

“We are cementing Dudenhofen’s reputation as one of the leading proving grounds in the world, and we are extending its business opportunities for development, component testing and brand communication. Our numerous long-standing external clients, including many development partners, will also benefit,” Mr Ableson said.

The test programs at the Opel Test Center have always met the highest demands for quality, precision and safety. The new sensors in the surface of the high-speed circuit, and the full electrification of the control and measurement technology will take these standards to an even higher level in future.

Work on the additional extensions has already begun. During the remainder of 2012 Opel will build new tracks for testing road noise and calibrating new engines.

Russelsheim opens its doors to celebrate 150-year anniversary
Close to 40,000 Opel employees, families and friends descended on Opel’s Russelsheim plant home to the Opel Insignia and the birth place of Opel to celebrate the company’s 150th anniversary.

The festival of all things Opel, supported by local Russelsheim clubs and organizations embodied the brand pillars that have formed Opel’s DNA from the beginning. Opel has always been a brand closely linked to its local community, focused on delivering attainable German designed and engineered vehicles to its customers.

Opel Australia’s Managing Director, Bill Mott said the celebrations in Russelsheim combined with the announcement of the multi-million euro investments in Europe were positive signs for the launch of the brand in Australia

“While the Opel brand is new to the Australian market, the company brings with it a long and proud history. The investments in Germany and the drive of the whole Opel team to succeed have seen a successful launch for our brand in Australia and with the announcements coming out of our German headquarters regarding product development there are set to be more exciting times ahead for Australian customers,” Mr Mott said.

Opel was founded in 1862, when Adam Opel in his father’s shop started to produce sewing machines. In the years to follow, the company progressed to bicycles and in 1899 began automotive manufacturing.