Opel Set to Shine Bringing the Past, Present and Future to the 2012 Australian International Motor Show

SYDNEY – Oct 16, 2012: Opel Australia will be making its Australian Motor Show debut with a seven car stand, giving the Australian public a taste of the past, present and future of Opel in Australia. Headlining the Opel stand at this year’s show is the fastest Astra Opel has ever produced, the Opel Performance Centre, Astra OPC.

Set to join showrooms from early 2013, the Astra OPC a muscular, coupe-styled hot hatch will hit Australian roads with a 2.0 litre turbocharged direct injection engine which achieves a power output of up to 206 kW and maximum torque of 400 Nm making the Astra OPC the most powerful hot hatch available in its segment .

Joining the Astra OPC and rounding out the Astra model line-up on the stand will be an Astra Sport 1.6-litre turbo hatch, Astra Select 2.0-litre diesel Sports Tourer and the stylish three-door Astra GTC Sport. The Astra name has a strong history of success in the Australian market and since the local launch in September the Astra has proved popular yet again leading the brand’s local sales.

Funky and fun, the Corsa Colour Edition adds a splash of colour and style at this year’s show. The Flaming Yellow, 1.4-litre hatch complete with coordinated interior coloured trim, black gloss roof and 17-inch black gloss alloy wheels is sure to be eye-catching model on the stand floor.

The pinnacle of all things Opel, representing the Insignia at this year’s show is an elegant Dark Mahogany, Insignia Select sedan. The flagship of the Opel range, the Insignia has won over 50 international and national awards since launch and is heralded as the best car we’ve ever made.

With a 2.0-litre petrol turbo or optional 2.0-litre turbo diesel the luxurious Insignia Select comes with a well specified list of standard options including a 7-inch colour information display with satellite navigation, the AFL+ lighting system complete with bio-xenon headlamps and LED daytime running lamps, segment leading AGR accredited seats with front seat ventilation and 19-inch alloy wheels.

This year marks the 150th anniversary of Opel, having been founded by Adam Opel in Russelsheim, Germany in 1862. Adam Opel based out of his father’s shop started by producing sewing machines. In the years to follow, the company progressed to bicycles and in 1899 began automotive manufacturing. On display at the Opel stand at this year’s show direct from Opel’s historic car collection in Germany, is one of the very early models produced, a 1905 Opel Darracq.

Opel currently has 17 dealers across the country with the next phase of dealerships to be announced soon.