Latest news with #Rüsselsheim


The Citizen
4 days ago
- Automotive
- The Citizen
Spruced-up facelift Opel Mokka officially priced
The Blitz's smallest SUV has benefited from a serious of updates inside and out, but not up front. Revealed towards the end of last year in Europe, Stellantis South Africa has released official price and spec details of the facelift Opel Mokka teased at its annual Media Connect event in Johannesburg last month. New outside A line-up once again consisting of two models, the updates to the first model that featured Rüsselsheim's Bold and Pure styling language comprises a new gloss black finish for the Opel Vizor grille and Opel blitz logo defined as the middle point or Opel Compass, removal of the various chrome accents, a restyled front bumper and a new Mokka nameplate script on the tailgate. ALSO READ: Opel unpacks facelift Mokka with series of simplified revisions Model-wise, the Edition, which replaces the Elegance, receives new 17-inch alloy wheels, while the carryover GS Line gets redesigned diamond-cut 18-inch alloys as well as a standard diamond black roof. New for both variants is a magnifying glass integrated into the LED headlights Opel says provides the same resolution as the Matrix IntelliLux diodes. Inside, both models now come equipped with the dual 10-inch displays for the digital instrument cluster and infotainment system as part of the Opel Pure Panel, the latter still with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but with improved software as well as embedded satellite navigation. A wireless smartphone charger, frameless electro-chromatic rear view mirror and folding side mirrors rounds the specifications changes. Similar to the newly launched Grandland and the incoming Frontera, the Mokka's cabin makes the switch from type-A to type-C USB ports, while also gaining the same steering wheel with standard heating function on both, plus a silver finish for the centre console. Now standard across all models is a new steering and the pair of 10-inch displays. Image: Opel For the Edition, the seats are trimmed in cloth and those of the GS Line in leather in addition to being equipped electric, heated and with a massaging function for the front chairs. On the safety side, the Edition and GS Line get front and rear parking sensors from the off, with a reverse camera, Adaptive Cruise Control, Automatic Emergency Braking and Forward Collision Warning included on the latter. Same powertrain Up front, no changes have taken place despite the roll-out of a mild-hybrid system on the Old Continent, as well as a bigger battery pack for the now renamed Mokka Electric. No changes have taken place to the rear facia. Image: Opel As such, the Stellantis stalwart 1.2-litre three-cylinder turbocharged PureTech petrol engine remains the sole options, with unchanged outputs of 96kW/230Nm. A toggle switch activated eight-speed automatic prevails as the sole available transmission option. Price Now on-sale, and soon to form part of Opel's three product SUV range below the Frontera and the Grandland, pricing for the Mokka continues to include a five-year/100 000 km warranty as plus a three-year/60 000 km service plan. Mokka 1.2T Edition – R519 900 Mokka 1.2T GS Line – R564 900 NOW READ: Sexy new Opel Mokka helps brand revive the fun factor


The Citizen
10-07-2025
- Automotive
- The Citizen
Opel Grandland puts on a new suit with a point to prove
Rüsselsheim's flagship new SUV adopts a new look and a dramatically improved power, along with a more powerful turbo-petrol engine minus any electrical hardware. Grandland has adopted the same Bold and Pure styling language as the Mokka. Images: Charl Bosch Announced for South Africa last month just over a year after its global unveiling, Stellantis South Africa debuted the all-new second generation Opel Grandland on Wednesday (9 July) as not only the Blitz's flagship model, but also what it describes as a milestone vehicle for the local market. Second of three A ground-up new model which has become the first to premiere the STLA Medium platform locally, the second modern Opel SUV after the Mokka additionally incorporates the latest version of Rüsselsheim's Bold and Pure styling language, though with subtle difference from its smaller sibling. ALSO READ: Approved: All-new Opel Grandland on its way to South Africa Available initially as a single model unlike the outgoing's Grandland's three, the launch around Montecasino involved a comparatively short drive of less than 50 km to as far as Kyalami in what will become the effective third model in Opel's SUV range. Improved looks Aside from its design involving the newest take on the Opel Vizor grille and Compass in which the Blitz badge becomes the central 'directional' focus, the Grandland's switch in platform not only involves a more distinctive appearance, but gains on every dimensional front compared to its predecessor. At 4 650 mm long, 1 655 mm tall and 1 905 mm wide, the second generation measures 173 mm longer, 19 mm taller and 64 mm wider, though its wheelbase is unchanged at 2 784 mm. The knock-on effect is an increase in boot space from 514-litres to 550-litres, however, with the second row down, space decreases slightly from 1 652-litres to 1 641-litres. Rear design is more substantial and omits the Opel Blitz logo for an illuminated block letter badge. Slimmed down to the previous mid-range GS Line trim grade with more derivatives to follow, the Grandland's redesign also introduces Opel's latest Matrix LED IntelliLux headlights in addition to an illuminated LED light bar. The setup, officially called Pixel Matrix, involves each light cluster comprising 25 600 micro LEDs to avoid dazzling oncoming traffic, helped by the forward facing camera system. In another first, the Blitz badge has been dropped on the tailgate and replaced by an illuminated block letter OPEL logo. Boot space with the rear seats up as improved from 514-litres to 550-litres. As part of the GS Line exterior, the Grandland comes standard with sportier bumpers and door sills, as well as 19-inch alloy wheels and a spoiler integrated into the bootlid. Also streamlined are the choice of colours with five now being available; Grafik Grey, Copper Coin, Ice Floe White, Perla Nera Black and Deep Sea Green. Transformation inside Inside, the dated looking interior of the previous Grandland makes for Opel's so-called detox layout in which most of the most physical switchgear has been integrated into the new 16-inch infotainment display. Excluded are the major functions for the dual-zone climate control located separately in the form of touch-sensitive icons, plus three toggle switches to adjust the temperature. Interior has been radically uprated as per Opel's detox philosophy. Retained are a physical dial for the sound system, buttons for the hazard lights and door locks, and haptic switches on the new multi-function steering wheel. Aside from the infotainment being the biggest size-wise in any Opel production, the 10-inch instrument cluster has been recessed into the dashboard instead of being placed on top or on the steering column in a freestanding design. One of the biggest curiosities of the interior is the so-called Pixel Box integrated into the centre console. Down the centre, the floating console continues, now with the same toggle switch gear selector as the Mokka, but additionally with what Opel calls the Pixel Box. In essence, this involves a lidded cubby for the wireless smartphone charger and USB ports being fitted with an illuminated translucid glass 'face' supposed to safeguard one's phone from sliding off a conventional 'open' pad and around the cabin. Another addition is the lack of leather upholstery replaced by fabric made entirely out of recycled materials. Spec sheet In terms of specifications and beside the features already mentioned, the Grandland comes equipped with ambient lighting, an electric tailgate, push-button start and keyless entry, an eight-speaker sound system, Head-Up Display and rain sense wipers. Seats are trimmed in fabrics made from recycled materials. Included further are: heated and electrically folding mirrors; heated steering wheel; ventilated, heated and massaging electric front seats; refrigerated central storage area and armrest; heated rear seats; memory function for the driver's chair; integrated satellite navigation; Apple CarPlay and Android Auto On the safety and driver assistance side, the GS Line features a tyre pressure monitor, Interior Alert, Adaptive Cruise Control, Traffic Sign Recognition, Blind Spot Monitoring, Hill Start Assist, front and rear parking sensors, and a 360-degree surround-view camera system. More punch for stalwart engine Up front, and despite its platform having been developed to accommodate electric powerplants, the Grandland continues to derive motivation from a turbocharged petrol engine, albeit not the hybrid units offered in Europe. Instead, the South African offering soldiers on with the long-serving 1.6-litre PureTech unit, but revised to now produce 134kW/300Nm instead of the previous 121kW/240Nm. Sending the amount of twist to the front wheels once again falls to a six-speed automatic gearbox augmented, finally, by paddle shifters. The drive Out on the drive, the Grandland felt comfortable and composed as, in addition to its new underpinnings, it also gets frequency selective dampers that adjusts depending on the scanned road surface. Along with roll bars and springs tuned specifically for it and not shared with its fellow STLA Medium siblings, the Peugeot 3008, 5008, Citroën C5 Aircross and Jeep Compass, the electric power steering offers more feedback than before, while three driving modes are still offered; Eco, Normal and Sport. Slim 10-inch instrument cluster has been recessed into the dashboard. Tipping the scales at a fraction over 1.8-tonnes, the updates to the Grandland's engine only becomes apparent higher-up the rev range. Feeling somewhat lethargic low-down, the engine starts to come on song at the revs climb, to the point of pulling strong with an almost relentless pull. The 'box itself, though, is largely slick and didn't require intervention of the paddle shifters sorely missed on the previous generation. Conclusion While an in-depth review will only emerge once on test, the initial impression of the new Opel Grandland is impressive considering what it offers. At R789 900, it is placed squarely at legacy rivals from Volkswagen, Toyota, Ford, Kia, Mazda and Hyundai, but unsurprisingly well up on the Chinese alternatives from Great Wall Motors (GWM) and Chery. A price that still comes with significant value, plus a five-year/100 000 km warranty and five-year/90 000 km service plan, it remains to be seen though whether it would resonate the same with buyers who come signing on the dotted line, never mind the stigma of being labelled as nothing but 'a rebadged Peugeot'. NOW READ: Early debut: Electrically assisted all-new Opel Grandland revealed
Yahoo
02-07-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Future Stellantis Germany and global Opel headquarters in Rüsselsheim: VGP to construct office building for the grEEn campus.
Building permit Stellantis Germany and global Opel headquarters in Rüsselsheim: VGP to construct office building for the grEEn campus. 02 July 2025 – Antwerp/Düsseldorf/Rüsselsheim The building authority of the city of Rüsselsheim am Main has granted VGP, a European owner, manager and developer of high-quality logistics and light industrial properties and provider of renewable energy solutions, permission to start construction of the first building for the future Stellantis Germany and global Opel headquarters. While development and initial construction work are already underway, the official ground-breaking ceremony is scheduled for autumn 2025. A total of three buildings are planned for the site. In autumn 2023, VGP acquired the so-called 'M', 'K' and 'P' areas on Mainzer Straße and Bundesstraße 43 in Rüsselsheim, covering a total area of approximately 700,000 square a site covering approximately 100,000 square metres, the company plans to develop a CO2-neutral, green corporate headquarters for Stellantis, known as the 'grEEn campus': modern, efficient, friendly and urban. The remaining space offers further diverse development opportunities. The administration building will provide state-of-the-art workplaces over five floors across a total of 28,000 square metres – fully compatible with hybrid and flexible ways of working on site or remotely. It will be certified with at least the Gold sustainability label in accordance with the DGNB certification scheme. In addition, the building meets the requirements of the EU taxonomy for environmentally sustainable business practices. VGP places a special focus on reducing CO2 (embodied carbon) in construction. Sustainable building materials will be used to ensure good indoor air quality for employees and a photovoltaic system will be combined with a green roof to generate energy. This promotes biodiversity and cools the building. VGP CEO Jan Van Geet is very impressed by the cooperation with the city administration: 'We submitted our building application for this special construction last December. The professional cooperation with the responsible employees of the Rüsselsheim building authority and the Opel team has brought the entire project forward quickly.' City Councillor Simon Valerius, who is responsible for planning and construction in Rüsselsheim, emphasises the good cooperation and the importance of the project for the city: 'The 'grEEn campus' shows what urban design can look like in the future – resource-efficient, architecturally sophisticated and significantly enhancing the western entrance to the city.' Mayor Patrick Burghardt is also delighted: 'The 'grEEn-campus' is a strong commitment to the location and to sustainable development. It shows the potential that Rüsselsheim has to offer: for existing and new jobs, for innovation and for a strong economic future.' Florian Huettl, CEO Opel & Vauxhall and Managing Director Stellantis Germany, says: 'The building permit is an important step in moving the project forward from the preparation phase to the next phase together with our partner VGP. Our employees are looking forward to our new sustainable and modern headquarters in Rüsselsheim. It will create a pleasant and modern environment for creative and collegial work. This is how we live the One Team approach every day across all divisions and brands.' CONTACT VGP VGP Investor Relations Tel: +32 (0)3 289 PR Sandra Zimmermann Tel: +49 89 210 ABOUT VGP VGP is a pan-European owner, manager and developer of high-quality logistics and semi-industrial properties as well as a provider of renewable energy solutions. VGP has a fully integrated business model with extensive expertise and many years of experience along the entire value chain. VGP was founded in 1998 as a family-owned Belgian property developer in the Czech Republic and today operates with around 380 full-time employees in 18 European countries directly and through several 50:50 joint ventures. In December 2024, the gross asset value of VGP, including the 100% joint ventures, amounted to € 7.8 billion and the company had a net asset value (EPRA NTA) of € 2.4 billion. VGP is listed on Euronext Brussels (ISIN: BE0003878957). For more information, please visit: ABOUT STELLANTIS Stellantis N.V. (NYSE: STLA / Euronext Milan: STLAM / Euronext Paris: STLAP) is a leading global automaker, dedicated to giving its customers the freedom to choose the way they move, embracing the latest technologies and creating value for all its stakeholders. Its unique portfolio of iconic and innovative brands includes Abarth, Alfa Romeo, Chrysler, Citroën, Dodge, DS Automobiles, FIAT, Jeep®, Lancia, Maserati, Opel, Peugeot, Ram, Vauxhall, Free2move and Leasys. For more information, visit CONTACT STELLANTISFranziska QUELING +49 170 2269306 – SCHMIDT +49 6142 692 3737 – communications@ THE CITY OF RÜSSELSHEIM Communications and City Marketing Department Communications Division pressestelle@ Attachment Russelsheim ENGError in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data