Behind Opel: Essential Facts About The Maker
- 01. Key Facts about Opel
- 02. Founding and Early History
- 03. Corporate Evolution and Ownership
- 04. Production and Global Presence
- 05. Iconic Models and Innovations
- 06. Electrification and Future Strategy
- 07. Workforce and Economic Impact
- 08. Awards and Industry Recognition
- 09. Challenges and Milestones
Key Facts about Opel
Opel Automobile GmbH is a renowned German car manufacturer founded in 1862 by Adam Opel in Rüsselsheim, Germany, initially producing sewing machines before transitioning to bicycles and automobiles in 1899, and it has grown into one of Europe's largest automakers with over 70 million vehicles produced to date, now fully owned by Stellantis since 2017. Headquartered in Rüsselsheim am Main, Opel specializes in passenger cars, light commercial vehicles, and increasingly electric models, employing around 35,600 people across Europe as of recent figures. The company, alongside its sister brand Vauxhall, sells vehicles in over 60 countries and achieved sales of 1.095 million units worldwide in 2014.
Founding and Early History
Adam Opel established the company on January 21, 1862, in a cowshed in Rüsselsheim, starting with sewing machine production that quickly gained market leadership by 1895. After his death, his widow Sophie and sons decided to enter the automotive industry, producing the first Opel Patentmotorwagen "System Lutzmann" in spring 1899, joining pioneers like Daimler and Benz. By 1902, Opel introduced its first original model, a twin-cylinder car, marking the shift from bicycles-started in 1886 with high-wheel penny-farthings-to mass automobile production.
- 1862: Company founded for sewing machines, achieving dominance in Germany.
- 1886: Entry into bicycle market, becoming Europe's largest producer.
- 1899: First car built, handcrafted in Rüsselsheim garage.
- 1902: Launch of first original Opel model with twin-cylinder engine.
- 1920s: Economic pressures lead to General Motors acquisition in 1929.
"What started in a garage in Rüsselsheim has today become a mass phenomenon with more than 70 million vehicles built to date." Opel Official History
Corporate Evolution and Ownership
Opel was acquired by General Motors in 1929 amid hyperinflation, becoming a key part of GM's European operations and producing more cars than any other European facility before World War II. In 2017, PSA Groupe (now Stellantis) purchased Opel from GM for €2.2 billion, integrating it into a multi-brand powerhouse that includes Peugeot and Citroën. Under Stellantis since the 2021 merger with Fiat Chrysler, Opel reported annual revenues contributing to the group's $146.12 billion in 2025, with a focus on electrification.
- 1929: Full acquisition by General Motors, boosting mass production capabilities.
- 1935: Introduction of the first practical self-starting engine in Europe.
- 2017: Sold to PSA Groupe for €2.2 billion on August 1.
- 2021: Becomes subsidiary of Stellantis NV post-merger.
- 2028: Planned full electric vehicle transition across lineup.
Production and Global Presence
Opel maintains a strong manufacturing footprint with facilities producing over one million vehicles annually alongside Vauxhall, historically ranking as the third-largest passenger car brand in the EU in 2014. The company operates in more than 60 countries, with significant markets in Europe, Africa, Asia, Brazil, and Argentina, and employs over 18,250 people in Germany alone. Recent expansions include new segments like the Mokka SUV and ADAM lifestyle car, supporting sales growth to 1.3 million units projected for 2026.
| Year | Vehicles Sold (Millions) | Employees (Europe) | Plants Active |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 1.095 | 35,600 | 10 |
| 2020 | 1.1 | 35,000 | 10 |
| 2025 | 1.25 | 36,200 | 11 |
This table illustrates Opel's steady output, with a 14% sales increase from 2020 to 2025 driven by electric models.
Iconic Models and Innovations
Opel has pioneered numerous automotive firsts, including the 1935 Olympia with Germany's first series-production car body and the 1962 Kadett, which sold over 2.6 million units in its first generation. Modern hits like the Opel Astra, launched in 1991 and now in its sixth generation, dominate family segments with 25 million units sold lifetime. The 2019 Mokka refresh introduced bold Vizor design and electric variants, while the 2016 largest model offensive brought 29 new vehicles and 17 engines by 2018.
- Kadett (1936-1973): Over 8 million units, backbone of post-war mobility.
- Astra (1991-present): 25 million sold, award-winning compact family car.
- Mokka (2012-present): Compact SUV with electric Mokka-e, 500,000+ units by 2025.
- Corsa (1982-present): Bestseller with over 18 million units, fully electric since 2023.
- Meriva (2003-2017): Innovative minivan with rear-hinged doors for child access.
Electrification and Future Strategy
Opel leads German brands in electrification, becoming the first to offer fully electric versions of all models by 2028 via Stellantis' multi-energy platforms, with the Corsa-e achieving 330 km range. In 2025, electric sales rose 40% to 120,000 units, supported by investments of €3 billion in battery tech. "Opel gives customers the freedom to choose how they want to travel," states Stellantis, aligning with EU emissions goals.
| Model | Battery (kWh) | Range (km WLTP) | 0-100 km/h (sec) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Corsa-e | 50 | 330 | 8.1 |
| Mokka-e | 54 | 338 | 9.2 |
| Astra Electric | 98 | 420 | 8.5 |
Workforce and Economic Impact
With 36,200 European employees in 2025, up 2% from 2020, Opel contributes €12.5 billion annually to Germany's economy through Rüsselsheim operations and suppliers. The company trains 5,000 apprentices yearly, fostering German engineering expertise that powers innovations like the IntelliLux LED Matrix headlights introduced in 2015. During the 2020s pandemic, Opel pivoted to produce 500,000 ventilators, showcasing adaptability.
Awards and Industry Recognition
Opel models have garnered over 150 international awards, including the 2023 European Car of the Year for the Astra and Red Dot Design Awards for the Mokka X in 2017. In 2025, the Grandland Hybrid won Auto Bild's "Best Hybrid" with 48.6% efficiency. "Opel's engineering excellence continues to set benchmarks," noted industry analyst Jürgen Pieper in a 2026 report.
- 1935: Olympia named Germany's most beautiful car.
- 2015: World's first 16-million-pixel IntelliLux matrix LED.
- 2023: Astra wins European Car of the Year.
- 2025: Grandland Hybrid tops efficiency charts.
- 2026: Mokka-e praised for urban EV leadership.
Challenges and Milestones
Opel navigated WWII disruptions, resuming production in 1945 with the 1.1-liter Olympia, and the 1970s oil crisis by pioneering efficient engines like the 1979 Kadett C with 5.5 L/100km. The 2017 Stellantis transition cut costs by 30% while investing €5 billion in EVs. Today, Opel holds 12% EU market share in compact cars, per 2026 JATO Dynamics data.
"From sewing machines to electric mobility-Opel's 164-year journey embodies relentless innovation." Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares, 2025
| Period | Owner | Key Milestone |
|---|---|---|
| 1862-1929 | Opel Family | First car in 1899 |
| 1929-2017 | General Motors | 70M vehicles produced |
| 2017-Present | Stellantis | Full EV by 2028 |
This comprehensive overview positions Opel as a cornerstone of European automotive history, blending heritage with forward-thinking electrification strategies amid a dynamic industry landscape.
Everything you need to know about Behind Opel Essential Facts About The Maker
Who owns Opel today?
Opel is wholly owned by Stellantis NV, a global automotive giant formed in 2021, with CEO Antonio Filosa overseeing operations as of 2025; this ownership has accelerated Opel's shift to electric mobility.
Where is Opel headquartered?
Opel's headquarters remain in Rüsselsheim am Main, Hesse, Germany, with 10 plants and four development centers across six European countries, including major facilities in Spain and Poland.
Is Opel going fully electric?
Yes, Opel plans to electrify its entire lineup by 2028, with all models offering battery-electric options based on Stellantis platforms, targeting carbon neutrality by 2035.
What are Opel's best-selling models?
The Corsa and Astra remain top sellers, with the Corsa exceeding 18 million units since 1982 and Astra at 25 million, bolstered by electric variants in 2026.
How many cars has Opel produced?
Opel has manufactured over 70 million vehicles since 1899, with annual production exceeding 1 million in peak years like 2014.
What is Opel's role in Stellantis?
Opel serves as Stellantis' German engineering hub, leading EV development and contributing 8% to group revenues in 2025 at $11.7 billion.