My Car Worth » Opel

Opel reaches milestone 150th anniversary [w/video]

Rocky — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 05:15:41 +0000

One hundred and fifty years. That’s a mighty long time for any company to have been around, much less an automaker. Particularly since the automobile has only been around for 125 years or so. But while Opel, which celebrates its 150th anniversary this year, is known primarily as an automaker, cars are only part of its long business history.

Founded in 1862, Opel started out making sewing machines, and over the course of the last century and a half, has produced bicycles, motorcycles, rockets and refrigerators along with cars and trucks. Well over 50 million automobiles, in fact, as the company hit that particular milestone back in 1999.

Since 1929, Opel has been part of General Motors, and today – together with its British sister brand Vauxhall – its 40,500 employees produce more than a million vehicles every year in six different countries, selling them in over 40. Want to know more about Opel’s history? Follow the jump for the full press release and a three-minute video, and check out the historical photos in our high-res image gallery.

Continue reading Opel reaches milestone 150th anniversary [w/video]

Opel reaches milestone 150th anniversary [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 05 Jan 2012 15:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments
Autoblog

No related posts.

First drive: Astra to spearhead Opel onslaught

Rocky — Sat, 01 Oct 2011 09:15:42 +0000

Slick new Opel Astra to lead German GM brand’s Australian introduction next year

GoAuto RSS – Car News

No related posts.

Opel RAK e electric concept looks to the future of low-cost urban motoring

Rocky — Fri, 16 Sep 2011 17:15:16 +0000

Filed under: Concept Cars, Frankfurt Motor Show, Coupe, Budget, Technology, Opel, Design/Style, Electric

Before we delve into the details of the RAK e electric concept, let’s step back in time with a brief historical primer. The oldest industrial division within General Motors’ current portfolio, Opel started as a sewing machine manufacturer way back in 1862. Evolving to the production of bicycles soon after, Opel’s presence in wheeled transportation turned to automobiles in 1899. Now, at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show, Opel looks to the future with its debut of the ultra-modern RAK e Concept.

Back in 1928, Opel captivated the media with its experimental rocket-powered RAK 2. Its streamlined shape and solid-fuel rocket propulsion system demonstrated Opel’s vision of the future. Developed 83 years after the RAK 2, the RAK e tandem 1+1 concept projects Opel’s take on personal urban mobility.

As an experimental design and technical platform, the RAK e is a narrow four-wheeler built around a steel space frame. Built with an eye toward inexpensive materials, the RAK e is a lightweight (838 pounds) concept presented as a vehicle that Opel says even the youngest of buyers could afford.

Propulsion for the RAK e comes from a 49-horsepower electric motor that draws juice from a five-kWh lithium-ion battery pack. Range is listed at up to 62 miles and operating costs are claimed to be only one euro per 100 kilometers (.19 per 100 miles).

Follow the jump to read over the complete press release from Opel and be sure to check out our live photos of the RAK e in the high-res image gallery.

Continue reading Opel RAK e electric concept looks to the future of low-cost urban motoring

Opel RAK e electric concept looks to the future of low-cost urban motoring originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 16 Sep 2011 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments
Autoblog