opel

A brief history about opel: Adam Opel founded Opel GmbH in 1863 in Rüsselsheim, Germany, originally as a sewing machine manufacturer. Like many early industrial pioneers, Opel did not begin in the automotive industry. After achieving success with sewing machines and bicycles, the company shifted its focus to motor vehicles in 1899 when Opel purchased a car factory from Friedrich Lutzmann. Following Adam’s death, his sons continued building cars with Lutzmann for a short period before deciding to develop their own designs.

In 1902, Opel partnered with the French coachbuilder Darracq to produce vehicles using Opel-built bodies on French-made chassis. The collaboration ended in 1906, but the experience allowed Opel to gain the technical expertise needed to produce its own automobiles. That same year, Opel introduced its first in-house design at the Hamburg Motor Show, and by 1907 full automobile production had begun. A devastating fire in 1911 destroyed much of the Rüsselsheim plant, prompting Opel to abandon sewing machines and focus solely on cars and motorcycles.

By 1913, Opel had become the largest car manufacturer in Germany. A decade later, in 1924, the company introduced Germany’s first mass-production assembly line, which launched the Opel Laubfrosch—nicknamed the “Tree Frog” for its bright green color. Affordable, reliable, and efficient, the Laubfrosch made Opel cars accessible to a wider public and solidified the company’s reputation for innovation and value.

The late 1920s brought financial challenges as global markets shifted. Seeking stability and expansion, Opel sold a majority stake to General Motors in 1929. Under GM’s ownership, Opel retained creative control over vehicle design while gaining access to international markets and advanced production techniques. By 1930, Opel was the largest automobile producer in Europe, and its Olympia model—introduced in 1935—became the first mass-produced car with an all-steel unibody structure, setting new standards in safety and efficiency.

During World War II, Opel’s factories were converted for military production, and the facilities sustained heavy damage. Civilian car production resumed after the war with the Blitz truck and, later, passenger cars like the Olympia. By 1956, Opel celebrated its two-millionth vehicle and began expanding production with a new plant in Bochum. The launch of the Kadett marked a turning point, becoming one of Opel’s most popular models and an enduring nameplate in the company’s history.

Through the 1960s and 1970s, Opel grew rapidly, introducing models like the GT sports car and expanding internationally with plants in the UK, Belgium, and Spain. By the 1980s, Opel had firmly established itself as a global brand, producing millions of vehicles and serving as GM’s key European arm. The introduction of catalytic converters across its lineup and the debut of the Vectra and Calibra reinforced Opel’s reputation for innovation and performance.

The 1990s saw Opel continuing to modernize with new generations of the Astra, Corsa, and Frontera, and the brand celebrated producing its 25 millionth vehicle. In the 2000s, Opel diversified its lineup with the Agila microvan and the Speedster sports car, appealing to both city drivers and enthusiasts.

Today, Opel is recognized for its ability to blend German engineering with accessible pricing, offering reliable cars for every segment. With models like the Insignia introduced in 2008, Opel began moving further into the premium space, competing with other major German manufacturers. Its legacy continues as a symbol of durability, practicality, and innovation—values that have defined the brand for more than a century.

Current Models

Browse through this opel’s current models below and explore their specifications