AutoblogGreen http://green.autoblog.com AutoblogGreen http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/%SiteURL%/media/feedlogo.gif AutoblogGreen http://green.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/Chris Shunk, Sam Abuelsamid and Dan RothThe podcast by the people who obsessively cover the auto industry.<![CDATA[GM's Opel may add electric side to diesel engines]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/04/15/gms-opel-may-add-electric-side-to-diesel-engines/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/04/15/gms-opel-may-add-electric-side-to-diesel-engines/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/04/15/gms-opel-may-add-electric-side-to-diesel-engines/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


General Motors' Opel division is confident that its slate of diesel engines will allow it to meet stricter European emissions standards set for 2020. As for the even stricter ones expected in 2025? Not so much.

Stop us if you've heard this before, but that's why Opel says it will consider adding hybrid-electric options to some of its diesel powertrains in the next few years, Automotive News says, citing an interview with General Motors executive Pierpaolo Antonioli. As it is, Opel is upgrading 80 percent of its engine inventory during the next three years to meet the fleetwide European requirements of a 130 grams per kilometer emissions limit for 2015. Opel's next engine to debut is a 1.6-liter diesel coming to the Zafira Tourer minivan later this year.

By going diesel-electric, Opel would be joining a number of automakers. Mitsubishi debuted a diesel-hybrid pickup truck concept at the Geneva Motor Show in February and Volvo started selling its V60 Plug-in Hybrid Diesel in November. Peugeot has been selling its diesel-hybrid 3008 HYbrid4 in Europe since 2011.

GM's Opel may add electric side to diesel engines originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Mon, 15 Apr 2013 17:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dieselelectricemissionseueuropeeuropean uniongeneral motorshybridopelplug-invauxhallMon, 15 Apr 2013 17:55:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20539339/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20539339/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/15/gms-opel-may-add-electric-side-to-diesel-engines/20539339/article-detail.xml 20539339 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/opel-logo-new_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/opel-logo-new.jpg <![CDATA[GM refutes German OEMs, says HFO-1234yf AC coolant is safe]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/04/08/gm-says-hfo-1234yf-ac-coolant-safe/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/04/08/gm-says-hfo-1234yf-ac-coolant-safe/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/04/08/gm-says-hfo-1234yf-ac-coolant-safe/#commentsFiled under: ,

Automakers dispute A/C refrigerant safety issue

General Motors' Opel division is adding metaphorical fire to the real dispute over a new air-conditioning refrigerant's potential flammability.

Opel recently ran crash tests with an SUV using a refrigerant, called HFO-1234yf, that is being pushed by the European Union as a way to cut greenhouse gas emissions. Contrary to earlier tests by Mercedes-Benz parent Daimler, GM says the product isn't flammable, Reuters reports.

HFO-1234yf was developed by Honeywell and DuPont. Despite a crash test that destroyed the car's A/C unit and caused it to leak, Opel says it did not cause a fire. The EU is pushing for HFO-1234yf to become standard refrigerant by 2017.

Last year, Daimler conducted its own tests and found that the new refrigerant catches fire and releases toxic fumes in the event of a crash. And last month, Volkswagen, Europe's biggest automaker, backed Daimler's claims and said it would try to develop its own carbon-dioxide-based A/C systems as a way to meet the EU's requirements.

GM refutes German OEMs, says HFO-1234yf AC coolant is safe originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Mon, 08 Apr 2013 07:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>air-conditioningdaimlereueuropean unionfiregeneral motorsHFO-1234yfhoneywellopelrefrigerantsafetyvolkswagenMon, 08 Apr 2013 07:51:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20532155/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20532155/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/08/gm-says-hfo-1234yf-ac-coolant-safe/20532155/article-detail.xml 20532155 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/fridge_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/fridge.jpg <![CDATA[GM VC not happy with Europe's response to plug-in vehicles]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/03/15/gm-vc-not-happy-with-europes-response-to-plug-in-vehicles/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/03/15/gm-vc-not-happy-with-europes-response-to-plug-in-vehicles/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/03/15/gm-vc-not-happy-with-europes-response-to-plug-in-vehicles/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

opel ampera

General Motors Vice Chairman Steve Girsky has had it up to his eyeballs with Europe. It's one thing to attempt to bail out GM's Opel subsidiary in the beleaguered European auto market. It's another to market the Opel Ampera plug-in hybrid to such tepid response.

"All the governments in Europe said, 'We want EVs, we want EVs.' We show up with one, and where is everybody?" Girsky said last week at the Geneva Motor Show, as reported by Automotive News Europe.

Girsky expects a lot more from European governments to instill demand for EVs. "We're hoping for some support from other places, whether its subsidies or infrastructure help or something like that," he said.

Something needs to be done to increase sales for the Ampera, which sold fewer than 6,000 units last year. That was enough to grab more than 20 percent of the market of electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles in Europe, but it was far removed from its US cousin, the Chevrolet Volt, which saw sales triple to 23,461 units in 2012, Girsky said.

For now, the Opel Ampera is a loss leader for GM, which will continue to sell the plug-in hybrid. The global automaker is working hard to drive down costs as it maps out the next-generation Volt and Opel. "We're willing to absorb some losses on this because it's new technology," he said.
europe.autonews.com/article/20130315/ANE/303159998/girskys-irked-by-europes-chilly-reception-for-plug-in#ixzz2NcjblcIYe

GM VC not happy with Europe's response to plug-in vehicles originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Fri, 15 Mar 2013 17:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amperachevyeuropegeneral motorsopelplug in hybridsteve girskyvoltFri, 15 Mar 2013 17:50:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20505906/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20505906/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/15/gm-vc-not-happy-with-europes-response-to-plug-in-vehicles/20505906/article-detail.xml 20505906 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/opel-ampera_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/opel-ampera.jpg <![CDATA[UK bans Opel Ampera plug-in hybrid commercial over range claims]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/08/23/uk-bans-opel-ampera-plug-in-hybrid-commercial-over-range-claims/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/08/23/uk-bans-opel-ampera-plug-in-hybrid-commercial-over-range-claims/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/08/23/uk-bans-opel-ampera-plug-in-hybrid-commercial-over-range-claims/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

opel ampera

Lost in translation, Vol. 2.

An advertisement for the Chevrolet Volt's sister vehicle was banned in the UK for what an advertising watchdog group said was a misleading claim about the extended-range plug-in's driving range, UK's Daily Mail reports.

The ad for the Vauxhall Ampera showed endurance runners and claimed a 360 mile "range" with the implication that the propulsion source was all electricity, according to the charge. The spot noted an "additional power source" - i.e., the car's on-board gas-powered generator - in small print. Because the ad wasn't clear that the car only has about a 35-to-50-mile range on electric power, the Advertising Standards Authority banned it. You can see it below, though.

The Volt/Ampera's extended-range/plug-in issue has repeatedly crept up on both sides of the Atlantic, with many electric-drive observers calling for parent company General Motors to call the model a plug-in hybrid because of the gas-powered range. Meanwhile, General Motors' Opel division, which also sells a version of the Ampera in Europe said in June that the car was Europe's best-selling passenger electric vehicle. The Volt/Ampera won the 2012 European Car of the Year Award in March.

Continue reading UK bans Opel Ampera plug-in hybrid commercial over range claims

UK bans Opel Ampera plug-in hybrid commercial over range claims originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Thu, 23 Aug 2012 07:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>advertisingadvertising standards authorityamperachevroletelectric vehiclemisleading claimsplug-in hybridukvauxhallvoltThu, 23 Aug 2012 07:49:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20307173/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20307173/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/08/23/uk-bans-opel-ampera-plug-in-hybrid-commercial-over-range-claims/20307173/article-detail.xml 20307173 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/ampera0628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/ampera0628.jpg <![CDATA[Opel Insignia's LPG option delivers 1,000-mile full-tank capability]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/07/20/opel-insignias-lpg-option-delivers-1-000-mile-full-tank-capabil/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/07/20/opel-insignias-lpg-option-delivers-1-000-mile-full-tank-capabil/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/07/20/opel-insignias-lpg-option-delivers-1-000-mile-full-tank-capabil/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



For anyone who wants to drive from Paris to Budapest without that pesky problem of filling-up, Opel has got the car for you.

General Motors' Opel division is offering its Insignia with an engine that can run on liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) as well as petrol, Green Car Congress reports.

The engine, which is available in all three of the Insignia's body styles, is a 1.4-liter turbocharged four-banger that delivers about 140 horsepower and uses 7.6 liters of gas per 100 kilometers, or about 31 miles per gallon, on the slightly more lenient European driving standards. More importantly, with both the gas tank and LPG tank filled, the car has a leg-cramp-inducing range of 1,056 miles, which will get you from the French to Hungarian capital cities with about 100 miles to spare. The Insignia with the LPG option starts at 28,150 euros ($34,266 U.S. at today's exchange rates).

Opel Insignia's LPG option delivers 1,000-mile full-tank capability originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Fri, 20 Jul 2012 18:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>general motorsgminsignialiquefied petroleum gaslpgopelFri, 20 Jul 2012 18:10:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20282600/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20282600/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/07/20/opel-insignias-lpg-option-delivers-1-000-mile-full-tank-capabil/20282600/article-detail.xml 20282600 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/insignia_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/insignia.jpg <![CDATA[Opel/Vauxhall Adam zooms into Europe's supermini fray [w/video]]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/07/12/opel-vauxhall-adam-zooms-into-europes-supermini-fray-w-video/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/07/12/opel-vauxhall-adam-zooms-into-europes-supermini-fray-w-video/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/07/12/opel-vauxhall-adam-zooms-into-europes-supermini-fray-w-video/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Opel Adam - red three-quarter view

We've done a triple-take with the Opel/Vauxhall Adam, and after two rounds of grainy spy shots, this third official look brings the car into crisp, clear focus. From the looks of these photos, we like it a bit more than we thought we did initially. Yes, it's got plenty of Audi A1 going on in that greenhouse. Yes, there's a lot going on with sculpting outside and inside. Yes, customers might want to be very careful about how they choose their colors among the more than one million color and trim options - yes, your read that correctly: more than one million. But we'll say again, we like it (though in fairness the front end is likely to divide opinions).

The Adam is a challenger to other premium subcompact hatches like the Mini Cooper and the Fiat 500, and size-wise it's slightly shorter and wider than the Mini and has a slightly shorter wheelbase. To counter the fact that it has taken so long for General Motors to make it happen, the UK price of around £11,000 ($17k USD including Value Added Tax) won't skimp on features: stop/start, ESP, Hill Start Assist, airbags all around and a city steering mode with additional power assistance.

To counter the increasing obsolescence of traditional infotainment and nav systems, the Adam's optional unit will feature a seven-inch screen that plugs into the owner's smartphone and replicates the interface. The owner then has control of his phone via the touchscreen. This mirroring process is becoming more common, but we'll wait for more adoption to see how well it works in places where there's no cell signal and no backup maps on an in-car hard drive.

The four-cylinder gasoline engines available at launch will be taken from the Corsa lineup and paired with a five-speed manual: a 1.2-liter with 69 horsepower and two 1.4-liters, one with 86 hp and one with 99 hp. It will be a year before we see the three-cylinder engines co-developed with SAIC.

And yes, Jam, Glam and Slam will be the trim names. We aren't sure which ones are pictured, but since the trim doesn't appear to be written anywhere on the car, no one has to know. We'll get a better look at it in a few months at the Paris Motor Show, and then on European streets beginning next January. Right now, though, we'd advise you scroll down to watch a couple of Adam videos and check out the official press release.

Continue reading Opel/Vauxhall Adam zooms into Europe's supermini fray [w/video]

Opel/Vauxhall Adam zooms into Europe's supermini fray [w/video] originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Thu, 12 Jul 2012 07:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 opel adam2013 vauxhaull adamadamminicarmirroringopelparisparis 2012paris motor showvauxhallvideoThu, 12 Jul 2012 07:58:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20276359/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20276359/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/07/12/opel-vauxhall-adam-zooms-into-europes-supermini-fray-w-video/20276359/article-detail.xml 20276359 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/279646-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/279646-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Opel Adam hatch caught sans camo]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/07/09/opel-adam-hatch-caught-sans-camo/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/07/09/opel-adam-hatch-caught-sans-camo/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/07/09/opel-adam-hatch-caught-sans-camo/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Opel Adam Spy Photos

Two weeks ago we brought you some of the worst spy shots ever, revealing the forthcoming Opel Adam minicar. Today we've got more. These are remarkably better - yet still low res - shots of Opel's long-gestating competitor to the Volkswagen Up!

But hey, they're better than nothing, and at least we've finally got an undisguised look at exactly what Europeans will be getting from the German GM subsidiary when the Adam is revealed at the Paris Motor Show in the fall. We like the overall proportions, the wheels and the contrasting roof. While the front fascia isn't nearly as cute as the Fiat 500, at least it's not scowling. The one thing that rubs us the wrong way, however, is how off the front overhang looks, like it belongs on a larger car.

Of course, the caveat here is that these are hardly beauty shots so we'll not prematurely judge the Adam before we see it out in the real world.

Check out all the images in our gallery.

Opel Adam hatch caught sans camo originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Mon, 09 Jul 2012 15:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lost in translation?

Opel, General Motors' European unit, says its Ampera - the better-looking sister vehicle to the Chevrolet Volt - is Europe's best-selling passenger electric vehicle, accounting for more than one in five EVs sold in the continent.

Opel, citing May sales numbers, says the Ampera has accounted for more than half the EVs sold in the Netherlands through the first five months of the year, while accounting for 44 percent of Switzerland's EVs this year and more than a third of Germany's EVs. Percentages are good, but Opel didn't disclose how many Amperas have been sold in Europe this year. Whether the Ampera qualifies as an "EV" is a matter of semantics, as it's generally been referred to as either an extended-range plug-in or a plug-in hybrid here in the States.

As far as competition across the Pond, the Ampera has apparently beat out models such as the Nissan Leaf, Mitsubishi i-MiEV (it's the "i" in the U.S.) and Renault's small stable of cars and utility vehicles. In March, the Ampera, along with the Volt, won the 2012 European Car of the Year award. As with the Volt, the Ampera can go about 35 miles on a full electric charge before its on-board gas-powered generator kicks in.

Continue reading Opel Ampera is Europe's best-selling passenger 'EV'

Opel Ampera is Europe's best-selling passenger 'EV' originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Sat, 30 Jun 2012 08:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amperaampera saleschevroletelectric vehicleeuropeextended-range plug-inopelopel amperaplug-in hybridvoltvolt salesSat, 30 Jun 2012 08:46:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20268669/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20268669/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/06/30/ampera-is-europes-best-selling-passenger-ev/20268669/article-detail.xml 20268669 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/ampera0628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/ampera0628.jpg <![CDATA[Translogic identifies differences of Opel Ampera]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/03/28/translogic-identifies-differences-of-opel-ampera/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/03/28/translogic-identifies-differences-of-opel-ampera/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/03/28/translogic-identifies-differences-of-opel-ampera/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

2012 Opel Ampera

Most gearheads know the Opel Ampera is the European near-twin of the Chevy Volt. There are obvious exterior differences, such as the Ampera's "boomerang" headlights and Opel badging, but inside, the only noticeable difference is another Opel badge on the steering wheel.

Bradley Hasemeyer and the Translogic crew traveled to Germany to find out if the trans-Atlantic differences were more than skin deep. Surprisingly, he found one rather interesting revision.

In the U.S., Volts get three driver-selectable operating modes. We get Normal, Sport and Mountain modes. But German Amperas get a fourth mode: Halten mode (aka, "battery hold"). When cruising the Autobahn, drivers can restrict the use of the Ampera's battery and run only on the small, fuel-efficient engine. Once back on surface streets, they can turn loose the battery and bask in bank-account-boosting, ridiculously good, low-cost electric motor cruising.

Why don't we get Halten mode in the U.S.? Well, the obvious reason is probably that most Americans don't speak German. Beyond that, though, Hasemeyer can only guess that government regulations might hold back implementation here. The again, maybe General Motors just likes Germans more. At least we can use Mountain Mode to gain some of the Halten mode's benefits.

Watch the video after the jump.

Continue reading Translogic identifies differences of Opel Ampera

Translogic identifies differences of Opel Ampera originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Wed, 28 Mar 2012 10:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Chevrolet Volt's European sibling took home a checkered flag that might as well have been green instead of black and white.

The Ampera extended-range plug-in hybrid vehicle won the this year's alt-fuel version of the Rally Monte Carlo on a combination of strong driving performance and minimal consumption of fuel and electricity. In an announcement timed with the event, General Motors' UK-based Vauxhall division said it will soon sell an entry-level version of the extended-range plug-in Ampera, in addition to the two other versions already announced.

The Ampera, which will be sold as a Vauxhall vehicle in the UK and under GM's Opel division in continental Europe, beat out vehicles such as the Tesla Roadster - which won the previous two rallies - and the Mitsubishi i-MiEV (sold in the U.S. as the "i") battery-electric vehicle. In all, about 130 vehicles took part in the Rally, with Amperas also placing third, seventh, and eighth. The race, which requires that its cars emit no more than 115 grams per kilometer of C02, covered more than 500 miles over two days.

Earlier this month, the Ampera, along with the Volt, won the 2012 European Car of the Year award. Opel, like Chevy with the Volt, says the 150-horsepower Ampera can travel as far as 35 miles before a gas-powered on-board generator starts powering the electric motor.

As for the new model, details are also minimal at this point. UK-based Autocar says Vauxhall will start selling an entry-level version of the Ampera this summer that will bring its base price to £29,995 (about $47,900 U.S., at today's exchange rates), including the UK-government's 5,000-pound "plug-in grant." Trim details are not yet available.

Continue reading Ampera, the Chevy Volt's Euro sibling, wins Monte Carlo's alt-fuel rally

Ampera, the Chevy Volt's Euro sibling, wins Monte Carlo's alt-fuel rally originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 27 Mar 2012 09:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Think James Garner in "Grand Prix," only quieter.

General Motors' Opel division is entering six Ampera extended-range plug-in vehicles in an alternative energy version of the Rally Monte Carlo this week, as the company looks to boost exposure for the European version of the Chevrolet Volt.

The six Amperas are starting the rally on Thursday and are scheduled to finish in Monaco, Monte Carlo, on Sunday. The 150 vehicles in the alt-fuel rally - now in its sixth year - are required to emit no more than 115 grams per kilometer of CO2. Like the Volt, Opel says its 150-horsepower Ampera can go about 60 kilometers (37 miles) on a fully-charged battery before the gas-powered generator kicks in.

Plug In Cars reported that Opel has received more than 7,000 pre-orders for the Ampera, which recently won the 2012 European Car of the Year award, and is planning on meeting its 2012 sales target of 10,000 units. Last fall, Opel increased the Ampera's 2012 sales goal to at least 10,000, up from 8,000 units.

The Tesla Roadster won the last two alt-energy versions of the Rally Monte Carlo.

Continue reading Opel enters six Ampera plug-ins in Rally Monte Carlo alt-fuel race

Opel enters six Ampera plug-ins in Rally Monte Carlo alt-fuel race originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Thu, 22 Mar 2012 08:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amperachevroletmonacomonte carloopelopel amperaplug-in hybridrally grand prixvoltThu, 22 Mar 2012 08:07:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20197542/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20197542/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/03/22/opel-enters-six-ampera-plug-ins-in-rally-monte-carlo-alt-fuel-ra/20197542/article-detail.xml 20197542 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/amperarally_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/amperarally.jpg <![CDATA[Chevy Volt sister car Opel Ampera gets 7,000 pre-orders, may hit 2012 sales target]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/03/21/volt-sister-car-opel-ampera-gets-7-000-pre-orders-may-hit-2012/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/03/21/volt-sister-car-opel-ampera-gets-7-000-pre-orders-may-hit-2012/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/03/21/volt-sister-car-opel-ampera-gets-7-000-pre-orders-may-hit-2012/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Opel Ampera - Maroon

Found in translation?

Demand for the Chevrolet Volt extended-range plug-in hybrid vehicle in the U.S. has been up and down over the car's first 16-odd months, but executives at General Motors' Opel division in Europe are saying that the Ampera, the Volt's European twin, is getting some good attention.

The Ampera has received more than 7,000 orders, leading Opel executives to believe that the Ampera will hit its 2012 sales target of 10,000 units, website Plug In Cars is reporting, citing Enno Fuchs, Opel's e-mobility launch director.

Opel started shipping Amperas to customers last month, saying that most of those owners previously owning high-end cars from automakers like BMW and Mercedes-Benz. General Motors is hoping the Ampera will be better received in Europe than the Volt has been here in the States, where it has become a political lightning rod. Earlier this month, GM said it would shut down Volt production for five weeks - starting this week - in order to thin-out dealer inventory of the car. And last year, GM missed its sales goal of 10,000 units, selling just 7,671 units. GM makes both the Volt and the Ampera at the same plant in Hamtramck, MI.

Still, the Volt showed signs of more life last month when the model moved 1,023 units, up from 603 vehicles in January. The Volt and Ampera were also recently named the 2012 European Car of the Year. Last October, Opel bumped the Ampera's 2012 sales target to at least 10,000 from 8,000 after Opel had received more than 6,000 paid reservations.

Chevy Volt sister car Opel Ampera gets 7,000 pre-orders, may hit 2012 sales target originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Wed, 21 Mar 2012 09:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 chevrolet volt2012 opel amperaamperachevroletchevy voltelectric vehicleeuropeopelopel amperaplug-in hybridvoltWed, 21 Mar 2012 09:53:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20197450/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20197450/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/03/21/volt-sister-car-opel-ampera-gets-7-000-pre-orders-may-hit-2012/20197450/article-detail.xml 20197450 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/11/265053_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/11/265053.jpg <![CDATA[Chevy Volt and Opel Ampera named 2012 European Car of the Year]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/03/05/chevy-volt-and-opel-ampera-named-2012-european-car-of-the-year/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/03/05/chevy-volt-and-opel-ampera-named-2012-european-car-of-the-year/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/03/05/chevy-volt-and-opel-ampera-named-2012-european-car-of-the-year/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

2012 Opel Ampera

The Chevrolet Volt may not be selling well, but it's one of the most lauded cars in history. Today the plug-in hybrid was named the 2012 European Car of the Year, an award it will share with its European fraternal twin, the Opel Ampera.

The Volt won North American Car of the Year in 2011, while also picking up car of the year accolades from Motor Trend, Automobile, and nabbing Green Car of the Year from Green Car Journal. Britain's What Car? awarded the Vauxhall Ampera - as the Opel model is called in the U.K. - its Green Car of the Year award, as well.

But the Volt has been at the center of one controversy after another, since even before it was launched. A National Highway Traffic Safety Administration investigation into a battery fire showed the car was not defective, but it led to the Ampera being delayed. Recent negative publicity among right-leaning political pundits has contributed to making the Volt something of an enigma for General Motors, which just announced it was suspending production of the slow-selling car.

While Europe was never envisioned as the prime market for the Volt/Ampera, GM says it already has 7,000 orders for the Ampera and that the company expects to hit its target of 10,000 sales this year. Certainly, winning this award, presented at the Geneva Motor Show for the first time this year, should help.

The Volt/Ampera finished significantly ahead of the Volkswagen Up! and Ford Focus in the European Car of the Year voting, which included a field of 35 vehicles.

To read the full press release, click past the jump.

Continue reading Chevy Volt and Opel Ampera named 2012 European Car of the Year

Chevy Volt and Opel Ampera named 2012 European Car of the Year originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Mon, 05 Mar 2012 15:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amperacar of the yearchevroleteuropean car of the yeareuropean car of the year 2012general motorsgenevageneva 2012gmopelvauxhallvoltMon, 05 Mar 2012 15:50:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20186188/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20186188/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/03/05/chevy-volt-and-opel-ampera-named-2012-european-car-of-the-year/20186188/article-detail.xml 20186188 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/01-opel-ampera-geneva-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/01-opel-ampera-geneva-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Vauxhall Ampera amps up for police duty at Scotland Yard]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/02/14/vauxhall-ampera-amps-up-for-police-duty-at-scotland-yard/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/02/14/vauxhall-ampera-amps-up-for-police-duty-at-scotland-yard/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/02/14/vauxhall-ampera-amps-up-for-police-duty-at-scotland-yard/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Vauxhall Ampera police cruiser

Americans have our own ideas about what a police cruiser should be: big, fast, menacing. The kind of vehicle that you can't mistake pulling up behind you on the freeway, and with enough muscle to chase you down should your foot get a little heavier than it should. But overseas, police vehicles are a little more...timid. In Europe, law enforcement typically use smaller, more fuel-efficient vehicles. So why not a plug-in hybrid?

That's what Vauxhall is asking the British law enforcement community with the Ampera. The UK subsidiary of General Motors already provides an array of vehicles to police departments across the UK, but brought the hybrid - basically a Chevy Volt with different bodywork - to the Intelligent Transport Systems division of the Association of Chief Police Officers to show them how the PHEV could be prepared to serve as a police vehicle.

For the demonstration, Vauxhall equipped this Ampera with four external cameras, a facial recognition system, a police database interface built into the dashboard display and more. The police-spec model, says Vauxhall, could be ready to roll into police motorcades in the UK by 2015. Follow the jump for the full press release.

Continue reading Vauxhall Ampera amps up for police duty at Scotland Yard

Vauxhall Ampera amps up for police duty at Scotland Yard originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 14 Feb 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amperachevroletlaw enforcementplug-in hybridpolicevauxhallvauxhall amperavoltTue, 14 Feb 2012 14:00:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20171132/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20171132/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/02/14/vauxhall-ampera-amps-up-for-police-duty-at-scotland-yard/20171132/article-detail.xml 20171132 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/ampera-policeweb_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/ampera-policeweb.jpg <![CDATA[Opel Ampera delayed over Chevy Volt battery fears]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2011/12/12/opel-ampera-delayed-over-chevy-volt-battery-fears/http://green.autoblog.com/2011/12/12/opel-ampera-delayed-over-chevy-volt-battery-fears/http://green.autoblog.com/2011/12/12/opel-ampera-delayed-over-chevy-volt-battery-fears/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,




Automotive News reports that, as suspected, Opel is delaying delivery of its Ampera extended-range hybrid to customers. The plug-in gas-electric hatchbacks have already arrived at dealers across Europe, but the automaker wants to ensure the vehicles' batteries are safe even in the event of an accident. The delay comes on the heels of a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration evaluation which saw its Chevrolet Volt twin catch fire three weeks after a series of crash tests. Since the Volt and Ampera are mechanically identical, Opel says that it wants to set up a process to deal with the batteries to make sure they're safe.

Both the Volt and the Ampera are assembled at the General Motors plant in Hamtramck, Michigan, and both make use of lithium-ion batteries to power their electric motors. GM has offered to buy back any Chevrolet Volt models from owners concerned about the safety of their vehicle, but few have taken them up on the offer. The company is currently working on a solution to the fire issue, and the U.S. government is investigating why it took NHTSA so long to bring the battery pack problem to light.

Opel Ampera delayed over Chevy Volt battery fears originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Mon, 12 Dec 2011 17:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 chevrolet volt2012 opel amperaamperachevroletchevrolet voltdelayelectric vehicleNational Highway Traffic Safety Administrationnhtsaopelopel amperaopel ampera delayplug-in hybridvoltvolt batteryMon, 12 Dec 2011 17:50:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20126418/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20126418/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2011/12/12/opel-ampera-delayed-over-chevy-volt-battery-fears/20126418/article-detail.xml 20126418 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/opel-ampera-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/opel-ampera-628.jpg <![CDATA[GM increasing Opel Ampera production target given higher-than-expected pre-orders]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2011/10/29/gm-increasing-opel-ampera-production-target-given-higher-than-ex/http://green.autoblog.com/2011/10/29/gm-increasing-opel-ampera-production-target-given-higher-than-ex/http://green.autoblog.com/2011/10/29/gm-increasing-opel-ampera-production-target-given-higher-than-ex/#commentsFiled under: , ,



The Opel Ampera may be very similar to the Chevy Volt under the skin, but a lot of people in the U.S. would argue that the Euro-plug-in's skin is far more attractive. Apparently a lot of Europeans agree.

First year production for the Ampera had been targeted for 8,000 units, but high demand has caused that number to be moved up. Already, GM is reporting more than 6,000 paid reservations (which, granted, is only 150 Euros, which is $212 U.S. at today's exchange rates). The number of 2012 Amperas is now expected to be between 10,000 and 15,000. Apparently, GM has learned from its difficulties in getting up to speed with production of the Volt, as the company says it expects to be able to meet this increased target without a problem.

The Ampera is considered a more up-scale model than the usual Opel and its introduction is being seen as an effort to not just sell a car, but to move the brand. In addition to the Ampera, Opel will also be introducing a new small car, the Opel Junior, which is designed to compete with the Mini Cooper and Fiat 500.

GM increasing Opel Ampera production target given higher-than-expected pre-orders originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Sat, 29 Oct 2011 15:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amperaelectric vehicleeuropeopelopel amperaplug-in hybridvoltSat, 29 Oct 2011 15:08:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20093484/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20093484/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2011/10/29/gm-increasing-opel-ampera-production-target-given-higher-than-ex/20093484/article-detail.xml 20093484 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2011/05/2011-challenge-bibendum-045-volt-630_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2011/05/2011-challenge-bibendum-045-volt-630.jpg <![CDATA[Opel aims to be "leader in electric mobility"; production RAK e possible]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2011/10/25/opel-aims-to-be-leader-in-electric-mobility-production-rak-e/http://green.autoblog.com/2011/10/25/opel-aims-to-be-leader-in-electric-mobility-production-rak-e/http://green.autoblog.com/2011/10/25/opel-aims-to-be-leader-in-electric-mobility-production-rak-e/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Opel RAK e concept

General Motors' German arm, Opel, wants to be the "market leader in electric mobility," according to the automaker's head of sales and marketing, Alain Visser.

That's one task that's easier said than done, for sure. Still, with the plug-in Ampera scheduled to launch next month, Opel says it's ready to usher in the era of electric mobility. Visser claims the Ampera will boost Opel's green cred and jump start the automaker's electrified future.

Opel's immediate future could include the launch of two additional electrified vehicles. One will reportedly be a production version of the two-seat RAK e concept that debuted at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show. Officially, Visser will only only say that, "By the year's end, we'll decide whether to bring the RAK e into regular production. If the decision turns out to be positive, the RAK e could reach the market as early as 2013."

What's the other electric in the works? Well, Automotive News speculates that an electric minicar based off the Chevrolet Spark seems the most likely candidate. Visser's comment? Opel is working on an electric minicar. That is all.

Opel aims to be "leader in electric mobility"; production RAK e possible originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 25 Oct 2011 10:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>electric vehicleopelopel amperaopel electricopel electric vehicleopel rak eplug-in hybridrak evauxhallTue, 25 Oct 2011 10:34:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20088043/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20088043/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2011/10/25/opel-aims-to-be-leader-in-electric-mobility-production-rak-e/20088043/article-detail.xml 20088043 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/02-opel-rak-e-concept_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/02-opel-rak-e-concept.jpg <![CDATA[Is the Opel RAK e electric concept headed for production?]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2011/09/19/is-the-opel-rak-e-electric-concept-headed-for-production/http://green.autoblog.com/2011/09/19/is-the-opel-rak-e-electric-concept-headed-for-production/http://green.autoblog.com/2011/09/19/is-the-opel-rak-e-electric-concept-headed-for-production/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Opel RAK e concept

Soon after unveiling the Opel RAK e concept at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show, General Motors of Europe president Nick Reilly revealed to Autocar that the RAK e is a "very serious concept," adding that Opel is currently investigating production feasibility and believes the two-seat electric could launch with a £9,000 price tag (Around $14,216 U.S. including England's massive Value Added Tax)

The RAK e's lead designer told Autocar that the lightweight concept has been constructed "with production in mind." Meanwhile, Reilly says, "We've got to work on costs and we've got to refine [the RAK e] and do it right."

Autocar claims the RAK e could replace Opel's now-abandoned electric version of the Junior minicar, which was recently scrapped due to "excessively high" costs. While we'd be thrilled to see the RAK e enter the production cycle, there seems to be no indication that it will ever come to the States.

Is the Opel RAK e electric concept headed for production? originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Mon, 19 Sep 2011 16:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>conceptelectricelectric vehicleopelopel conceptopel junioropel rak erak erak e productionMon, 19 Sep 2011 16:49:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20045472/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20045472/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2011/09/19/is-the-opel-rak-e-electric-concept-headed-for-production/20045472/article-detail.xml 20045472 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/02-opel-rak-e-concept_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/02-opel-rak-e-concept.jpg <![CDATA[Lured in by Opel Ampera tech, BMW seeks deal with GM]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2011/09/15/lured-in-by-opel-ampera-tech-bmw-seeks-deal-with-gm/http://green.autoblog.com/2011/09/15/lured-in-by-opel-ampera-tech-bmw-seeks-deal-with-gm/http://green.autoblog.com/2011/09/15/lured-in-by-opel-ampera-tech-bmw-seeks-deal-with-gm/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Frank Weber with the Chevrolet Volt

Spiegel Online set the rumormill ablaze with an unconfirmed report that General Motors is seeking some sort of cooperative deal with German automaker BMW. Speigel says The General's interest in BMW is primarily related to the German firm's gasoline and diesel engine technology.

Beyond that, Spiegel reports that Stephen Girsky, GM's board member in charge of strategy, has started discussions with BMW on "far-reaching joint projects."

BMW chairman Dr. Norbert Reithofer previously went on record saying the German automaker was open to the idea of selling engines to other companies so long as such a move - like the recent agreement BMW made with Fisker Automotive - wouldn't strengthen a direct competitor's position or damage BMW's reputation.

In exchange, Spiegel reports that BMW is intrigued by the technology behind the Opel Ampera. This should come as no surprise considering that former Opel exec Frank Weber (pictured) now heads research and development at BMW. Weber is known as the leader of the team that transformed the Chevrolet Volt from a wild-eyed concept to a production vehicle.

Dow Jones says neither General Motors nor BMW were immediately available for comment on this alleged deal, not that we'd expect them to have much to say at this point, anyway. We'll keep our eyes peeled, though.

Lured in by Opel Ampera tech, BMW seeks deal with GM originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Thu, 15 Sep 2011 09:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amperabmwbmw gmdiesel enginegeneral motorsgmopel amperavoltThu, 15 Sep 2011 09:55:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20039935/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20039935/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2011/09/15/lured-in-by-opel-ampera-tech-bmw-seeks-deal-with-gm/20039935/article-detail.xml 20039935 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2009/10/zz618f17c2_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2009/10/zz618f17c2.jpg <![CDATA[Opel RAK e electric concept looks to the future of low-cost urban motoring]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2011/09/14/opel-rak-e-electric-concept-looks-to-the-future-of-low-cost-urba/http://green.autoblog.com/2011/09/14/opel-rak-e-electric-concept-looks-to-the-future-of-low-cost-urba/http://green.autoblog.com/2011/09/14/opel-rak-e-electric-concept-looks-to-the-future-of-low-cost-urba/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Opel RAK e concept

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 concept (just 838 pounds) 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 5-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 ($2.19 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 AutoblogGreen on Wed, 14 Sep 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>frankfurtfrankfurt 2011frankfurt motor showopelopel conceptopel rakopel rak erak erak e conceptWed, 14 Sep 2011 18:00:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20041894/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20041894/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2011/09/14/opel-rak-e-electric-concept-looks-to-the-future-of-low-cost-urba/20041894/article-detail.xml 20041894 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/02-opel-rak-e-concept_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/02-opel-rak-e-concept.jpg -1 2