1862 - 1899 | 1900 - 1909 | 1910 - 1919 | 1920 - 1929 | 1930 - 1939 | 1940 - 1949 | 1950 - 1959 | 1960 - 1969 | 1970 - 1979 | 1980 - 1989 | 1990 - 1999 | 2000 - 2007
 
1990 Opel becomes the first automaker to implement a recycling chain for plastics. The move reflects the company’s commitment to environmentally friendly technology: the Rüsselsheim engineers systematically eliminate hazardous materials such as asbestos and cadmium from the manufacturing process. At the same time, sustainable reductions of paint solvents and chlorofluorocarbons (CFC) are achieved.
Plastics recycling at Opel, 1990.
1991 After years of outstanding performance on the road and in the market, Kadett production comes to an end. Its successor: the Astra. The new vehicle is equipped with the Opel Safety System, including side-impact protection, anti-submarining ramps in the seats, and seatbelt tensioners.
The company launches its first off-road vehicle, the Frontera, which becomes European market leader in its class within a year.
Body variants of the ’91 Opel Astra F, 1991–1998. The ’91 Opel Astra F GSi, 1991–1998. The ’91 Opel Astra F Club station wagon, 1993–1998. The ’91 Opel Astra F California, March–June 1994.
The ’91 Opel Astra F CD, 1991–1995. The ’91 Opel Astra F Motion, 1995–1997. The Opel Safety System in the Astra F, 1992: seatbelt tensioner. The Opel Safety System in the Astra F, 1992: side-impact protection.
The ’98 Opel Frontera Sport, 1998–2004. The ’98 Opel Frontera Sport, 1998–2004. The ’91 Opel Frontera Sport, 1991–1994.
1992 In Eisenach, the world’s most advanced automobile manufacturing plant begins production based on the innovative principle of lean production.
The off-road vehicle Opel Monterey and the light utility vehicle Campo Sports Cap are launched.
The Opel plant in Eisenach, 1995. The Opel Eisenach plant, 1995. Frame construction at the Eisenach plant, 1995. Vehicles undergo a final check at the Eisenach plant, 1996.
Opel Eisenach, soak tower, 1992. Opel Eisenach, view of the plant, 1995. The ’98 Opel Monterey RS, 1998–1999. The Opel Campo Sports Cap, 1992–2002.
1993 The second-generation Corsa arrives. With its winning design, the new Corsa rapidly advances to the top of its class in Europe. For years it consistently defends its leading position.
The Opel Corsa B Sport, 1993–2000. The Opel Corsa B GSi, 1993–1995. The Opel Corsa B GSi, 1993–1995. The ’93 Opel Corsa B Joy, 1993–2000.
The ’97 Opel Corsa B Swing, 1997–2000.
1994
A new generation of the Omega is presented.
The sporty coupe Opel Tigra makes its début.
The ’94 Opel Omega B MV/6 sedan and station wagon, 1994–1997. The ’94 Opel Omega B MV/6, 1994–1997 The ’99 Opel Omega B, 1999–2003. The ’99 Opel Omega B station wagon, 1999–2003.
The ’94 Opel Omega B 1994–1999. The Opel Tigra, 1994–2000. The Opel Tigra, 1994–2000. The Opel Tigra, 1994–2000.
1995 Opel introduces the Vectra B.
Another first among German carmakers: Opel equips all of its passenger cars with full-size airbags for the driver and front-seat passenger.
In the new Vectra, Opel becomes the first major auto manufacturer worldwide to introduce the Pedal Release System and the hybrid airbag.
The Vectra B fastback, 1995. The Vectra B CD 2.5 V6 4-door 1995. The Vectra B CD 4-door, 1995. Model variants of the Vectra B, 1995.
 
Full-sizeairbag in the Opel Vectra, 1993. The Pedal Release System in the Opel Vectra 1995.
1996 Opel becomes the world’s first manufacturer to combine the advantages of four-valve technology with direct-injection and turbocharging in a diesel passenger car.
Production of the Cadillac Catera, based on the Omega, begins in Rüsselsheim.
Manuel Reuter wins the International Touring Car Championship (ITC) in an Opel Calibra.
The Opel 2.0 DTI 16V engine, 1996. The Cadillac Catera, 1997–2000. ITC champion Manuel Reuter in an Opel Calibra on the Hockenheimring track, May 1996. ITC champion Manuel Reuter in an Opel Calibra on the Hockenheimring track, May 1996.
The Vectra B 2.5 V6 station wagon, 1996.
1997 Opel launches its “Mobility Initiative” with a navigation system for the Vectra and Omega models.
For the first time, a European passenger car is equipped with a three-cylinder engine. The one-liter unit, operating with four valves per cylinder, is offered in the Corsa.
With the Arena, Opel re-enters the commercial vehicle market segment.
Navigation system in the Opel Omega. The Opel Corsa B with the ECOTEC Compact 3-cylinder 1.0-liter 12V engine, 1997–2001. The Opel ECOTEC Compact 3-cylinder 1.0-liter 12V engine, 1997. Opel Arena panel truck, 1998–2000.
 
1998 New corporate headquarters are established in Rüsselsheim: the Adam Opel Building is inaugurated by German Chancellor Dr. Helmut Kohl.
Expansion continues in the commercial vehicle sector with the Movano.
New Astra models go into production.
The off-road vehicles Monterey and Frontera appear as redesigned models.
The one-millionth Vectra leaves the Rüsselsheim plant.
Opel commissions a new plant in Gliwice, Poland.
The new corporate head- Quarters, the Adam Opel Building in Rüsselsheim, 1998. The new corporate head- quarters, the Adam Opel Building in Rüsselsheim, 1998. The Opel Movano panel truck, 1999 – 2003. The ‘98 Opel Astra G 1998 – 2002.
The `98 Opel Astra G 1998 – 2002. The `98 Opel Astra G station wagon, 1998-2002. The `98 Opel Astra G, model range, 1998-2002. The `98 Opel Frontera, 1998-2004.
The Opel plant in Gliwice, 1998.
1999 Opel marks a century of automotive excellence. The Opel Millennium Express, an award-winning multimedia exhibition occupying an entire railway train, rolls through Europe.
The visitor center Opel Live opens its doors to the public.
The 50-millionth Opel, an Omega, rolls off the assembly line in Rüsselsheim. With the Zafira, Opel launches a new class of compact vans, featuring the widely versatile interior concept Flex-7.
100 years of Opel automobiles, 1999. The Opel Millennium Express on tour, 1999. The Opel Millennium Express on tour, 1999. The Opel Millennium Express on tour, 1999.
Opel Live, 1998 Opel Live, 1998 The 50-millionth Opel, an Omega, leaves the Rüsselsheim plant on December 2, 1999. The 50-millionth Opel, an Omega, leaves the Rüsselsheim plant on December 2, 1999.
Jubilee logo: 100 years of car production. The ’99 Opel Zafira, 1999–2002. The ’99 Opel Zafira, 1999–2002. The Flex-7 seating system for the Opel Zafira MY 99.
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