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| 2002-09-10 | |
 | Opel Vivaro „Business” |
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September 10, 2002
Rüsselsheim/Hanover. Opel is appearing at the 59th International Motor Show Commercial Vehicles in Hanover on September 12-19, 2002 with three world premieres, numerous new products and a comprehensive range of commercial vehicles up to 3.5 tons. Three new products will be the highlights at Opel stand in Hall 12: the exclusive Vivaro "Business" luxury bus, the extremely economical and environmentally friendly Astra station wagon 1.6 CNG and the Vivaro "Life", the study of a versatile leisure van which mark the start of a cooperation between Opel and "Westfalia Van Conversion", based in Rheda-Wiedenbrück, Germany. Other highlights include the Vivaro Combi with a longer wheelbase, the two new panel van versions of the "Van of the Year 2002" – double cabin and high roof – and the family and leisure oriented passenger model in the Combo series, the "Tour". In addition, the company is also presenting for the first time, "Opel Business Services" a new concept designed to offer commercial customers a tailor-made fleet service from a single source. Opel establishes itself with a full product line in the light commercial vehicle sector Opel began the complete revision of it's commercial vehicle product line in 1999 with the Movano. The Vivaro was launched in the summer of 2001, followed by the Combo series in November. Adam Opel AG now has a complete and unique range of light commercial vehicles up to 3.5 tons. The modern and innovative Opel-fleet covers the entire range of commercial and private customer transportation needs: from pure cargo hauling to passenger/materials carrying, to professional passenger bus transport, Opel now provides the perfect solution. This diverse new product range combines extremely low operating costs with exemplary functionality and driving comfort comparable to that experienced in passenger cars. Opel was also able to buck the market trend in the segment this year, reporting a significant increase in sales of light commercial vehicles of up to 3.5 tons. Registrations in Germany during the first half of 2002 (January-July), as compared to the prior year, rose by 86 percent. Sales in Europe increased by 54 percent. Opel's light commercial vehicle market share in Germany rose from 2.9 percent during the first six months of 2001 to 5.5 percent during the same period of 2002. In contrast, the overall Opel-relevant market contracted by 2.6 percent in the January-June 2002 period. In Europe, Opel/Vauxhall's market share rose from 3.6 percent to 5.6 percent a market that shrank by 3.8 percent. These sales gains are particularly noteworthy in view of the fact that only 70 percent of Opel's planned commercial vehicle portfolio has been available thus far. This line of Opel model versions should grow to 90 percent of the planned portfolio by the end of 2003. "Three worlds": Individual transportation solutions, natural gas and leisure vehicles Visitors at the Opel stand can stroll through "three worlds": the company's current diverse range of commercial vehicles is on display at the "world of individual transportation solutions". Numerious versions of each model, along with user-oriented conversions, additions and extensions, demonstrate the versatility of the Combo, Vivaro and Movano model series. In addition, the Vivaro "Business" luxury line, with noble interior design features and practical conference room-style seating, is making its debut in Hanover. The "world of natural gas vehicles", with the Zafira 1.6 CNG compact van and the Astra station wagon 1.6 CNG, which is being shown for the first time. These are two series production vehicles fully suited for everyday use and featuring the innovative monovalentplus concept – natural gas propulsion coupled with a gasoline reserve tank which ensures mobility even when there is no natural gas filling station nearby. The new Combo Tour and the all-new Vivaro "Life" van study, which is nearing series production, are the highlights at the "world of leisure vehicles". Vivaro "Business": world premiere with leather and luxury Opel's new luxury bus, the Vivaro "Business", is celebrating its world debut in Hanover. This new model version is stocked with equipment which is sure to even the most demanding customers. Six leather and Alcantara upholstered individual seats, leather-Alcantara furnished interior and dark velour floor covering signal high quality at the very first glance. With its conference room-style seating and extensive assortment of infotainment equipment, The Vivaro "Business"can serve as an all-purpose workspace. The Vivaro "Business" is based on the "Concept V" study which was presented at the passenger car motor show IAA in Frankfurt last fall. In response to customer wishes expressed at that time, the study vehicle was developed into the production-ready "Business". This exclusive luxury liner was created following strictly defined Opel guidelines by the customizing company CRD (Car Research Development) in Bottrop, Germany. A 2.5 liter, 98 kW 133 hp common rail turbodiesel combined with the first six-gear power the front-wheel drive Vivaro "Business". High quality is particularly evident in the Vivaro "Business" interior which is not only elegant, but also extremely functional: the leather Alcantara seats come with adjustable armrests on both sides, seats in the second row can be rotated a full 180 degrees to form a conference room configuration. Fold-away tables provide two spacious work surfaces which can accommodate laptops. The luxury bus with standard equipment also features numerous stately and luxurious details, including 18-inc alloy wheels with 245/45 R 18 tires, electric windows, central locking, air conditioning, solar reflecting windshield and two sliding windows in the passenger compartment. The Siemens Stereo-CD-Radio NCDC 2013 with an integrated navigation system and color graphic info display also comes as standard equipment. As its name suggests, the "Business" is a sophisticated multimedia system, with a DVD console with seven-inch color display in the roofliner and wireless infrared headsets and remote control, can be ordered as an option. A second monitor for the rear section of the roofliner, which can be viewed by passengers in the first row of the passenger compartment when they are seating facing the rear of the vehicle, can also be ordered. There are (nearly) no limits when it comes to individual wishes for infotainment and equipment in the Vivaro "Business": whether it be for a telephone, or the Parkpilot, multimedia systems, special color combinations, or independent heating for this new luxury liner, Opel, together with the customizing company CRD, can make it happen. Vivaro "Life": world premiere for study of an original leisure automobile "From work to the surfboard" is our motto for the "Life", the name of the nearly production ready study developed by Opel and Westfalia and based on the multi-functional Combi version of the "Van of the Year 2002". Its flexible configuration, which make it ideal both as a respectable company car or as a spacious leisure van, is a feature which makes the Vivaro "Life" unique. This new study is celebrating its debut at the commercial vehicle show in Hanover. The launch of the series model is scheduled for May 2003. The Vivaro "Life", the first product to result from the cooperation between Opel and Westfalia Van Conversion agreed at the start of the year, offers all the virtues of a multi-functional van: with a length of 4.78 meters, it's hardly longer than a middle class-sized sedan, yet it features an exceptionally spacious interior which can be utilized in many way. Along with individual driver and front passenger seats, it also has individual seats in the second row. These seats can be rotated a full 360 degrees, can be adjusted forwards or backwards or folded together entirely. For the third row, customers can order individual seats or a bench-type seat that can be turned down to form a makeshift bed. A fold-away table between the second and third seat rows can be used for impromptu business meetings or a quick picknick. A cleverly positioned, storage system with both open and closing compartments conveniently ouse all those little things needed for work or play. The interior, like the Njoy Package in other Opel models, comes in blue and red. The exterior design also stands out with its sporty 17-inch alloy wheels coated add-on parts and the distinctive "Jumbo" design of the driver's cabin. The front-wheel drive Vivaro "Life" is available with four engine options: three common rail turbodiesels and one gasoline engine. The options consist of the 1.9 DTI and 2.5 DTI and the 2.0-Liter gasoline engine combined with the first six-gear manual transmission in this class. The economical fuel consumption of this propulsion system, in combination with a 90 liter tank provide for a driving radius of up to 1200 kilometers without refueling. Der Astra station wagon 1.6 CNG: world premiere of the station wagon with a natural gas propulsion system The Opel Astra station wagon 1.6 CNG (Compressed Natural Gas) combines the classic advantages of the Astra station wagon with the advantages of an economical and clean natural gas propulsion system. Like the Zafira 1.6 CNG, which has been on the market since the start of the year, the natural gas version of the Astra station wagon features two safety gas tanks with a combined capacity of 110 liters and a 14 liter gasoline reserve tank. The advantages of this innovative monovalentplus concept: if the gas tanks are nearly empty and there are no natural gas stations nearby, then the driver can switch to gasoline without leaving his seat. The additonal gasoline tank increases the CNG Astra's driving radius from 370 to about 520 kilometers. Another plus with the Astra station wagon 1.6 CNG is the fact that, comparable to the Astra station wagon with gasoline or diesel engines, the CNG features nearly unrestricted space with a maximum load capacity of 1470 liters – thanks to the unique, space-saving gas tanks installed underneath the floor. The natural gas model, complete with the entire range of Astra station wagon equipment packages (except for sport), will be available from the spring of 2003. The 1.6 CNG power train is based on the 1.6 liter ECOTEC gasoline engine. It delivers 71 kW (97 hp) at maximum torque of 140 Newton meters, enabling the natural gas-powered station wagon to reach a top speed of 177* km/h and sprint from zero to 100 in 14.5* seconds (*provisional measurements). Outstanding fuel economy is the Astra station wagon 1.6 CNG's greatest strength. With fuel consumption of 5.1* kilograms of natural gas per 100 kilometers and an average natural gas kilo price currently at 0.66 Euro, fuel costs are 30 percent lower than for a similarly equipped diesel Astra and some 50 percent lower than for a comparable gasoline-powered model. Driving with natural gas provides another advantage: About 65 percent of the regional and local natural gas providers in Germany support this environmentally friendly propulsion system. They provide new purchasers of natural gas vehicles with either an average 1300 Euro contribution toward the initial vehicle purchase, or an average 1500 kilograms of free fuel. In addition, natural gas is environmentally friendlier in that it produces considerably fewer pollutants than do conventional combustion engines. CO2 emissions from an Astra station wagon 1.6 CNG amount to only 135* grams per kilometer. Also, natural gas cars – unlike their gasoline or diesel counterparts – will be tax exempt at least until the year 2009 and the fuel is not subject to the annual eco-tax increase in Germany. Combo Tour: multi-functional and spacious with a modern look and loads of equipment The family and leisure-oriented Combo "Tour" is designed for active people who need a lot of space for sport and leisure activities, but who at the same time insist on reliability and economy. This comfortable five-seater comes right from the factory with two sliding side doors, vent windows and child safety locks, all of which help make it an ideal multifunctional vehicle. A high-quality interior with attractive fabric upholstery and an extensive package of standard equipment, including Anti-blocking system, cargo area cover, electric windows in front and remote-controlled central locking system, separate the Combo Tour from the Combo Combi, which is primarily designed for commercial use. The variable rear seat backs can be folded down to create a flat load space. The exterior is accentuated by, laquered bumpers and exterior mirrors, an elegant chrome trim on the radiator grill and full wheel covers. Customers can also order the "Njoy" package consisting of lively colors and distinctive chrome applications in the interior; or an "Open Air" package with a folding sunroof for fresh air and that "convertible feeling". Owners can individualize the Opel Combo even further with roof luggage rack and a comfort package, or family package with practical detailed solutions for families, all available for all versions of the Combo in the new model year. The Opel Vivaro: new model versions of the "Van of the Year 2002" The Opel Vivaro transporter model series combines the highest possible degree of flexibility and storage capacity with innovative technology, passenger car comfort and an attractive design. This exceptional quality also convinced an expert jury comprised of journalists who chose the Vivaro as the winner in the voting for "International Van of the Year 2002", the most important competition for light commercial vehicles. The victory was especially rewarding in view of the fact that, with 115 of a possible 232 points, this versatile family of transporters received the most points by a wide margin. No other commercial vehicle has ever achieved such a high score. A panel wagon with double cabin and seating for six is new to the Vivaro series. A right-side sliding door, in addition to the front door, is also featured in this version, which provides passengers with easy access to the three seats in the second row (all of which have integrated three-point automatic seat belts and adjustable head restraints). The passenger compartment is separated from the closed cargo area by a permanent separator wall with a window. Both these spacious versions of the Vivaro panel van with high roof (in combination with the long version) and the Combi with long wheel base (40 centimeters longer, nine seats in three rows) are celebrating their German debut and will be on sale from the spring of 2003. The Opel Movano transport series: the right design for every application The Movano is the chameleon among the group of Opel commercial vehicles. Basically, it's a transporter that is available in three body variations – panel van, Combi and undercarriage – and with three different wheelbases and roof heights. Opel is offering more than 40 factory model versions of the Movano. versatile and modifications from more than 400 specialized companies provide the scope for countless individualized solutions for any business. Three powerful, yet economical common rail turbo-diesel engines – a 1.9 liter (60 kW/82 hp), a 2.2 liter (66 kW/90 hp) and a 2.5 liter (84 kW/114 hp) guarantee excellent performance and economy. Long inspection intervals of two years or 30,000 kilometers, a comprehensive guaranty and low-priced insurance premiums also contribute to reduced operating costs. Other advantages include a complete package of comfort and safety equipment and its distinctive functionality, which includes a large cargo area (length x height x width: maximum 3.71 x 2.15 x 1.76 meters), a load capacity of up to 13.9 m³ (panel van) or 16,5 m³ (box body) and numerous functional details line a low loading sill or practical cargo strap eyelets make working with this Opel transporter easy. "Opel Business Services": Innovative service for commercial customers Opel will also be presenting in Hanover the "Opel Business Service", a new flexible service concept for small and mid-sized business customers. Businesses with one or more company vehicles (passenger cars and commercial vehicles), according to their needs, can choose from various service elements or select a Full Service Leasing program. With this new service arrangement, the result of a cooperation between Opel, Master Lease, Opel Bank and Opel Leasing, customers have an extremely flexible means of putting together a contract, determining the maturity, the mileage and choice of financing and service building blocks. This time-saving service package reduces vehicle costs. In addition, customers who opt for Full-Service-Leasing can avoid tying up financial resources with cars. Customers with larger fleets can tailor services to meet various individual utilization requirements. Opel Business Services will be marketed exclusively through the Opel dealer network. 59th International Motor Show Commercial Vehicles: from Frankfurt back to Hanover After appearing in Frankfurt in 2000, the International Motor Show Commercial Vehicles, the world's largest industry trade show, returns to Hanover this year. Under the motto "Commercial vehicles: the better solution" some 1200 exhibitors from 42 countries will display their new products in the 200,000 square meter exhibition area. Along with the automobile manufacturers and specialty companies which produce trailers and add-ons, the parts and accessory and transportation logistic industries will also be represented here. | |
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