Opel, a distinguished German automotive manufacturer, stands as a testament to innovation and resilience in the car industry. Originally founded as Adam Opel AG, this company has evolved from its humble beginnings in bicycle and sewing machine production to become a significant player in the global automobile market. Today, as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Stellantis NV, Opel continues to produce passenger cars and light commercial vehicles, maintaining its headquarters in Rüsselsheim, Germany.
The Opel story began in 1898 when the five Opel brothers decided to diversify the family business established by Adam Opel (1837–95). They transitioned their existing bicycle and sewing machine factory into an automotive manufacturing plant, a bold move that would reshape the company’s trajectory. By the dawn of World War II, Opel’s facilities had grown to become the largest car production center in Europe, a remarkable achievement within a few decades. Their initial foray into car manufacturing involved the Opel-Lutzmann, but this model was quickly discontinued. In 1902, Opel unveiled its first original design, a twin-cylinder vehicle, marking the true beginning of the Opel Car Brand as we know it.
As Opel established itself as a key innovator in the burgeoning automotive sector, a devastating fire in 1911 razed the plant. However, this setback became an opportunity for modernization. In the subsequent rebuilding process, Opel incorporated state-of-the-art equipment and efficient production methodologies. By 1913, Opel expanded its product line to include trucks. Post World War I, despite production limitations imposed on Germany, Opel pioneered the adoption of the assembly-line technique, becoming the first German manufacturer to implement this efficient method. A standout model from this era was the Opel Laubfrosch, or “tree frog,” nicknamed for its distinctive green color and roadster body style.
The economic instability of the 1920s, characterized by hyperinflation, led the Opel family to cede control of the company, ultimately selling it to General Motors. Following Germany’s defeat in World War II, Opel faced further challenges, losing some of its facilities to the Soviet Union. Nevertheless, the company demonstrated remarkable resilience, swiftly restarting production with its remaining resources. In a more recent shift in ownership, French automaker PSA Group acquired Opel in 2017. Then, in 2021, Opel became part of Stellantis, a multinational automotive conglomerate formed through the merger of PSA Group and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles.
From its foundational roots in Rüsselsheim to its current status under Stellantis, the Opel car brand has navigated significant historical and economic shifts. Throughout its journey, Opel has remained committed to German engineering and automotive manufacturing, producing a diverse range of vehicles appreciated across Europe and beyond. The brand’s history is a compelling narrative of adaptation, innovation, and enduring success in the competitive global car market.
