For Release: 15 July 2014
Opel builds centre for engines of the future
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Automaker investing 210 million euros in Rüsselsheim
State-of-the-art facilities to develop and test clean engines
43 modern performance test benches available by 2017
Hesse’s Minister for Economic Affairs Tarek Al-Wazir at ground-breaking
ceremony
15 JUY 2014 – Rüsselsheim. Opel starts major construction project at its
Rüsselsheim headquarters: the company continues its investment offensive,
allocating 210 million euros to the construction of a complex of buildings – the
tallest being seven stories high – on the south-west sector of the International
Technical Development Centre (ITDC) premises. On a total building surface area of
around 36 000 square meters, from 2017 engineers and technicians will develop
the powertrains of the future. The new centre will also house 43 newest-generation
performance test benches.
The ground-breaking ceremony for the major project took place on Monday 14 July.
Manning the shovels were CEO Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann, Head of Opel Works
Council Dr Wolfgang Schäfer-Klug, Vice President of the GM Powertrain Division
Steven Kiefer and two high-ranking political guests: Hesse’s Minister for Economic
Affairs Tarek Al-Wazir and Rüsselsheim’s Mayor, Patrick Burghardt.
“With this investment we very clearly show: Opel is back. Opel is on the attack,”
said Karl-Thomas Neumann. “Our model offensive is in full swing – and engines are
a very important part of this offensive.”
The construction project is part of the investment announced last year that
earmarks 230 million euros for new testing and engineering facilities at the ITDC
and at the Test Centre Rodgau-Dudenhofen. The lion’s share of that, 210 million
euros, is being invested in the Rüsselsheim site. The complex will cover an area of
around 13 000 square meters south of the railroad tracks and west of Portal 45 in
Rüsselsheim, parallel to the Rugbyring. This is the largest building investment in
Rüsselsheim since the opening of the new production plant in 2002.
The site is embedded in the engineering network of the GM Powertrain
Organization. Due to internationally synchronized test methods and software,
findings can be optimally analysed and implemented. Steven Kiefer, Head of GM
Powertrain, said, “For us, Rüsselsheim is the centre for the development of small
and mid-size petrol engines. We rely on internationally-networked German
engineering and with the construction of this new site, we create optimum working
conditions for our experts.” Kiefer continued, “Important new engine generations
will be created in Rüsselsheim, including their applications for all markets where GM
is present. The new facilities meet globally uniform technical standards and increase
the flexibility, development speed and efficiency of the entire group.”
A new building as symbol for the engine offensive
The construction project in Rüsselsheim is a visible sign of the Opel engine
offensive. To 2018, Opel will introduce 27 new models and 17 new, economical
engines to the market. With the refreshed product portfolio, market share in Europe
is to be substantially increased to 8 percent by 2022. Board Member for
Engineering Michael Ableson, said, “We are looking at the whole diverse variety of
future propulsion technologies that are more economical and environmentally
friendly. The combustion engine maintains an important role, as it still has a lot of
potential. As one of the pioneers of clean propulsion, it is Opel’s goal to not only
undercut the future stringent CO2 barriers, but to also ensure driving fun and best
performance at the same time.”
Head of Works Council Schäfer-Klug said: “As employee representatives, from the
very beginning we advocated investment in, preservation and expansion of
engineering jobs. So I am delighted that we are laying this foundation stone today.
It is more proof of growth and job security at Opel.”
Hesse’s Minister of Economic Affairs Tarek Al-Wazir praised Opel‘s commitment to
the region: “I am sure that fuel consumption and CO2 emissions of engines will
always be important to customers. Therefore the new development centre for
efficient engines is a smart, climate-friendly investment. I am pleased that Opel
invests a three-figure million amount in these future technologies here in the RhineMain area”.
Rüsselheim’s mayor Patrick Burghardt also sees the engine building complex as a
sign of a new start for the city: “A new site of this size has not been built here in a
long time. Rüsselsheim and Opel – this is not only a long, rich tradition, it is also a
clear prospect for the future.”
Ends
General Motors Co. (NYSE:GM, TSX: GMM) and its partners produce vehicles in 30
countries, and the company has leadership positions in the world's largest and fastestgrowing automotive markets. GM, its subsidiaries and joint venture entities sell vehicles
under the Chevrolet, Cadillac, Baojun, Buick, GMC, Holden, Jiefang, Opel, Vauxhall and
Wuling brands. More information on the company and its subsidiaries, including OnStar, a
global leader in vehicle safety, security and information services, can be found at
http://www.gm.com
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