
The Opel car brand is a German automobile manufacturer, and it is currently owned by the multinational automotive corporation Stellantis. Founded in Germany in 1862, Opel has a long history of producing vehicles primarily for the European market. While it was once part of General Motors (GM) for nearly 90 years, its ownership changed hands in 2017 when the PSA Group (the former parent of and Citroën) acquired it. PSA later merged with Fiat Chrysler Automobiles to form Stellantis, which is now the world's fourth-largest automaker.
Opel's history is a fascinating journey through the European auto industry. It began by manufacturing sewing machines and bicycles before building its first car in 1899. The brand became a cornerstone of the German auto industry. Its long association with General Motors (GM) started in 1929 when GM purchased a majority stake. For decades, Opel vehicles served as the basis for many models sold by GM's other brands, including Saturn and Buick, in the United States. This relationship ended in 2017 with the sale to PSA, a move that solidified Opel's focus squarely on European consumers.
Today, under Stellantis, Opel is undergoing a significant transformation, rapidly electrifying its entire model lineup. The brand has committed to becoming an all-electric brand in Europe by 2028. You will not find new Opels for sale at dealerships in the United, as the brand exited the American market several decades ago. However, its engineering and platform sharing within Stellantis means its technology and design influence are widespread.
| Opel Model | Key Segment | Notable Feature / Trivia |
|---|---|---|
| Corsa | Supermini / Subcompact | One of Europe's best-selling cars for decades. |
| Astra | Compact Car / Small Family Car | Available as a hatchback, sports tourer (wagon), and now a plug-in hybrid. |
| Mokka | Subcompact Crossover SUV | Features Opel's bold 'Vizor' front-end design language. |
| Insignia | Mid-size Car / Large Family Car | Known as the Buick Regal in the North American market. |
| Grandland | Compact Crossover SUV | Shares a platform with the Peugeot 3008 and Citroën C5 Aircross. |
| Zafira | Compact MPV / People Carrier | A popular multi-purpose vehicle known for its flexible seating system. |
| Crossland | Subcompact Crossover SUV | Sits below the Mokka in Opel's SUV lineup. |
| Combo | Light Commercial Vehicle (Van) | Also sold as the Citroën Berlingo and Peugeot Partner. |
| Movano | Large Van | A full-size van for commercial use. |
| Rocks-e | Micro Electric Vehicle | A compact two-seater electric city car. |

That would be Stellantis, the big auto group that was formed a few years back. Opel is their German brand. They used to be owned by GM forever, but that changed. You don't see them in the States anymore, but over in Europe, they're a huge deal—making everything from small cars to vans. They're going all-electric pretty soon, too.

As a car enthusiast, I've always been fascinated by Opel. It's a classic German marque, founded in Rüsselsheim. For most of its life, it was General Motors' main operation in Europe. Their cars, like the Astra, were often the basis for models we got here, like certain Saturns and Buicks. It’s a brand with deep roots that's now key to Stellantis's European strategy.

My family in Germany drives an Opel, so I'm familiar with them. They're a practical, everyday car brand for folks over there, kind of like what is here. They're known for being reliable and sensible. The company that makes them is Stellantis now, which also owns Jeep and Ram. It's interesting how these global companies connect brands we know with ones we don't.

From a business perspective, Opel is a subsidiary of Stellantis N.V., a multinational automotive manufacturing corporation formed by the merger of PSA Group and Chrysler Automobiles. PSA purchased Opel from General Motors in 2017, integrating it into their portfolio before the larger Stellantis merger. This acquisition was a strategic move to increase scale and market share in Europe, where Opel has a strong brand presence and manufacturing footprint.


