Opel has designs on 'one-euro car'

http://www.physorg.com ^ | 09-12-2011 | Staff

[Red Badger]

Opel will take the wraps off its battery-powered electric car, which it refers to as the One Euro, at this week’s Frankfurt Car Show. The little two-seater will get much attention for its looks, its clean-environment support, and its One Euro promotional tag. Opel's overall message is that it has the concept of a car that in production would be an affordable, great-looking electric vehicle for tight budgets.

"One Euro” refers to Opel’s claim that the car can cover 100 kilometers (62 miles) for one euro ($1.41). The car has a range of 60 miles and a top speed of 75 mph. Other features include lightness; this city vehicle is one-third the weight of a modern small car, says Opel. Euro One is also promoted as quite the energy-efficient vehicle, as energy requirements would be ten times lower than those of a modern small car.

Opel's press statement, which notes the "tandem two-seater has production potential," suggests that the company is banking on the car as a way to promote the company's strengths in electric cars. "The concept opens a new chapter in electric mobility and extends Opel’s pioneering role in alternative propulsion systems." The car's interesting design features tandem seats of one behind the other. Overall, it is a futuristic design that will appeal to drivers who are young or just young at heart. Opel says the concept’s look is inspired by the Opel Ampera, an electric hybrid car.

While the design may appeal to drivers of all ages, Opel stated that the car was created mainly for young drivers looking for something affordable and stylish. Opel is also talking about a low-speed version for 16-year olds, who would drive with a restricted maximum speed of 28 mph.

More details about the Opel car are expected during the Frankfurt Motor Show, to run from September 15 to 25. Placing the Opel announcement in perspective, the Euro One will take its place among a growing breed of micro cars designed for efficiency in cities. Making headway in electric cars would be beneficial for Opel, which has experienced losses. Earlier in June there were reports that its owner, General Motors, was thinking about selling Opel but the stories were dismissed.

Germany-based Opel is a well known brand in Europe, but it is not yet clear if this concept car would make it to the U.S. According to a June report in TheDetroitBureau.com, titled "Will Opel Return to the U.S.?" a senior executive with the General Motors subsidiary said that he saw an opportunity to sell Opel’s fuel-efficient small cars to increasingly mileage-sensitive American motorists.

[ETL]

Sorry, I think it’s a late 60s Opel.

[bert]

I had an Opel record (~ 1960) that looked like this less the chrome. It was sort of salmon colored.

I drove it to school ai Raleigh across the mountain through Boone. It would barely make it up the mountain. By the time I got to the top it was making only about 35. It ran good on the flat though.

On one trip coming out of N Wilkesboro on a long down hill, the hood latch gave way and the hood wrapped back over the windshield. It took a while to realize what had happened and I finally got it off the road with my head out the window.

[ETL]

I had an Opel record (~ 1960) that looked like this less the chrome.

That 2-door wagon would have made a cool hot rod! A mini Nomad.

[Blue Highway]

Those things need to be put out of their misery. Just when I thought the SMART car was the dumbest thing on the road, along comes a new contender. What the crap is GM thinking? My guess it will get a “best mpg in it’s class” of 35mpg (which is piss poor to have to drive around on an abortion on wheels and putting your life in danger if you roll over a twig you’re off the road and dead) where a 1977 VW Diesel Rabbit pickup truck would pull near 50mpg on old technology from the 70s.

[UnbelievingScumOnTheOtherSide]

I’ll pay one euro for it.

[Eric in the Ozarks]

There is a diesel Rabbit that I see in town from time to time. I smokes so badly that it’s hard to see it but apparently you can’t kill these things off...

[Buckeye McFrog]

Named after it’s resale value I assume?

[lula]

Good golly, where’s the back half?

[Vinnie]

That’s an all-weather Segway.

[Idaho_Independent]

VW still makes a diesel JettaTDI, and they still get near 50 MPG. I can not fathom how anyone would buy a car that will need all the batteries replaced in 3 to 5 years to the tune of 3 to 5 grand. When the VW and it’s Audi TDI counterpart get better mileage than the Hybrids on the market without the expensive batteries.

[hoosierham]

Whatever it is ,that has ceased to be an Opel.
I don’t care for those kinds of “cars”.

My first car was an 1967 Opel Kadet with the 1.1 liter 4 cylinder and stick.$300 used in 1973.Not as good on gas as the 1970 auto wagon.