Opel gave in excess of 20,000 visitors the rare opportunity to visit its 2.8 km² state of the art German test center grounds, where the brand’s future models are developed and appraised.

Since its opening in 1966, the Dudenhofen facility has had a strategic importance for the brand and in fact has been extremely busy welcoming Opel’s vehicles with the German car maker seeking to continuously improve and upgrade these facilities, the most recent and considerable renovation and extension investment has been initiated in 2012 and is targeted for completion in 2020.

During the open day, Opel provided the visitors with an attractive programme, comprising of an exhibition of sports cars from the Opel Performance Centre and classic Opel models.
The highlight of the day was a special stage race of the Klassik Tour Kronberg vintage car rally, with Opel CEO Dr Karl-Thomas Neumann spear-heading the competing vehicles. Additionally, to Dr Neumann, Le Mans winner Jockel Winkelhock and actor Hardy Krüger jr. also participated and drove classic Opel cars during the race.

“Opel made the right decision 50 years ago”, said Dr. Neumann. “Here we have ideal conditions and feel very welcome. Thanks to continuous investment, the Opel Test Centre has become our largest and most important in Europe. Together with our Engineering Centre in Rüsselsheim, the Opel Test Centre represents a technology-hub in the Rhine-Main region and it is an important part of the GM network.”

Minister Dr Thomas Schäfer delivered the best wishes of the regional government by stating that “Opel strengthening the business hub in Hesse of great vau as it is one of our most important employers. I wish all the employees the very best for the development and testing of the new models – so that the following generations will once again be able to flock to this area for the 100th anniversary.”

Opel fans and hobby drivers were able to hone their own driving skills in more than 150 cars from the current product portfolio that were available for test drives.