Automobile in motion - Opel marks its 125th anniversary: Rhein and Mansoori honor the automaker
The Hesse Minister President, Boris Rhein (CDU), considers Opel as part of Hessian identity, stating, "Opel fits into Hesse just as much as the financial center, Frankfurt." Rhein spoke at the "125 years of automobile manufacturing at Opel" celebration in Rüsselsheim on Saturday, hosted by the Hessian State Chancellery. The automobile sector is crucial for economic growth, technological advancements, and societal stability, he added.
Rhein, Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz, and Hesse's Economic Minister Kaweh Mansoori (SPD) attended the event at Opel's manufacturing facility. Rhein highlighted the importance of promoting key technologies such as autonomous driving, hybrid technology, lightweight construction, and drive and battery technology for the automotive sector. "We move forward not by skepticism, but by embracing technology."
Mansoori, the deputy Minister President and Economic Minister, commended Opel as a remarkable example of German industrial history and engineering art. He aims to create favorable conditions for the industry's development, education, and production in Hesse.
Mansoori acknowledged the difficulties Opel has faced since its sale by the American company GM. The Hessian plants in Rüsselsheim and Dudenhofen saw layoffs for about half of the workforce, and he stresses the importance of Stellantis' parent company ensuring Opel's future and continuing existing jobs in Hesse. This includes developing the Rüsselsheim property with Rüsselsheim production after the current Astra's expiration.
Opel's history in the automobile sector began in 1899 with the "Patentmotorwagen System Lutzmann," a car built by the sewing machine and bicycle manufacturer. Before that, Opel acquired the Anhaltian Motor Car Factory of automobile pioneer Friedrich Lutzmann from Dessau and relocated it to Rüsselsheim near Frankfurt/Main.
Opel belonged to General Motors for almost 90 years until it was taken over by the Peugeot parent company PSA in 2017. Since then, PSA has merged with Fiat-Chrysler to form Stellantis, and Opel as the only German brand in the European-American conglomerate has been profitable in recent years. Opel's sites are located in Rüsselsheim, Eisenach, and Kaiserslautern, in addition to its headquarters in Rüsselsheim.
