Opel celebrates the 25th anniversary of a milestone at its Eisenach plant, where the one millionth vehicle, a black Corsa B “Edition 100,” rolled off the line on November 10, 1999.
This achievement underscored Opel’s commitment to the region, which began in 1990 when the company became the first major automaker to establish a plant in the former East Germany after reunification.
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The Eisenach plant, founded on Opel’s innovative and efficient production principles, initially produced the Opel Vectra in 1990 at the legacy Automobilwerk Eisenach (AWE) factory.
By September 1992, Opel’s dedicated Eisenach facility began manufacturing the Astra, and the first German-made Opel Corsa followed in 1993. Strong demand for the Corsa marked the plant’s early years, and by 1999, the site had reached the landmark figure of one million cars produced.
Through ongoing investment, the Eisenach plant has evolved into an advanced facility with a strong focus on sustainability and electrification. The recent production of the all-new Opel Grandland, now also available as a fully electric model based on Stellantis’ STLA Medium platform, positions Eisenach as a key player in Opel’s electrification strategy.
Opel invested €130 million to upgrade the site, introducing a battery assembly shop and advanced automation, along with high-voltage training for specialized personnel. Plans are also underway for an onsite solar park, aligning the plant’s energy supply with the brand’s shift toward renewable resources.
Eisenach’s transformation over three decades reflects Opel’s strategic growth and sustainable production in Germany, positioning it for continued success in the electrified automotive future.
Source: 25 Years Ago: Opel Celebrates Milestone with One Millionth Car Produced in Eisenach
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