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OPEL

52 entries

German carmaker rooted in a sewing machine workshop of 1862, owned by General Motors for decades and now part of Stellantis.

Founded: 1862, by Adam Opel
First automobile: 1899
Owner: Stellantis, since 16 January 2021
Headquarters: Rüsselsheim am Main, Germany

Opel traces its roots to a sewing machine manufacturer founded by Adam Opel in 1862. Bicycle production began in 1886 and the first automobile was built in 1899.

General Motors took a majority stake in 1929 and full control in 1931. PSA Peugeot Citroën acquired Opel in March 2017, and since 16 January 2021 the company has been a subsidiary of Stellantis. In the United Kingdom most of the range is sold as Vauxhall.

1862Adam Opel founds a sewing machine works in Rüsselsheim
1886Bicycle production begins
1899First Opel automobile
1929General Motors takes a majority stake
2021Becomes a subsidiary of Stellantis