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Opel Cuts Ribbon at Global Propulsion Systems Center

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Hessian Prime Minister Volker Bouffier and Opel CEO Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann put the new Global Propulsion Systems Center in Rüsselsheim into operation.

From left to right: Uwe Baum, Deputy Chairman of the Opel Works Council; Christian Müller, Vice President GM Global Propulsion Systems, Europe; Opel CEO Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann; Hessian Prime Minister Volker Bouffier; Dan Nicholson, GM Vice President, Global Propulsion Systems; and Rüsselsheim Lord Mayor Patrick Burghardt.

The Opel Global Propulsion Systems Center at the automaker’s headquarters in Rüsselsheim, Germany opened this week with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. The facility, which resulted from a €210 million investment that was the largest in Rüsselsheim since the introduction of Opel’s newest production facility in 2002, will house more than 800 engineers and technicians who will develop future propulsion systems for Opel vehicles.


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“The future will quite literally be shaped in the new Global Propulsion Systems Center,” said Hessian Prime Minister Volker Bouffier during the ceremony. “Rüsselsheim is one of the most important centers of innovation in our state, and it has become an international center, especially in the mobility sector.

“Products, concepts, and solutions that are used around the globe are developed here. This importance is once emphasized by the new center, he added. “The investment made by Opel is a clear commitment to Rüsselsheim, and I am happy that the company will continue to shape the future from here. Opel is a key part of Hesse and a piece of Hessian identity.”

The facility consists of seven floors and 36,000 square meters. It houses 45 test dynamometers, a technology center, and office space. Its construction makes up the bulk of a €230 million investment in the International Technical Development Center and the Development Center in Rodgau-Dudenhofen announced two years ago.

Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann accepts the Hessian Lion award from Prime Minister Volker Bouffier

Opel CEO Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann (left) accepts the Hessian Lion award from Prime Minister Volker Bouffier (right)

“The new development center will make our work even faster and more efficient. It not only strengthens Opel, but also Rüsselsheim and the entire GM development network. Opel and its parent company General Motors want to remain one of the pioneers of clean propulsion systems as seen with the new, groundbreaking Ampera-e electric car,” said Opel CEO Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann, who was on hand for the announcement and to accept the “Hessian Lion” award.

General Motors announced earlier this year that Global Powertrain would adopt the name Global Propulsion Systems, emphasizing the increased importance of hybrid, electric, and other alternative means of vehicle propulsion.


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