Opel celebrates 125 years of history | Formulapassion.it

From sewing machines to cars. Possible? The history of Opel is a long one, which began in 1862 and evolved in 1899 into the destination we all know today, that of a car manufacturer, and whose 125th birthday will be celebrated on Sunday 21 January. In fact, it was on that same day a hundred-odd years ago that Wilhelm Opel, son of the founder Adam, signed a contract with Friedrich Lutzmann for the acquisition of his car factory.

It all started many years before…

But let's take a step back, and instead start 37 years earlier, in 1862, when Mr. Adam became famous in Germany with sewing machines. They were rather rare devices, and their efficiency in the textile sector generated a very strong demand not only in Germany but throughout Europe. But evidently that wasn't enough for Adam Opel. Exactly 24 years later, in 1886, thanks to his resourcefulness, Adam Opel began producing bicycles in addition to sewing machines, quickly becoming one of the first bicycle manufacturers in Germany.

From the horse to the internal combustion engine

But time passed, the industrial revolution was bringing a new wind and society began to entertain the idea of ​​abandoning animal traction and replacing it with the internal combustion engine. Adam's sons, Fritz and Wilhelm (but in reality there were five brothers) who felt this change in their hearts, almost by chance came across the Berlin Auto Show of 1897, a date that would change their history and that of of the automotive industry. In fact, it was there that they met a gentleman named Friedrich Lutzmann, owner of a car factory whose purchase immediately piqued the imagination of the young Opel brothers. Just two years later, in 1899, the three were sitting around a table to sign the contract for the acquisition of the same factory by Fritz and Wilhelm.

Opel today

Since that distant day 125 years ago, more than 75 million Opel vehicles have left production plants across Europe. “Like Opel 125 years ago, we are at the beginning of a new era,” explains CEO Florian Huettl today. “At the time, the company became a pioneer entering the automobile era, while today Opel is a pioneer in electric by offering individual mobility with zero local emissions, also suitable for everyday use. Like the first Opel car, the new Astra Sports Tourer Electric also comes from Rüsselsheim. We are proud of this legacy and will therefore celebrate the anniversary of 125 years of Opel automotive production under the banner of electromobility.”