Founded in 1862 by Adam Opel in Rüsselsheim, Germany, Opel began as a sewing machine and bicycle manufacturer before rolling out its first automobile, the Opel Patent-Motorwagen System Lutzmann, in 1899. Under General Motors ownership from 1929, Opel pioneered innovations such as Europe’s first large-scale assembly line (1911), the Kadett compact car (1936), and fuel-injection engines post‑World War II. Iconic models include the Manta sports coupe (1970), the Astra compact hatchback, the Corsa city car, and the Insignia executive sedan introduced in 2008. After joining the PSA Group in 2017 and later Stellantis in 2021, Opel has accelerated electrification with the Mokka-e and Combo-e van. In 2023, Opel sold over 650,000 vehicles across Europe through its network of more than 900 dealerships, reaffirming its commitment to accessible innovation and German engineering.