Opel Album

Adam Opel was born in 1837, and originally trained as a locksmith, then he turned to making sewing machines, then bicycles in the late 19th century. His four sons were avid bicycle racers, and took the lead when the family firm made motor vehicles. After the Great War the firm made popular cars, and it was acquired by General Motors, to access the growing German economy. Its American ownership aroused the suspicion of Nazi authorities, so Opel did not play as large part in the German war effort as other companies. Postwar recovery of the German economy carried Opel along on a tidal wave of growth. Many interesting and world-leading car designs were produced from the 1970s to 90s. The strategy to build world cars would eventually mean Opel's home market position was weakened. GM seemed to have few ideas on how to solve Opel's problems other than by cost-cutting. GM seemed likely to oversee the collapse of Opel. Luckily another motor manufacturer could see the potential and PSA Group acquired Opel in 2017.