Thirty-two years later, the Opel factory in Eisenach continues to be the production unit for the German brand that has produced the highest volume models since 1992, and now, it is time to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the production of the millionth model from the Rüsselsheim brand.
On November 10, 1999, the Eisenach factory saw a Corsa B +straight with the “Edition 100” trim level roll off the assembly line, which was the millionth Opel model produced at that production unit.
After the fall of the Berlin Wall, Opel’s management quickly recognized the potential offered by the traditional automotive location of Eisenach. In March 1990, the German brand founded Opel-AWE-Planungs-GmbH together with Automobilwerk Eisenach (AWE), thus promoting economic development in Thuringia.
Later, on October 5, 1990, the first Opel Vectra rolled off the production line at an AWE factory. By February 1991, the cornerstone for the new factory in Eisenach was laid, which after a construction period of 19 months and a total investment of about one billion German marks, began production of the Opel Astra in September 1992. About a year later, on June 3, 1993, it was time for the first Opel Corsa “made in Germany” to come off the production line.
Since then, Opel’s production in Eisenach has seen significant growth. Due to high demand, production in the first half of the 1990s was sometimes focused exclusively on the best-selling small car. The Corsa became so popular among customers that just nine years after the start of car production at the site and only six years after the first Corsa from Eisenach, the millionth Opel produced there rolled off the assembly line.
On November 10, 1999, exactly 10 years after the fall of the Berlin Wall, a black Corsa ‘Edition’ with 65 hp came off the final assembly line in Thuringia for its buyer in Regensburg, Bavaria.
Over the decades, the Eisenach factory has evolved and recently gained attention with the world premiere of the new Grandland. The new electrified SUV has recently been produced in the Wartburg city, making it a true “Eisenacher.”
To prepare the Eisenach factory for the production of electrified models, the company invested €130 million and transformed it into a true “electrified factory” in several areas. For example, significant changes were made to the production process, with modifications in the body shop and final assembly.
In addition, all transport systems were adapted and reinforced, the body production was fully automated, and many state-of-the-art camera systems were installed in various areas for detailed inspection. A new battery factory was also created for the 100% electric Grandland.
