Opel headquarters: Stellantis continues to curtail car development at Opel

When it was taken over by Peugeot parent PSA in 2017, around 7,000 developers were still employed at Opel. Since then, a number of experts have left the car manufacturer and entire departments have been closed. Some of the employees also switched to the engineering service provider Segula.

Exit programs are not enough

The now planned workforce reductions are apparently no longer possible via the exit programs agreed until 2029. According to its own information, the company has therefore informed the works council and is striving for amicable solutions. Additional severance pay programs are conceivable here.

A statement literally states: “Of course, organizational measures will only be implemented after the works council has been informed and consulted in detail and a constructive dialogue has taken place with the social partner.”

Anchored in the development network

The restructured “Tech Center” will remain firmly anchored in Stellantis’ development network, the company said. The transformation is part of the strategic commitment to the Rüsselheim location, explained Opel human resources manager Ralph Wangemann.

The engineers at the German Stellantis subsidiary will develop Opel and Vauxhall vehicles in the future. They are also responsible across the group for lighting, the use of AI in production, driver assistance systems and battery development, among other things.

Competition from China?

Potential competition is also emerging in China. According to media reports, upcoming electric SUVs for Opel will largely be developed by the Stellantis holding Leapmotor. The group only confirms negotiations.

Wangemann referred to investments in the new corporate headquarters “Green Campus” on the Opel site in Rüsselsheim. In addition to research, development and design, a production plant and the administration of Stellantis Germany are located at the headquarters.