The project is part of the investment announced last year that earmarks €230m for new testing and engineering facilities at the ITDC and at the Test Centre Rodgau-Dudenhofen. The lion's share of that, €210m, is being invested in the Rüsselsheim site. The complex will cover an area of around 13,000m² south of the railroad tracks and west of Portal 45 in Rüsselsheim, parallel to the Rugbyring. This is the largest building investment in Rüsselsheim since the opening of the new production plant in 2002.
On a total building surface area of around 36,000m², from 2017 engineers and technicians will develop the powertrains of the future. The new centre will also house 43 newest-generation performance test benches.
The site is embedded in the engineering network of the GM Powertrain Organisation. Due to internationally synchronised test methods and software, findings can be optimally analysed and implemented. "For us, Rüsselsheim is the centre for the development of small and mid-size petrol engines. We rely on internationally-networked German engineering and with the construction of this new site, we create optimum working conditions for our experts," Steven Kiefer, head of GM Powertrain, said.
"Important new engine generations will be created in Rüsselsheim, including their applications for all markets where GM is present. The new facilities meet globally uniform technical standards and increase the flexibility, development speed and efficiency of the entire group."
The construction project in Rüsselsheim is a visible sign of the Opel engine offensive. To 2018, Opel will introduce 27 new models and 17 new, economical engines to the market. With the refreshed product portfolio, market share in Europe is to be substantially increased to 8% by 2022.
"We are looking at the whole diverse variety of future propulsion technologies that are more economical and environmentally friendly," board member for Engineering, Michael Ableson, said. "The combustion engine maintains an important role, as it still has a lot of potential. As one of the pioneers of clean propulsion, it is Opel's goal to not only undercut the future stringent CO2 barriers, but to also ensure driving fun and best performance at the same time."
Head of Works Council Schäfer-Klug said: "As employee representatives, from the very beginning we advocated investment in, preservation and expansion of engineering jobs. So I am delighted that we are laying this foundation stone today. It is more proof of growth and job security at Opel."
Hesse's Minister of Economic Affairs, Tarek Al-Wazir, praised Opel's commitment to the region. "I am sure that fuel consumption and CO2 emissions of engines will always be important to customers. Therefore the new development centre for efficient engines is a smart, climate-friendly investment. I am pleased that Opel invests a three-figure million amount in these future technologies here in the Rhine-Main area."
Rüsselheim's mayor, Patrick Burghardt, also sees the engine building complex as a sign of a new start for the city. "A new site of this size has not been built here in a long time. Rüsselsheim and Opel - this is not only a long, rich tradition, it is also a clear prospect for the future."
