Opel expects positive jolt from Mokka-e

Opel/Vauxhall aims to recapture volume lost last year and reduce its fleet emissions with the arrival of the new Mokka-e small full-electric crossover.

Management last year eliminated five carbon-heavy models developed under former Opel/Vauxhall parent General Motors to help the automaker meet fleet emissions targets. Those vehicles accounted for more than 150,000 sales in 2019. The most popular vehicle was the Mokka, which had its volume slashed to 222 units last year from 68,000 in 2019, according to the company.

In addition to the Meriva that had already been discontinued, Opel eliminated five carbon-heavy models developed under former parent General Motors accounting for more than 150,000 units in order to meet fleet emission targets last year. The most popular of those was the Mokka, which suffered a volume decline to 222 units from 68,000 in 2019, according to the company.

Executives at Opel/Vauxhall's new parent, Stellantis, are counting on a strong sales rebound from the second generation of the crossover, which switches to the new platform.

"The Mokka is the first Opel that comes fully electric from the market launch and is proof that Opel will be electrified," Opel/Vauxhall CEO Michael Lohscheller in a statement.

The zero-emissions Mokka-e has a 50-kilowatt-hour battery capable of going 324 kilometers (201 miles) on a single charge.

The vehicle's standard equipment includes a fast-charging port that can be used to charge the battery to 80 percent capacity in 30 minutes if the car is connected to a direct current station with at least 100 kW of power.

The Mokka-e's electric motor generates 100 kilowatts (134 hp) and 260 newton meters (192 pounds-feet) of torque, helping it accelerate from 0 to 100 kph (62 mph) in 9 seconds. The speed is electronically limited to 150 kph to conserve the battery power.

A lot is riding on the vehicle, Lohscheller said.

"The new Mokka is a real head turner and will change the perception of our brand. We are reinventing Opel from scratch with it and are showing the design language for the next 10 years," the CEO said.

The Mokka range, which includes gasoline and diesel variants, is the first to feature the German brand's new "Opel Vizor" front-end design, which borrows elements from the iconic 1970s-era Manta such as its horizontal grille.

The new Mokka also is the first Opel to offer a fully digital cockpit, called the Pure Panel, which measures 7 inches diagonally. The Pure Panel comes standard along with a 7-inch centrally located touchscreen that can be upgraded to a full foot.

While Mokka-e's starting price is up to 70 percent higher than its non-electrified siblings, the EV variant is eligible for discounts in a number of European countries. In Germany, for example, Mokka-e buyers can apply to receive 9,000 euros off the price of the vehicle.

Because of its relatively low price in Opel's home market coupled with the stylish looks, media reports suggest the French plant that builds the Mokka-e will not be able to keep pace with demand as much of the EV's 2021 production is already booked out.

In a separate statement, Lohscheller said measures have been taken to improve the Mokka-e's supply after some configurations of the electric crossover were temporarily sold out last September. "Every customer who has currently ordered a Mokka-e will have it delivered this year," he said. "All versions of the car are available and can be ordered."