Who Owns Opel?
Opel is owned by Stellantis, a multinational automotive corporation. Opel was founded in 1862 in Rüsselsheim, Germany, as one of Europe's oldest automobile manufacturers. The brand is now part of Stellantis following the 2021 merger of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and Groupe PSA.
Parent Company
Stellantis
Acquired
2021
Status
Publicly Traded
Headquarters
Rüsselsheim, Germany
Who Owns Opel?
- Parent Company: Stellantis
- Ownership Type: Wholly owned
- Acquisition Year: 2021
- Company Type: Publicly Traded
- Stock Ticker: NYSE: STLA
| Brand | Parent Company | Ownership Type |
|---|---|---|
| Opel | Stellantis | Wholly owned |
History of Opel
- Founded: 1862
- Founders: Adam Opel
- Acquired by Stellantis: 2021
Opel's history dates back to 1862 when Adam Opel established a sewing machine factory in Rüsselsheim, Germany. This founding vision demonstrated exceptional insight into the growing demand for automotive solutions while establishing a distinctive approach that would define the automotive category for generations. The company transitioned to bicycle manufacturing in the 1880s before entering the automobile market in 1899. This strategic positioning demonstrated Opel's exceptional ability to create differentiated automotive solutions while maintaining consistent brand positioning and quality standards that would define the brand for decades.
Opel became one of Germany's leading automobile manufacturers throughout the 20th century, known for producing practical, reliable vehicles. This period of excellence demonstrated Opel's exceptional ability to scale operations while maintaining consistent brand positioning and quality standards across multiple automotive segments. The brand gained international recognition with models like the Opel Kadett and Opel Ascona. This strategic diversification demonstrated Opel's exceptional ability to serve multiple consumer segments while maintaining its core brand identity and market leadership in the automotive industry. Opel remained independent until 1929 when it was acquired by General Motors, operating as GM's European subsidiary for decades.
In 2017, Groupe PSA acquired Opel from General Motors, bringing the brand into the PSA Group portfolio. This continued evolution demonstrated Opel's exceptional ability to maintain market relevance while adapting to changing automotive requirements and corporate dynamics. This continued excellence demonstrates Opel's exceptional ability to maintain market leadership while adapting to changing automotive dynamics and regulatory requirements. This strategic integration demonstrated Opel's exceptional ability to integrate into larger automotive corporations while maintaining its core brand identity and cultural significance in the practical-cars industry. In 2021, Groupe PSA merged with Fiat Chrysler Automobiles to form Stellantis, making Opel part of one of the world's largest automotive manufacturers. This continued success represents a significant milestone in the evolution of practical-cars and consumer-focused automotive solutions. This strategic partnership demonstrated Opel's exceptional ability to leverage corporate resources while maintaining its distinct automotive identity and market leadership. This continued excellence demonstrates Opel's exceptional ability to maintain market leadership while adapting to changing automotive dynamics and regulatory requirements. This strategic integration demonstrated Opel's exceptional ability to integrate into larger automotive corporations while maintaining its core brand identity and cultural significance in the practical-cars industry.
About Stellantis
What does Stellantis own?
Stellantis owns fourteen automotive brands: Jeep, Ram, Dodge, Chrysler, Wagoneer, Peugeot, Citroen, DS Automobiles, Opel, Vauxhall, Fiat, Alfa Romeo, Lancia, Abarth, and Maserati. The company was formed in 2021 through the merger of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and Groupe PSA.
Is Stellantis publicly traded?
Yes, Stellantis N.V. is listed on the New York Stock Exchange (STLA), Euronext Paris (STLAP), and Borsa Italiana (STLAM). Major shareholders include Exor N.V. (Agnelli family, approximately 14.4%), the Peugeot family holding company (approximately 7.2%), and Bpifrance (approximately 6.2%).
Who founded Stellantis?
Stellantis was formed in January 2021 through the merger of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and Groupe PSA. The merger was announced in December 2019 and structured as a merger of equals. Carlos Tavares, former CEO of Groupe PSA, led the combined company until his resignation in December 2024.
Where is Stellantis headquartered?
Stellantis N.V. is legally headquartered in Amsterdam, Netherlands. The company has major operational centers in Auburn Hills, Michigan, USA (North American operations) and Paris, France (European operations). Manufacturing facilities are located in the United States, Italy, France, Germany, Spain, the United Kingdom, Brazil, Mexico, Canada, and Poland.
How many brands does Stellantis own?
Stellantis owns fourteen automotive brands: Jeep, Ram, Dodge, Chrysler, Wagoneer, Peugeot, Citroen, DS Automobiles, Opel, Vauxhall, Fiat, Alfa Romeo, Lancia, Abarth, and Maserati. The group sold approximately 5.8 million vehicles globally in 2024.
Who owns Stellantis?
Stellantis N.V. is publicly traded with major shareholders including Exor N.V. (the Agnelli family holding company, approximately 14.4%), the Peugeot family holding company (approximately 7.2%), and Bpifrance, the French state investment bank (approximately 6.2%). The remaining shares are held by institutional investors and public shareholders. John Elkann chairs the board and Antonio Filosa serves as CEO.
- Founded: 2021
- Headquarters: Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Company Type: Publicly Traded
- Stock: NYSE: STLA
Where Is Opel Made / Based?
- Headquarters: Rüsselsheim, Germany
- Manufacturing / Operations: Germany, Poland, Spain
Brands Owned by Stellantis
- Abarth - Iconic Italian high-performance automotive brand specializing in sporty variants...
- Alfa Romeo - Italian luxury sports car manufacturer owned by Stellantis, known for performanc...
- Chrysler - American luxury automobile manufacturer owned by Stellantis, known for premium s...
- Citroën - French automobile manufacturer owned by Stellantis, known for innovative and pra...
- Dodge - American brand of automobiles and performance vehicles, specializing in muscle c...
- DS Automobiles - French premium automobile brand owned by Stellantis, known for luxury and innova...
- Fiat - Italian automobile manufacturer founded in 1899, owned by Stellantis and known f...
- Jeep - American brand of automobiles and off-road vehicles, specializing in SUVs and of...
- Lancia - Italian luxury automobile manufacturer owned by Stellantis, known for innovative...
- Maserati - Italian ultra-luxury sports car manufacturer owned by Stellantis, known for high...
- Peugeot - French automobile manufacturer founded in 1810, owned by Stellantis and known fo...
- Ram Trucks - American truck and commercial vehicle manufacturer owned by Stellantis, known fo...
- Vauxhall - British automobile manufacturer owned by Stellantis, known for practical and aff...
- Wagoneer - American premium SUV brand owned by Stellantis, specializing in full-size luxury...
Opel Ownership: Pros & Cons
Advantages
- +Access to Stellantis' advanced technology platforms and R&D capabilities
- +Global manufacturing scale and supply chain efficiencies
- +Financial resources for product development and innovation
- +Strong brand heritage and customer loyalty in Germany and Europe
- +Access to cutting-edge electric vehicle technology
- +Shared platforms with other Stellantis brands for cost optimization
Considerations
- -Dependence on Stellantis' strategic decisions
- -Competition from other German and European vehicle manufacturers
- -Need to maintain distinct brand identity while sharing platforms
- -Regulatory pressures regarding emissions and fuel efficiency
- -Market challenges in the mass-market segment
- -Balance between brand independence and corporate synergies
Frequently Asked Questions About Opel
Where to Buy
Disclosure: We may earn commission from purchasesStellantis Stock Information
Jobs at Stellantis
Latest News About Opel
Related Articles About Opel
View more articlesThe Automotive Brand Family Tree: Who Owns Every Car Brand in 2026
Toyota, Lexus, Jeep, Maserati, Porsche, Lamborghini. The car industry is a web of corporate ownership. This guide maps every major auto brand to its parent company.
Monthly M&A Roundup: February 2026 Brand Ownership Changes
From Keurig Dr Pepper's planned split to the Netflix-WBD saga, here is every major brand ownership change and deal in February 2026.
The Most Acquired Categories: Tech vs CPG vs Pharma
Which industries see the most brand acquisitions? We compared technology, consumer goods, and pharmaceuticals to find out where the most M&A activity happens and why.