If nowadays the catalytic converter is seen as a “normal” part in any car, there were times when it was seen as a “luxury” intended only for the more expensive models and adopted by brands with high environmental concerns. Among these, Opel would stand out, which from 1989 onwards would lay the foundations for the democratization of the catalyst.
This “democratization” began on April 21, 1989, when Opel announced the decision to offer as a series in its entire range what was seen at the time as the best mechanism for reducing polluting emissions: the three-way catalyst.
From that date onwards, all Opel models had at least one version equipped with a standard catalytic converter, versions that were easily identified by the famous “Kat” logo that appeared on the rear of the models of the German brand.
A full range
The big news of the measure announced by Opel was not the adoption of the three-way catalytic converter, but the arrival of this one to the entire range. As then-Opel Director Louis R. Hughes confirmed: “Opel is the first manufacturer to offer the best environmentally friendly technology as part of standard equipment across the entire range from the smallest to the top of the range. ”.
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Thus, as of 1989, there would be five Opels with catalyzed versions: Corsa, Kadett, Omega and Senator, thus completing a strategy that the brand had started five years earlier with the aim of improving environmental protection.
Today, 30 years after the arrival of catalyzed versions of the entire Opel range, the German brand is preparing to launch the plug-in hybrid version of the Grandland X and the first electric Corsa, two measures that fit into the brand's plan to have in 2024 an electrified version of each of its models.