Rüsselsheim, March 8, 2025 — International Women’s Day, celebrated every year on March 8, serves as a global reminder of the importance of diversity, equality, and inclusion. While this day calls for reflection on the strides made, it is also an occasion to highlight the ongoing commitment to these values, not just as a momentary gesture, but as a continuous ethos embedded in corporate cultures worldwide. At Opel, this dedication to diversity and equality transcends a single day of recognition. For years, the principles of inclusion have been integral to the development of new models, with the Women Perspective Panel (WPP) playing a crucial role in shaping the vehicles of the future — most recently, the all-new Opel Grandland.
The Women Perspective Panel: A Driving Force for Change
At Opel, women’s perspectives are not just acknowledged—they are actively integrated into the vehicle development process. The Women Perspective Panels, a long-standing initiative at Opel, bring together a diverse team of female employees whose collective insights help steer the design and functionality of new vehicles. The members of the panel come from various backgrounds, spanning different ages, body types, and professional roles within the company. Their diverse experiences enable Opel to create vehicles that cater to a wider range of needs, not only for women but for all drivers.
Nina Thiele, President of Women of Stellantis Germany, highlights the value of this diversity: “In the Women Perspective Panel, we bring together female colleagues reflecting many perspectives and life experiences. These are women of different ages and physiques as well as from a wide range of professions at Opel. This team is to provide impetus for the new Opel model to be developed based on their own personal experience.”
The WPP’s involvement is holistic, engaging throughout all stages of the development process. From workshops and benchmark analyses to test drives and target group feedback, panel members contribute their voices at each touchpoint, ensuring that Opel vehicles are both functional and intuitive.
Empowering Change: WPP’s Impact on the New Opel Grandland
The Opel Grandland, the brand’s top-of-the-line SUV, has benefited immensely from the Women Perspective Panel’s input. Early on, the panel was invited to assess competitor models, providing valuable feedback on their strengths and areas for improvement. These insights were crucial in shaping the future Grandland’s design and functionality.
A significant aspect of the WPP’s contribution to the Grandland’s development was its focus on ergonomics and storage. The panel delved deep into questions such as: “What do we really need in a car?” and “How can we optimise storage space to accommodate various body types?” These discussions led to the incorporation of key elements into the vehicle’s design, ensuring that the Grandland would meet the needs of all users, whether short or tall.
Furthermore, a specialised workshop on ergonomics addressed the challenges faced by drivers and passengers in terms of accessibility. The result: a more comfortable driving experience, particularly when it comes to reaching storage compartments and maintaining comfort on long journeys.
“Thanks to our input, we were able to bring many aspects to the new Grandland that are important not only for women, but also for all drivers,” Thiele proudly states. “This includes the pleasant feeling of space in all seats, the excellent steering wheel positioning, and the high-quality interior. The effective rear ventilation, including optional seat heating, also contributes to the feel-good ambience.”
Key Aspects Shaping the New Grandland
The WPP’s influence is evident throughout the Grandland’s design and functionality. Key features that were introduced or refined based on the panel’s feedback include:
- Interior Quality: High-quality materials and a clean, polished finish ensure a premium feel throughout the cabin.
- Visibility: Camera systems with cleaning functions improve all-round visibility, adding to both safety and convenience.
- Ergonomics: The Grandland is designed to accommodate individuals of varying heights and body types, making it comfortable for everyone.
- Storage: Practical, accessible storage solutions, particularly within the centre console and boot, optimise space for everyday use.
- Driving Characteristics: A smooth, responsive driving experience ensures a high level of comfort and safety, providing an enjoyable ride for all passengers.
- Light Signature: The illuminated Opel Blitz emblem, a signature of the brand, adds a stylish and modern touch.
Throughout the development process, the Women Perspective Panel was not a passive observer; members were actively engaged in test-driving prototypes, providing feedback and making sure that the Grandland’s features met their high standards.
A Success Story Built on Collaboration
The involvement of the Women Perspective Panel in the Opel Grandland’s creation has not only enhanced the vehicle’s design but also reinforced Opel’s commitment to diversity and collaboration. Since its debut, the new Grandland has garnered widespread acclaim, earning prestigious accolades like the ‘2024 Golden Steering Wheel.’
“The Women Perspective Panel and the new Grandland are perfect examples of how team spirit works at Opel,” Thiele notes. “We’ve demonstrated how a wide variety of perspectives can contribute to the success of new models—and this is something we strive to achieve every day.”
Opel’s commitment to diversity, inclusion, and equality is embedded in the DNA of the brand. The Women Perspective Panel serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of diverse input in creating products that are not only functional but also reflective of the needs and desires of a broad spectrum of people. As the Grandland’s success shows, this inclusive approach leads to better vehicles—and a better driving experience—for everyone.
This International Women’s Day, Opel celebrates not just the achievements of women but also the ongoing efforts to create a more inclusive and equitable future. Through initiatives like the Women Perspective Panel, the company continues to prove that diversity is not just a value but a driving force for innovation and success.
