Diversity and equality are also present where you would not immediately expect them: in a corner in the Taunus, when reaching into the glove compartment, when looking in the rear-view mirror. Namely, when the seat – regardless of gender and body size – offers perfect support, storage compartments are easily accessible and the view to the rear is effortless. At Opel, the principles that recognise the diversity of society are part of the corporate culture – and are therefore also an essential part of the development process of new models. For the new Opel Grandland, a team of women has provided valuable input that makes the top-of-the-line SUV even more desirable.

The concept of the Women Perspective Panels (WPP) was first used on the Mokka – and has since proven itself in all new models, including the Astra. „We bring together colleagues who reflect as many perspectives and life experiences as possible,“ says Nina Thiele, Chairwoman of Women of Stellantis Germany. Women of different ages and sizes, as well as from a variety of professions, are active in the WPP. „The team provides input for the new Opel model based on personal experience.“

From the very beginning, the WPP has influenced the top-of-the-line SUV. Andrea Ziegler was already on the winding roads in the Taunus three years ago. Together with colleagues, she compared the previous generation Grandland with various competitors – with the aim of identifying potential for improvement in the development of the successor model. „The feeling of safety,“ she recalls, „was already unsurpassed in the previous model – just like the seating comfort.“

Clear focus on practical benefits

A special workshop on ergonomics and storage space focussed on the optimal use of storage space and how even small people can easily reach all compartments. „Practical benefits are particularly important for women – family, hobbies, everyday life, everything has to find its place,“ says Ramona Syska, head of the Grandland panel. The workshop results were directly incorporated into further development. What’s more, in a WPP report with key aspects, the women recorded key points and shared them with the responsible teams in the vehicle development process. „This so-called Key Performance Index was our guideline: Throughout the entire process, we compared the current results with it,“ explains Ramona Syska.

The key points that the Women Perspective Panel pursued in addition to a safe driving experience range from quality to ergonomics to practical requirements. These include high-quality, dirt-resistant materials in the interior as well as camera systems with a cleaning function that improve all-round visibility. An important point: ergonomics. „People of all heights should feel comfortable in the vehicle,“ emphasises Ramona Syska. Last but not least, practical and easily accessible storage compartments – especially in the centre console – were at the top of the list, as was a flexibly usable boot.

It is not only the opportunity to bring important impulses from the women’s perspective into development that makes the work in the WPP so valuable for Mariola Schwarzer. „Being able to dive deep into development work and expand your own network is a real enrichment,“ she says. Actually, she is a safety manager and ensures that vehicle modules meet all safety requirements. Working in the WPP enables her to look beyond her own area. A highlight? The styling analysis, which collected feedback on aesthetic and functional requirements for the new model. „This is where I saw the design of the Grandland for the first time and was thrilled. The illuminated Opel Blitz in the Vizor, the illuminated wordmark lettering at the rear – impressive!“

Women who love cars

The influence of the Women Perspective Panel on the Opel Grandland is evident in the many requirements that have been transferred to series production. These include a pleasant feeling of space in all seats, good steering wheel positioning, high-quality interior quality and a pleasant driving experience. The effective rear compartment ventilation including heated seats in the rear also contributes to the feel-good ambience. „With our work, we have brought important aspects into the new Grandland – not only for women but for all motorists,“ says Ramona Syska. Not only the result, but also the way to get there is groundbreaking for the panel leader. „The cooperation in the team was always characterised by empathy and appreciation. The important finding: At Opel, there are a lot of highly competent women who are united by their love of cars.“

Andrea Ziegler, who took part in the early comparison drive in the Taunus, also comes to a clear verdict after a final test drive in the new Grandland: „The colleagues have actually managed to improve the driving characteristics even further. And even the already outstanding seating comfort has been increased again – impressive.“