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• IAA Commercial Vehicles 2000: Opel presents completely new van series
• Visionary studies: Vivaro Concept V, Vivaro VPC and Vivaro e-Concept
• Long-lasting success: Vivaro named ‘International Van of the Year’ in 2002 and 2021
• Since 2024: Vivaro and Vivaro Electric with passenger car design and technologies

As a flexible work companion, delivery hero or transporter for a wide range of requirements: the Opel Vivaro is a true all-rounder for tradespeople and fleet customers – and has been for 25 years now. At the IAA Commercial Vehicles motor show in 2000, Opel presented a completely new transporter, laying the foundation for the long-lasting success, which is now in its third decade. After its launch, the Vivaro quickly became a key model in Opel’s commercial vehicle portfolio. This workhorse and everyday hero was and is just as popular with customers as it is recognised by experts – among other awards, it was named ‘International Van of the Year’ twice. Additionally, Opel presented groundbreaking Vivaro studies, anticipating new technologies and the future development of its best-selling commercial vehicle – most notably the all-electric Vivaro e-Concept in 2010.

Since 2020, the Opel Vivaro has been available in a battery-electric version. And since the beginning of 2024, the latest Vivaro generation has been on the market – with innovative technologies, comfort and design on a par with passenger cars. For example, the current Vivaro features the Opel Vizor brand face familiar from passenger car models for the first time. As from the very beginning, customers can rely on the typical Vivaro virtues today: the van offers plenty of flexible space, excels as a load carrier and is available in numerous variants for virtually any purpose, including as a crew van or shuttle vehicle for people with limited mobility.

Start of Opel’s LCV business: From Arena to first Vivaro generation

The first Vivaro generation originally emerges from a joint venture created at the end of 1996. Opel wants to build particularly attractive vans for customers and expand its portfolio to include light commercial vehicles (LCVs) with up to 3.5 tonnes gross vehicle weight (GVW). The Opel Arena – the Vivaro’s immediate predecessor – is launched in 1997, followed two years later by the first Opel Movano in the segment above the Arena. At the 2000 IAA Commercial Vehicles show, the manufacturer then presents the prototype of a new generation of vans: the completely redesigned Opel Vivaro.

Perfect combination: Attractive Vivaro design meets high safety and top efficiency

The innovative design is unique among LCVs in those days, combining an attractive appearance with user-oriented functionality and high efficiency. The highlight of the futuristic design is the so-called ‘Jumbo roof’. The domed cabin not only offers the driver and front passengers an exceptional amount of headroom, it also enables easy entry and egress – which is particularly appreciated by delivery and courier services.

At launch in 2001, the front-wheel drive Vivaro is available in efficient diesel variants with different outputs, always combined with a six-speed manual transmission. The shift lever is integrated directly into the centre console to save space and ease handling. The excellent driving characteristics are comparable to those of a passenger car – another strength of the Opel Vivaro which is also noted positively by the jury of experts, who name the Vivaro ‘International Van of the Year 2002’ (IVOTY).

With a GVW of 2.7 or 2.9 tonnes, Opel offers the first generation Vivaro in more than 20 variants. Customers can choose from two wheelbases – 3,098 or 3,498 mm – and three body styles (panel van, combi or platform chassis). Each version provides plenty of space. The short wheelbase van and combi already offer 5 m³ of cargo capacity; the longer version of the van can even accommodate three Euro pallets in its almost 6 m³ cargo compartment.

The domed cabin is equally practical, ergonomic and modern. With integrated navigation, telephone and CD-changer, the state-of-the-art infotainment systems from Opel passenger car models set new standards for LCVs at the time. Typically for Opel, the Vivaro represents a benchmark in terms of safety, too. A driver airbag and three-point safety belts for all occupants are standard in all model variants; front passenger and side airbags are optionally available. Disc brakes at all four wheels and an electronically controlled, four-channel ABS and brake-force distribution set equally high standards in terms of active safety.

Visionary: Vivaro Concept V, Vivaro VPC, Vivaro Surf Concet and Vivaro e-Concept

But Opel fosters even more ambitious plans for the Vivaro. As early as in 2001, the manufacturer presents its vision of a high-tech multimedia luxury bus for work and leisure at the IAA in Frankfurt. Fine materials such as leather and Alcantara, an exclusive two-tone paint finish and special 20-inch rims define the appearance of the Vivaro Concept V. The six-seater concept car combines luxury class equipment with state-of-the-art infotainment systems. The seats offer high comfort and exceptional functionality with armrests and fold-out tables. In the second row, they can be rotated 180 degrees to create a conference arrangement. This can be seen as the first precursor to the lounge configuration with four independent vis-à-vis seats in today’s Opel Zafira Electric.

At the AutoRAI 2007 Commercial Vehicles show in Amsterdam, Opel demonstrates that the first Vivaro generation can also be extremely sporty. The Vivaro VPC is inspired by the OPC passenger car models of the time – including a spoiler package and increased performance compared to the series versions. The next particularly sporty Vivaro concept car presented at the IAA 2015 is completely different: the Opel Vivaro Surf Concept offers space for five to six passengers (depending on the seat configuration) and all their sports and leisure equipment. In addition to the enclosed up to 4 m³ cargo area a special surfboard rack is mounted on the roof of the trendy sports and leisure vehicle, so that surfing enthusiasts do not have to go on holiday without their boards. Passengers also enjoy maximum comfort: the air suspension on the rear axle of the concept car absorbs all kinds of road bumps; at the same time, in conjunction with shortened springs, it can lower the vehicle height by around seven centimetres to 1.90 metres – making the Vivaro Surf Concept suitable for most underground car parks.

Five years earlier, at the 2010 IAA Commercial Vehicles, the Vivaro e-Concept celebrates its world premiere. With this concept, Opel sows the seeds of an idea that will germinate in 2020 in the shape of the battery-electric Vivaro series model. With the Vivaro e-Concept, Opel presents the study of an electrically driven panel van with an extended range of more than 400 kilometres. Featuring 5.0 m³ of cargo space, a payload of 750 kg and a 111 kW (151 hp) electric motor, the study provides an outlook to what an electric light commercial vehicle is capable of and how environmentally friendly e-mobility is becoming attractive for trade and commerce.

From 2019: Following Vivaro A and B, the third generation is electric for the first time

The first Vivaro generation rolls off the production line until 2014. In the same year, the Vivaro B celebrates its premiere with optimised versatility and a new look. And in 2019, the third generation of the LCV bestseller arrives – also all-electric for the first time. Right from the start, the battery-electric Vivaro is a transporter without compromises for everyday working life while enabling locally emissions-free driving. Customers can choose between two sizes of lithium-ion battery, depending on their needs. With 75 kWh for a range of up to 330 kilometres, or with 50 kWh for up to 230 km, both in the WLTP¹ cycle. With these qualities, the all-electric Vivaro – like its predecessor in 2002 – impresses the international jury of experts once again and is named ‘International Van of the Year 2021’.

With Opel Vizor and high-end technologies: New Vivaro launches in 2024

But that is no reason for Opel to rest on its laurels. At the beginning of 2024, the versatile Vivaro is launched in a new style. The newcomer features the characteristic Opel Vizor brand face for the first time. In addition to the battery-electric Vivaro Electric, which is again available with two battery sizes, customers can choose from a range of economical diesel engines. The Vivaro is just as diverse in its range of variants as it is in its engines: it is available in two vehicle lengths (4.98 metres and 5.33 metres), as a panel van, double cab and practical chassis for different body types. Depending on the version, it offers up to 6.6 m³ of load volume and around 1.4 tonnes of payload.

A total of 18 state-of-the-art driver assistance systems, including Dynamic Surround View, make daily commutes and manoeuvring in the city or on company premises easier and safer. And the cockpit features state-of-the-art infotainment and navigation systems with a digital 10-inch driver colour information display and a 10-inch colour touchscreen. In this way, the latest Vivaro generation combines proven LCV qualities with the modern features of a passenger car.

^[1] Range determined according to WLTP test procedure methodology (R (EC) No. 715/2007, R (EU) No. 2017/1151). The actual range can vary under everyday conditions and depends on various factors, in particular on personal driving style, route characteristics, outside temperature, use of heating and air conditioning and thermal preconditioning.