From Rüsselsheim to Madrid

At the end of my internship, what in retrospect feels like the highlight of an entire journey awaits: the international media launch of the Opel Mokka GSE in Spain. For weeks, I witnessed the preparations in Rüsselsheim, wrote texts, created presentations and contributed many small pieces of the puzzle. But it is only here, in Madrid, that everything comes together.

More than 400 media representatives have travelled to the international media launch, the atmosphere is electrifying, and the new Mokka GSE is constantly in the spotlight. Test drives through the picturesque landscapes around the Spanish capital, goosebumps on the race track – and I was right in the middle of it.

The impressions are mindboggling, and I take a whole suitcase full of experiences back to Germany – and that’s exactly where the story of my internship actually started in September. In Rüsselsheim, autumn is slowly announcing itself, in front of the Adam Opel Haus the Stellantis flags are blowing in the wind. During my first week, the preparations for the IAA Mobility 2025 are already in full swing – on my third day, I am eagerly watching the rehearsals for the press conference.

Back to top: IAA, Opel Classic & Archive

When French television team from M6 Turbo announces itself, I am allowed to help with the organisation and accompany the filming. At the same time, this gives me a chance to get to know Opel Design and Opel Classic better – from a walk through 120 years of automotive history to concept vehicles such as the Opel Experimental. A day like a little journey through time. In the Opel Media Archive, you can dive deep into the brand’s history. Between handmade drawings of the plant or models, I even discover a technical drawing for a car holder with a flower vase – a charming detail from Opel’s history – and perhaps inspiration for future accessories?

Back to Madrid – and right in the middle of the action

All these impressions from Rüsselsheim accompany me when the grand finale of my internship is imminent at the end of November: the event near Madrid at the „Circuito de Madrid Jarama“. On the approximately 3.85-kilometre-long race track, where the Spanish Grand Prix was held nine times as part of the Formula 1 World Championship. Racing legends such as Jackie Stewart, Emerson Fittipaldi, James Hunt, Niki Lauda and Mario Andretti all won here. What previously only took shape on project plans, in presentations and meetings, suddenly comes to life – in the middle of an international environment and very close to the product.

Moments become memories that I will never forget. At the rally co-drive, I get to sit on the passenger seat of Mokka GSE Rally for the first time. Despite initial nervousness on my part, Tom Heindrichs, winner of this year’s ADAC Opel Electric Rally Cup ‘powered by GSE’, navigates safely around the corners – a successful adventure. In the middle of the action, I experience what PR work and the organisation of such an event mean. How many people are involved and give their all day in and day out to ensure that everything runs smoothly.

Most recently, even in Madrid, car windows have to be cleared of ice – and back in Rüsselsheim, too, the leaves give way to ice crystals. The year is coming to an end and so is my time at Opel. All in all, I can look back on an exciting, instructive and varied time. I was happy about a balanced combination of getting a taste of it, working on it and independent smaller projects.

An important lesson at the end

Never underestimate the size of the Opel site. And if someone recommends that you should drive from A to B by car, then there is a reason. If, against all recommendations, you decide to walk, there are many ways to get lost. But there are at least as many ways to get to know nice and helpful people.

Thank you very much!