More than ever, manufacturers have started their green transition: this includes, in particular, the marketing of hybrid and electric models or even a more ecological use of resources. However, there is an element of our vehicles that we never think about, but which is responsible for the massive use of natural resources: user manuals.

Vauxhall decided to dust off this traditional component of our vehicles by moving it from paper to digital today. From now on, all new models of the German manufacturer, such as Opel Astra, Mokka or even Grandland, will come with simplified paper bookletwhich replaces a thick user manual of several hundred pages.

Opel: dematerialized user manuals

This printed booklet, called the Quick Start Guide, is a kind of quick, ready-to-go guide that contains important information to get you started with your car. For more detailed information, this quick guide includes a QR codewhich allows the clientaccess to the full digital user manual car

“For Opel, being a responsible manufacturer means more than just becoming an all-electric brand by 2028”Ihor Dumas, brand director of Opel France, clarifies in this regard: “Environmental responsibility also means saving all the resources related to the car, such as the owner’s manual, which is in every car. The new digital format and printed quick guide save paper and raw materials. And it’s friendly too. All this contributes to our approach, which we call “Greenovation”, an integral part of our global strategy.”.

In addition to the economic aspect, this approach allows Opel to satisfy the need of some of its customers to have less paper in their car. The quick start guide and its QR code make it easier to use the user guide more practical and fun.

Opel operating instructions: Significant paper savings

In practice, this is enough scan the QR code using your smartphone, tablet or computer to access detailed car information online. THE online user guide is also available via the myOpel app and makes it easier to find information, freeing up space in the glove box.

These digital user manuals also come with small video lessons, which provide valuable advice to customers on the operation of various driver assistance systems. In addition, the instruction folder for each Opel and infotainment system is now made of more environmentally friendly materials.

Previously, each manual that came with Opel was about 500 pages per car. From now on, the printed brochures that come with the brand’s car, including the quick guide and technical information, are limited to around 100 pages. This represents a 80% saving of paperor hundreds of millions of pages are saved every year throughout Opel production.

And even if this information has not yet been communicated by the European automotive group, it is likely that all brands of the Stellantis group will soon adopt a similar approach.