Opel Project Earth Launched at Cinema for Peace Gala 2011

As the presenting sponsor of the event, Opel not only provided the VIP shuttle service for Cinema for Peace - with the Opel Ampera electric vehicle and 20 Insignia ecoFLEX models - but it has also announced “Project Earth,” an initiative that will support student scientists who have demonstrated exceptional concern for animals, human beings and the environment.

“I am very excited about Project Earth and the potential it has to make a positive impact,” said Alain Visser, Vice President Sales, Marketing and Aftersales at Adam Opel AG. “The Cinema for Peace Foundation has the potential to reach millions of people over the medium of film, and can use this to spotlight important topics.”

Project Earth runs under the patronage of NASA scientist Edwin “Buzz” Aldrin, one of only 12 people who have set foot on the moon.

The initiative will take selected student scientists to four regions of the world: the arctic, the Pacific Ocean on the gulf of California, the Brazilian rainforest and the Serengeti in Tanzania. The students will visit local organizations working to protect endangered habitats, and assist the scientists in their activities.

“Opel is committed to further improving the environmental compatibility of its automobiles and operations,” added Visser in a statement for the press. “While our ecoFLEX and alternative-fuel models demonstrate how we are continuously reducing the effect of the internal combustion engine on the environment, our vision is zero-emission mobility with the hydrogen fuel cell. Electric vehicles will be the next step on our journey, and later this year Opel will launch the Ampera, the first electric car in Europe suitable for everyday use.”