SHERIDAN, WYOMING – April 16, 2025 - A Unique Twist on a Holiday Tradition
Why settle for chocolate bunnies and painted eggs when you can go on a family-friendly treasure hunt inside your new car? Opel is inviting families to take the Easter egg hunt to the next level—by diving into the depths of its latest SUV, the new Opel Grandland, in search of an unexpected surprise: hidden sharks. This playful and imaginative detail isn’t just a gimmick—it’s a celebrated tradition nearly two decades in the making.
A Design Detail with a Bite
The newly launched Opel Grandland is making waves in more ways than one. While its premium features—like the adaptive Intelli-Lux HD lights, Intelli-Seats for maximum comfort, and the clever translucent Pixel Box—are already turning heads, it’s the swarm of tiny sharks hidden throughout the vehicle’s interior that’s really sparking consumer curiosity.
“The sharks have become iconic among the community. And they show the attention our designers pay to even the smallest detail,” said Design Director Karim Giordimaina. “Many customers are already looking forward to searching for the sharks when they buy their next Opel model. So, the playful sharks are also proof of how we inspire enthusiasm and emotions with our vehicles, on a large as well as on a small scale.”
These sharks aren’t just decals—they’re carefully integrated into the vehicle’s design, often tucked away in places only the most curious explorers will discover. To find them, drivers and passengers might need to lift a lid, rotate a tray, or take a closer look at their wireless charging area. It’s a weatherproof, interactive experience that adds an extra layer of fun to the driving experience.
The Origins of the Opel Sharks
This whimsical Easter egg first surfaced in 2004, when designer Dietmar Finger was working on a glove box sketch for the Opel Corsa D. As the story goes, Finger’s son looked at the sketch and innocently asked, “Why don’t you just draw a shark?” That simple suggestion sparked a design legacy. Finger shaped the plastic support ribs into a shark profile and shared it with Corsa’s then Chief Designer, Niels Loeb, who immediately approved it for production.
From that moment, the Opel shark became a recurring feature, quietly swimming its way into the interiors of models like the Zafira, ADAM, Astra, and now, the Grandland. “Every interior chief designer has made sure that at the end of the development process of a new model they have at least one shark somewhere in the interior,” Opel revealed. The exact locations are kept secret—even from senior management—adding to the thrill of the hunt.
Sharks in the Spotlight: Opel’s Customer Connection
In an era where automotive design often leans heavily into performance specs and digital displays, Opel’s shark tradition adds a touch of humanity and playfulness. It’s more than just a design quirk—it’s a shared moment of discovery between the brand and its customers.
The Grandland isn’t just about hidden fun, either. It's fully electrified in every variant and produced using recycled materials, aligning with Opel’s ‘Greenovation’ strategy. This sustainable approach makes the Grandland a vehicle that’s not only high-tech and comfortable but also eco-conscious.
What’s Next: Frontera Joins the Frenzy
The Opel shark story doesn’t stop with the Grandland. The upcoming Opel Frontera is already confirmed to host its own hidden sharks, promising more underwater-themed fun for future owners. According to Opel, “Customers will soon be able to go on a shark hunt with the whole family in the new Opel Frontera.” As the brand continues to roll out new models, each one is expected to feature its own unique placement of these beloved mini predators.
Ready to Dive In?
The new Opel Grandland offers more than just a sleek ride—it’s an experience filled with surprise, delight, and a bit of cheeky fun. Whether you're a design enthusiast or just looking for a new way to keep the kids entertained, the shark hunt adds a charming dimension to car ownership.
Discover the new Grandland and join the hunt at www.opel.com.