At the end of my internship there is what, looking back, feels like the highlight of an entire trip: the driving event for the Opel Mokka GSE in Spain. For weeks I witnessed the preparations from Rüsselsheim, wrote texts, created presentations and contributed many small pieces of the puzzle to a big picture. But it’s only here, in Madrid, that everything comes together.
Over 400 media representatives came to the international press launch, the atmosphere is electric, and the new Mokka GSE is constantly in the spotlight. Test drives through the picturesque landscapes around the Spanish capital, goosebumps moments on the racetrack – and I’m right in the middle of it all, live.
“Product communication, presentations and lots of horsepower – the internship was perfect for getting to know everyday work.”
– Journalism student Antonia Schmidt –
Just a few weeks after the IAA Mobility 2025, the newcomer is ready for test drives.
At the Circuito de Madrid Jarama, the Mokka GSE displays grip, agility and its sporty DNA.
Directly from rallying: The Mokka GSE adopts high-voltage components and setup from the Mokka GSE Rally.
Anticipation and excitement: A participant prepares for her ride in the Mokka GSE Rally.
Antonia Schmidt interviews Calle Callberg, the reigning European Junior Rally Champion.
Tradition goes electric: The Monza GS/E (center) is reminiscent of the origins of the sporty GSE line, while the Mokka GSE Rally and Mokka GSE usher in their electric age.
It’s not just an impression. I’m taking a whole suitcase full of experiences back to Germany – and that’s exactly where the story of my internship actually begins. And in September. Autumn is slowly approaching in Rüsselsheim, the Stellantis flags are blowing in the wind in front of the Adam Opel Haus. During my first week, preparations for the IAA Mobility 2025 are already in full swing – on my third day I am excitedly watching the rehearsals for the press conference.
Back to the beginning: IAA, Opel Classic & Co.
When the French television team M6 Turbo announced their arrival, I was able to help with organization and filming. At the same time, there is an opportunity 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 delve deep into the brand history. Between hand-made drawings of the factory, terrain and vehicle 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?
High performance in series: A participant gets ready for the next round on the Circuito de Madrid Jarama.
Top performance, grip and a dynamic chassis make the Mokka GSE the most exciting electric production Opel.
The Opel Monza GS/E is still considered one of the brand’s most defining sports icons.
Its legacy lives on in the modern GSE models, which carry these values into the electric age.
The Mokka GSE Rally demonstrates in Madrid how electric performance is redefining motorsport.
Back to Madrid – and right into the action
All of these impressions from Rüsselsheim accompany me as the grand finale of my internship approaches at the end of November: the event near Madrid on the grounds of the “Circuito de Madrid Jarama”. On the approximately 3.85 kilometer long race track, on which 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 stood at the top of the podium. What previously only took shape on project plans, in presentations and meetings, I experience live here – in the middle of an international environment and very close to the product.
One moment creates many impressions. And they have it all. During the co-drive in the Rally Mokka GSE, I sat as a passenger in the Mokka GSE Rally for the first time. Despite my initial nervousness, Tom Heindrichs, winner of this year’s ADAC Opel Electric Rally Cup “powered by GSE”, circles safely around the corners – a successful adventure. In the middle of the action, I experience what PR work and organizing such an event mean. How many people are involved and give everything every day to make things run smoothly.
“In the middle of the action, I experience what PR work and organizing such an event mean.”
– Antonia Schmidt, working student in Opel communications –
Enjoyment in large portions: Serrano ham in one piece as an eye-catcher in the evening program.
Conversation point performance: At the dinner, media representatives from all over the world come into conversation.
Also on site: The Opel Corsa GSE Vision Gran Turismo – a study that merges the digital and real worlds.
800 HP for everyone: Gamers have been able to send the Corsa GSE Vision onto the slopes in the Gran Turismo racing simulation on the Playstation since this fall.
Opel boss Florian Huettl promises that the Mokka GSE in Madrid is “the most exciting fully electric car that Opel has ever produced in series”.
Finally, even in Madrid, car windows have to be cleared of ice – and back in Rüsselsheim the leaves are also giving way to ice crystals. The year is coming to an end and so is my time at Opel. Overall, I can look back on an exciting, instructive and varied time. I was happy about a balanced combination of getting a taste of things, working on it and independent, smaller projects.
An important learning at the end
Never underestimate the size of the Opel site. And if someone recommends that you should drive from A to B, there is a reason. If you decide to go against all recommendations on foot, there are many opportunities for you to get lost. But there are at least as many opportunities to meet nice and helpful people.
Thank you!
Pure OMG energy: the group takes off together during the photo shoot.
December 2025
Text: Antonia Schmidt, photos: Dani Heyne and Andreas Liebschner