In a statement released this past weekend, the Rüsselsheim-based automaker confirmed that the all-new Astra, which could carry the L internal moniker as opposed to the current Astra K (pictured), will not only be built in its home city, but come underpinned by parent company PSA’s EMP2 platform used by the Peugeot 3008 and the Opel Grandland X.
It therefore means that the Astra K will be last model using components from previous parent company, General Motors (GM), bringing to an end the Astra nameplate’s run of GM foundations following its debut in 1979 by sister brand, Vauxhall, in the United Kingdom as the preferred name for the then new Kadett D.
“This is an important step forward for the Rüsselsheim plant. This investment will allow work in two shifts and secure the sustainable future of the Rüsselsheim plant,” Opel CEO Michael Lohscheller said in the statement.
“This result shows the determination of all involved stakeholders to come to an outcome that works for all parties. Rüsselsheim will continue to play an important role in the industrial footprint of Groupe PSA”.
In addition to the switch from GM’s D2XX architecture, the PSA Astra will also become available with the same selection of engines powering various Peugeot and Citroën models, feature Opel’s ‘Bold and Pure’ styling language derived from last year’s GT X Experiential concept that become a reality on the new Corsa and have the option of an electric powertrain for the first time.
“Increasing competitiveness, efficiency and quality is part of Groupe PSA’s production DNA and the Rüsselsheim plant has made major inroads in all of these areas. I count on Rüsselsheim to contribute to the manufacturing of the next generation Opel Astra,” PSA Executive Vice-President Manufacturing & Supply Chain, Yann Vincent, said.
The switch to the Rüsselsheim plant where the Astra was last built in 2015 and which currently builds the Insignia and Holden Commodore has however cast doubt about the future of the current Gliwice plant in Poland and Ellesmere Port in the United Kingdom, the latter being the most troubling following recent plant closures by both Ford and Honda due to Brexit.
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