The next generation of GM's compact cars is expected for 2010. The Opel Astra, as we known it today and expect it sometime next year, will undergo some major changes by the end of the decade.
The 3.1 billion Euro total investment for the next big small car will be divvied up between plants in Ellesmere Port, U.K.; Bochum, Germany; Trollhättan, Sweden; and Gliwice, Poland. Presently, the Astra is assembled in Antwerp, Belgium however there are no plans to use this facility beyond 2010.
Carl-Peter Forster, President of General Motors Europe, says that product allocations are extraordinarily difficult decisions to take. He adds that since all of the Western European plants have significantly improved over the past few years and are now very close in terms of the various measures of performance, such as cost, productivity and quality.
There are no plans to close the Antwerp plant that currently employs 4,500 people. Bochum currently employs 4,900 people, Ellesmere Port 2,200 people, Trollhättan 2,150 people and Gliwice 2,800 people.
photo:General Motors
 |
| Opel Astra GTC |
The 3.1 billion Euro total investment for the next big small car will be divvied up between plants in Ellesmere Port, U.K.; Bochum, Germany; Trollhättan, Sweden; and Gliwice, Poland. Presently, the Astra is assembled in Antwerp, Belgium however there are no plans to use this facility beyond 2010.
Carl-Peter Forster, President of General Motors Europe, says that product allocations are extraordinarily difficult decisions to take. He adds that since all of the Western European plants have significantly improved over the past few years and are now very close in terms of the various measures of performance, such as cost, productivity and quality.
There are no plans to close the Antwerp plant that currently employs 4,500 people. Bochum currently employs 4,900 people, Ellesmere Port 2,200 people, Trollhättan 2,150 people and Gliwice 2,800 people.
photo:General Motors