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2021 Opel Astra to be built in Rüsselsheim, will offer electrified model

New-gen model to be built in Germany alongside the Insignia, and will be based on the PSA Group’s EMP2 platform.


Opel has announced the next-generation Astra small car will be built at its Rüsselsheim facility in Germany from 2021, also confirming an electrified variant.

Currently, the Astra is assembled at Ellesmere Port in the UK, and Gliwice in Poland – the former supplying Australia’s now-axed Holden Astra Sportwagon, and the latter the source of the Holden Astra hatchback which remains on sale.

The move means the Astra will be built alongside the larger Insignia (sold here as the Holden Commodore) at the German facility, with a second factory set to produce the popular small car, though the company hasn’t confirmed where the additional site will be.

Opel also confirmed the new Astra will ride on the PSA Group’s ubiquitous EMP2 modular architecture, which underpins a range of models including the Peugeot 308, 3008, 5008, and Citroen C5 Aircross, which will allow for an “electrified version” – though it’s unclear whether the new Astra will offer fully-electric, hybridised versions, or both.

“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,” said Michael Lohscheller, CEO of Opel.

“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.”

It’s not the first time the Astra has been built in Rüsselsheim, having previously been produced at the German facility between 2009 and 2015 in its previous generation.

Drive

Australia

It’s unclear how this announcement affects local versions of the Astra, given Opel has recently been acquired by the PSA Group from General Motors (GM), Holden’s parent.

Drive has contacted Holden for further comment, stay tuned for an update.

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