- GM launches production of a new five-door Opel Astra in Russia.
- The new Opel will be built at the St. Petersburg plant.
- GM currently produces three models in Russia: Chevrolet Captiva and Cruze and Opel Antara.
ST. PETERSBURG, Russia — General Motors has launched the production of a new Opel Astra, the fourth model it is producing in Russia, at its St. Petersburg plant.
The new model is a new version of the Opel Astra five-door hatchback, which will be priced at the equivalent of $19,000. Among the notable features are a heated steering wheel and a three-mode suspension system. It will be positioned in the middle-price segment.
Hans-Juergen Michel, CEO of GM's Russia unit, has declined to comment about volume projections, saying that it will depend on market conditions.
He also has not ruled out the possibility of launching a second stage of production at the plant in the near future, which should help the company reach one of its strategic goals in Russia and to increase the capacity of its St. Petersburg plant to as many as 60,000 units per year.
Russian analysts believe the new Astra will be in great demand among local consumers. A source at Opel Russia said that the company has already received a large number of orders for the new model.
Established in November 2008, the factory started production at the beginning of 2009. Currently, GM produces three models in Russia: the Chevrolet Captiva and Cruze and the Opel Antara.
Inside Line says: More locally sourced choice for Russian buyers. — Evgeniy Vorotnikov, Correspondent
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421ho says:
05:11 PM, 07/29/2010
Any color you want as long as it's red.