German manufacturer Opel will produce the next-generation Astra model at its home plant in Rüsselsheim, it was confirmed at the beginning of the week. The new generation of this popular model will be based on Stellantis’ STLA ONE modular platform, and the company plans to introduce a total of at least four new models by 2030. Therefore, the focus of the new Astra should be on electric drives, LFP batteries and generally modern technologies such as steer-by-wire and 800-volt architecture with batteries integrated into the chassis.
Four novelties
Among the novelties, in addition to the Astra, there is also the new Corsa generation and the new C-SUV model, which is being developed in partnership with the Chinese company Leapmotor. The latter will be manufactured in Zaragoza, Spain as part of an expanded partnership with Chinese manufacturer Leapmotor. The vehicle will be positioned alongside the existing Opel Frontera and Opel Grandland models and will serve as an example of effective global cooperation.
The new SUV model is designed and created at Opel’s center in Rüsselsheim, and is being developed by international teams based in Germany and China. This project will enable the German manufacturer to make a quick strategic breakthrough in the field of electrification and mass production, and the start of sales of this new model on the market is expected as early as 2028.
The choice of local production directly confirms Stellantis’ focus on Germany and Europe as a key industrial location. Their focus, they say, is on strengthening the C-segment, which represents an essential part of the group’s European strategy within their FaSTLAne 2030 strategic plan.
Investments in a green campus
The total investments of the Stellantis group in Germany will reach more than one billion euros by 2030. In addition to production facilities, funds are also being invested in the construction of a new, technologically advanced company headquarters called “grEEn-campus” in Rüsselsheim. Opel’s new global headquarters and home of Stellantis in Germany will be built using sustainable building materials and designed for a flexible way of working. For example, the project includes an integrated photovoltaic system on the green roof, which contributes to biodiversity and microclimate, while the facility’s cooling will be provided by means of shallow geothermal systems.