Next Generation Opel Astra to be Designed, Engineered and Made in Rüsselsheim

• Exciting newcomer: Next-generation compact class bestseller Astra to be produced at Opel home plant in Rüsselsheim
• At least four new models by 2030
• grEEn-campus Rüsselsheim: New global Opel headquarters and Stellantis Germany home under construction
• More than €1 billion to be invested overall in Germany until 2030

The next generation Opel Astra, based on the new Stellantis STLA ONE platform, will be produced at Opel’s home plant in Rüsselsheim. As communicated by Opel CEO Florian Huettl during the Stellantis Investor Day, the German manufacturer plans to introduce at least four new models by 2030. The newcomers include the next generations of the best-selling Opel Astra and Opel Corsa along with the recently announced new C-SUV in partnership with Leapmotor. Meanwhile, Opel will continue to invest in existing models in its portfolio.

“The investment into the production of the next Astra generation in Rüsselsheim underlines the focus of Stellantis on Germany and the importance of Opel,” said Stellantis Enlarged Europe COO Emanuele Cappellano. “The C-segment, which accounts for approximately 30% of total car sales in Europe, is a substantial part of Stellantis’ European strategy to strengthen the Company’s market coverage in our region, as outlined in our FaSTLAne 2030 strategic plan.”

“The allocation of the next-generation Astra to our plant in Rüsselsheim demonstrates Opel’s commitment to Germany as an industrial location. I am delighted that Rüsselsheim will remain the home of the Astra and be built in the direct vicinity of our new grEEn-campus,” said Opel CEO Florian Huettl. “This investment is a clear sign that together with our social partners we can reach agreements that benefit all stakeholders.”

“Opel and Vauxhall are important assets within Stellantis and fulfill a significant role especially within Europe,” Xavier Chéreau, Chairman of the Opel Board, said during his visit in Rüsselsheim today. “Made in Germany is a well-recognised quality label for customers worldwide and a defining strategic asset for Opel in the Stellantis group. This performance is supported by strong industrial foundations and high-quality social dialogue,” Chéreau added.

The German manufacturer is thus adding to current projects in Germany with total investments in the country to reach more than €1 billion by 2030. Opel and Stellantis Germany are already constructing a new state-of-the-art headquarter building, the grEEn-campus Rüsselsheim. The new global Opel headquarters and Stellantis Germany home will offer state-of-the-art workplaces that are designed for flexible working and collaboration. Sustainable building materials are being used to ensure a good interior atmosphere. The power supply is provided by a photovoltaic system, which is integrated into a green roof. This not only contributes to biodiversity but also ensures a pleasant microclimate and helps the cooling of the building, which is ensured in parallel via a geothermal system close to the ground.

C-segment models have been a staple of Opel’s portfolio for 90 years. The success story that started with the Kadett in 1936 has been seamlessly continued with the current generation Astra. With high-tech solutions such as the Intelli-Lux HD headlights and highly efficient powertrains including battery-electric, plug-in hybrid, hybrid and diesel the Astra – designed, engineered and made in Germany – caters for a broad range of customer needs. In total, around 25 million units of the Kadett and Astra have been sold to date.

Like the future Opel Astra, the next generation Opel Corsa will be based on the new STLA ONE Stellantis platform and take another step toward making electric mobility accessible and even more relevant. The current generation Corsa has been Germany’s best-selling small car for more than five years and continues to lead the way in 2026. In total, more than 15 million units of the iconic Corsa have been sold.

While the Opel Astra and the Corsa represent two established products in the Opel line-up, the all-new C-SUV, announced to be produced in Zaragoza as part of the extension of the partnership with Leapmotor, will complete the coverage of the C-segment alongside the Opel Frontera and the Opel Grandland. The new vehicle will serve as a blueprint for efficient global collaboration: designed and created by Opel in Rüsselsheim and developed by international teams located in Germany and China. Simultaneously, it will enable the German manufacturer to take a major strategic step forward in terms of electrification and scaling in the shortest possible time with sales of the newcomer expected to start as early as 2028.

[1] A vehicle's values not only depend on the vehicle's efficient use of fuel, but are also influenced by driving behaviour and other non-technical factors.

Opel celebrates ‘60 Years of Opel in Kaiserslautern’ on June 20

• June 3, 1966: Official opening of the Opel plant in Kaiserslautern
• Ongoing success story: Site today as an important parts supplier in the group
• June 20, 2026: Open day with employees, families and the public
• Attractive anniversary programme: Live music, activities for young and old as well as guided tours in the press shop and component production
• Tradition with a future: Exhibition of Opel vintage cars and current models including test drive opportunity plus high-performance concept car Opel Corsa GSE Vision Gran Turismo

On June 3, 1966, the Opel plant in Kaiserslautern was officially opened. In the years and decades that followed, the site first developed into an important powertrain plant and then to a key component plant in the group. Today, it supplies more than 20 Stellantis sites all over the world. Currently, more than 30 models from seven Stellantis brands contain components from Kaiserslautern.

 The successful history and development of the plant into a state-of-the-art production site is a reason to celebrate. On June 20, 2026, Opel will open the gates to the public for the big anniversary of ‘60 years of Opel in Kaiserslautern’. At the open day, employees, their families and friends as well as all Opel fans can get to know the site from a completely different perspective and take a look behind the scenes.

“Opel and Kaiserslautern have been inextricably linked for 60 years now and we want to celebrate this anniversary! Visitors can expect hours full of surprises, various experiences and new insights. I would like to thank our employees in particular, without whom this success in Kaiserslautern would not have been possible. Come by and experience what Opel stands for in Kaiserslautern,” said plant manager Bilyana Stern.

The anniversary programme on June 20 starts in the morning at 10.00 CEST. Throughout the day, visitors will gain an insight into everyday production and tasks on site as well as into the current Opel and further Stellantis models. They can experience the processes in the press shop and component production on an interesting tour. After all, around 400 different components are manufactured in Kaiserslautern. More than 350,000 parts produced here leave the plant every day in all directions of Europe, where they are then installed in a wide variety of Opel and Stellantis models – the top-of-the-line SUV Opel Grandland alone contains over 100 parts that are manufactured in Kaiserslautern.

 

 From classic cars to high-performance studies: Opel models in all their facets

On the open day, visitors can get to know various vehicles better and experience them for themselves during a test drive, for example – first and foremost, the new Opel Astra and the new Opel Astra Sports Tourer. The latest variants of the compact class bestseller were designed and developed at the headquarters in Rüsselsheim and are also built there. The top-of-the-range SUV Opel Grandland – produced at the Eisenach site and thus also ‘made in Germany’ – will be available to Opel fans in Kaiserslautern on the anniversary day, too.

Furthermore, the stunning Opel Corsa GSE Vision Gran Turismo will certainly be an eye-catcher. With a system output of 588 kW (800 hp), 800 Newton metres of torque, acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 2.0 seconds and a top speed of 320 km/h, the concept car stands for pure electric high performance. At the same time, the Corsa GSE Vision Gran Turismo is the brand's first concept car to merge the digital and real worlds. Visitors can also experience this live at the factory party – by driving the electric car themselves in the Gran Turismo 7 racing simulator.

If guests prefer to reminisce about their own childhood, they can visit the vintage car exhibition. Especially for the event, Opel Classic is bringing some special treasures from the Rüsselsheim collection to Kaiserslautern. Here, too, everything is under the motto ‘pure high performance’. The exhibits include rarities such as the Grand Prix racing car from 1913 as the oldest vehicle as well as an Opel Rekord B, which the former German national football coach Sepp Herberger bought in 1966, the year the Opel plant in Kaiserslautern officially opened. The Group 5 special touring car based on the Rekord C, known to fans as the ‘Black Widow’, completes the range – as does the legendary 500 hp 2.5-litre V6 ‘Cliff’ Calibra, with which Manuel Reuter and Opel secured victory in the International Touring Car Championship ITC in 1996, as well as the prototype Astra OPC X-Treme V8 with 444 hp and gull-wing doors from 2001. Other Opel classics from private hands round off the exhibition offer.

Already in the late morning, following the official speeches, there will be an autograph session with a 1. FC Kaiserslautern legend. Who this will be remains a surprise until the day of the event. And for all early risers, the first highlight of the day will take place at around 8.30 CEST when the 4th ADAC Trifels Oldtimerwanderung of the Sportfahrer Union Kaiserslautern starts at the factory premises.

Elsewhere, a varied children's and family programme will be provided throughout the anniversary day. Whether it is a bouncy castle, go-kart and obstacle courses, a mini-kart track, painting cars, goal wall shooting or different games of skill – there will be plenty on offer for young and old alike. The programme is rounded off by the chance to visit the factory locomotive and the factory fire brigade’s fleet of vehicles. A variety of culinary delights and live music with the band ‘Roof Rabbits’ will further get everyone in the right mood. Exciting information about Opel as an employer is also provided by the Opel vocational training team. And if guests want to take home a souvenir of this special day, they will find a large selection at the Opel merchandising booth. The factory will close its doors again at 16.00 CEST, giving visitors plenty of opportunity to experience Opel in many facets at the Kaiserslautern site.

Opel Becomes Strategic Partner of the German Women's and Men's Handball National Teams and Title Sponsor of the Handball Bundesliga

• Opel electrifies German handball: New sponsor of the German women's and men's national teams from July 1, 2026
• Double deal: Opel also becomes the new title sponsor of the men's Handball Bundesliga
• Opel commitment to professional sport: Handball contracts run for three seasons
• Made in Germany: New Opel Astra and Opel Grandland designed, developed and built in Germany

German manufacturer Opel will become a key partner of German handball after signing two significant sponsorship agreements. Opel will become a strategic partner of the German national handball teams – both women's and men's – from July 1, 2026. The commitment runs for three years. At the same time, Opel will be the new title sponsor of the strongest handball league in the world, which will be officially named ‘Opel Handball-Bundesliga’. For three seasons, the Rüsselsheim-based manufacturer will electrify all 18 Bundesliga clubs, all games and, above all, fans across Germany and beyond. With a holistic strategy of comprehensive activation and financial support, Opel is becoming a strategic partner of German handball. The partnerships with the association and the league were brokered by the sports rights and marketing agency SPORTFIVE.

 With these new partnerships, Opel is continuing its commitment to sport, which has a history spanning more than 130 years. At the same time, the brand with Blitz aims to further sharpen its sporting profile and further establish the hugely popular and growing sport of handball in the heart of society.

 “Opel and handball are a perfect match. Both stand for team spirit, motivation and dynamism," said Patrick Dinger, Head of Opel Germany. “Like Opel, the handball fan base sits firmly at the centre of society and is family-oriented, down-to-earth, approachable and authentic. And: Both brands were created and grew in Germany and have always stood for 'Made in Germany'. Together with our retail partners, we are looking forward to an exciting, energetic and successful cooperation with the national teams and the league."

Mark Schober, CEO of the German Handball Federation (DHB), said: “Opel and German handball move people. The DHB, HBL, and Opel are bringing energy and values to the partnership in such a way that we can grow together in a strong handball alliance. We already have a shared history, and we are now contributing our talents for a successful future with the ‘Made in Germany’ quality seal. The partnership with Opel opens up great opportunities for German handball.”

 Uwe Schwenker, HBL President and member of the board of the German Handball Federation said: “We are delighted to welcome Opel as the new naming rights partner. The Opel brand stands for performance, innovation, and high reliability, as well as outstanding technical expertise. This is an excellent fit for handball. The fact that this globally active automotive manufacturer has chosen us demonstrates the significant national and international appeal of our league.”

Frank Bohmann, Managing Director of HBL GmbH added: “On every match day, the HBL demonstrates passion, courage, innovative strength, and an unwavering commitment to performance and success. These values also apply to Opel, a manufacturer which we perceive as approachable, attainable, and innovative. We are therefore thrilled that the HBL and Opel, two iconic German brands with a strong presence, are joining forces to create innovative concepts that make handball and mobility a modern and attractive experience for fans and customers.”

Opel's strategic measures include the targeted promotion of handball and the sharpening of the brand profile. At the same time, the long-term sponsorship supports Opel's identification in the field of high-performance sports. Furthermore, Opel will become the mobility partner of German handball. Opel has always built sporty and modern vehicles and today, this claim is embodied in particular by the new high-performance GSE models. It is also emphasised by the new Astra and Astra Sports Tourer, designed, engineered and built at the Opel headquarters in Rüsselsheim, and the top-of-the-line SUV Grandland produced in Eisenach. These models stand for German engineering.

 Speed, closeness and electrifying tension: Opel with a strong handball message

With the world's first all-electric rally one-make cup, Opel has been underlining its pioneering role and competence in exciting locally emissions-free motorsport that inspires customers and fans for five years now. The entry into Formula E reinforces this claim. At the same time, Opel is proving how electric sporty driving pleasure arouses pure emotions and works for the middle of society with its hot new ‘everyday sports cars’ such as the battery-electric Opel Mokka GSE and the recently unveiled Opel Corsa GSE.

Like Opel's new high-performance GSE models, fast-paced ball sports such as handball are characterised by dynamism, excitement and emotions. The strategic partnership with the German women's and men's national handball teams as well as the strongest handball league in the world is therefore a perfect fit. Handball has become the second most popular sport in Germany. In addition, handball is one of the team sports with the widest reach on German TV. In addition, thousands of fans flock to the arenas for every game. Both partners – handball and Opel – clearly embody the ‘Made in and made for Germany’ idea: both originated and grew in Germany with a clear focus on the enthusiasm of the ever-growing fan base.

Strengthening of brands: With national teams and the ‘Opel Handball-Bundesliga’

At the appearances of the national teams, the Opel wordmark and Blitz emblem will feature prominently on the jerseys of the players and other officials. The same applies to all teams of the Handball Bundesliga. In addition, the ‘Opel HBL’ composite logo will underline and emphasise the ‘Opel Handball-Bundesliga’ across all arenas and channels for the next three seasons. With banner ads, spots, advertisements and social media activities, Opel will increase awareness among viewers – at the games and appearances of the women's and men's national teams as well as in the context of the Handball Bundesliga.

What's more, Opel will develop targeted formats that actively appeal to the audience and in particular to young and digital target groups. Activities such as special media days, behind-the-scenes access, ticket raffles, further competitions and much more are planned. Of course, the retail partners always act as the central interface between Opel as a manufacturer and the handball community.

Opel has a proud tradition of being a partner of sports in general and dynamic ball sports in particular. With all the measures mentioned, Opel is now returning to handball with a bang. As early as the 1980s and 1990s, the manufacturer was the jersey sponsor of the national handball team and partner of the seven-time German champion TV Großwallstadt. With the comprehensive new commitment to the national teams and the Handball Bundesliga, Opel will continue to increase the popularity of handball and at the same time, the partners can look forward to an exciting future.