Ramp up of New Opel Astra Production in Rüsselsheim

• All-New Astra is the cornerstone of Opel’s ongoing electrification strategy in 2022
• Newcomer makes clear statement with technologies it brings to the compact class

Hesse’s Prime Minister Volker Bouffier and Opel CEO Uwe Hochgeschurtz (on the right)

All-new Opel Astra rolls off the assembly line at the Rüsselsheim plant. Today, Opel CEO Uwe Hochgeschurtz welcomed Hesse’s Prime Minister Volker Bouffier, Hesse’s Economics Minister Tarek Al-Wazir and Rüsselsheim’s Lord Mayor Udo Bausch to the Rüsselsheim plant to witness the ramp up of production of the new Opel Astra. To date, around 500 new Opel Astra have already been produced. In the coming months, the new generation of the Opel Astra will be the cornerstone of the Rüsselsheim-based brand’s electrification offensive. All-new Astra five-door will arrive at customers in the spring – and will be available as a plug-in hybrid right from the start. In 2023, the purely battery-electric Astra-e will complete the range. 

Hesse’s Economics Minister Tarek Al-Wazir, Prime Minister Volker Bouffier, Opel CEO Uwe Hochgeschurtz and Rüsselsheim’s Lord Mayor Udo Bausch (from left)

“All-new Astra has been developed with love and dedication down to the smallest detail. It was also the first car I presented when I took over as Opel CEO and I obviously have a special connection with this compact class bestseller,” said Opel CEO Uwe Hochgeschurtz. “Designed, engineered and now produced at our traditional headquarters in Rüsselsheim, this newcomer will provide us with additional momentum. I am already looking forward to seeing all-new Astra at dealerships and in the hands of our customers in spring.”

“Opel is at home here in Hesse. For many generations now, Opel has not only been driven here, the people also continue to produce and develop the brand. The headquarters in Rüsselsheim are an important employer in the entire region. So it is particularly gratifying that the new Astra is rolling off the assembly line here in Rüsselsheim. With this, the company reinforces its commitment to secure the site. Hesse is also doing its part to ensure that the carmaker has good framework conditions for production, development and research. Automotive industry is currently undergoing a structural transformation. State Government of Hesse will continue to support Opel in mastering this challenge. With today's start of production and the conversion to electric mobility planned in 2028, the company demonstrates: It has its sights firmly set on the future,” said Hesse’s Prime Minister Volker Bouffier and Economics Minister Tarek Al-Wazir.

“Increased competitiveness of the Rüsselsheim plant has ensured that this exciting model can be produced here,” said Ralph Wangemann, Managing Director Human Resources and Labour Director. “This investment will allow work in two shifts and the skills, dedication and commitment of the employees will play a major part in the future success of our all-new Astra.”

“Team handled the numerous pandemic-related restrictions excellently. We are extremely proud to be the new home of the Astra – a state-of-the-art compact class bestseller in outstanding quality,” said Plant Manager Michael Lewald.

All-new Opel Astra is a design statement for the brand. Dynamic as never before, with sheer, taut surfaces, detoxed of superfluous elements and with the new brand face – Opel Vizor. The newcomer also makes a clear statement with the technologies and assistance systems it brings to the compact class. Innovations that customers are otherwise only familiar with from vehicles in higher segments. One highlight of the extensive portfolio is the latest version of the adaptive, glare-free IntelliLux LED Pixel light. System comes directly from the Opel flagships Insignia and Grandland, and with 168 LED elements, is a leader in the compact and midsize class.

A leap in time has taken place in the interior of the new generation Astra. With the fully digital Pure Panel, analogue instruments are consigned to history. Instead, the new human-machine-interface (HMI) with fresh, modern graphics offers customers a pure, more intuitive experience. Operation is via an extra-wide touchscreen. In addition, important settings such as climate control can still be selected directly via just a few switches. Never before has an Opel been so intuitive and easy to operate as the new Astra.

Outstanding seating comfort in the new compact class model is also typical of Opel. The front seats, developed in-house, are AGR-certified (Aktion Gesunder Rücken e.V.) with exemplary ergonomics, especially on long journeys. Driver is supported by optional state-of-the-art assistance systems ranging from the head-up display to the 360-degree view called Intelli-Vision.

!NEW! Opel Opens New Global Propulsion Systems Center

• Seven-floor testing and development building for propulsion systems of the future
• €210 million investment at Rüsselsheim headquarters

Opel has invested €210 million in the complex of the new Global Propulsion Systems Center in Rüsselsheim. More than 800 people work here.

Only two years after the groundbreaking ceremony the new, ultra-modern Global Propulsion Systems Center at Opel’s Rüsselsheim headquarters is ready to go into service. Volker Bouffier, Prime Minister of the federal state of Hesse, who took the opportunity to take a close look at the impressive building complex, attended the official inauguration ceremony.

Hesse’s Prime Minister Volker Bouffier presents the “Hessian Lion” to Opel CEO Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann on the occasion of the inauguration of the new Global Propulsion Systems Center in Rüsselsheim.

More than 800 engineers and technicians will develop the propulsion systems of the future in the complex with a surface area of around 36,000 square meters. The complex not only has a technology center and office space but also 45 latest generation test dynamometers.

Hessian Prime Minister Volker Bouffier and Opel CEO Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann put the first test dynamometer for propulsion systems into operation.

The €210 million invested in the new Global Propulsion Systems Center is the biggest single investment in buildings in Rüsselsheim since the inauguration of the new production plant in 2002.

“The future will quite literally be shaped in the new Global Propulsion Systems Center. Rüsselsheim is one of the most important centers of innovation in our state and it has become an internationally competence center, especially in the mobility sector. Products, concepts and solutions that are used around the glove are developed here. This importance is once emphasized by the new center. The investment made by Opel is a clear commitment to Rüsselsheim and I am happy that the company will continue to shape the future from here. Opel is a key part of Hesse and a piece of Hessian identity,” said Prime Minister Volker Bouffier.

Opel CEO Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann and Uwe Baum, Deputy Chairman of the Opel Works Council, welcomed Prime Minister Bouffier. Dan Nicholson, GM Vice President Global Propulsion Systems was also present to greet the guests.

“The new development center will make our work even faster and even more efficient. It not only strengthens Opel but also Rüsselsheim and the entire GM development network. Opel and its parent company General Motors want to remain one of the pioneers of clean propulsion systems as seen with the new groundbreaking Ampera-e electric car,” emphasized Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann.

“This new center is a very important strategic investment. We will develop the propulsion systems of the future here by using ultra-modern tools and a total of 45 new dynamometers. GM decided to build this center in Rüsselsheim for good reason. It is a sign of appreciation for the performance and the know-how of our highly-qualified Opel engineers. The global network makes GM and Opel especially strong,” said Dan Nicholson.

Uwe Baum, Deputy Chairman of the Opel Works Council, added: “This investment is an important step for the future and proof of the growth and employment opportunities at Opel. The center for propulsion systems will help us secure work places and competences at the development center, as already agreed in the ITDC labor contract. Today is a good day for Opel and for Rüsselsheim.

This new construction is part of the €230 million investment in new testing and development facilities at the International Technical Development Center (ITDC) and at the Development Center in Rodgau-Dudenhofen announced two years ago, with most of the total amount being invested in Rüsselsheim.

The facility is integrated in the global development system of GM Global Propulsion Systems. The output can be optimally evaluated and implemented thanks to the internationally standardized testing procedures and software.