Stellantis to Invest Over €1 Billion in Opel and Expand Astra Production in Germany
Stellantis' Strategic Investment and Expansion Plans in Germany
Major Investment Announcement
BERLIN, June 8 (Reuters) - Stellantis' German brand Opel will invest more than 1 billion euros ($1.16 billion) in Germany by 2030 and produce the next generation of its best-selling Astra compact car at the subsidiary's Ruesselsheim plant, the company said on Monday.
Future Model Lineup and Collaborations
New Models and Partnerships
The carmaker plans at least four new models by the end of the decade, including successors to the Astra and Corsa and a new compact SUV developed with Chinese partner Leapmotor, a statement said.
Continued Investment in Existing Portfolio
Opel will also continue to invest in existing models in its portfolio, it added.
Significance of the Investment
Focus on Germany and Opel's Role
"The investment into the production of the next Astra generation in Ruesselsheim underlines the focus of Stellantis on Germany and the importance of Opel," Stellantis Europe chief Emanuele Cappellano said.
Importance of the Compact Segment
Accounting for some 30% of total car sales in Europe, the compact segment is a key part of Stellantis' European strategy, he added.
Technical Platform and Electrification
STLA One Platform
Both the future Astra and Corsa models will be based on Stellantis' STLA One platform, designed to underpin a new range of electrified vehicles across the group, whose brands also include Fiat, Peugeot and Jeep.
Broader Strategic Overhaul
Recent Strategic Moves
Last month, Stellantis set out a 60-billion-euro strategic overhaul, including production partnerships with Chinese groups Leapmotor and Dongfeng.
Currency Exchange Rate
($1 = 0.8656 euros)
(Reporting by Rachel MoreEditing by Madeline Chambers)
