Opel to build an Astra PHEV
The next generation of the Opel Astra will be produced from 2021 in two European plants, including the brand’s traditional home of Rüsselsheim in Germany. PSA, the works council and IG Metall have agreed on the plan. It is also possible that an electrified version will be built at the Rüsselheim plant.
The next generation is based on PSA’s EMP2 platform, which allows the joint production of combustion engines and plug-in hybrids on a single production line – purely electric cars are not yet feasible with the EMP2 platform. Although this makes it possible for an electrified version of the new Astra to be manufactured in Rüsselsheim, Opel has not specified exactly where the Astra-PHEV will be built.
In addition to the upcoming Astra, the Insignia will continue to be built in Rüsselsheim. “This is an important step for our Rüsselsheim plant,” said Opel boss Michael Lohscheller.
“This investment will enable the plant to operate in two shifts and secure the future of the Rüsselsheim plant for the long term. Opel has not provided any further information on the type of electrification, simply claiming that the new Astra should “push ahead with the electrification of the Opel brand”.
On an EMP2 basis, PSA currently offers two variants. The upcoming Opel Grandland X PHEV and its sister models Peugeot 3008, Citroën C5 Aircross and DS 7 Crossback E-Tense 4×4 will feature a combination of a petrol engine and two electric motors. The 1.6-litre turbo delivers 147 kW, the electric motors 80 kW each. An electric motor is mounted on the rear axle. The system output is 220 kW.
A simpler version with only one electric motor and pure front-wheel drive is also planned. The petrol engine will then have an output of only 132 kW, the electric motor will remain at 80 kW. Which variant is to be used in the Astra is not clear from the communication.
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