Opel/Vauxhall lowers production at main factory in Rüsselsheim

Opel has reduced production at its main plant in Rüsselsheim. According to a company spokesperson, assembly of the Astra compact car and its sister model, the DS 4, has come to a complete standstill this week.

opel ruesselsheim produktion astra — Image: Opel

Starting now, the Rüsselsheim plant will switch to a one-shift operation, which is expected to last until the end of January. One of the reasons, according to the German publication Handelsblatt, is that despite sales of the Astra going well, the sister model DS 4 is not selling as well as hoped.

Just two months ago, Opel revealed a new design for the Mokka Electric, as well as adjusting prices for its electric vehicles. The Zafira Electric also recently saw its prices go down, as Opel launched the Frontera electric SUV in European markets last summer. Our driving review of the Astra Sports Tourer also found that the larger battery has translated into improved efficiency, coupled with a large amount of space.

It was only in June that the German Chancellor visited to mark the 125th anniversary of the German car manufacturer, however, things have not become easier on an already strapped market since then, resulting in the downgrade in shift operation.

About 1,600 people are currently employed at the Opel factory in Rüsselsheim.

wiwo.de, handelsblatt.com (both in German)