Opel is preparing to export more Astras to the US than planned, despite the weak US dollar.

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According to dpa-AFX, Opel had planned to export 30,000 cars next year, but now expects to ship 40,000.


Opel works council chairman, Klaus Franz, told the news agency that the car is attractive to US buyers but the weak dollar is a problem.


An Opel spokesperson confirmed that the Astra has received a positive reaction in the US ahead of its launch in January 2008. This will be the first time in 30 years that Opel has exported to the US in any significant volume. The Astra will be sold under the Saturn brand in the US and Canada.


Production for the US starts in Opel’s Antwerp plant this week. The first shipment will be made in December, the news agency said.


 

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