Opel/Vauxhall has confirmed that it will build an all-new small car below the Corsa, at its Eisenach plant in the east German state of Thuringia from 2013.
“This is a further milestone in the growth strategy for our business,” said Opel/Vauxhall CEO Nick Reilly. “Our EUR90m investment in the Eisenach plant will significantly strengthen its role within our European manufacturing network, and will offer customers a brand-new model with innovative technology and exciting design.”
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Reilly said the plant’s production flexibility would be further enhanced to allow the new car to be built efficiently on the existing production line. He also said that the investment will secure jobs in Eisenach ‘for years to come’.
The new model is targeted at the A-segment below the Corsa (though it will also be on the ‘Gamma 2’ vehicle architecture) and marks a departure from the policy of offering an entry model – the Agila – based on a small Suzuki.
The start of regular production is planned for 2013. Opel/Vauxhall said that at a later stage, this car might also provide the opportunity of a battery-electric version for zero-emission driving in city areas.
“This new product will be an important element in our growth strategy,” said Reilly. “Along with other new vehicles, such as the upcoming electric Ampera, a sporty coupe and a small SUV, we will significantly expand our product lineup in the future and offer customer choices in several more segments.”
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By GlobalDataOne knock-on effect of sourcing the new small car from Eisenach is that some Corsa production will be switched to the Zaragoza plant in Spain. As a result, both plants will be able to produce volumes exceeding current levels.
“Our Eisenach plant has a highly-motivated workforce, producing vehicles of outstanding quality. Our new model will benefit from this the same way the Corsa does now,” Reilly said. “At the same time, the addition of this vehicle to our portfolio is a true win-win as we will be able to increase the planned production volumes for Eisenach’s sister plant in Zaragoza as well.”
