Poland

14 October 2011, following many months of intense arrangements, in the presence of guests and employees, the first Astra GTC unit, the model that has been recently presented during the International Motor Show in Frankfurt, has rolled off the assembly line of Opel plant in Gliwice.

Models from Astra family have been produced at the PlantGeneral Motors Manufacturing Polandsince August 1998. Owing to many years of experience which translates into the highest quality of the cars produced there, the Plant in Gliwice, as the only one in the world, has become the manufacturer of Astra in GTC version. The arrangements to start the production have taken many months and have been preceded by the advanced works, including the implementation of innovative technologies in all production departments. The final investment’s value has reached 325 million złotys.
Astra GTC does not feature any external elements shared with other models from Astra family, excluding the housing of the external rear-view mirror and rod antenna. The production of one unit takes about 15 hours of work without downtime and the engagement of 3,000 people. The Plant General Motors Manufacturing Polandis responsible for the quality of all Astra IV models in Europe, which further enriches the experience and knowledge of its employees, now responsible also for Astra GTC. The new model will come in a wide variety of engines and driving units. It is also characterized by high comfort of use, safety and cost-effective operation.The Opel plant in Gliwice has created 151 new jobs in order to ensure the highest quality and production capability. By the end of this year about 17,000 units of this new, compact coupéare planned to be manufactured.

“Good quality, high efficiency and low costs have ensured the investment in new, very important forGeneral Motorsproducts in Gliwice. The evidence for that is current start-up of Astra GTC production and the plans to start the production of Astra IV sedan next year and compact convertible in 2013. The competitiveness of the plant is the best guarantee for making use of its production capability,stable employment and further development.” – said Andrzej Korpak, the Managing Director of General Motors Manufacturing Poland.

At present, the Plant General Motors Manufacturing Poland manufactures such models as: Astra III Sedan, Astra IV and Astra GTC. Production volume in 2010 amounted to 158,732 units,whereas 154,154 units were exported. The achievements of General Motors Manufacturing Poland constitute a good example of foreign investments success and the introduction of the next model should have a positive influence on the development of both,the plant and Polish economy.