GM gears up for Astra launch; Restructured Belgian plant to produce key Opel model.(News)(General Motors Corp.)

Automotive News Europe,  January, 2004  

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General Motors started building the next Astra here on January 4. It is based on GM's T-platform architecture. The Opel Belgium plant has been chosen as the leading Astra plant in Europe.

GM has invested [euro]1 billion in tooling up for the new Astra, code-named A3300. In the Antwerp plant alone, [euro]500 million was spent, including [euro]50 million for a new body press shop.

"We were the first to complete restructuring following the Olympia plan, which aimed at reducing overcapacity," said Diana Tremblay, Opel Belgium plant director.

"We closed one ...

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