You can't wait at Opel.
After all, they don't celebrate a world premiere every day.
The brand with the lightning bolt is not at all modestly presenting the new version of its most important car alongside the small Corsa in its event hall at its headquarters in Rüsselsheim.
And the Astra is nothing else.
About a quarter of the sales of the only German subsidiary of the Stellantis Group relate to this compact car.
Thorsten Winter
Business editor and internet coordinator in the Rhein-Main-Zeitung.
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On this Wednesday morning, the countdown begins a few minutes before the announced start.
The clock runs down on the screen, it pours and buzzes out of the box and rolls in - a high wheel, controlled by a driver in elegant black clothes, including a top hat.
Next up is a 1930s Cadet, followed by successful Epigones who look fresh from production.
There has to be a little tension.
To the driving report of the new Opel Astra: Courage from the Main
But then, shortly after 11.30 a.m., the new bearer of hope comes into view.
At first only on the canvas, then on four wheels and freshly polished.
In front of the international audience, at the cradle of Opel, “the real challenger”, as the presenter puts it in the best of marketing terms.
The new Opel boss Uwe Hochgeschurtz gets out of the car.
The second premiere that day in front of the three-digit number of guests, including representatives from Volkswagen AG, the market leader from Wolfsburg.
“Welcome to the premiere of a breathtaking car,” calls Hochgeschurtz into the hall.
However, not in German, but in English, as everything about the presentation is “in English”.
The second premiere that day in front of the three-digit number of guests.
“Welcome to the premiere of a breathtaking car,” calls Hochgeschurtz into the hall.
However, not in German, but in English, just like everything about the presentation is “in English”.
Two hybrids and a pure electric Astra
He chats fluently with the moderator.
The Blitz has never been so well suited to the Astra as it is now, he says in view of the electrified models.
Two plug-in hybrids and a purely electric Astra are available.
The car can be ordered from October, and Opel is building it for the first time in Rüsselsheim at the end of the year.
The company has already initiated the market entry in China, which its predecessor Michael Lohscheller had already announced.
“We have to move forward quickly,” says the man with a weakness for sales.
When he first appeared, Hochgeschurtz didn't skimp on big words.
“Opel will be the German automaker,” he says confidently and describes the brand as exciting, courageous and human.
Cool instead of cool.
The car built on a group platform will be available from 22,465 euros, and for this money there will be a “well-equipped car,” as Hochgeschurtz says.
In a recording, plant manager Michael Lewald emphasizes that the Astra was designed in Rüsselsheim.
Chief designer Mark Adams says that the new model will also bring a new perception. Again, the term is brave in view of the sporty appearance. The Astra appears to be naturally lowered. By the way, the chief engineer behind the model is a woman: Marielle Vogler.