Opel Cuts Polish Output, Adds New Astra Sedan in Russia

VIENNA – Adam Opel will eliminate the third shift in some parts of its General Motors Poland Mfg. plant in Gliwice, Poland.

As of Dec. 3, the assembly and paint shops, as well as a portion of the body shop, will be converted from three to two shifts with a rate of 37.5 cars per hour.

The press shop, a part of the body shop and the departments affiliated with them, will remain on three shifts.

Other plant operations will remain on three shifts because the Gliwice facility not only produces complete cars but also builds assembly kits for Russia.

The Polish factory currently manufactures three body versions of the Astra IV: the 5-door hatchback, 4-door sedan and 3-door GTC coupe including its sporty OPC version. In addition, the old Astra III sedan, rebadged as the Astra Classic, still is produced in Gliwice.

The facility is preparing for volume production of the new Opel Cascada convertible set for launch in early 2013.

In related news, GM’s Russian plant GM Avto in St. Petersburg launches volume assembly of the new Opel Astra sedan from complete-knocked-down kits sourced from Gliwice. Some parts are manufactured locally.

The portfolio of the St. Petersburg facility now includes the Chevrolet Cruze hatchback and sedan as well as Opel Astra hatchback and sedan.

The old Opel Astra Classic sedan is assembled at the Avtotor plant in Kaliningrad, Russia, from Polish-made semi-knocked-down kits.