He noted that plug-in hybrid sales are “by no means at the same level of importance as the fully electric or the hybrid variants.”
Range extender setups are “quite interesting,” he added, though early examples “may struggle to digest” driving on German highways at 130-140 km/h.
That could improve with help from Stellantis’ Chinese partner Leapmotor.
Production To Remain In Germany
Despite recent layoffs at its R&D facilities in Rüsselsheim, the new Astra will be built at the same plant with fresh investment.
However, the Astra makeover isn’t immediate.
Opel has other models coming first: a new Corsa expected in 2027, a Leapmotor-based compact SUV, and a fresh Mokka.
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Unlike Citroën and Fiat, which are developing budget EVs like the 2CV and next Pandina, Opel is not chasing that segment.
