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Opel and Vauxhall confirmed that they will build a convertible based on the Astra compact car at the factory in Gliwice, Poland. The move is a part of the brand’s planned 11 billion Euro investments to renew its lineup over the next five years.

The 2013 Opel Astra Cabrio is most likely going to use a fabric roof rather than the retractable hard top, with one of its main rival being the newly introduce Volkswagen Golf 6 Cabriolet.

“The new Convertible will be a great addition to our product lineup,”said Opel/Vauxhall CEO Nick Reilly. “It follows the long-standing tradition of highly emotional and legendary Opel/Vauxhall Cabrios that provided important halo effects on our brand. With its sleek and elegantdesign, our new Convertible will fully deliver on that same promise.”




Press Release

Opel/Vauxhall Confirms Production of New Convertible

• Product offensive continued
• Cabrio to enter market in 2013
• Production scheduled for Gliwice, Poland

Rüsselsheim. Opel/Vauxhall continues its portfolio expansion as the addition of a new Convertible has been confirmed today. The new Cabrio is part of the company's €11 billion investment pledge announced approximately one year ago as part of its plan for the future. It comes on the heels of successful products such as the Insignia, 2009 Car of the Year, the Astra, winner of a 2009 Golden Steering Wheel, the Meriva with its innovative and highly-acclaimed FlexDoors system, the upcoming new generation Zafira, and the revolutionary Ampera electric vehicle.

The new Convertible will be based on Opel/Vauxhall's compact vehicle architecture which is also the basis for the current Astra, the Astra SportsTourer and the upcoming Astra GTC. It will hit the market in 2013 - the same year that Opel/Vauxhall will also launch its chic and stylish small car meeting the growing demand for vehicles in line with a young and urban lifestyle.

Subsequent to a joint agreement between management and employee representatives during the restructuring at the Opel plant in Gliwice, Poland, the decision has been made to build the Cabrio at the highly-efficient Gliwice plant alongside other Astra models.

"The new Convertible will be a great addition to our product lineup," said Opel/Vauxhall CEO Nick Reilly. "It follows the long-standing tradition of highly emotional and legendary Opel/Vauxhall Cabrios that provided important halo effects on our brand. With its sleek and elegant design, our new Convertible will fully deliver on that same promise."

Further details, such as vehicle naming, pricing and equipment, will be announced closer to the launch timing.