by Opel prepares four new models by 2030
Opel, although it remained in the shadows during Stellantis Investor Day, confirmed plans to launch four new models. Two of them will be built on the STLA One platform. The manufacturer also announced investments of over 1 billion euros ($1.15 billion) in Germany by 2030.
New generations of Astra and Corsa
Among the new products are the next generations of the Astra and Corsa models, as well as the recently announced C-SUV, which will be produced in partnership with Leapmotor.
The new generation Astra will be based on the STLA One platform and will be produced in Rüsselsheim. The Corsa will also receive this new architecture and, according to the company, “will take another step toward affordable and more relevant electric mobility.”
Both models will appear by the end of the decade, but little is known about them so far. Stellantis previously stated that the STLA One platform will be launched in 2027. It is a modular architecture that supports various types of powertrains and vehicle sizes.
Advantages of the STLA One platform
The main goal of the platform is to reduce costs by 20%, while simultaneously decreasing production complexity and accelerating development. Key factors are scalability and modularity. The architecture will be used for vehicles in segments B, C, and D. Ultimately, it will be applied to over 30 models worldwide.
Vehicles on the STLA One platform will also support electric motors with affordable lithium iron phosphate batteries. The architecture supports 800-volt voltage, ensuring fast charging times and higher efficiency.
C-SUV from Opel and Leapmotor
The C-SUV crossover is expected to appear in 2028. It will be produced in Zaragoza, Spain. The model will be based on Leapmotor architecture and will use their battery technologies, but will feature its own chassis from Opel and a unique design.
The model is expected to be largely similar to the Leapmotor B10. This vehicle offers battery packs with capacities of 56.2 and 67.1 kWh, providing a range of up to 270 miles (434 km). They power an electric motor with 215 hp (160 kW / 218 hp).
The B10 can also be equipped with a hybrid powertrain with extended range. It consists of a 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine, an 18.8 kWh battery, and the aforementioned electric motor. This gives the crossover an all-electric range of 53 miles (86 km) and a total range of up to 559 miles (900 km) under the WLTP cycle.
Thus, Opel is betting on two different strategies: its own STLA One platform for key Astra and Corsa models, which will reduce costs and increase efficiency, and a partnership with Leapmotor for a quick market entry with a new electric crossover. This reflects the company’s desire to cover different market segments and accelerate the electrification of its model lineup, using both internal developments and external technologies. Investments in German plants emphasize the brand’s long-term commitment to European production, despite recent staff reductions.
