Saturn Astra - one step closer to confirmed...

PurdueGuy · 05-10-2006, 02:18 AM

Though not confirmed officially by GM, Automotive News has shared details about GM plans to import the Opel Astra, rebadged as the Saturn Astra (the name all but confirmed), to sell in the U.S.

While the Astra is a hot product, the price will be notably higher than the Ion it replaces - starting around $16,000. Also, while the Ion has been selling about 100K units annually, current plans are for 20-40K Astras to be imported annually.

This isn't confirmed yet, so don't take it as definate plans, but it sure seems closer.

More at: http://www.cheersandgears.com/forums...opic=8549&st=0

Personally, I'll be happy to see Saturn get the Astra (Saturn may not be what it used to, but at least GM is taking the brand seriously...). I'm not too crazy about the price jump (some is expected, a little less would be appreciated for the base model...), and the importing (I am personally hoping they're just doing it to fill in until they can finish the next design of the Astra in a couple years and tool a US factory - hopefully Spring Hill).

trick94sl2 · 05-10-2006, 03:15 AM

Cool a Saturn made in Belgium.

As far as I'm concerend, if they want to build it there, they can keep it there.

RabidRat06 · 05-10-2006, 12:42 PM

it might be cool

gn85 · 05-10-2006, 01:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by trick94sl2

Cool a Saturn made in Belgium.

As far as I'm concerend, if they want to build it there, they can keep it there.

Agreed... nice way to say we can't build cars.

00saturn · 05-10-2006, 03:31 PM

yeah, that's kind of been the trend for the past 20 years...More power to GM for bringing a well built car to the US

Whelan · 05-11-2006, 01:27 AM

GM owns Opel so they are bringing them over here slowly as Saturns. Read a big article about it in one of the leading magazines R&T, C&D, Motortrend, not sure which but basically they are using the frames and such (global platforms) and bringing the Saturn upscale.

Saturn Aura = a more luxury Pontiac G6

gn85 · 05-11-2006, 04:05 AM

Yes, Opel is owned by GM. Originally, Opel was a German car manufacturer. It's reputation in Germany is far from stellar.

trick94sl2 · 05-11-2006, 11:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 00saturn

yeah, that's kind of been the trend for the past 20 years...More power to GM for bringing a well built car to the US

Well built car? Where do you get that from? Opels have a reputation of being crap. Thanks to GM for bringing over rebadged cars, as always. You would think that GM would have got the hint by now that the rebadged and european inspired cars do not do well here. Like the L-series, the Catera, and the GTO.

E-DUBB · 05-14-2006, 12:40 AM

i would just like to see better performance over all. GM needs to step their game up. the cobalt and redline came thru ok with the supercharged engine and what not..............but their still getting spanked. in Houston......there are too many hatch back ek's, eg's, and teggy's running 11s in the 1/4 mile on pump gas. crazy!!!