Electric revolution in Rüsselsheim: New STLA ONE platform will underpin the next generation Opel Astra and a massive model offensive until 2030
RÜSSELSHEIM – German carmaker Opel is preparing for a historic transformation of its flagship models and industrial infrastructure. At the large-scale Stellantis Investor Day, Opel CEO Florian Huettl officially announced that the next generation of the successful Opel Astra will be designed, developed and produced at its base plant in Rüsselsheim, Germany. The new generation of the compact will be based on the Stellantis Group’s innovative STLA ONE architecture, a global platform designed to reduce production costs by up to 20 percent and offer full flexibility in terms of electrification.
The German brand's strategy, integrated into Stellantis' global FaSTLAne 2030 plan, foresees the launch of at least 4 new models by 2030, strengthening Opel's position on the European market and accelerating the democratization of electric mobility.
Rüsselsheim remains the heart of Opel: STLA ONE platform and the future of the Astra
The decision to keep Astra production in Germany is a strong signal of economic stability and a vote of confidence in the historic plant. The compact segment (C-segment) represents around 30% of total passenger car sales in Europe and is a central pillar in Stellantis' plans.
"The allocation of the new generation Astra to our Rüsselsheim plant demonstrates Opel's commitment to Germany as an industrial location. I am delighted that Rüsselsheim will remain the home of the Astra and that it will be built in the immediate vicinity of our new grEEn-campus," said Opel CEO Florian Huettl.
The new STLA ONE platform will not only serve the Astra model. The same technical architecture will also be used for the next generation of the Opel Corsa city car – another absolute bestseller that has surpassed the 15 million unit sales mark throughout its history and continues to lead the sales charts in the small segment in Germany.
Partnership with Leapmotor and portfolio expansion
In addition to the complete refresh of the classic Astra and Corsa, Opel's offensive brings an absolute novelty to the range: a new C-segment SUV developed in partnership with the Chinese group Leapmotor. This new vehicle will represent a model of efficient global collaboration: it will be designed and engineered by Opel in Rüsselsheim, developed by international teams in Germany and China and produced at the plant in Zaragoza, Spain. Sales of this hybrid/electric SUV are scheduled to start as early as 2028.
The new C-SUV will complete Opel’s compact segment coverage, alongside the newly launched Opel Frontera and the new Opel Grandland. In parallel with these launches, Opel will continue to actively invest in updating and optimizing the existing models in the portfolio to ensure a smooth and competitive transition to a 100% electric future.
Investments of over one billion euros and the future of the grEEn-campus
This mega-product offensive is supported by budgets to match. The total investments allocated by Opel and the Stellantis concern in Germany will exceed one billion euros by 2030.
A significant portion of these funds is being directed towards the construction of the company’s new global headquarters, called grEEn-campus in Rüsselsheim. The complex will become not only Opel’s headquarters, but also the central Stellantis hub in Germany. Designed as a standard for sustainability, the campus uses state-of-the-art eco-friendly materials, is fully powered by solar panels and integrates advanced geothermal heating and cooling systems, directly reflecting the brand’s green values.
Price estimates for the Romanian market (Generations 2028-2030)
Although the new models are in the technical development phase, the use of the STLA ONE platform (which promises a substantial reduction in industrial costs) and the strategic partnership with Leapmotor will allow Opel to maintain extremely competitive prices on the Romanian market.
Taking into account the current market evolution in 2026 and new propulsion technologies (Mild-Hybrid and Electric), here are the starting price estimates (with VAT included, without taking into account any government subsidies such as the Rabla Program):
| Opel Model (Next Generation) | Estimated Powertrain Type | Estimated Starting Price (Romania) |
| The New Opel Corsa (STLA ONE) | Mild-Hybrid (MHEV) / Electric (BEV) |
€20,500 – €22,000 (MHEV)
€28,500 – €31,000 (Electric) |
| The New Opel Astra (STLA ONE) | Mild-Hybrid / Plug-in Hybrid / Electric |
€26,000 – €28,500 (MHEV)
€36,000 – €39,500 (Electric) |
| The New C-SUV (Leapmotor Partnership) | Hybrid / Full Electric | €29,500 – €33,000 |
| The 4th Mystery Model (Sedan/Crossover) | Electric / Hybrid | €34,000 – €41,000 |
Trade analysis for Romania
- The Opel Corsa will continue to be the most affordable entry point into the brand's electric universe. The cost savings promised by the Stellantis platform could bring the electric version below the psychological threshold of €30,000, becoming a formidable rival to affordable Asian models.
- The new C-SUV developed with Leapmotor will directly benefit from the Chinese component ecosystem, which will allow Opel to offer a spacious, technologically advanced SUV at an extremely aggressive price of approximately €30,000 for the Romanian market, ideally positioning itself between the Frontera and the Grandland.
- The new generation Astra will continue to rely on superior finishes, advanced optical systems (such as Intelli-Lux HD headlights) and a specific German road manners, justifying a starting price of around €26,000 for the basic electrified variants.