2011 Opel Vauxhall Astra GTC Paris : Stylish interior and 290 HP and first live photos

Only us the pictures of the new Opel Astra three-door model have inspired, now release the Rüsselsheim more details. The finished three-door is still not the at the Paris Motor Show on 2 to 17 October 2010 premiere. But the study called "GTC Paris" looks so completely out of the can with the series nothing can go wrong. With the car in the French capital also debuted the same color of the concept vehicle: "Liquid Metal" paint and the red is supposed to show that the automaker can look confidently into the future.

Opel / Vauxhall Announce New Small Car below the Corsa, Confirm Sporty Coupe and Small SUV

Speaking at a press conference in Eisenach on Thursday, Opel/Vauxhall CEO Nick Reilly revealed plans to build an all-new small car below the Corsa, with production set to start in 2013 at the firm's Eisenach plant in the east German state of Thuringia. "This new product will be an important element in our growth strategy" said Reilly.

The car is expected to go up against Ford's Fiat 500-based Ka and the forthcoming Volkswagen Up mini. According to an official statement from Opel, the as of yet unnamed city car will be geared towards customers who need "a small-sized fuel-efficient car in urban areas, but who do not want to compromise on technology, design or convenience".

The company added that the mini may also form the base for an all-electric, battery-powered version at a later stage.

GM's European unit said it will invest €90 million (approximately US$120 million) to manufacturer the small car on an existing production line alongside the Corsa at its Eisenach factory. According to the automaker, the decision to build the small car in Eisenach also benefits the Opel/Vauxhall's manufacturing plant in Zaragoza, Spain as it will receive additional Corsa production volume.

In addition to the announcement on Opel's future small car, Reilly also confirmed the automaker's plans to introduce a sporty coupe and small SUV to the firm's vehicle lineup.

"Along with other new vehicles, such as the upcoming electric Ampera [see here], a sporty coupe and a small SUV, we will significantly expand our product lineup in the future and offer customer choices in several more segments," said Reilly without getting into specifics.

Opel to Enter South American Market Starting with Chile Next Year

General Motors' Opel division is looking beyond Europe to increase sales and return to profitability. Following news of the company's interest to enter the Australian market and a previous announcement that it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Shlomo Group to export vehicles in Israel, Opel today revealed it will begin selling cars in Chile next year, making it the first country in Latin America to receive the German brand.

"German automotive engineering has a high appeal in South America and we are glad to start with Chile. I am confident that Opel with its new model range will be successful in making a differentiating statement," Michael Klaus, Executive Director Opel International Operations said.

The German automaker added that it will have direct business control over a dedicated Opel team that will be supported by GM Chile. No other details were released about the move.

Gallery: Opel's European Range

Opel Unveils Vivaro e-Concept Hybrid Van at IAA Hannover Show [with Video]

Opel has taken the wraps off its Vivaro e-Concept plug-in electric van at the 2010 IAA Commercial Vehicles Fair in Hannover, Germany. The one-off concept was built to demonstrate the benefits of electrification to commercial vehicle operators.

The Vivaro's 111 kw (149 hp) electric motor delivers 370 Nm of torque and a pure electric range of 100 km (62 miles). An unspecified range extender (possibly one of Opel's common rail turbodiesels) gives the van an additional 300 km (186 mile) range.

By storing the lithium ion batteries under the floor, Opel can offer 5 cubic metres (177 cubic feet) of storage space and the ability to haul 750 kg (1650 lbs) of payload. As with most plug-in vehicles, the batteries can be charged through a standard 230 volt socket.

Chris Lacey, Executive Director of International Operations at Opel / Vauxhall Commercial Vehicles explains the benefits of the e-Concept:

"Electric mobility will allow [commercial vehicle operators] to travel in city areas which are now off-limits to petrol and diesel-powered vehicles and the range-extender technology makes it possible to use an electric van for normal routine business."

By Tristan Hankins

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