New Opel Astra GTC - In Depth

Press Release

Executive Statements on New Opel Astra GTC

Carl-Peter Forster, President, General Motors Europe

“The outstanding success of the new-generation Astra models launched so far – the five-door variant and the station wagon – makes me even more confident about the new Astra GTC. With its unique combination of expressive design and innovative technology, this car will win new customers and take Opel another step forward on its way into a successful future as the innovative brand at the core of GM's volume business in Europe.�

Hans H. Demant, Managing Director, Adam Opel AG and Vice President, Engineering, General Motors Europe

“The excellent results achieved by our cars in many comparison tests by car magazines, and in independent quality surveys, confirm that our strategy of the last few years has been successful. Continuous and consistent improvements in product quality, as well as state-of-the-art technology such as the IDSPlus chassis with electronic damping control, are making their mark. At the same time, it is a priority to ensure that all these benefits remain affordable for our customers.�

Bryan Nesbitt, Executive Director, Design, General Motors Europe

“The GTC is the most dramatic interpretation yet of the Astra design language. Even at first glance, its proportions and lines communicate dynamics and exciting driving. It's obvious that the GTC's positioning as a unique model variant was a major factor in the development of its design. And this is precisely what gave the Astra design team the opportunity to realize even more expressive styling than with the five-door variant or the station wagon.�

Alain Visser, Executive Director, European Marketing, Adam Opel AG

“With the new Astra GTC, we are introducing a model to the market that breaks away from the traditional 'two doors less than five-door variants' approach and offers a unique concept with no compromises. The GTC, which stands for Gran Turismo Compact, particularly appeals to drivers who place high value on expressive design, innovative technology and exciting driving - exactly the GTC's highlights. In my opinion, this makes it the most compelling and attractive car in a competitive environment in which I would also include the Alfa 147, Audi A3 or the upcoming three-door variant of the BMW 1 series.�

Jean-Marc Gales, Executive Director, Sales, Marketing and Aftersales, Adam Opel AG

“The new Astra GTC extends the new Astra family with a particularly exciting model variant. With its top 200 hp engine, the GTC is one of the most dynamic and fastest cars in the compact class. The panorama windscreen, premiering in the GTC, adds to the car's appeal. This car represents the dynamic potential of the Opel brand.�

Reinald Hoben, Executive Director, Manufacturing, Adam Opel AG and General Motors Europe

“We've invested over one billion euro in the modernization of Astra production facilities, further improvement of quality management, and employee training. This ensures a high level of quality, reliability and value retention, also for the new Astra GTC. In addition, all the improvements that have gone into the other Astra models in the course of the last months were built into the GTC from the very beginning of production.�