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Saturn gets Opel Astra

154 messages,  Last post on Feb 21, 2008 at 2:23 PM

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What is this discussion about? Saturn Astra, Hatchback


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#5 of 154
Re: Oh, there's no question about that. [bumpy] by logic1
May 08, 2006 (7:36 am)
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Replying to: bumpy (May 08, 2006 7:24 am)

One would think so, but then look at the blizzard of stuff GMNA did to the Opel Vectra to make the Saturn Aura. Completely different powertrains and interiors, and they even put a footbrake on the Aura.
 
Aura is made in a US factory, meaning the factory was tooled for the Aura. The changes between the models were made in the tooling, which GM was going to have to do anyway.
 
On the other hand, the Astra would be built in the same plant in the Netherlands, that already makes the European Astra. Your theory would have GM paying big dollars to re-tool the Netherlands factory. The more sensible option would be to not make the vehicle at all.
 
As for the price, GM will probably have to sell base Astras. Remodelling and retooling would not help.
 
VW does not have all that much of reputation in North America any longer, given its declining sales.
#6 of 154
Photo size by pf_flyer HOST
May 08, 2006 (7:56 am)
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Had to take the post with the pics down because soem were too wide and pushed the message area under the right side videos.
 
Just a reminder, check the image size before adding images to your posts. If you have an image that's wider than about 500 pixels that has to be seen full size to be appreciated, just link to the URL where the pic is stored. That way we get to see the image in the new window that it will open in, and we avoid the margin issue as well!
#7 of 154
Re: Oh, there's no question about that. [logic1] by logic1
May 08, 2006 (8:00 am)
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Replying to: logic1 (May 08, 2006 7:36 am)

I did the build process for the Vauxhall Astra Sport Hatch.
 
The panoramic windscreen is an option, not standard. It is a rather expensive option.
 
Unless there is an issue with shipping or meeting demand in Europe, I see no reason that GM would not want to offer the same option here.
 
A number of the engines offerings are diesel. I believe GM fully wants to import diesels to the US. The question at hand is whether the US government will make the refineries convert to low sulfur on schedule. I've not seen anything about the change over recently.
#8 of 154
Re: Oh, there's no question about that. [logic1] by bumpy
May 08, 2006 (8:00 am)
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Replying to: logic1 (May 08, 2006 7:36 am)

Okay, I went and found the Autoweek article. If GM does ship over actual Euro-built Astras, there is no possible way they can be sold here for $16,000 without either massively cheapening the assembly cost, or losing money hand over fist.
#9 of 154
Re: Photo size [pf_flyer] by chrisducati
May 08, 2006 (8:04 am)
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Replying to: pf_flyer (May 08, 2006 7:56 am)

Here you go everyone. Here is the article.
http://www.autoweek.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060508/FREE/60508001/1041/T- OC01ARCHIVE
#10 of 154
Re: Oh, there's no question about that. [bumpy] by logic1
May 08, 2006 (8:26 am)
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Replying to: bumpy (May 08, 2006 8:00 am)

there is no possible way they can be sold here for $16,000 without either massively cheapening the assembly cost, or losing money hand over fist.
 
If GM is going to do as reported, it will have to be the latter. There is no way you can 'massively cheapen assembly cost' mid term in a manufacturing run.
 
Presumably the $16k would be a base model. Options, if available, will bring the car into the 20+k area real fast. Not sure why GM would not offer the options. If people want to buy them and the components are available, why not?
#11 of 154
Re: Oh, there's no question about that. [logic1] by bumpy
May 08, 2006 (8:28 am)
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Replying to: logic1 (May 08, 2006 8:00 am)

I did the same thing, and the cheapest Astra that could actually sell here ("Life a/c" with the 1.8L auto, and no options) still clocked in at 14k Euros for the Internet price. That puts you at around $18,000 OTD for a car that's basically the same size and configuration as a Nissan Versa or a stripped-down Caliber.
#12 of 154
cost cutting by chrisducati
May 08, 2006 (8:28 am)
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I would imagine like mentioned by some that we will get a basic model with no panorama roof , projection headlamps, head lamp washers,Navigation system, ect... even as options. Giving that those sort of options would push the car from the base price of $16.000 to over $20.000 pretty fast. I would guess a higher model designation would get those. I do think that the people that pay $34.000 for a loaded Jetta GLI would pay for those options. I also bet GM US will put some cheap solid red tail lights on it to same some extra pennies. I hope I'm wrong because I have not been excited about GM products in the USA for a long time. Having driven Opel products in Europe I have always asked myself why we did not have them in the USA just as they were in the rest of the world. When we did get them they were changed to the point that they drove or looked nothing like the German cars.
#13 of 154
Re: cost cutting [chrisducati] by logic1
May 08, 2006 (8:35 am)
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Replying to: chrisducati (May 08, 2006 8:28 am)

I understand what you are saying about headlights and tail lights: that is something that could be accomodated with no change in the factory, and probably not even a change in the suppliers (both of which would be prohibitively expensive if GM had to do them and would work against cost cutting, not help it).
 
But I do not understand why you think GM would not offer options the car is already designed to accomodate and which are available in the factory that will make the car. If people want to pay 28k for a loaded Astra, why not sell it to them?
 
In the past, GM took an Opel design to the United States. It had to re-tool the US factory and buy parts from its North American suppliers. It would be difficult under that scenario to have the exact product, unless it was planned in the process from the start. In this case, you have the Astra factory making Astras for sale to the US. It would actually be harder and less cost effective to make significant changes in the process.
#14 of 154
Re: cost cutting [logic1] by chrisducati
May 08, 2006 (10:13 am)
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Replying to: logic1 (May 08, 2006 8:35 am)

Maybe I was not clear in what I said. I mean that I think there will be a base model that is the price leader. that Model would be available with options like auto gear box, CD/mp3/sat radio ect... but will not have the Nav, panorama roof, projection head lamps and washers etc as options. A higher model would. I think most people in the USA think of small cars as inexpensive cars. They do not make a mental difference between a car the size of a Astra or Focus and a car the size of a Kalos or Fit. Those people will expect the Astra to compete with what in europe is "B" segment cars in price. Silly as that is, it is a fact. There are some exceptions where people seem willing to pay higher prices . Mini, and the Jetta . From what I have read GM would like Saturn to be on the same level as the upper end of the import market in the USA. As far as spending money for new headlamps and tail lamps GM is know to spend millions on a car just to discontinue it the next model year. I doubt they would even blink at spending money to cut costs on each car they send out. I can bet money on the fact that right now someone is working on how to make the car cheaper and more "American". That has always been GM's problem. Yes, they have a percentage of the market that likes that look, but that is slipping every year. If GM would just add the bumper bracing needed to pass the US laws and send the Astra as is other wise I believe it would educate many Americans on how good a small GM car can drive.

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