Who produces Opel Astra. Opel car manufacturing plant

As I have repeatedly written, I am a car designer by education. In our country, the profession is unclaimed. We studied at Moscow State University "MAMI" on Semenovskaya. For the entire course, there were only 35 of us, of which 20 graduated. Of these twenty, only a few became intelligent designers, and I do not consider myself one of them. All dispersed into different sides: in architecture, in managers, in designers, in photographers and in Euroset ... But none of us works in domestic auto industry. Ivan Babich, for example, is currently designing yachts in Monaco. And only Andrey Gusev works in his profession - in the Opel design bureau in Rüsselsheim.

I went to visit my old friend and walked around the workshops of the factory where the Insignia and Astra cars are made. And I also learned where the saying "Every car becomes an Opel" comes from.

1. The Opel plant is a city-forming enterprise in Rüsselsheim. Here is the headquarters of the Opel Haus. Many mistakenly believe that Opel's slogan is translated as "We love cars", but the correct translation is "We live for cars".

2. At first I thought that these were demonstration electric cars, but it turned out that they were working - the top management moves on Amperes, which are charged during the day near the entrance to the building. I've been thinking about driving the Ampere around Europe for a long time. Such cars are not delivered to Russia, as there is no necessary infrastructure, and our brains are not yet ready to take care of environment like they do in Europe or the USA.

3. The building itself is equipped with a clever climate control system that automatically opens and closes the windows, adjusts the tilt of the blinds, which saves energy on heating and air conditioning.

4. Part of the electricity for offices is generated by solar panels.

6. The world's first aircraft with rocket engine RAK1 is still in the air under the roof of the Opel House. On September 30, 1929, Fritz von Opel made his flight in the vicinity of Frankfurt.

8. Met old friends who spent 6 years sitting at the same desk. Andrey Gusev works as a creative car exterior designer in the department promising developments(Advanced Design). He is working on the creation of concept cars for Opel cars. Andrey also participated in the development of the design of the new Astra.

9. Before walking around the factory, we went to the Visualization Room. This room is used for various presentations, project meetings and discussions. virtual models.

10. On a special wall-sized screen, a life-size image of the car is projected, which simplifies the perception and evaluation of the object at the initial stages of development.

11. Negotiations are also underway here with other GM studios around the world (USA, Korea, Australia, Brazil) - it's like Skype, only not in front of a computer, but in a cinema. It is in this room that decisions are made about which model will or will not go into mass production.

12. In 1863, Adam Opel opened a factory in Rüsselsheim to produce sewing machines, now here is one of the largest and oldest car factories in the world. It employs 16,000 people and produces 180,000 vehicles annually.

13. The largest blacksmith (stamping) shop Opel. During the operation of the presses, the floor trembles a little, as during a small earthquake. It looks like rolls of paper, but in fact - steel sheets for body parts.

14. Thicker sheets are shipped on pallets. After the Second World War, there was a shortage of metal, and for the production of Opel cars they used scrap metal melted down from old cars. This is where the saying "Every car becomes an Opel" comes from.

15. Forging presses.

16. German order is all around the factory. The technical passage is divided into three parts - for carts carrying dies for presses (orange structure on the left), an area for the movement of loaders and other equipment, and a path for cyclists and pedestrians.

17. Huge dies that are installed in stamping presses various bodies and elements.

19. Hundreds of matrices are dispersed throughout the workshop. All of them are marked different colors according to your car model.

20. In the blacksmith shop, people only perform the function of quality control.

21. Presses work loud and fast. No photographers who are trying to get a sharp shot, they are not waiting.

22. This machine stamps up to twenty small shapes per minute.

23. Such a machine costs 40 million euros. In one operation, he stamps the sidewall of the car. The press weighs 6500 tons.

24. Finished sidewall Opel Corsa.

25. Finished parts are sent for welding and painting.

27. Stand with reference samples. From each batch, a few parts are randomly selected and compared with the standard.

28. In Rüsselsheim, blanks are made for all models, which are then sent to other factories, including Russia.

31. The welding shop works in two shifts. There are 200 people on each shift.

32. 700 robots work on welding and body assembly, each of which costs 100,000 euros. Production is 98% automated.
The bare body weighs 400 kg, and it takes 8 kg of paint and varnish to paint. Unfortunately, the painting process was not allowed to be removed.

33. The assembly shop has 2,000 workers in two shifts. They work in groups of 5 people. In this workshop, a special time step is 65 seconds. In 65 seconds, the worker must complete a certain stage of work. If he does not have time - the conveyor stops. Everywhere there are special ropes, pulling on which, the conveyor stops and music starts playing. Each brigade has its own melody, according to which the foreman determines who has a problem and helps to solve it faster.

34. In total, up to 40 types of motors are supplied to the conveyor.

35. I used to be sure that there is, for example, a conveyor line for the production of the yellow fret Kalina sedan with a 1.6 engine, automatic. The line works for several months, then it is changed and other cars are produced. And in Opel, on the same conveyor line, they are assembled simultaneously one after another different cars different configuration and configuration. The computer makes sure that every engine, every body part, finds exactly its car.
For me it was the discovery of the day. Up to 9 can be produced on one conveyor different models cars!

36. If you really want to, you can come to the factory and see how your car is assembled.

38. All cars undergo a series of tests for body tightness, handling, braking, and operation of the main elements.

39. A railway line passes right through the territory of the plant.

40. Pro new Astra GTC I already wrote:

41. And this is the first Opel car. The history of the brand began 150 years ago with the production of sewing machines.

42. The museum presents cars from different eras. The museum itself is more like a workshop. It is constantly working on the restoration of exhibits. The area does not allow to place all the exhibits, so more than half of the collection is stored in storerooms. In a few years the museum will move to a new building.

44. Concept cars are stored in the storerooms. This is, for example, the concept of Antara.

45. And this is Insignia.

47. Super car!

Opel- German manufacturer vehicles belonging to the concern General Motors. The company was founded in 1863 and first produced sewing machines, and in 1899 began to produce cars.

We leave for the plant in the German city of Rüsselsheim and see how Opel cars are assembled. At the same time, we will find out where the saying "Every car becomes an Opel" comes from.

Photos by Dmitry Chistoprudov

I am a car designer by training. In our country, the profession is unclaimed. We studied at Moscow State University "MAMI" on Semenovskaya. For the entire course, there were only 35 of us, of which 20 graduated. Of these twenty, only a few became intelligent designers, and I do not consider myself one of them. Everyone scattered in different directions: into architecture, into managers, into designers, into photographers and into the Euroset ... But none of us works in the domestic auto industry. Ivan Babich, for example, is currently designing yachts in Monaco. And only Andrey Gusev works in his profession - in the Opel design bureau in Rüsselsheim, Germany.

I went to visit my old friend and walked around the workshops of the plant where Opel cars - Insignia and Astra - are assembled.

The Opel plant is a city-forming enterprise in Rüsselsheim. Here is the headquarters of the Opel Haus. Many mistakenly believe that Opel's slogan translates as "We love cars", but the correct translation is "We live for cars".

At first I thought that these were demonstration electric cars, but it turned out that they are working - the top management moves on Amperes, which are charged during the day near the entrance to the building. I've been thinking about driving the Ampere around Europe for a long time. Such cars are not delivered to Russia, because there is no necessary infrastructure, and our brains are not yet ready to take care of the environment, as they do in Europe or the USA.

The building itself is equipped with a clever climate control system that automatically opens and closes the windows, adjusts the tilt of the blinds, which saves energy on heating and air conditioning.

Part of the electricity for offices is generated by solar panels.

Before walking around the factory, we went to the Visualization Room. This room is used for various presentations, project meetings and virtual model discussions.

On a special wall-sized screen, a life-size image of the car is projected, which simplifies the perception and evaluation of the object at the initial stages of development:

Also, negotiations are underway here with other GM studios around the world (USA, Korea, Australia, Brazil) - it's like Skype, only not in front of a computer, but in a cinema. It is in this room that decisions are made about which model will or will not go into mass production.

In 1863, Adam Opel opened a sewing machine factory in Rüsselsheim, now one of the largest and oldest car factories in the world. It employs 16,000 people and produces 180,000 vehicles annually.

The largest stamping (forging) shop. The floor during the operation of the presses, the floor trembles a little, as during a small earthquake. It looks like rolls of paper, but in reality - steel sheets for body parts:

Thicker sheets are shipped on pallets. After the Second World War, there was a shortage of metal, and for the production of Opel cars they used scrap metal melted down from old cars. This is where the saying "Every car becomes an Opel" comes from.

Stamping presses:

The plant is surrounded by German order. The technical passage is divided into three parts - for carts carrying dies for presses (orange structure on the left), a zone for the movement of loaders and other equipment, and a path for cyclists and pedestrians:

Huge matrices that are installed in presses for stamping various bodies and elements. Hundreds of matrices are dispersed throughout the workshop area. All of them are marked with different colors in accordance with their car model:

In the stamping shop, people perform only the function of quality control:

The presses work loud and fast. No photographers who are trying to get a sharp shot, they are not waiting:

This machine stamps up to twenty small shapes per minute:

Such a machine costs 40 million euros. In one operation, he stamps the sidewall of the car. The press weighs 6,500 tons:

Finished parts are sent for welding and painting:

Stand with reference samples. Several parts are randomly selected from each batch and compared with the standard:

Here, in Rüsselsheim, blanks are made for all models, which are then sent to other factories, including Russia.

welding shop works in two shifts. 200 people work in each shift:

700 robots work on welding and body assembly, each of which costs 100,000 euros. Production is 98% automated. The bare body weighs 400 kg, and it takes 8 kg of paint and varnish to paint. Unfortunately, the painting process was not allowed to be removed.

The assembly shop employs 2,000 workers in two shifts. They work in groups of 5 people. In this workshop, a special time step is 65 seconds. In 65 seconds, the worker must complete a certain stage of work. If he does not have time - the conveyor stops. Everywhere there are special ropes, pulling on which, the conveyor stops and music starts playing. Each brigade has its own melody, according to which the foreman determines who has a problem and helps to solve it faster:

In total, up to 40 types of motors are supplied to the conveyor:

I used to be sure that there is, for example, a sedan with a 1.6 engine, automatic. The line works for several months, then it is changed and other cars are produced. And in Opel, on the same conveyor line, different cars of different configurations and configurations are assembled simultaneously one after another. The computer makes sure that every engine, every body part, finds exactly its car. For me it was the discovery of the day. Up to 9 different models of machines can be produced on one conveyor!

If you really want, you can come to the factory and see how your car is assembled.

All cars undergo a series of tests for body tightness, handling, braking, and operation of the main elements.

A railway line passes directly through the territory of the plant:

New Astra GTC:

And this is the first Opel car. The history of the brand began 150 years ago with the production of sewing machines:

In the museum cars from different eras are presented. The museum itself is more like a workshop. It is constantly working on the restoration of exhibits. The area does not allow to place all the exhibits, so more than half of the collection is stored in storerooms. In a few years, the museum will move to a new building:

Concept cars are stored in the storerooms. This is, for example, the concept of Antara:

Super car!

The holy of holies and the main room at the factory is the dining room. Here we ended our tour of the Opel factory.

Where is the Opel Astra car assembled and the main characteristics of the coupe

The fact that the Opel Astra car is in demand and popular in its segment is probably not news to anyone. A wide range of hatchback, sedan, station wagon, coupe, an impressive range of engines offered, as well as a relatively low cost Opel Astra.

Today there are many motorists who want to purchase such a vehicle, but before doing this, you will have to find out where the Opel Astra is assembled. The fact is that the build quality of this model in different countries is different. It is best if the country of origin of the Opel Astra is Germany, because experts note that such cars are the most durable and of high quality, England and Poland are next on the list, the quality of such cars is average, but Russian assembly is the most problematic and unreliable.

Especially interesting model in the lineup is a coupe, which has Italian roots in terms of design, so no criticism about appearance no and cannot be. Astra car the coupe was built on the Opel Astra hatchback platform, so they have some common features, such as rear and front lights, but otherwise it's a completely different vehicle. One of the main features that the Opel Astra car acquired was frameless doors, which are already considered a familiar attribute. sports coupe. Above wheel arches behind and in front are very developed expanders, which give the exterior a special perkyness.

The interior of the Opel Astra car in the coupe body is small, which is due to the small physical dimensions of the car itself, however, as the Opel Astra reviews say, this does not cause much damage to the driver and passengers. However, one should not forget that this coupe has a 2 + 2 seating formula, therefore rear passengers it actually offers no comfort. But on the other hand, the seats are trimmed with leather with developed lateral support. In general, this vehicle is simply magnificent in terms of safety, it is equipped with front and side airbags.

IN basic configuration coupe Opel Astra is equipped with a 116-horsepower, in-line four-cylinder engine working volume of 1.8 liters. Studying the reviews of the owners about the Opel Astra in the coupe body, we can conclude that the dynamics of such a seemingly low-power power unit suits almost everyone, it accelerates from standstill to 100 km / h in 9 seconds and can reach a maximum speed of up to 206 km / h. A more powerful modification is equipped with a 2.2-liter 147-horsepower engine that accelerates the coupe to 100 km/h in 8 seconds and allows it to reach a top speed of 218 km/h. The top version is equipped with a two-liter turbocharged engine with a capacity of 190 km / h, it can accelerate the car to 240 km / h, and its acceleration from standstill to 100 km / h takes 7 seconds. But the big disadvantage is too high price. Opel Astra with this motor. However, if you look in more detail, then there is more than one drawback here, because there is still a relatively low ground clearance Opel Astra, which makes it difficult to move on our roads. You can usually read about this problem in the reviews of owners who have brought their cars from abroad, since especially for Russian versions manufacturers increase the ground clearance of the Opel Astra to 165 mm in the "bad roads" package.

To date, the range of Opel cars is quite diverse. On domestic market the 4-door sedan of the middle class, the Opel Astra, attracts the most attention. This car model can also be called "folk", as the manufacturer has assembled a car that many can afford. IN budget segment she occupies a special place, because Astra has already won the love of so many fans and owners. But, nevertheless, our compatriots are interested in where the Opel Astra is assembled for our country?

In our state this german car can be called an old-timer. We began to assemble the "German" eleven years ago (2004) in Kaliningrad at the Avtotor enterprise. Four years later, the Germans set up production on another domestic factory"General Motors" in Shushary. But, here the car was assembled for only one year, and on Kaliningrad plant cars are still produced only under a different name - Astra Family. The engine range of the Russian Astra is quite diverse. Buyers can purchase budget sedan, both with diesel and petrol units to choose from. Engine displacement varies from 1.4 liters to 1.9 liters. The transmission can also be different: 5-6-speed "mechanics" or 4-6-speed "automatic".

Features of the Russian model

On Russian enterprise they assemble a car with the same characteristics as a thoroughbred "German". Max speed sedan is - 193 kilometers per hour. In terms of fuel consumption, this model belongs to economical vehicles. Depending on the place of operation and the power plant, the car can consume 5.3 / 6.6 / 8.3 liters of fuel. For urban roads, this "German" is just perfect. Machine dimensions are: 4658mm×1814mm×1500mm. Where they produce Opel Astra for Russians, they take into account operating conditions and the quality of our roads.

For sedan domestic production install a 4-valve, 4-cylinder 1.4-liter engine. Volume luggage compartment the car is - 460 liters, this is with the unfolded rear seats, if you add them up, you can increase this figure to 1010 liters. The curb weight of the car is 1400 kilograms. Front independent and rear semi-independent suspension provide protection to the machine. Both the driver and passengers will feel comfortable and safe inside this vehicle. Power plants Asters meet environmental standards "Euro-4".

To ensure maximum safety, the manufacturer has installed on this machine model ABS systems and ESP and a set of front and side airbags. And the air conditioning system will take care of maximum comfort each passenger and the owner of the car. The front seats of the car have a heating function, and a system of electric windows was also installed here.

Build quality

The Opel Astra sedan is designed for operation both in the city and uncovered dirt roads. The "stuffing" of the sedan is the most modern and, according to reviews, it is clear that the owners like it. Some argue that the fact where the Opel Astra is produced affects the quality of the vehicle. But, in recent years, the owners of the domestic Opel have no strong complaints about the domestic assembly. Although, there are people who are dissatisfied with the quality paintwork car, they say that it is cheap and looks gloomy.

Also, it is worth mentioning that this car model is also assembled in:

• Poland (Gliwice)
• Germany (Bochum)
• Belgium (Antwerp)
• England (Ellesmere).

So, if we compare the Russian Astra with the Polish one, then our sedan does not have some elements, for example, a sunroof, curtains in the car interior and Bluetooth connectivity. Since this car model belongs to the middle class, the cost for it will vary from 650,000 rubles, depending on the configuration.

German Opel brand today it is wholly owned by the American concern General Motors, is actively represented in Europe, and is especially loved in Britain. By the way, for the British, the company left the name of the Vauxhall brand, as well as simple and popular models corporations now and then appear in model lines small brands in a licensed version. Opel is one of the most open manufacturers, whose model range can satisfy both the student and the pensioner. Recently, the concern's proposals have been actively changed, which led to many questions from potential buyers. For example, when buying a vehicle, the question began to arise where Opel is assembled, how well the assembly is carried out.

The corporation is not so quick to update model range. Until recently, the popular sedan, hatchback and station wagon Astra Classic, whose design is over 15 years old. Nevertheless, the company is perceived as a European brand, many people want to buy cars from this particular manufacturer. Experts often talk about what American investment has done German concern even better, they saved him from unnecessary pickiness to trifles.

A bit of history and geography from the Opel automobile concern

Given the fact that the company is intended only for Europe, the geography of distribution of factory capacities is not so high. The company does not have production sites in Brazil, India and Africa, as well as in China, as is common among modern brands. The company concentrates its production in Europe as well as in Russia. Potential Buyers Opel cars in our country, it is the transport of domestic assembly that is purchased. Localization in the company is quite high, and the geography of the concern is as follows:

• in Germany, there are four main factories that produce motors and some premium models;
• production of almost all models is established at local enterprises throughout Europe;
• full-fledged production capacity present in Belgium, Spain, Austria, Hungary and Poland;
• in the UK there is a full-fledged production of Astra and some other models that are most popular in England;
• the Russian branch of Opel with factories in Shushary and Kaliningrad produces the entire model range;
• in Turkey and France, there is an assembly of Opel cars at the factories of third-party corporations in this area;
• The expansion of the corporation continues exclusively within Western Europe - here the concern sees its potential market.

The development of the brand is severely limited by the decisions of General Motors. For the sake of developing the Opel brand, the company is withdrawing Chevrolet from the European market, allowing the Germans to remain the only official representative GM in Europe. This promises a certain development of the corporation and the absence of internal competition. In Russia, the company was represented very widely, but in Last year there has been a curtailment of some production functions. The company partially left the market due to the crisis in automotive industry. Not so long ago, plans were announced to partially transfer production to Belarus.

Model range - budget offers up to 1,000,000 rubles

Among the models presented on the Russian market can be found as premium cars with excellent performance And the latest equipment, and rather old versions of equipment with a low price tag. The company tried to please all potential buyers, but its image in Russia was rather limited. Because expensive cars produced by Opel are not yet very popular competitors to others premium brands. To understand all the features of budget transport from German company just consider the following suggestions:

• Astra Family - sedan, hatchback and station wagon in classic form, which provide low price(from 655,000 rubles) and classic design, good equipment with somewhat outdated characteristics;
• Zafira Family - old version family minivan, which looks quite adequate for quiet operation in a large family, good engine and good equipment make this car great buy, cost from 830,000;
• Meriva - another one family car, but already from the new model range, has modern design, more compact interior and not too powerful power units, costs from 780,000 rubles;
• The new generation Astra in hatchback, sedan and station wagon bodies is completely new car With modern characteristics And attractive design, excellent endurance and low fuel consumption, the model costs from 741,000 rubles for a hatchback;
• Astra GTC is a sporty 3-door version of the hatchback, which is perfect for youth active use or for a young family, a successful design is combined with democratic price at 819,000;
• Mokka is a compact youth crossover with a successful design and excellent performance, a completely modern execution of every detail, up-to-date technology and good features interior design, as well as a good price of 830,000 rubles.

This is what the range of budget models looks like Vehicle from Opel. Recently, the influence of designers and engineers of General Motors on the appearance and technical equipment Opel cars. If earlier the German concern remained authentic, today in part inexpensive cars all equipment and many design features are taken from american models corporations. However, in Europe, Opel is perceived very positively. Unfortunately, the Adam model is not yet presented in Russia - a small hatchback with excellent design and a host of branded features.

Expensive Opel lineup - completely different moods

If you have more than 1,000,000 rubles to buy a car, you can look at the expensive offers of Opel. The concern really can offer exciting opportunities for a quality trip. Here much fewer cars, but the choice is still quite large. American technology and design features influence the works of German engineers in this class as well, but here the authenticity and independence of the concern from its owners is more noticeable. Among the most interesting offers of the company's expensive model range in Russia, we can recall the following models:

• Antara- big crossover or full size SUV(By different classifications), which inspires confidence with its classic design and gives real comfort to the buyer, has modern and confident technology at an affordable cost of 1,110,000 rubles;
• Insignia sedan and hatchback - beautiful cars medium-sized class, which have become modern competitors the most successful machines in the industry, among positive qualities it is worth highlighting the relevance and manufacturability, as well as the cost of 1,110,000 rubles;
• insignia Country Tourer- the best station wagon for those who want an active and exciting trip, noticeable additions to the design of the base model, special wheels and plastic body protection, many functions of a real SUV, as well as increased ground clearance at a cost of 1,320,000 rubles;
• Zafira Tourer - updated big family station wagon, which gives premium space and excellent technical developments to its owner, as well as excellent performance inner space, the cost of the car does not exceed reasonable limits - 1,040,000 rubles.

These are the unusual opportunities offered by the traditional German manufacturer Opel. The company actually has great opportunities and may surprise with its novelties. However, the large geographical distribution of enterprises and the presence of a number of problems with permanent customs clearance with the European Union does Russian market one of the last in line for development for the company. As long as there is a SKD plant in Kaliningrad, we are getting fresh Opel models and offers. We offer you to watch a video review of the new Opel Insignia Tourer:

Summing up

Respected in many civilized countries of the world Brand Opel today found itself on a rather limited path of development. The road to other continents, as well as to the very tasty Chinese market, is closed to the brand. A company cannot save resources by locating factories or research centers in developing countries. Opel is forced to pay a high price for development in Western Europe, as this is the only market available to the concern. Such restrictions were set by the parent concern General Motors.

Nevertheless, we see the active development of the corporation, the change in the design features of transport and a number of other features that allow the brand to move forward. The company does not seek to take the lead in certain markets, but it receives its sales in full. After all, Opel really offers good cars By great value, which is quite enough to stay afloat in today's challenging and competitive market. What are your thoughts on the current model proposal Opel?