General Motors is developing a hybrid version of its next-generation Astra, a new report finds. The ground work for the new hybrid is being laid by Opel, but it is expected that the technology will make it to U.S. shores in the Saturn Astra. The next-generation Astra is slated to begin production in Europe in 2010.
“We are working on a hybrid version of the next Astra,†a General Motors development engineer said in an interview with Automobilwoche.
Sources say the Saturn brand will also see an Astra hybrid. “It’s fair to say that hybrids and the Saturn brand make a lot of sense, but we’ll see how this one plays out first before we discuss the future,†Saturn spokesman Steve Janisse said.
According to Automotive News, it is also expect that Saab will use the same platform for a future small model for sale in the U.S and Europe.
