GM Holden Puts Brakes On Opel Astra Imports

GM Holden Ltd. halts the import of its second best-selling car, the Opel Astra, citing issues with currency fluctuations and commodity price issues.

The Australian website CarAdvice.com.au says the decision means no Holden-badged Astras will be imported in April and May, and the decision could become permanent depending on a company review of the situation.

The website quotes GM Holden senior spokesman Scott Whiffin as saying the Astra range is under strategic review because of unfavorable exchange-rate movements and commodity price increases.

“Until the review process is complete, we are not taking orders for the vehicle,” he says. “It’s a great car, but it’s got to make business sense for us.”

GM Holden’s website lists seven variants of the Astra and is offering the Astra CD hatch for A$20,990 ($15,161), down $2,800 ($2,022) from the recommended retail price.

The CarAdvice website says it believes the auto maker has stopped imports of the Astra while it conducts price negotiations with Opel.

However, General Motors Corp. CEO Fritz Henderson said at a Monday press conference in Detroit the U.S. auto maker, which is struggling to stave off bankruptcy, is in talks with potential investors for its Adam Opel AG German subsidiary that are expected to continue through early May.