2012 Buick Verano Has a New Twin in Europe: 2013 Opel Astra ...

Just the Facts:

• GM's Opel subsidiary in Germany has unveiled the redesigned Astra sedan.
• The new four-door Astra is a near-clone of the Buick Verano.
• The Astra sedan goes on sale later this month in Europe.

R?SSELSHEIM, Germany ? General Motors' Opel subsidiary in Germany has unveiled the redesigned Astra sedan, a near-clone of the Buick Verano. The four-door Astra goes on sale in Europe later this month.

The Astra sedan is the latest addition to Opel's compact lineup in Europe, which includes a five-door hatchback, a Sports Tourer wagon and a sporty GTC coupe. It is being positioned as an "elegant, more affordable" companion to the midsize Opel Insignia, a version of which is sold in the U.S. as the Buick Regal.

GM's designs are getting more international in flavor. The new Astra sedan appeared first in China in 2010 as the Buick Excelle GT. Opel said the Astra notchback will be sold in western, central and eastern Europe, with Russia and Turkey expected to be big markets.

The car will make its public debut in August at the 2012 Moscow Auto Show.

Inside Line says: It used to be that multinational carmakers such as GM introduced new designs first in their home markets and then in China ? but no longer.

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