GM to close Opel factory in Antwerp

According to a statement, the decision to close the Antwerp plant was taken in view of current capacity, planned product portfolio, timing requirements and financial impact. If closure is confirmed, production will terminate in the next few months.

Chief executive Nick Reilly said: ‘We fully understand the effect this announcement has on the Antwerp employees and their families and we sympathise with them. Many have been dedicated to the plant over generations and have done an excellent job producing great quality cars.’

Over the next year, the west European car market is forecast to be 1.5 million vehicles below 2009 levels and almost four million below its peak in 2007. Opel said that it does not expect vehicle production to return to peak levels anytime soon, if ever, and therefore expects to reduce its capacity by 20 per cent to ensure long-term sustainability.

Reilly added: ‘The decision to announce this today was not taken lightly; instead it is the unfortunate result of the current business reality. We must make this announcement now so that we can secure a viable future for the entire Opel and Vauxhall operations.’