| Reuters report, General Motors has contracted a deal | | | | business operation of the international automotive |
| with Zastava automaker for the production of Opel | | | | industry." |
| vehicles. Production will transpire at Zastava's complex | | | | And the latest development on this issue is that the |
| in Kragujevac in central Serbia. | | | | Serbian government has already approved the import |
| According to the source familiar with the agreement, | | | | of around 8,300 duty-free Opel Astra cars of which |
| "They will sign on Thursday. The production of the first | | | | 3,300 are to be imported by the end of this year while |
| Opel Astra vehicles is expected to start in 2008." | | | | the remaining 5,000 by 2008. These imported Opel |
| Another source familiar with the negotiation has also | | | | Astra cars will cost 10,800 euros or $14,900 for the |
| confirmed the deal. Last year the state-owned | | | | basic version which was previously sold at 12,800 |
| Zastava, exporter of Yugi cars to the United States | | | | euros or $17,700. |
| was only able to produce 15,000 cars which is less | | | | Opel Expands Antara Range |
| than its annual capacity of 60,000 vehicles. Zastava | | | | Speaking of Opel, it has recently announced the |
| also caters to Italy's Fiat producing the Punto cars. | | | | expansion of the engine range of its Antara Sports |
| These Punto cars are marketed in Serbia and the rest | | | | Utility Vehicle with a diesel version that will come |
| of the neighboring Balkan countries under the brand | | | | equipped with a particulate filter and an Opel catalytic |
| "Zastava 10". Zastava was also given by Fiat the | | | | converter. The two liter motor produces 110kW/150hp |
| authority to distribute the cars on the Russian market. | | | | and can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in a matter of |
| Reuters has quoted a government source saying, | | | | 10.3 seconds. |
| "The deal with General Motors will enable Zastava to | | | | The fuel consumption is at 7.5 liters per 100 kilometers |
| work with modern technology, raising its chances of | | | | while carbon dioxide emission level is at 198 grams per |
| fully benefiting in the coming privatization process." | | | | kilometer. The integrated Flex-Fix bicycle carrier is |
| Serbian Deputy Prime Minister Bozidar Djelic said that | | | | currently the optional offering for the Antara. This |
| the Serbian automaker is aiming to produce around | | | | special feature can be pulled out just like a cupboard |
| 10,000 vehicles by 2010. He also said, "This contract is | | | | and can accommodate two bicycles. It is priced at 650 |
| good for Kragujevac and domestic car industry, | | | | euros or $900. |
| because we thus join the trends of technology and | | | | |