Kiev/Russelsheim - ZAO ZAZ, the largest car manufacturer in the Ukraine, is starting with CKD (Completely Knocked Down) assembly of the second generation Opel Astra - the Opel Astra Classic - at its plant in Zaporoshje this month. Local assembly of the Astra Classic comes as a further stepping stone in an agreement reached by Adam Opel AG, ZAO ZAZ and OOO UkrAvtoZAZ-Service in March 2003, for the import, assembly, distribution and service of selected Opel vehicles in the Ukraine.

Under this agreement, OOO UkrAvtoZAZ-Service is the exclusive authorized importer and distributor for Opel vehicles, parts and accessories. ZAO ZAZ has been responsible for the assembly of imported component sets of the Opel Corsa, Opel Astra and Opel Vectra models. Now, after adding a new assembly line at the plant in Zaporoshje, ZAO ZAZ will start the CKD assembly of the Astra Classic. Almost 3,600 Astras are expected to be assembled in the first full year, for sale on the Ukrainian market only. In addition to the CKD assembly of the Astra Classic, ZAO ZAZ will continue with the final assembly of the Opel Vectra and Opel Corsa.