GM Broadens Capabilities of Engine Plant in Germany

General Motors Co.'s Opel unit is spending €130 million ($175 million) to add axle, body and seat component capacity to its engine plant in Kaiserslautern, Germany.

The overhaul will enable the factory to make front seat and body structural components for Opel's next-generation Astra small car and structural parts and axles for the redesigned Insignia large sedan.

The plant also will be tooled to begin making Euro 6-specifcation 2.0-liter diesel engines in October 2014. The facility currently makes engines for most of the Opel vehicle lineup.

The investment is part of GM's €4 billion ($5.4 billion) commitment to revive Opel by the end of 2016 with production improvements and new models.