THE Ukraine's largest car manufacturer will assemble the second-generation Opel Astra ready for sale in the country.

ZAO ZAZ is starting what is known as CKD (Completely Knocked Down) assembly of the Opel Astra Classic car at its plant in Zaporoshje this month.

This particular model is the one being currently replaced across Europe by the new model.

It follows 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.

It is estimated that up to 3,600 Astras will be assembled in the first full year, for sale on the Ukrainian market only. ZAO ZAZ will also continue with the final assembly of the Opel Vectra and Opel Corsa.

Meanwhile, Fritz Henderson will become president of GM Europe on June 1, replacing Mike Burns, who has resigned to become chief executive officer, president and a director of Dana Corp.

The company also announced that GM vice-chairman Bob Lutz would assume the additional responsibility of president of GM Europe on an interim basis until Henderson moves into his new assignment in Zurich, Switzerland.

Lutz retains his positions as GM vice-chairman of product development and chairman of GM North America.