Vauxhall unveiled its all-new Vivaro today (Tuesday) as doors opened for the 2014 CV Show at the NEC in Birmingham. After months of speculation, crowds were drawn to the new model after it was revealed by Chairman and Managing Director of Vauxhall Motors, Tim Tozer.
Around 55,000 models a year are expected to roll off the UK production line, adding to the 900,000 vans that have now been produced at the Luton site. Vauxhall has been the UK’s largest commercial vehicle manufacturer for 12 consecutive years and the new Vivaro will secure the plant’s 1,200 jobs well in to the 2020s.
A major achievement for the Vivaro, which launched alongside its sister van the Renault Trafic, was a significant increase in UK-sourced components. The brand has increased its domestic sourcing from around 25% to more than 40%, responding to the quality and flexibility on offer from UK suppliers. The move is in-line with government and industry efforts, coordinated through the Automotive Council, to reshore automotive supply chains.
New Vivaro has attracted investment of £77 million as Vauxhall moves to reinforce its market share in the UK, which currently stands at around 25% of its market. The company’s European counterpart, Opel, plans to significantly increase its commercial vehicle footprint in Europe – a move that will rely on the quality, efficiency and reliability of the Luton-built van.
Click through to find out more about the new Vauxhall Vivaro or, for more information on UK-based manufacturers, download SMMT Motor Industry Facts 2014.
