Groupe PSA, the parent company of Vauxhall, has announced that the next generation of the Vivaro van will be built at the Luton plant, securing the long-term future of the facility.
Vauxhall has committed further investment into the facility alongside £9m of government funding in order to accommodate a new vehicle platform for the next-generation Vivaro, as well as opening up the ability to bid for future vehicles to be built on the same components.
Business Secretary Greg Clark welcomed the decision during a visit to the plant in Bedfordshire alongside PSA Chief Executive Carlos Tavares, leader of Luton Borough Council Hazel Simmons and Union leaders, saying, “Today’s decision is a vote of confidence in Vauxhall’s high skilled workforce and the UK’s world-leading automotive sector. This investment in upgrading the production platform will safeguard and grow jobs, ensuring the future of the Luton plant well into the next decade and help ensure the plant is well positioned for future Vauxhall models to be made in the UK.”
Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive said, “This announcement is great news for the UK automotive sector and, especially, the Luton plant. The UK continues to be a centre of excellence for vehicle production thanks to our engineering expertise, high levels of productivity and a collaborative relationship with government which has enabled us to build a robust industrial strategy and a sector deal. We will continue to work with policymakers to ensure the UK remains as competitive as possible now and in the future so we can continue to build on our long heritage in vehicle manufacturing.”
