The plant has won a 10-year contract to produce the vehicle, securing over 1,200 jobs and making it the UK’s only light commercial vehicle manufacturing plant after the closure of Ford’s Transit factory in Southampton last year.
The Luton plant has built nearly a million Vivaro vans since 2001 including 44,000 vans built in 2013 and is a major exporter, with 52% of production destined for European markets.
The new Vivaro will also boost service firms around the country from £600m of new business over the life of the vehicle, with 40% of content sourced locally from UK suppliers. This is up by 60% on the current van.
Tim Tozer, Vauxhall’s chairman and managing director, said: ‘Our customers will be delighted with the new Luton-built Vivaro. It offers the comfort and design of a passenger car but with class-leading practicality, improved cargo dimensions and excellent payload capability.’
‘The launch of the new Vivaro is great news for British manufacturing,’ added Vince Cable, business secretary. ‘The plant at Luton, which has made such an important contribution to the local and national economy, has got a bright future thanks to the commitment of its workforce and ability to compete against the best in Europe.
‘Through the UK Government’s industrial strategy we are backing the auto sector as it goes from strength to strength. We are providing the right environment to give businesses the confidence to invest and create high skilled jobs.’
