Vauxhall celebrates 60 years of vehicle production at Ellesmere Port

• Stellantis’ Ellesmere Port plant is celebrating 60 years since first car rolled off production line
• Production started in June 1964 with Vauxhall Viva
• Ellesmere Port is UK’s first EV-only manufacturing plant and manufactures compact electric van for Vauxhall/Opel, Peugeot, Citroen & Fiat Pro
• Approaching 6m vehicles built at Ellesmere Port since 1964
• Electric van production to begin at Stellantis Luton plant from 2025

Stellantis is celebrating 60 years of vehicle manufacturing at its Ellesmere Port plant, marking six decades since the first car, a Vauxhall Viva, rolled off the production line on 1 June 1964.

Ellesmere Port was constructed in 1962 and opened in 1964 producing the Vauxhall Viva. Since then, it has produced celebrated models such as the Vauxhall Chevette and, since 1980, seven generations of the hugely popular Vauxhall Astra. During its lifetime, the plant produced more than a million units of the Viva, more than a quarter of a million Vauxhall Chevettes, and more than 4.1 million Vauxhall Astras.

Stellantis Ellesmere Port plant is now a key part of British electric vehicle (EV) production, being the UK’s first EV-only volume manufacturing plant following a £100m investment by Stellantis as part of the company’s Dare Forward 2030 commitment to become carbon neutral by 2038. Production of EVs began at Ellesmere Port in September last year, with Vauxhall/Opel Combo Electric, Citroën ë-Berlingo, Fiat e-Doblò and Peugeot E-Partner being produced there.

In 1970 Ellesmere Port occupied more than 350,000m2, but has since undergone several key changes, including the addition of a battery assembly shop, upgraded General Assembly and relocation of the bodyshop. This has contributed to a 60% reduction of the total site area for improved energy efficiency and productivity. At 118,000m2, the entire plant is now a similar size to the previous bodyshop.

Ellesmere Port’s transition to electric-only production continues Vauxhall’s tradition of building vehicles in the UK, which started at the company’s Luton plant in 1905, having transferred from Vauxhall in London where it started in 1903. From next year, Luton will begin producing medium electric vans for Vauxhall, Opel, Citroën, Peugeot and Fiat Professional.

Present at the 60th anniversary celebrations for plant staff and local dignitaries was Keith Tabiner, who was on the production line at Ellesmere Port in 1964 when the first Vauxhall Viva was produced. His three sons, Mark, Mike and Phil, also work at Ellesmere Port today, meaning that the Tabiner family has a combined 152 years of employment at the plant.  The plant has enjoyed a high level of such loyalty, dedication and length of service from many employees across the decades.

Keith Tabiner said: “Having witnessed the first Vauxhall Viva roll of the production line in 1964, and worked at Ellesmere Port for a total of 40 years, it’s a pleasure to be back and see the plant going from strength to strength making the electric vehicles of the future. I’ve always driven Vauxhalls and with three of my sons following in my footsteps and working at the plant today, everything we have is thanks to Ellesmere Port.”

Diane Miller, Ellesmere Port Plant Director, said: “We are excited to mark such an impressive milestone, celebrating production that began sixty years ago with the Viva, and now continues into the future with electric vans from Fiat, Citroën, Peugeot, Opel and Vauxhall. For six decades, Ellesmere Port has been a central pillar of the local area, and whose people have continually taken great pride in their work at the plant to provide millions of vehicles for the UK and beyond and now continue to do so in the transition to a more sustainable future.”

Maria Grazia Davino, Group Managing Director, Stellantis UK, remarked: “It is gratifying to celebrate six decades of vehicle production at Ellesmere Port, which continues to produce the latest generation of electric vans. Stellantis is the only OEM producing vans, including electric vans, in volume in the UK, and I would like to share my congratulations to the employees at the plant, who continue to work incredibly hard to produce the vehicles that will help to electrify businesses across the UK and in the more than 20 countries to which we export electric vans.”

Diamond Jubilee: Vauxhall celebrates 60 years of manufacturing at Ellesmere Port

• Vauxhall’s Ellesmere Port plant is celebrating 60 years of manufacturing
• Diamond jubilee comes as Ellesmere Port looks ahead to producing the next generation of battery electric LCV and passenger car models
• £100 million investment in Ellesmere Port by parent group Stellantis was announced last year to support its transformation to electric vehicle manufacturing
• Stellantis commitment to net zero globally by 2038 and to halve carbon impact by 2030

Celebrations coincide with final Vauxhall Astra rolling off the production line with more than 4 million built at Ellesmere Port across seven generations

Vauxhall is celebrating an incredible 60 years of manufacturing at its Ellesmere Port plant ahead of its £100 million transformation into the first Stellantis plant to produce solely battery-electric models by the end of the year.

Ellesmere Port opened in 1962 and began as a production plant for the Vauxhall Viva. Since then it has produced iconic models from the Vauxhall range including the Chevette and successive generations of the Vauxhall and Opel Astra. In total, more than 5.2 million vehicles have rolled off the production lines at Ellesmere Port over the past 60 years.

The diamond jubilee comes as Ellesmere Port readies itself for a £100 million upgrade to become the first Stellantis plant to produce solely battery-electric models, from early next year.

The popular Vauxhall Combo-e and its Opel equivalent will be some of the first electric vehicles to be produced at Ellesmere when the plant reopens, along with Peugeot e-Partner and Citroën e-Berlingo vans. Ellesmere Port will also produce a range of passenger vehicles across the Stellantis brands including the Vauxhall Combo-e Life, Opel Combo-e Life, Peugeot e-Rifter and Citroën ë-Berlingo MPVs.

These light commercial vehicles, and their passenger car variants, are all powered by a 100 kW (136 hp) motor with a 50 kWh lithium-ion battery.  They can be charged at up to 100 kW and take just 30 minutes to charge from 0% to 80%, capable of up to 174 miles of range under WLTP conditions.

Paul Willcox, Managing Director, Vauxhall & Senior Vice-President, Stellantis, said: “Over the last 60 years, Ellesmere Port has become one of the great British car plants, producing some of the most popular cars on the roads across generations. With one era closing, we’re now looking forward to an all-new electric era at Ellesmere, with the site becoming the first Stellantis plant to produce solely electric vehicles. Vauxhall is fast moving towards an electric future and I’m pleased to see the next-generation of Vauxhall electric vehicles made in Britain.” 

Vauxhall has committed to selling only electric vehicles from 2028, seven years ahead of the Government deadline, and the transformation at Ellesmere Port will ensure the UK remains at the forefront of electric vehicle manufacturing. The plant upgrade also forms a part of Stellantis’ commitment to become a carbon neutral group, globally, by 2038 – and to halve its carbon footprint by 2030, based on 2021 data. 

As Vauxhall looks ahead to the future electric vehicle production at Ellesmere Port, the plant is marking the end of production there for one of the brand’s most iconic models – Vauxhall Astra. Having first produced the Vauxhall Astra from 16th November 1981, then in its first generation, more than 4 million Astra models have been built at Ellesmere Port.

Production of the seventh generation Astra model came to a close on 6th April 2022.  The final Vauxhall Astra model to roll off the production line was an Astra Sport Tourer SRi Nav 1.2 Turbo Manual in Hot Red and the occasion was celebrated with a gathering of the plant workforce as well as former employees.  

6th April 2022: Last Vauxhall Astra rolls off production line

Work will now be undertaken to transform Ellesmere Port into an electric vehicle manufacturing centre when it restarts production in early 2023. 

Eighth generation All-New Astra, and Astra Sport Tourer, are now available to order and deliveries to UK customers are starting imminently.  Available now with plug-in hybrid technology, a fully electric version of both cars will also arrive next year as part of Vauxhall’s commitment to only sell fully electric vehicles from 2028. 

With over 90 years of history of manufacturing in the UK, Vauxhall is currently the only mainstream automotive brand to produce vans in Britain. Alongside Stellantis’ Ellesmere Port plant, Vauxhall continues to make vans at its factory in Luton, which has been operating since 1907 and stands as Britain’s oldest car factory.

Ellesmere Port will support sustainable mobility through the production of an all-electric vehicle, starting in 2022

• Ellesmere Port to become Stellantis’s first manufacturing site dedicated to battery electric LCV and passenger car models for Vauxhall, Opel, Peugeot and Citroën
• Industrial performance improvements as a result of strong  cooperation between the company, the Unite Union and, most importantly, the workforce
• Stellantis £100million investment supported by the UK government to secure an all-electric future for the plant
• Ambition for Ellesmere Port plant to be carbon neutral by mid-decade
• Ellesmere Port to support Stellantis Europe’s leading LCV position
• Vauxhall continuing its tradition of manufacturing vehicles in the UK, which started in 1903

Stellantis announces a £100million investment in Vauxhall’s Ellesmere Port manufacturing plant to transform the site for a new era in electric vehicle manufacturing.  Ellesmere Port will become the first Stellantis plant to produce a solely battery-electric model, in both commercial and passenger versions, by the end of next year, for Vauxhall, Opel, Peugeot and Citroën brands and for both domestic and export markets. This dedication to battery electric vehicles will go towards achieving the UK Government’s decision to stop sales of pure petrol and diesel engined vehicles from 2030.

Stellantis investment in Ellesmere Port will leverage the performance improvement actions that have been made possible thanks to a collaborative process between the company, the Unite the Union and based on the workforce’s drive to transform their plant.

Stellantis strong willingness to ensure a sustainable future for Ellesmere Port has been consistently supported by the UK Government, the Cheshire West and Chester Council, Cheshire and Warrington Local Enterprise partnership and Chester College.

Carlos Tavares, Chief Executive Officer at Stellantis, said: “Performance is always the trigger for sustainability and this £100million investment demonstrates our commitment to the UK and to Ellesmere Port. I particularly want to thank our highly skilled, dedicated workforce for their patience and contribution; we never let them down.  Equally, I want to thank our partners the Unite Union for their open mind set and strong cooperation and, of course, the UK Government for their continued support. Producing battery electric vehicles here will support clean, safe and affordable mobility for the citizens. Since 1903 Vauxhall has manufactured vehicles in Britain and we will continue to do so.”

UK Government, Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, Kwasi Kwarteng, said: “Ellesmere Port’s proud tradition in auto manufacturing will continue for many years to come thanks to today’s investment. Stellantis’ decision to double down on their commitment to this site is a clear vote of confidence in the UK as one of the best locations globally for competitive, high-quality automotive production.

Today’s decision will not only power Ellesmere Port into a clean future, but will secure thousands of jobs across the region in the supply chain. In this global race to secure electric vehicle production, we are proud to support Britain’s auto sector in this crucial transition as we work to build back better.”

Plant at Ellesmere Port will celebrate its 60th anniversary next year, having been built in 1962, and produced its first car, the Vauxhall Viva, in 1964.  Since that time, it has produced subsequent generations of the Vauxhall Viva, the Vauxhall Chevette and then each generation of the Vauxhall and Opel Astra.  In total, since 1964, it has built over 5.2 million vehicles. 

This new era of manufacturing will see a transformation of the Ellesmere Port plant “fit for the future”, with a new body shop, upgraded general assembly, a compression of the site area and the creation of an on-site battery pack assembly.  In addition, there will be further support to enable a pathway to carbon neutrality for the plant by the middle of this decade.  The plant aims to be 100% self-sufficient for electricity and work will commence imminently on potential wind and solar farms. 

Stellantis has also announced the intention to consult on further investment into the Ellesmere Port site with the creation of a new UK parts distribution centre.

From later next year, Ellesmere Port will build the following all-electric vehicles:

Electric LCV:

Vauxhall Combo-e

Opel Combo-e

Peugeot e-Partner

Citroën e-Berlingo

Electric Passenger Car:

Vauxhall Combo-e Life

Opel Combo-e Life

Peugeot e-Rifter

Citroën e-Berlingo

These light commercial vehicles, and their passenger car variants, are all powered by a 100kW (136hp) motor with a 50kWh lithium-ion battery.  They are able to be charged at up to 100kW and take just 30 minutes to charge from 0% to 80%.  Under WLTP conditions, they are capable of up to 174 miles of range.

Stellantis is the LCV market leader in Europe and, in the UK, Vauxhall leads sales in the fast growing all-electric LCV segment.

Vauxhall, Opel, Peugeot and Citroën brands have already committed to each offering all-electric versions of their entire respective van model ranges before the end of 2021.  Fiat Professional is also committed to offering electrified and alternatively fuelled versions across its van range.

With rising LCV usage in urban areas, partly due to the growth in demand for online delivery services, these zero-emissions-in-use vans will make a significant contribution to reducing emissions in towns and cities across the country.

The passenger car version will enable families to enjoy a “zero emission” active life with up to seven seats, benefitting from a modern high-tech interior, with great levels of comfort and adaptability and interior space, premium comfort and smart safety features.

!NEW! Holden confirms All-New Astra Aportwagon heading to Australia

• European made all-new Astra Sportwagon set for Australian debut late 2017
• Astra Sportwagon combines sleek sports design with room for the whole family
• Bursting with technology including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, automatic park and auto emergency braking

Holden announced the all-new Astra Sportwagon will be heading to Australia to join the recently launched Astra hatch and the recently announced Astra sedan to complete Holden’s most advanced small car range ever.

Following its popularity with European customers, and utilizing the same design language as the award-winning Astra Hatch, the incoming Astra Sportwagon boasts a spritely 1.4 litre turbo engine with six-speed automatic transmission and stop/start technology across the range.

Arguably the greatest attraction for adventuring families is Astra Sportwagon’s internal storage, with over 1,600L of boot space ensuring even the most indecisive of luggage packers is taken care of. Precious cargo is protected by a full suite of active safety technology including Auto Emergency Braking, Lane Keep Assist and Forward Collision Alert in addition to a Rear View Camera.

Astra Sportwagon’s technology also extends beyond safety with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, hands-free power tailgate and passive entry/push-button start, combining for ultimate driver convenience.

Holden’s Executive Director – Sales, Michael Filazzola, said Astra Sportwagon provides style, space and technology to customers whilst not sacrificing the engaging driving dynamics Astra has built its reputation on.

“With Astra Sportwagon joining Astra hatch and Astra sedan, we’re making sure there’s an exciting and desirable Holden small car to suit any taste or circumstance,” said Mr. Filazzola.

“Astra Sportwagon gives customers the best of all worlds with sleek, stylish design and impressive interior space, all supported by a wealth of driving and infotainment technology.”

Designed and engineered alongside its hatch sibling, at Opel’s Russelsheim headquarters, and built in the UK at Vauxhall’s Ellesmere Port manufacturing facility, Astra Sportwagon benefits from the same tuning setup as the hatch, co-developed by the Holden team over multiple European testing drives.

Astra Sportwagon will be the thirteenth new vehicle to be launched since Holden’s 2015 commitment to introduce 24 new models by 2020.  Holden’s new model onslaught also includes a further three vehicles confirmed; Equinox, Acadia and the next-generation Commodore.

!NEW! Opel/Vauxhall Astra Sports Tourer Production Starts at Ellesmere Port

• First Astra Sports Tourer rolls off production line today
• Smaller outside, bigger inside – up to 190 kg lighter than outgoing model
• Opel OnStar, IntelliLink infotainment compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto 

Astra Sports Tourer production started today at the Ellesmere Port plant in the UK.

Production of the new Astra Sports Tourer started today at the Opel/Vauxhall plant in Ellesmere Port, United Kingdom. Plant workers were joined by Peter Thom, Vice President Manufacturing Opel Group, and Stefan Fesser, Ellesmere Port Plant Director, as the first vehicle left the production line. Like its five-door hatch sibling, the Astra Sports Tourer is based on an all-new lightweight vehicle architecture with a new design, powertrains and technology.

Astra Sports Tourer production started today at the Ellesmere Port plant in the UK. Employees were joined by Plant Director Stefan Fesser (center).

The Sports Tourer further extends the dynamic lines of the five-door. The slightly arched sloping roofline gives the Sports Tourer a longer appearance, an effect that is further enhanced by the divided C-pillar. The rear view combines high functionality with elegant design. The Sports Tourer has a stable, robust and safe stance, the muscular rear-wheel arch contours and the divided rear light clusters add to this impression.

The latest generation Sports Tourer has almost the same dimensions as the outgoing model with a length of 4,702 mm, a width of 1,871 mm (with exterior mirrors folded in) and a height of 1,510 mm – however, it offers much more space for passengers and luggage. The driver can enjoy 26 mm of additional headroom, passengers in the rear have 28 mm more legroom, providing more space and comfort. The Sports Tourer’s total cargo capacity is now 1,630 litres, thanks to more efficient packaging.

Power outputs of 70 kW/95 hp to 147 kW/200 hp are delivered by the range of highly efficient diesel and gasoline engines (fuel consumption and CO2 emissions combined: 6.2-3.4 l/100 km; 142-89 g/km).

Depending on the model and trim level, the Astra Sports Tourer is up to 190 kg lighter than its predecessor. The completely new vehicle architecture plays a major role in the weight reduction. Every component was checked for compact design and lightweight materials. The body shell weight alone was reduced by around 85 kilograms.

!NEW! All Opel/Vauxhall Manufacturing Plants Now Landfill-Free

 In total 23 Opel/Vauxhall facilities in Europe are now landfill-free, meaning they recycle, reuse or convert to energy all waste from daily operations. With the additions of Luton Assembly and Ellesmere Port Assembly in Great Britain, Europe achieved as the first global GM region 100% landfill-free status for its manufacturing plants.General Motors’ industry-leading landfill-free count now totals 131 facilities.

“Our global progress in waste reduction is possible because of employee participation, creative ideas, and a strong supplier network,” said Jim DeLuca, GM executive vice president of Global Manufacturing. “Our teams understand the positive impact of this initiative and they drive it in their facilities every day.”

The new landfill-free sites in Europe used a variety of tools to educate and inspire, from recycling courses to training videos that help them understand the environmental benefits and business case. Some plants designate a champion in every unit of the plant to help ensure employee participation, and recognize team members driving significant progress.

All landfill-free sites will continue to improve their efforts and reduce total waste whenever possible.

“We at Opel/Vauxhall see waste as a resource out of place and want to go beyond the classical waste reduction targets that you usually reach by optimization of existing processes. Only if you understand waste as raw material you start to rethink your current processes and develop new ways to run your business differently. Strategically we do not only want to be landfill-free, we want to improve the re-use of material”, says Dr. Renate Adam, Manager Environmental Compliance and Sustainability, Opel/Vauxhall Europe.

GM teams around the world are working toward achieving 150 landfill-free sites globally by 2020. The company received a Top Project of the Year Award from Environmental Leader for driving a global movement for zero waste and outlines its best practices in its blueprint, "The Business Case for Zero Waste”.

!NEW! Vauxhall Celebrating 36 years of Britain's iconic Vauxhall Astra

• Vauxhall Motors launches new seventh generation Astra
• New generation model secures 2,000 jobs at the Ellesmere Port plant
• Five million cars manufactured at Ellesmere Port since 1962

Vauxhall Motors celebrates over 36 years of its iconic Brit-built Astra, with a patriotic Union Jack created by 128 of its new 7th generation models.

To celebrate the launch of the all-new seventh generation Vauxhall Astra, workers at the Ellesmere Port manufacturing plant – home of the Astra for over 36 years – choreographed 128 new models to create the image of the Union Jack flag.

Vauxhall’s seventh generation Astra is the eleventh major model-line to be built at Ellesmere Port and guarantees 2,000 jobs at the Cheshire plant over the next decade.  The plant secured a long-term contract in 2012 and a £140 million investment which further demonstrates the brand’s continued commitment to manufacturing the iconic car in Britain.

The patriotic image, orchestrated in under 24-hours, pays tribute to over 36 years of manufacturing the Brit-built best-seller, which has seen over five million cars roll off the Ellesmere Port production line. Three million have been sold in the UK alone – with 50,000 in the past 12 months and 2 million exported to 25 European markets. It is estimated that at full production in 2016, the plant will build approximately 680 Astras per day with further growth in subsequent years.

The British success story extends beyond the Astra itself – as for over 50 years, Ellesmere Port has been the manufacturing home of every compact class Vauxhall in the UK. With nearly 25 per cent of parts sourced locally from UK suppliers, the plant is a significant contributor the local economy and the continued investment at the facility is set to boost UK manufacturing, utilities, construction, transportation and storage companies by at least £70 million.

New Brit-built Vauxhall Astra – In Numbers:

•  One in four Britons has owned an Astra
• c25% of a Vauxhall Astra is produced from British sourced materials
• It takes approximately 24 hours to build an Astra, from sheet steel to the finished article – this is expected to reduce to just 22 hours as production grows
• 3 million Astras have been sold over the past 36 years - 50,000 in the past 12 months
• 5 million vehicles have been manufactured at Ellesmere Port, with 2 million exported to 25 European markets
• £140m investment in the Ellesmere Port factory
• The Ellesmere Port plant will build approximately 680 cars per day and 120,000 per year

Tim Tozer, Vauxhall’s Chairman and Managing Director said, “The all-new Brit built Astra raises the bar in terms of quality, design and connectivity.  Lighter than ever before, with new powertrains and cutting-edge technology, the new Astra is set to shake up the C-segment with it arrives in showrooms.”

He continued, “The Vauxhall Astra has been one of Britain’s best-selling and most-loved cars produced for over three decades. The next generation Astra not only continues to drive this legacy and celebrate the strong British heritage of the brand, but is also a key investment for the home of the Astra – Ellesmere Port – and celebrating the workers who have built the vehicle to world class levels of quality and productivity, making it a household name.”

The all-new Astra is in Vauxhall showrooms from October, priced from £15,295 on the road.

!NEW! Opel CEO Dr. Neumann Announces All-new Next Generation Opel Astra

• 11th generation Opel compact car to star at Frankfurt Motor Show in September
• Opel CEO Dr. Neumann promises an efficient, lightweight and spacious car

Proud moment: Opel CEO Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann presents a heavily camouflaged all-new next generation Astra prototype.

Continuing an eight-decade long tradition of Opel compact models, Opel CEO Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann will unveil the all-new Astra at the International Motor Show in Frankfurt (September 17 to 27, 2015). Currently, only fully camouflaged engineering development prototypes can be seen, but Dr. Neumann promises that the new Astra will feature “an awesome design”, highest efficiency and an abundance of innovations.

Dr. Neumann has set new development priorities for this 11th generation Opel compact car that has been created from a white sheet of paper, resulting in a revolutionary car that is much more efficient in all respects (video). Space is used in an efficient way: while its exterior dimensions will be reduced, the space devoted to the new Astra’s occupants in its cockpit will be increased substantially. The engineering teams in charge of the development of the new Astra have also dramatically reduced its weight. This will make it more agile and have an extremely favorable impact on its fuel consumption. Dr. Neumann also confirmed that, as the result of the greatest powertrain offensive in Opel’s history, the new Astra will be powered only by state-of-the-art engines of the new generation.

Clear thing: In 1969, Opel advertises the Kadett B with a short and sharp slogan „Das Auto“. 

The compact models Kadett and Astra, of which more than 24 million have been produced so far, have been the core of Opel’s portfolio ever since the first compact vehicle drove off the assembly line. “With each Kadett generation, Opel made individual mobility accessible to millions of people around the world, and several generations of Astra have brought innovative technologies from the upper class into the affordable compact segment,” said Dr. Neumann. “Each generation has raised the bar in safety, comfort and efficiency. The new Astra will once again set standards in the compact class.

Note: The South African launch date has not been confirmed yet. More information will be made available at a later stage.

Ancestral gallery: The ten generations of Opel compact class cars at a glance – from the Kadett 1 to the Astra J (from left to right).

Amongst others, it will be the first new Opel model to be launched with Opel OnStar’s unique connected service that is ready to help and rescue you 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.”

!NEW! Vauxhall reveals quality secret as 5-millionth car leaves Ellesmere Port

Today, in its 50th year as one of the UK’s most prolific car plants, Vauxhall’s Ellesmere Port factory has released dramatic footage of a vehicle sign-off like no other, while celebrating the five-millionth car to be produced at the Cheshire plant.

5-millionth Vauxhall leaving Ellesmere Port

News of the landmark car will be an extra boost for the near-1,800 workforce at EP, who build a new car every two minutes, and is currently gearing up for production of an All-New Astra later in 2015. As the lead manufacturing plant in Europe for the new model, Ellesmere Port is taking on an additional 300 staff next month as part of a £140 million investment by parent General Motors, which will secure the plant’s future into the middle of next decade.

Vauxhall Astra:  5-millionth car from Ellesmere Port plant

Vauxhall started building its compact cars at the Cheshire plant in 1964, and has been responsible for all Viva models (a nameplate that’ll return to the brand next year), the Chevette and all six Astra models from 1982. In all, an average of 100,000 units has left the plant in each of the last 50 years.

But like its sister plant in Luton (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7r5FyzPX3W8) Ellesmere Port can also reveal footage of its extreme car sign-off process, which has evolved from clandestine ‘testing’ in the factory during the Sixties and Seventies, to one of the most comprehensive quality validations in the motor industry.

In 1964, when the first Viva HA rolled off the line, Ellesmere’s workforce was as passionate and skilled as it is today, but one employee – known simply as ‘Ellesmere Pete’ – developed a finely-honed test process, which is now used as a rubber-stamp by the factory on all the vehicles it makes.

Pete works during the plant’s downtime, and uses EP’s vast Body Shop to put randomly selected Astras through a variety of tough tests. Suspension components are only signed off after Pete has jettisoned an Astra into mid-air and had it land safely, while steering geometry is analysed by completing a half-circuit of the body-shop on two wheels.

But while the process has always remained the same, from the earliest Viva HA’s right through to modern day, Pete admits to some favourite test-drives around the plant. ‘The Firenza Droopsnoot was a cracker. It had so much poke that the biggest challenge was not clipping some of the machinery as you drifted it between production lines. And when I got my hands on the first Astra GTE back in ’82, it was by far the fastest thing I’d put through the stillage-chicane in Body Shop. I could hit 60 on a good day.’

Ellesmere Port’s current Plant Director, Stefan Fesser, was sceptical about the testing when he arrived in 2013. ‘Of course, Ellesmere Pete is a legend in GM circles, but I wasn’t convinced until I saw the breadth of his high-speed testing in the plant, and the detailed reports he generates. And you know what? After fifty years, he still does a fantastic job of validating the great quality that comes with every car we produce. Long may he continue.’

To view Ellesmere Pete at work, from 1964 to 2014, please click on the following link: http://bit.ly/1w5DhU2

Today’s Astra range is as popular and diverse as ever. With power outputs ranging from 100PS through to 280PS for the VXR model, it almost always features in the UK’s top-five best sellers and is available as a 3-door GTC coupe, 5-door Hatch and Sports Tourer estate. Both the Hatch and Sports Tourer are built at Ellesmere Port, with 76 per cent of total volume going to export.

!NEW! Vauxhall unites with owners Clubs at NEC Classic Motor Show

• Largest single Vauxhall area seen at Britain’s biggest classic car show
• Seven unique and important vehicles from Vauxhall’s Heritage Centre…
• …in addition to impressive line-up from four leading Vauxhall owners’ clubs

Vauxhall D-Type Staff Car at The Cloth Hall, Ypres, Belgium 

For the third year running, Vauxhall Motors will be supporting the Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show at Birmingham’s NEC on 14-16 November, with a line-up of rare and unique vehicles from its Luton-based Heritage Centre.

But this year, Vauxhall’s presence will be even more impactful, thanks to the support of four of the marque’s leading clubs: the Droop Snoot Group, Autobahnstormers, the Vauxhall Cresta Club and the Chevette Owners’ Group, each of which will be sharing stand space with the manufacturer.

‘We wanted to bring marque clubs together in a stand that had a more cohesive feel for show-goers,’ said Simon Hucknall, PR Manager for Vauxhall Product & Heritage, ‘We also wanted to make a bigger statement about the importance of Vauxhall’s heritage; we’re Britain’s oldest surviving car company with a continuous manufacturing history for 111 years, so our display vehicles needed to support this message.’

Star billing in a year commemorating the centenary of the start of World War One is the D-Type staff car. Vauxhall was one of only a few manufacturers to continue building vehicles during hostilities, and the D-Type saw active service throughout the war.  One of only two surviving vehicles in the world, Vauxhall’s Heritage Centre example was built in circa 1916 and has been restored to full working order, even making a trip to Ypres earlier this year for a magazine article.

As a striking counterpoint, nothing comes to close to the VX Lightning concept. Created to celebrate Vauxhall’s 2003 centenary, the Lightning was a product of the now defunct GM Advanced Design studio in Coventry. Rarely seen outside of Vauxhall’s 70-strong heritage collection, the Lightning is fitted with a supercharged 2.0-litre engine producing 240bhp.

2003 Vauxhall VX Lightning Concept

Another rarity – though one that did make production – is Vauxhall’s Chevette 2300HS. Launched in 1976 to satisfy homologation regulations for the DTV (Dealer Team Vauxhall) rally cars, the model represented a conscious effort by Vauxhall to inject drama and excitement into its range. In rally form, it also brought Pentti Airikkala three major wins in his first season.

1979 Vauxhall Chevette 2300HS

Staying with the sporting theme, Vauxhall’s VXR220 also makes an appearance on the stand. This is the very car – a decade ago – that wore the first ‘VXR’ badge, and kick-started an enthusiasts’ brand that has spawned some of the fastest, best-handling and most attainable performance cars on the market. ‘Number One’ weighs just 800kgs and is powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine with 220bhp and a 0-60mph time of just 4.2 seconds.

2004 Vauxhall VXR 220

Just about the only figure the next stand-car has in common with the VXR220 is its weight. The Viva HA makes a welcome reappearance at the NEC, marking 50 years since compact car production started at Vauxhall’s Ellesmere Port plant, which next year will become the lead production facility for the all-new Astra. Vauxhall’s first compact car, the Viva (a name which will be re-born next year for a new model) was simple, beautifully packaged and immensely popular, with over 300,000 being sold between 1963 and 1966

.

Little more than 10 years after the HA ceased production, perhaps nothing showed Vauxhall’s up-market aspirations more than the Royale Coupe which graces the stand. Costing almost 20 times the price of the Viva at its launch, the Royale took Vauxhall into direct competition with the Rover 3500 SD1 and Ford’s Granada Ghia. All-round independent suspension, a 2.8-litre straight-six ‘cam-in-head’ engine, optional air conditioning were all firsts for Vauxhall. It was also seen as a genuine ground-breaker in its class by the British motoring press.

1979 Vauxhall Royale Coupe 

And ground-breaking is something at which Vauxhall has excelled right from the start. Fresh from its attempt at the 2014 London to Brighton run, the 110-year old ‘6HP’ showed how prescient was Vauxhall’s approach to design and engineering. The oldest car on the stand has a body and chassis amalgamated into a single structure made from a wood and steel composite. Driven by a single-cylinder engine, with a two-bearing crank and trembler coil ignition, the 6HP could achieve a top speed of 25mph – quite something in its day.

1904 Vauxhall 6HP 

Vauxhall and its partner clubs look forward to meeting show-goers on the stand, which is in Hall 7, Stand 420. More information about the Classic Motor Show can be found at www.necclassicmotorshow.com .

!NEW! Vauxhall announces All-New Viva

Vauxhall will launch an all-new five-door entry-level model called Viva in Summer next year.

All-New Vauxhall Viva 

The Viva will be the latest edition to Vauxhall’s small car range joining the fashionable A-sector ADAM and the popular Corsa supermini.

Offering an extremely attractive price point, the Viva will have a five-door body style with either four or five seats. Viva will be well specified and come in a range of trims and equipment levels, which will hold great appeal in this rapidly growing sector.

“This bold, radical name will attract attention and engender curiosity in the car,” said Peter Hope, Vauxhall’s Marketing Director.

The five-door model’s name also pays homage to Vauxhall’s original Viva available from 1963 to 1979. Over 1.5 million Vivas were manufactured at Vauxhall’s plant in Ellesmere Port, Cheshire.

Designed for modern, everyday life, the all-new model will share the original’s clean lines, durability and practicality.

Opel will use a different name to Viva which will be announced tomorrow (Thursday 11th September 2014).

!NEW! Vauxhall announces 550 new jobs at its Ellesmere Port and Luton plants

• 300 new jobs at Ellesmere Port Astra plant in Cheshire
• Second shift and 250 new jobs at Luton van facility in Bedfordshire

Ellesmere Port - Astra Production

As its business grows and with another new model on the horizon Vauxhall has confirmed that it will take on 550 new employees at its manufacturing sites in Ellesmere Port and Luton, the first significant new-hire programme for a decade.

Around 300 new jobs will be secured at the Ellesmere Port plant in Cheshire.  The plant currently operates on two shifts but as sales volumes build more employees are required to cope with increased output at the facility. The new jobs will be phased in over the first quarter of 2015.

In 2012, Ellesmere Port won the contract to build the next generation, all-new Astra.  Production of this model begins towards the end of 2015. The agreement runs into the next decade and secured a £125 million investment.

Also looking forward to a bright future is Vauxhall’s Luton plant where a second shift is to be added in January 2015, creating around 250 new jobs. The Luton facility builds the recently launched all-new Vivaro van and will be taking on these new employees to increase output next year.  In 2011, Luton won the contract to build the new Vivaro, entailing a £185 million investment.

“This is great news for Vauxhall and for British manufacturing,” said Tim Tozer, Vauxhall’s Chairman and Managing Director. “Both of our UK manufacturing plants have won long contracts with all-new product and as the business strengthens, we now need to take on more people to build these exciting new Vauxhalls.”  

!NEW! Transmission production Anniversary at Opel in Rüsselsheim

• Factory produced the millionth copy of the manual six-speed gearbox
• Overall, more than 11 million transmissions from Rüsselsheim since 1899

Marc Schiff, Executive Director of Manufacturing (2nd from right), plant director Axel Scheiben  (1st from right), production director Michael Eiermann (1st from left) and Albert Hoehn, Director of Transmission Plant (2nd from left) with the anniversary copy.

In the Rüsselsheim plant today was attended by Executive Director Manufacturing, Marc ship factory director Axel discs, the one millionth copy of the manual six-speed gearbox F40 from the assembly line. The 50 kg light transmission with aluminum housing provides maximum comfort and control can transmit up to 400 Newton meters of torque. It comes in the model series Astra, Insignia, Zafira Tourer and Antara used.

Albert Hoehn, Director of the transmission plant: "We work with state of the art manufacturing facilities. Means that only transmissions are shipped in highest quality to our customers, our qualified employees ensure their experience and commitment. "

With its entry into the automobile production in 1899 in Rüsselsheim Opel has started the production of gears. To date, over eleven million units were produced at the site. The current six-speed manual gearbox is manufactured since April 2003. The F40 transmission is produced in three series: a series of front-wheel drive vehicles, for a four-wheel drive vehicles and one for the high-performance OPC models. In its latest generation, it offers the customer Schaltpräsizion and shift comfort at the highest level.

The transmission from Rüsselsheim to be installed not only in the European Opel plants in Rüsselsheim, Bochum, Ellesmere Port (Great Britain) and Gliwice (Poland) in the vehicles - they are also used within the Group of GM. Rüsselsheim provides, for example, in the USA, Canada, Australia and South Korea, where the transmission used in vehicles from Buick and Chevrolet.