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.”

!NEW! High-tech for the mini car: Opel KARL Now with Wi-Fi Hotspot and Smartphone Integration

• Extensive infotainment offer at attractive price: R4.0 IntelliLink from €350
• Intuitive familiar handling: 7 inch IntelliLink touchscreen
• Surfing with Opel KARL: Powerful 4G/LTE Wi-Fi Hotspot thanks to Opel OnStar

Opel KARL can now also be ordered with the ultra-modern, smartphone-compatible IntelliLink system and Opel OnStar.

Good, affordable and now with outstanding connectivity: Just like its bigger brother the Corsa the Opel KARL can now also be ordered with the ultra-modern, smartphone-compatible IntelliLink system and Opel OnStar. The smallest member of the Opel family will therefore offer leading technologies not expected in the class. R4.0 IntelliLink seamlessly and easily integrates smartphone functionalities via Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. It is compatible with devices from Android 5.0 Lollipop and Apple iOS 7.1 (from iPhone 5). Elsewhere, the personal connectivity and service assistant Opel OnStar is responsible for providing a stable and powerful internet connection and turning Opel KARL into a 4G/LTE Wi-Fi Hotspot.

Connected to Apple CarPlay: That allows drivers to make calls, send or receive messages and listen to music from the touchscreen or by voice via Siri.

“Opel KARL offers outstanding qualities at a small price. This is not only visible in its elegant design, the first-class workmanship and modern propulsion technology but also in the latest infotainment generation now available for KARL. It can definitely compete with bigger cars when it comes to mobile connectivity and extensive services,” said Peter Christian Küspert, Vice President Sales and Aftersales of the Opel Group.

Value for money: Opel KARL makes it possible

Opel KARL is the ideal car for price-conscious customers. For an entry-level price of a mere €9,500 (all prices RRP including VAT in Germany) buyers can expect a 3.68 meter, five-door mini car with space for up to five adults or up to 1,013 liters of loading space. But KARL has even more to offer – such as a great infotainment offer at an affordable price. The R4.0 IntelliLink system is now available for Opel’s smallest family member for prices starting at €350. The extensive service portfolio includes a clear 7 inch color touchscreen, USB and Bluetooth® interface for audio streaming and viewing photographs, videos and films or making a telephone call via the hands-free module. Furthermore, the infotainment system is now compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It brings the personal smartphone applications of each occupant into the car. The Opel infotainment technology immediately recognizes the systems when the iPhone or Android smartphone is connected to the R4.0 IntelliLink via USB. As soon as the connection is made, the smartphone interface is adapted to the 7 inch touchscreen and displayed clearly. That allows drivers to make calls from the touchscreen or by voice via Siri. A full list of those apps can be found at apple.com/ios/carplay. Android Auto is built around Google Maps, Google Now and the ability to talk to Google, as well as a growing audio and messaging app ecosystem. A full list of supported apps is available at android.com/auto. Simultaneously, the smartphone is charged when in use.

Thanks to smartphone integration Opel KARL occupant can access navigation apps such as Google Map or Apple Maps. The driver thus always has the latest map data at his/her disposal as updates are made available by the respective provider and downloaded onto the phone. Furthermore, smartphone based systems display traffic conditions in real time along with possible points of interest with additional information.

On the right way: Thanks to smartphone integration Opel KARL occupant can access navigation apps such as Apple Maps

Increasing the size of the map section on Android Auto is just as simple as on a smartphone – a touch of screen along with the according finger movement is enough. Another advantage of the system is that when a text message from services such as WhatsApp or Skype is received it pops up on the IntelliLink screen (without the text) and is read aloud allowing the driver to keep his eyes on the road.

Well connected: Android Auto is built around Google Maps, Google Now and the ability to talk to Google, as well as a growing audio and messaging app ecosystem.

Opel OnStar is responsible for delivering a stable mobile internet connection. The integrated 4G/LTE architecture turns Opel KARL into a powerful Wi-Fi Hotspot for up to seven devices. Use of the Wi-Fi Hotspot is free of charge for the first 12 months after registration. The hardware for the personal connectivity and service assistant comas as standard for the INNOVATION trim level and for a reasonable €490 for Edition. 

!NEW! Opel at Geneva Motor Show: Showtime for OnStar and Small Car Stars

• Opel Group CEO Neumann presents world premieres at show opening
• Opel KARL and Corsa OPC complete strongest small-car portfolio of all time
• Opel OnStar sets new standards in digital connectivity, service and safety

VIVA KARL: Opel Group CEO Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann presented the company's new entry-level model, the Opel KARL known as the Vauxhall VIVA in the UK.

Impressive start to the 85th Geneva Motor Show (public days from March 5 to 15): on the first press day, Opel Group CEO Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann opened the Rüsselsheim automaker’s stand (Hall 2, No. 2231) with the world premieres of the new small car KARL and the super-sporty Corsa OPC – the powerhouse version of the fifth generation of Opel’s bestseller. Dr. Neumann highlighted how strongly Opel stands for its models’ superb value for money.

Media scrum: Opel Group CEO Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann and the New Opel KARL take center stage with the members of the press eager to get close up to Opel's new entry-level model.

“The Opel KARL is the perfect car for price-conscious customers looking to combine everyday suitability with comfort and modern technologies. Customers will be able to purchase an attractive five-door car for as little as 9,500 euros in Germany. Our German dealers alone have already ordered 15,000 cars, even though the KARL will not be at dealerships until June. So the KARL is really off to a flying start,” said Dr. Neumann at the Opel press conference in Geneva. “Our new-generation Corsa just came to market a few weeks ago and we have already sold over 130,000 cars. Now we’re putting the icing on the cake with the new Corsa OPC: it is a high-performance car for driving enthusiasts looking for passion and excitement – and very affordable at prices starting just slightly above 24,000 euros. With KARL, ADAM and the new Corsa we now have the strongest small-car offer in our history and the youngest portfolio on the market.”

World premiere Opel KARL: Smallest star with great potential

Namesakes: Opel Group CEO Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann was proud to celebrate the world premiere of the new Opel KARL at the International Motor Show in Geneva.

The all-new KARL is a fully-fledged Opel with space for up to five occupants – plus two large beverage crates in the luggage compartment – for an entry-level price of just 9,500 euros (in Germany). For more comfort and safety, the 3.68-meter long five-door car can also be equipped with high-quality assistance systems that have only been available in considerably more expensive vehicle classes to date. These include the Opel Eye front camera with integrated Lane Departure Warning, power steering with City Mode, Park Assist and automatic cruise control with speed limiter.   

World premiere Opel Corsa OPC: Nürburgring-tested and suitable for everyday use

Sporting and emotional spearhead: Opel Group CEO Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann described the new Corsa OPC with its 207 hp and top speed of 230 km/h as the icing on the cake of Opel's small car portfolio.

The new Corsa OPC that was developed on the legendary Nürburgring Nordschleife is now available for only 24,395 euros. 152 kW/207 hp are just waiting to be let loose. The 1.6-liter turbo engine delivers maximum torque of 280 Nm with overboost – pure torque power. A short ratio six-speed gearbox sends OPC power to the front wheels. Thus equipped, Opel‘s new small athlete sprints from zero to 100 in less than seven seconds and reaches up to 230 km/h top speed. In light of such impressive driving performance, the athlete’s fuel consumption remains very low at 7.5 liters in the combined cycle. And innovative Frequency Selective Damping (FSD) technology effortlessly merges uncompromising sportiness with a high level of comfort.   

Europe premiere Opel OnStar: Begins in August in 13 markets

European premiere: Opel Group CEO Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann presented Opel OnStar, the new mobility and service assistant, at the Geneva Motor Show.

Opel takes the next step forward in automotive connectivity by introducing Opel OnStar. OnStar is already the leading global provider of connected safety and security solutions, value-added mobility services and advanced information technology in the automobile industry. Opel will bring the system to the European market in 2015. Starting this August, Opel OnStar will be rolled out across the company’s passenger car range. The 13 European premiere markets are Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Luxemburg, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Switzerland and the UK, with additional markets following later. Today, OnStar already connects around seven million customers in the U.S.A., Canada, China and Mexico and offers features such as a 4G LTE connection that turns the car into a powerful, mobile Wi-Fi hotspot. In addition, it offers an automatic connection to emergency services and smartphone remote control.

High-speed connectivity: Opel OnStar including the high-speed Wi-Fi hotspot will be rolled out across Opel's passenger car range from August 2015.

“Connectivity is one of Opel’s unique selling points as seen with our award-winning IntelliLink infotainment system. Opel OnStar, for which we have already received a Connected Car Award, is further proof that we want to deliver trendsetting innovations in connectivity to a wider audience,” said Opel Group CEO Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann. “Opel OnStar is a ground-breaking technology: Driving will be simply much more relaxed. The direct dialogue with our customers will create stronger ties with the brand. All this will convince even more new buyers that Opel is the right choice.”

!NEW! Vauxhall reveals All-New VIVA

• First official pictures of Vauxhall VIVA ahead of Spring 2015 launch
• Specially-developed 1.0-litre ECOTEC (75PS) powertrain
• Comfortable and practical with room for up to five people
• IntelliLink connectivity for seamless smartphone integration 

Vauxhall VIVA 

These are the first pictures of the VIVA, Vauxhall’s all-new five-door entry-level model.

Arriving in Spring 2015, the VIVA will be the latest addition to Vauxhall’s small car range joining the fashionable ADAM and the popular Corsa supermini.

Design

With a name that pays homage to Vauxhall’s original Viva made from 1963 to 1979, the all-new VIVA shares the original’s philosophy of clean lines, durability and practicality.  It is designed for modern, everyday life and at 3.68 metres long is practical and spacious providing more than enough room for up to five people.

VIVA is the latest model in the range to display Vauxhall’s sculptured, precise design philosophy. Three strong feature lines swoop down the sides with the signature ‘blade’, seen previously on Insignia and GTC amongst others, slicing through the doors. The two others run through the front and rear door handles. The VIVA’s front end features a distinctive winged chrome bar that presents the Griffin badge.

Large headlights and taillights add to the vibrant appearance, creating an overall design that shows exceptional attention to detail for a vehicle in this class.

VIVA will be available in ten exterior paint colours with a variety of 14- to 16-inch wheels.

Powertrain and Chassis

After first appearing in the Vauxhall ADAM ROCKS AIR and subsequently the New Corsa, VIVA is the latest Vauxhall to feature its new 1.0-litre three-cylinder ECOTEC engine.  Specially-developed for VIVA, this 75PS powertrain is smooth, punchy and efficient, and is mated to a slick five-speed transmission.

VIVA’s chassis and steering have been developed to provide exceptional safety and class-leading comfort.

Equipment and Practicality

Like its stablemates ADAM and Corsa, VIVA is fully-connected thanks to the IntelliLink infotainment system, which allows seamless integration of Apple iOS and Android devices.

It’s also equipped with ESP featuring traction control, ABS with Electronic Brake-Force Distribution and Hill Start Assist (HSA), which prevents the car from rolling back when starting on a slope.  Further safety options can be selected including Lane Departure Warning (LDW).

Another feature that VIVA shares with ADAM and Corsa is City mode which reduces steering effort at the push of a button. Park Assist alerts the driver to obstacles whilst parking plus there’s optional cruise control, sunroof, fog lights, heated front seats and heated steering wheel.

“Short, crisp and full of character, Vauxhall’s new entry-level model is a ‘proper’ small car and will hold great appeal in this rapidly growing sector,” said Tim Tozer, Vauxhall’s Chairman and Managing Director. “On sale next year at an extremely attractive price point, VIVA joins new Corsa and ADAM in a compelling small car portfolio, giving Vauxhall an unrivalled position in the small car market.”

New Small Car with Big Name: Opel Presents Karl

• New five-door entry-level model expands Opel’s small car range
• Strongest Opel models portfolio ever in the mini and small car segments
• Karl’s name pays homage to one of Adam Opel’s sons

Opel Karl: The new five-door entry-level model expands Opel’s small car range

The new generation Opel Corsa and the stylish, three-door Opel ADAM are about to welcome a new addition to their circle. From summer 2015, another small car will join them: the five-door Opel Karl. “Karl is a short, snappy and catchy name that represents Opel brand values: German, emotional and approachable,” said Tina Müller, Chief Marketing Officer at Opel.

With Karl, ADAM and the new generation Corsa, all launched in less than 30 months, Opel will have, as of next year, the strongest portfolio in the mini and small cars segments in its history, and one of the youngest on the market place. This new family of mini and small cars will fulfill all kinds of requirements.

The three musketeers: With Karl, ADAM and the new generation Corsa, Opel will have the strongest portfolio in the mini and small car segments in its history

With about 4.00 meters in length, the Corsa offers excellent comfort and great balance between exterior size and interior space in a family-oriented five-door body, or a sporty, coupé-like three door. ADAM, the 3.70m long, three-door individualization champion, offers dynamic driving, excellent connectivity and the widest personalization choice to those who want their car to express their lifestyle. In a compact package of 3.68 meters, Karl will feature five doors, up to five seats and offer the best of Opel virtues in a smart and highly practical manner, and will be the new entry-level model in Opel’s portfolio.

Karl’s name pays homage to one of Adam Opel’s sons – who had founded the company in 1862. While Adam had turned Opel into the largest bicycle manufacturers of the world, his sons Carl, Wilhelm and Friedrich started the automobile adventure in 1898, building their first car the following year.