Vauxhall

Founded in 1857 by Alexander Wilson as a pump and marine engine manufacturer in Vauxhall, London, the company produced its first motor car in 1903. To accommodate growing demand, production moved to Luton in 1905. Initially known for high-performance and luxury vehicles, the company was acquired by General Motors (GM) in 1925, which shifted the brand's focus toward mass-market affordability and commercial vehicle production through the Bedford subsidiary. Following World War II, Vauxhall's product development became increasingly integrated with Opel, GM's German subsidiary. By the 1970s, the two brands shared platforms and designs, resulting in iconic models like the Cavalier and the Astra. This synergy allowed Vauxhall to become a dominant force in the UK market, consistently ranking as one of the top-selling brands for both private and fleet customers. In 2017, GM exited the European market by selling Vauxhall and Opel to the PSA Group (Peugeot-Citroën). This transition saw Vauxhall models rapidly migrate from GM-based engineering to PSA's modular platforms. The brand's identity evolved again in 2021 when PSA merged with Fiat Chrysler Automobiles to form Stellantis, placing Vauxhall within one of the world's largest automotive groups. Today, Vauxhall is at the forefront of the UK's electric vehicle transition. Its Ellesmere Port facility was transformed into the UK's first dedicated electric-only manufacturing plant in 2023. The brand currently offers electric versions of every model in its lineup, aiming to lead the UK's shift toward sustainable mobility while maintaining its heritage as a quintessential British brand.