Have you ever wondered who’s behind the iconic griffin logo of one of Britain’s oldest car manufacturers? Vauxhall Motors, a staple of British motoring since 1903, has changed hands several times throughout its history. Vauxhall is currently owned by Stellantis, a multinational automotive manufacturing corporation formed in January 2021. Stellantis was created through the merger of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and the PSA Group.
Before becoming part of Stellantis, Vauxhall was acquired by the PSA Group in 2017 when they purchased the brand from General Motors, which had owned Vauxhall since 1925. This acquisition marked the end of GM’s nearly century-long ownership of the British carmaker, signaling a new chapter for the brand. Today, Vauxhall operates as part of the larger Stellantis family, which includes 14 automotive brands from around the world.
Key Takeaways
- Vauxhall Motors is owned by Stellantis, a global automotive group formed in 2021 through a merger between PSA Group and Fiat Chrysler.
- The British car manufacturer was previously owned by General Motors for nearly a century before being sold to PSA Group in 2017.
- Vauxhall is positioning itself as a mobility provider focused on electric equality, expanding its electric vehicle offerings for the UK market.
History of Vauxhall Ownership
Vauxhall Motors has changed hands several times throughout its long history, evolving from a British manufacturer to part of global automotive groups. These ownership transitions have shaped the company’s identity while maintaining its British brand heritage.
Vauxhall’s Early Days and Growth
Vauxhall’s story begins in 1857 when Scottish engineer Alexander Wilson founded a pump and marine engine manufacturing company in the Vauxhall area of London. The company initially wasn’t in the car business at all!
In 1903, Vauxhall entered vehicle production, marking its transformation into an automobile manufacturer. The early Vauxhall cars quickly gained a reputation for reliability and performance.
For the first part of its existence, Vauxhall operated as an independent British car maker. The company developed distinctive models and established itself as an important part of the UK automotive landscape.
This independence would eventually give way to new ownership as the automotive industry began to consolidate globally in the early 20th century.
Acquisition by General Motors
In 1925, Vauxhall experienced a major shift when American automotive giant General Motors (GM) purchased the company. This acquisition marked the beginning of a relationship that would last for over 90 years.
Under GM’s ownership, Vauxhall became closely aligned with German car manufacturer Opel, which was also owned by General Motors. Many Vauxhall models were essentially rebadged Opel vehicles designed for the British market.
The GM era brought significant growth and expansion for Vauxhall. Popular models like the Astra, Corsa, and Insignia became household names in the UK.
During this period, Vauxhall maintained its British identity while benefiting from the engineering and financial resources of its American parent company. This long-standing arrangement continued until 2017.
Transition to PSA Group
A significant change came in March 2017 when General Motors sold Vauxhall and Opel to PSA Group, the French company that owned Peugeot and Citroën. This sale valued the combined Opel/Vauxhall business at €2.2 billion.
The acquisition ended Vauxhall’s 92-year relationship with General Motors. For PSA Group, adding Vauxhall and Opel helped strengthen its position as a major European automotive player.
Under PSA ownership, Vauxhall began transitioning to PSA platforms and technology. This change meant Vauxhall models would gradually share more components with French brands like Peugeot and Citroën rather than GM products.
The transition period was challenging but necessary as Vauxhall adapted to new corporate structures and engineering approaches. PSA worked to maintain Vauxhall’s British character while integrating it into their wider European strategy.
Current Ownership Under Stellantis
In January 2021, another ownership change occurred when PSA Group merged with Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) to create Stellantis, making Vauxhall part of this new automotive giant. Stellantis instantly became one of the world’s largest car manufacturers.
This new mega-company brings together 14 automotive brands including Peugeot, Citroën, Fiat, Chrysler, Jeep, and of course, Vauxhall and Opel. The merger created the fourth-largest automotive group globally.
Under Stellantis, Vauxhall continues to maintain its distinct British brand identity while benefiting from shared resources across the larger group. The company has announced plans to produce electric vehicles as part of Stellantis’ broader electrification strategy.
Today, Vauxhall operates as a British arm of this international conglomerate, combining local heritage with global resources. Manufacturing continues at Vauxhall’s Ellesmere Port facility, which has been repurposed to produce electric vehicles.
Stellantis: The Multi-Brand Conglomerate
Stellantis is the automotive powerhouse that currently owns Vauxhall. This global conglomerate united several major car manufacturers under one umbrella, creating one of the world’s largest automotive groups with a diverse portfolio of vehicle brands.
Formation of Stellantis
Stellantis NV was born from a major merger that reshaped the automotive industry. The company formed in January 2021 when Italian-American conglomerate Fiat Chrysler Automobiles merged with French PSA Group. This historic union created the world’s fourth-largest automaker by volume.
The merger was designed to help both companies better handle challenges facing the auto industry. These challenges included the shift to electric vehicles and changing customer preferences.
Before the merger, PSA Group had acquired Vauxhall from General Motors in 2017. This acquisition brought the British brand into what would eventually become the Stellantis family.
The name “Stellantis” comes from the Latin word “stello,” meaning “to brighten with stars” – representing the combined brand portfolio.
Brands Under Stellantis
Stellantis oversees an impressive collection of 14 automotive brands spanning multiple markets and segments. These brands include:
- European brands: Peugeot, Citroën, DS, Opel, and Vauxhall
- American brands: Jeep, Ram, Dodge, and Chrysler
- Italian brands: Fiat, Alfa Romeo, Lancia, and Maserati
- French luxury brand: DS Automobiles
Each brand maintains its unique identity while benefiting from shared technology, platforms, and resources. Vauxhall, as the British automotive brand under Stellantis, focuses on “ensuring electric equality for all” as part of its commitment to mobility solutions.
This multi-brand strategy allows Stellantis to serve different market segments and regions efficiently.
Leadership of Stellantis
Carlos Tavares serves as the Chief Executive Officer of Stellantis. He previously led PSA Group before the merger and has extensive experience in the automotive industry.
Under Tavares’ leadership, Stellantis has pursued aggressive cost-cutting and efficiency strategies. These efforts have aimed at improving profitability while investing in future technologies.
The company faces significant challenges in the European market, with reports of sales slumps affecting brands including Peugeot and Vauxhall. Tavares has made difficult decisions, including plans to close certain manufacturing facilities.
Tavares and his leadership team are pushing Stellantis toward electrification across all brands. This includes Vauxhall, which is being positioned as a key player in the company’s electric vehicle strategy.
Vauxhall’s Current Operations
Vauxhall Motors continues to be a significant automotive brand in the UK despite ownership changes in recent years. The company now operates under the Stellantis umbrella while maintaining its British heritage and manufacturing presence.
Vauxhall’s Manufacturing Plants
Vauxhall currently maintains production facilities in the UK, though with some recent changes. The Ellesmere Port plant is one of Vauxhall’s key manufacturing sites owned by Stellantis.
Recently, Stellantis announced plans to close the Vauxhall production facility in Luton, which could affect up to 1,100 jobs. This decision has created significant concern for the labour force and local economy.
Ellesmere Port has undergone transformation to focus on electric vehicle production. This shift represents Vauxhall’s adaptation to changing market demands and environmental regulations.
The plants have historically produced popular models like the Astra and Vivaro vans, although product portfolios have evolved with new ownership.
Vauxhall’s Market Presence
Vauxhall remains one of the UK’s most recognizable automotive brands with a strong heritage dating back over 100 years. Its market position has evolved since becoming part of PSA Group in 2017 and later Stellantis in January 2021.
The brand continues to focus on the UK market, where it maintains a significant presence in various vehicle segments including:
- Family cars
- Compact vehicles
- Commercial vans
- SUVs and crossovers
Vauxhall’s integration with Stellantis has allowed it to share technology and platforms with sister brands like Peugeot, Citroën, and Opel. This synergy has helped strengthen its market position.
The company faces strong competition from both traditional rivals and newer market entrants, particularly in the growing electric vehicle segment.
New Car Sales and Market Strategies
Vauxhall has been adapting its sales approach to address changing market conditions. The brand has embraced electrification as a key part of its future strategy, introducing electric versions of popular models.
Sales figures have fluctuated in recent years due to market uncertainties and the transition to new ownership. The company has focused on several key strategies:
- Electric vehicle push – Expanding EV offerings across its model range
- Digital retail options – Enhancing online sales platforms
- Fleet market focus – Maintaining strong relationships with business customers
Pricing strategies have become more competitive to maintain market share against both premium and budget competitors. Vauxhall has worked to position itself as offering good value while maintaining British design elements.
Marketing campaigns increasingly highlight technology features and environmental credentials rather than just price points. The brand continues to leverage its British heritage as a selling point despite its international ownership.
Vauxhall’s Model Line-Up
Vauxhall has developed a diverse range of vehicles throughout its long history. The brand offers everything from compact city cars to spacious family SUVs, with several models becoming household names in the UK.
The Iconic Vauxhall Astra
The Vauxhall Astra is one of the brand’s most successful and recognizable models. First introduced in 1979, the Astra has seen eight generations of development, becoming a staple on British roads.
The Astra offers a perfect balance of practicality, comfort, and driving enjoyment. It’s available in both hatchback and estate variants to suit different customer needs.
Recent Astra models feature modern technology including digital dashboards, advanced driver assistance systems, and efficient engine options. The latest generation introduced in 2022 even offers plug-in hybrid variants, showing Vauxhall’s commitment to electrification.
The Astra has won numerous awards throughout its lifetime, including European Car of the Year. Its popularity stems from its reliability, good value, and family-friendly design.
Classic Vauxhall Kadett
The Kadett was one of Vauxhall’s earliest successful models and laid the groundwork for the later Astra. Introduced in the 1930s, the Kadett paused production during World War II before returning in the 1960s.
The Kadett was primarily produced by Opel, Vauxhall’s European sister company under General Motors ownership. In the UK, these vehicles were sold as Vauxhalls with slight modifications for the British market.
Through its various generations, the Kadett evolved from a simple, practical family car to a more sophisticated vehicle with sporty variants. The Kadett E (1984-1991) was particularly popular and was the last to bear the Kadett name before being replaced by the Astra.
Many car enthusiasts still cherish classic Kadett models, particularly the sporty GSi versions that offered impressive performance for their time.
Diverse Range of Vehicles
Today’s Vauxhall lineup encompasses vehicles for nearly every market segment. The Corsa serves as the brand’s popular supermini option and consistently ranks among the UK’s best-selling cars.
For families, Vauxhall offers the Crossland and Grandland SUVs, providing spacious interiors and practical features. The Insignia serves business users and those seeking a larger, more premium vehicle.
Vauxhall has also embraced the electric revolution with models like the Corsa-e and Mokka-e. The brand has committed to offering electrified versions of all its models, supporting the transition to greener transportation.
Commercial vehicles form an important part of Vauxhall’s range too. The Combo, Vivaro, and Movano vans serve business customers with varying capacity needs and are a common sight for delivery services throughout the UK.
Vauxhall and the Electric Vehicle Market
Vauxhall has positioned itself strongly in the UK’s electric vehicle landscape despite facing industry challenges. The company has maintained impressive sales figures while navigating regulatory requirements and shifting market demands.
Vauxhall’s Electric Vehicle Strategy
Vauxhall, under its parent company Stellantis, has committed to making electric vehicles more accessible to the general public. The brand is focused on ensuring that every model in their lineup offers an electric option, demonstrating their dedication to the EV transition.
James Taylor, Managing Director of Vauxhall, has emphasized that the company is “dedicated to making electric vehicles accessible to all.” This approach reflects Vauxhall’s understanding that affordability and accessibility are key barriers to EV adoption.
However, recent reports indicate that Stellantis has begun to reconsider some of its EV investments. The company has halted production plans for a new gigafactory as it adjusts to current market conditions and sales trends.
ZEV Mandate and Vauxhall’s Commitment
The UK’s Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) mandate requires manufacturers to ensure a growing percentage of their sales are electric vehicles. Interestingly, Stellantis had previously expressed confidence about meeting these regulatory requirements.
Just two months before announcing a factory shutdown, Stellantis had told investors it was “confident it would meet the UK’s rules” on electric vehicle sales. This apparent contradiction highlights the volatile nature of the EV market and the challenges manufacturers face.
The ZEV mandate has created both opportunities and challenges for Vauxhall as it balances regulatory compliance with market realities. The company must navigate these regulations while maintaining profitability in a competitive landscape.
Electric Vehicle Sales Performance
Despite industry-wide challenges, Vauxhall has achieved remarkable success in the electric vehicle market. According to 2024 data, Vauxhall ended the year as the UK’s best-selling electric car brand across retail and Motability channels combined.
The company secured an impressive 8.2% market share in these channels, establishing itself as a leader in the accessible EV market. This performance is particularly notable given that the broader Stellantis group has faced difficulties.
Recent reports indicate that Stellantis’s overall sales have plunged by more than a quarter amid production issues and a slowdown in the EV market. This makes Vauxhall’s strong performance in the electric segment even more significant as it has bucked the trend affecting its parent company.
Competitive Analysis
Vauxhall faces stiff competition in the automotive market from several major players. The company’s performance against rivals reveals both challenges and strengths in this highly competitive industry.
Vauxhall vs. Ford: A Historical Rivalry
Ford and Vauxhall have competed head-to-head in the UK market for decades. This rivalry has shaped both companies’ product strategies and market positioning.
Ford historically maintained stronger market share numbers, with its popular models like the Fiesta and Focus challenging Vauxhall’s Corsa and Astra. The competition between these manufacturers has benefited consumers through improved vehicle quality and competitive pricing.
Ford’s global reach has typically given it advantages in research and development funding. However, Vauxhall has countered with strong brand loyalty in the UK market.
Both companies have faced similar challenges from Asian manufacturers and the shift toward electric vehicles. The competition has intensified as both brands work to maintain relevance amid changing consumer preferences.
Vauxhall’s Position Among Manufacturers
Vauxhall operates in a crowded automotive landscape. It faces competition from numerous global manufacturers. Major competitors include Renault, Toyota, Hyundai, Volkswagen, Volvo, Honda, and Fiat.
In terms of global market share, Vauxhall (with Opel) holds approximately 0.69% of the market by revenue. This positions them significantly behind industry leaders like Toyota (11.4%), Ford (7.9%), and Volkswagen (6.4%).
In 2023, Vauxhall showed promising growth. Opel-Vauxhall increased global sales by 15%. This growth demonstrates resilience amid falling automotive sales and increased competition from Chinese manufacturers.
Vauxhall’s position within Stellantis N.V. gives it access to shared technology and economies of scale. This potentially strengthens its competitive stance.
