Founded in the Vauxhall area of London in 1857, Vauxhall Motors has been through many transformations. The current name was adopted in 1907, following the production of the company’s first car in 1903. Previously the Vauxhall Iron Works produced marine engines before moving to Luton in 1905.

Financial difficulties during the 1920s resulted in a takeover by the American General Motors in 1925 and Bedford Vehicles was soon set up to produce commercial vehicles as a subsidiary of Vauxhall. During the Second World War the company focused solely on the building of Churchill Tanks, with over 5,600 being produced at the Luton plant.

Post-war expansion allowed for the opening of an additional plant in Cheshire in 1960. This plant has recently announced a 30% job cut, while production ceased in Luton in 2000.

By the 1970s Vauxhall had begun a partnership with Opel – a German subsidiary of General Motors. As Opel’s influence increased during the ’70s and ’80s Opel and Vauxhall cars were both sold in the UK, with no difference between them other than the badge. In 1981 the Vauxhall name was adopted across the board in Great Britain, though since then calls have been made to revert to Opel in line with the rest of Europe.

Despite not winning many awards Vauxhall cars are frequently among the best sellers. The Astra was Great Britain’s most successful car of 2005, while other models such as the Corsa, Zafira and Cavalier have often performed best in their particular classes.

EuroNCAP Safety Ratings for Vauxhall cars
The European New Car Assessment Programme produces reports on the safety of vehicles based on the results of several crash tests. As well as measuring how the car will hold up in a crash the risk to a pedestrian struck by the car is assessed. The star ratings (maximum 5) of key Vauxhall models are shown below.