The name of the motor car was in fact derived from the district of London where an iron foundry was situated which was then Alex Wilson and Company who owned the Vauxhall Iron Works founded in 1857. Although the company did not venture into cars until 1903, in order to expand into this field, they moved car production to Luton where it still produces vehicles today. The early production years saw Vauxhall as a sporting car and it claimed many successes with the cars of the day until the outbreak of the First World War. Between the wars Vauxhall continued to make sporting cars until, significantly the company was taken over in 1925 by the US giant General Motors. This takeover was to have a profound effect on the design of Vauxhall cars from that moment until the 1980’s the models taking on a noticeably American styling. The American influence had a major benefit from an engineering point of view as well, with such notable advances as a synchromesh gearbox, the first to any British car.
Expansion from 1945 onward into the mass produced car market had mixed success and Vauxhall was saddled with a reputation of producing cars that were prone to rust; this would remain with them for a long period, but they were producing large numbers of cars in this time principally the Viva and Victor. The car which was to change the fate of Vauxhall was, undoubtedly the Cavalier, which was a front wheel drive hatchback and for most of its life was to become Britain’s most popular car. This continued with a new model highly praised for its sleek looks and high degree of resistance to rust putting behind Vauxhall the reputation it had earned in the 1960 and 70 periods. It should be pointed out that Vauxhall was not the only car that had rust problems; most of the British car industry suffered the problem as well. General Motors also owned the German Opal group and began to systematically merge the product lines of its Vauxhall and Opel subsidiaries. Vauxhalls are now basically Opal designs and in some cases they are virtually rebadged Opals. Vauxhall plants in the UK manufacture Opal cars for export to many countries. Although the parent company General Motors was in trouble and began to sell off its subsidiaries, they decided to keep the German Opal set up and Vauxhall as profitable companies.
Because Vauxhall is popular with company buyers and leasing companies there are always lots of very desirable low mileage well maintained cars available through the used car market. The Agila is a city car that is developed in conjunction with the Suzuki Splash. The Antar is a stylish SUV and a full 5 seat car. What can one say about the Astra, other than it has been a firm favourite with car buyers since 1979 and is a very practical and affordable used car. The Corsa is a fun supermini and has been a hit since 1993, thanks to low running cost and all round practicality. Vauxhall can claim that it started the MPV craze and it has just about the best with the Meriva, a family friendly car. The Insignia can run with the best prestige cars, well appointed and designed for comfort and reliability it has no fear of BMW and Audi. The Vauxhall Vectra is said to be an institution on our roads and there are certainly plenty to be seen, well appointed and comfortable the choice of the company car buyer means a big used car choice is available. With lots of choice a Vauxhall is a good used car to buy. As part of General Motors they are engaged in socially responsible operations, worldwide. It is dedicated to provide products and services of such quality that our customers enjoy.