The figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders confirm Vauxhall as Britain’s number one van maker for the 12th year running.
Vauxhall, whose UK headquarters are also in Luton, celebrated 110 years of building and selling vehicles in 2013.
Building more than three times as many vans as its nearest competitor, Vauxhall manufactured 44,657 Vivaro vans at Luton. Sales were up by 34% year on year to 18,180, helped by attractive finance, servicing and warranty offers.
Vauxhall chairman and managing director Duncan Aldred said: “We are delighted. The Luton-built Vivaro is the lynchpin of our award-winning van range so it’s a fantastic way to round off our 110th birthday celebrations.”
The Luton van factory is ramping up to build the new Vivaro which goes on sale later this year. Facility changes have begun with important upgrades already installed in the body shop.
Significant investment has been made in the project including €95 million in specific plant changes, €112 million in vendor tooling of which €34 million is in the UK and €12 million on facilities.
More than 40% of content for the new vehicle will be sourced locally. The plant and associated agencies directly employ over 1,200 people in the Luton area, and is a significant contributor to the local and wider UK economies.
