Vauxhall charges ahead: Luton facility set to electrify with Vivaro Electric production from 2025 spearheading Stellantis’ UK EV manufacturing expansion
Luton’s historic automotive hub embraces electric future: Vivaro Electric joins Stellantis’ lineup, marking a significant milestone in the UK’s automotive electrification journey
Vauxhall has announced plans to kickstart limited production of its medium electric van, the Vivaro Electric, at its renowned manufacturing facility in Luton starting in the first half of 2025.
Scheduled to commence during the spring of next year, the production launch will position Luton as the second Stellantis plant in the UK to delve into electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing. The move follows the successful electrification transformation witnessed at Ellesmere Port in 2023, where the Vauxhall Combo Electric marked the inauguration of the UK’s premier electric-only volume manufacturing plant. Luton’s transition echoes Stellantis’ commitment to electrify all van-producing sites across Europe.
The Luton plant is set to roll out the fully electric Vauxhall Vivaro Electric, alongside its counterparts from Opel, Peugeot, Citroën, and Fiat Professional, catering to both right and left-hand drive markets. While primarily focused on fulfilling the demands of the UK Right Hand Drive market, the facility will also cater to Left Hand Drive markets.
Stellantis leads the van manufacturing landscape in Europe, capturing a 30.4% market share in 2023 and commanding 38.8% of the European electric van market
This expansion in production does not overshadow the continued manufacturing of internal combustion engine (ICE) vans, which will run parallel to the electric variants.
Mark Noble, Luton Plant Director & Stellantis UK Manufacturing Lead, commented: “Following the transformation of our Ellesmere Port facility to produce all-electric compact vans, I’m pleased to announce that we will commence limited production of our medium electric van in Luton from next year, when the first customer vehicles will roll off the production line. This is a fitting way to mark Luton’s 120th anniversary.”
Maria Grazia Davino, Group Managing Director, Stellantis UK, added: “Whilst this decision demonstrates Stellantis’ confidence in the plant, this first step in its re-development towards a fully electric future requires the UK Government to stimulate more demand in the electric vehicle market and support manufacturers that invest in the UK for a sustainable transition.”
Luton’s importance as a production hub
Having commenced operations in 1905, Luton has been an integral part of Vauxhall’s manufacturing legacy for over a century. The plant’s journey began with the assembly of the first commercial vehicles in 1932, with iconic models like the ‘VYC’ and ‘VXC’ panel vans marking its early production milestones.
Over the years, Luton has continued to be the birthplace of various popular commercial vehicles for Vauxhall, including the Vivaro which debuted in 2001.
The facility underwent significant upgrades recently as part of Stellantis’ broader refresh of its light commercial vehicle lineup. Besides Vauxhall, the plant also manufactures sister models for Peugeot, Citroën, Opel, and Fiat Professional.
Among the pioneering electric vehicles to emerge from Luton, the New Vauxhall Vivaro Electric boasts a 75kWh battery coupled with a 100kW (136PS) electric motor, offering an impressive range of up to 217 miles (WLTP). Furthermore, its rapid charging capability allows for a 5-80% charge completion in just 45 minutes from a 100kW rapid charger.
Leading European van production
Stellantis leads the van manufacturing landscape in Europe, capturing a 30.4% market share in 2023 and commanding 38.8% of the European electric van market. In the UK, Stellantis accounted for 47.9% of the electric van market last year, with Vauxhall emerging as the best-selling manufacturer and the Vivaro Electric securing the top spot as the number one electric van in the UK.
Vauxhall, Peugeot, Citroën, and Fiat Professional presently stand as the sole mainstream automotive brands engaged in van production within the United Kingdom. Alongside the Luton plant, these manufacturers also operate at Ellesmere Port, the UK’s pioneering electric vehicle-only volume manufacturing plant and the first Stellantis facility globally dedicated to electric vehicles.
Stellantis’ wider production projects: a contiental snapshot
Stellantis’ Luton plant is one cog in its vast machinery of global production.
Stellantis is streamlining its manufacturing strategy to optimise efficiency and synergies among its diverse range of brands.
With recent mergers, including PSA and FCA, the carmaker is reorganising production facilities across Europe. Key to this strategy is maximising scale efficiencies by focusing each factory on a specific platform while producing vehicles for multiple brands. The shift towards single-platform, multi-brand factories is evident, facilitating increased efficiency and resource utilisation.
Opel Eisenach stands as one of the last single-model factories, while Rennes produces models for multiple brands on common platforms, enhancing factory efficiency and supplier engagement. In Poland’s Tychy plant, a transition from two to three models is underway, utilising a shared platform for Fiat, Lancia, and Jeep models. This phased approach allows the factory to adapt to each model’s unique requirements and supply chain demands.
Similar transformations are unfolding at the Melfi plant in Italy, where a shift from ICE-powered models to electric vehicles is planned. The introduction of models for Opel, Lancia, and DS alongside Jeep reflects a comprehensive realignment of production to maximise efficiency and accommodate diverse brand portfolios.
Additionally, the Zaragosa plant in Spain will commence Lancia production alongside Opel, expanding its brand portfolio. This strategic approach aims to enhance production efficiencies, strengthen supplier relationships, and enable brands to explore new market segments with shared investments.
By consolidating production onto single platforms across multiple brands, Stellantis aims to achieve economies of scale, reduce reliance on individual models and foster innovation and growth across its brand portfolio. The cohesive production strategy is an impressive approach by Stellantis to streamlining operations and capitalising on its diverse brand portfolio.