Company overview
Vauxhall Motors Limited began as a British pump and marine engine manufacturer in 1857, founded by Alexander Wilson. It transitioned to car production in 1903 and was acquired by General Motors in 1925. During the early to mid-20th century, under GM’s ownership, Vauxhall focused on developing a middle-market car range and became increasingly mass-oriented. The company’s success was significantly aided by Laurence Pomeroy, who designed key models like the Y-Type and A-Type. Following a period of near-identical production with Opel, Vauxhall became a subsidiary of PSA Group in 2017 and subsequently Stellantis. Production at the Luton plant, a major facility for over 90 years, ceased in April 2025. Current models include the Astra, Corsa, Frontera, Mokka and Grandland, with high-performance variants sold under the GSe sub-brand. The company’s history includes significant wartime production of tanks and military vehicles, demonstrating its adaptability during times of conflict.
