Vauxhall Motors, a driving force in Luton for nearly 120 years, announced the closure of its van-making factory in November 2024, putting 1,100 jobs at risk. The decision is attributed to Stellantis’ struggles with making parts and cars in the UK and higher tariffs on exports to Europe following Brexit.
Recent Developments
In 2017, France’s PSA Group bought the European division of General Motors, which included Vauxhall. The group merged with Fiat Chrysler in 2021, creating a new company called Stellantis. In November 2024, Stellantis announced its Vauxhall van-making factory in Luton will close, putting about 1,100 jobs at risk.
History of Vauxhall Motors in Luton
A history of Vauxhall Motors in Luton spans over a century, with significant milestones including:
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Production of two million vehicles by 1959
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£50m modernisation of the plant in 1989
The factory closure is a sad day for the town, but it has bounced back from previous challenges.
Reasons for Closure
The decision to close the van-making factory in Luton by Vauxhall Motors has been attributed to Stellantis’ struggles with making parts and cars in the UK, as well as higher tariffs on exports to Europe following Brexit.
Impact and Response
Local authorities are working to support affected workers and ensure that historical vehicle manufacturing remains in Luton. Rachel Hopkins MP described the news as “deeply troubling”, while Unite the Union called it a “slap in the face.” The local authority has offered support and will meet with management and trade unions to discuss practical help.
Background
Vauxhall Motors has been a driving force in Luton for nearly 120 years, with a history dating back to 1903. The company supplied cars for World War One and produced trucks and buses during World War Two.
Key Milestones
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1925: General Motors took over Vauxhall, although the company retained its model range.
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1931: Vauxhall’s Bedford range of trucks and buses began being produced in Luton.
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1940: 39 workers were killed in a German bombing raid during World War Two.
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1959: The production of two million vehicles was achieved.
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1989: The £50m modernisation of the Luton plant began.
In November 2024, Stellantis announced that Vauxhall Motors would be closing its van-making factory in Luton, putting about 1,100 jobs at risk. This decision has been met with shock and concern from local leaders and unions. Despite staff working flexibly for decades to keep costs down, the impact on local people is expected to be significant.
The closure is attributed to Stellantis’ struggles with making parts and cars in the UK, as well as higher tariffs on exports to Europe following Brexit.
Vauxhall’s history in Luton spans over a century, dating back to 1903 when the company started making cars in south London but moved to a new factory on Kimpton Road in Luton in 1905. During World War One, the company supplied cars for the war effort.
Reactions from Local Authorities and Unions
Rachel Hopkins MP described the news as “deeply troubling”, while Unite the Union called it a “slap in the face.” The local authority has offered support and will meet with management and trade unions to discuss practical help.
