Vauxhall News UK

What’s the difference between Vauxhall and Opel

Many will have have heard of Vauxhall and Opel, especially if they have been on the continent.  Some will noticed too that their cars look remarkably similar.  Some will also notice that some models have different names too, even though they are the same car.  Such as the Vauxhall Carlton and Opel Omega.

Here is a quick and brief look at the difference.

Vauxhall is not one the worlds most famous brands but it is well known in the UK.  They Produced their first car in 1903 however the company goes back further than that.  Established in 1857 by Alex Wilson, its original remit was to produce pumps and marine engines.

The Opel brand is only a little younger.  Started in 1863 and financed Adam Opel, they produced humble sewing machines.  They showed their first car at the Hamburg Motor show in 1902 and produced its first car in 1906.  It became Germanys largest car producer by 1914

Today both brands are owned by GM (General Motors).   General motors has a global presence.   Both Vauxhall and Opel produce the same cars however Vauxhall is the UK branding name.  Its UK branding name is generally considered too strong to change to Opel.  In EIRE, the Vauxhall name was dropped in 1982 and in some other countries where the brand was not too strong.

The cars the the brands produce are they same.  The Vauxhall brand is too strong and too British for General Motors to change.

You can get Vauxhall car lease through the brokers on the Leasebam system.