Vauxhall Vivaro Plant Saved

Workers at Vauxhall’s Luton factory have been celebrating after they were told 1,500 jobs would be saved.

Workers had been told they would likely be out of work by 2013 when the production contracts with the plant expired. However bosses at the plant have struck a deal to produce new models of the Vivaro.

Plant Manager Mark Stein praised workers saying that it is an incredible testament to them that they have carried on despite knowing they may not have much time left.

The contract secured is to continue production of the Vivaro van, a big player in the medium-sized light commercial vehicle market since it was awarded the Professional Van and Light Truck Magazine Van of the Year award back in 2006.

The news will come as a relief to Vauxhall suppliers and Vauxhall Vivaro leasing services due to the popularity and adaptability of the vehicle.

Known on the continent as the Nissan Primastar and the Renault Traffic it offers a range of features suited to any most businesses.

At the 2010 Commercial Vehicle Show Vauxhall revealed that they would be launching an electric hybrid version of the vehicle capable of travelling over 250 miles when in use and well over 60 miles of pure electric driving.