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GLOVES OFF AT VAUXHALL
Page 48
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Vaxuxhallis plans to come back with a bang in 2005 include transferring the production of Astravans to Poland. Colin Barnett reports.
Following a year in whichVatediall's performance has been held back by various product shortages, it has been working hard to free up production bottlenecks and plans to come back with a bang in 2005. The keys are transferringAstravan production to Poland and keeping more of Luton's production for the Vauxhall brand.
Since early this year, the production line at Ellesmere Port has been turned over to the new fifth generation Astra car range and any Astravans sold since have come from a buildup of stock which dwindled some time ago. The next generation of Astravan, based on the new car, will not be launched until the middle of 2006. Producti on has resumed, this time at Gliwice in Poland, where a strong local demand for the outgoing or"Classic"Astra car range makes it possible for the Astravan to be made on the same lines.
The UK is the strongest market for the Astravan, with Austria the only other European country to take significant quantities. Although somewhat hampered by supply this year,it still sells at the rate of 1,000 units a month, enough for GM to move production machinery to the far side of Europe.
Vivaro
The second prong in the renewed assault is with the Vivaro. Although the Luton IBC plant is working at maximum capacity, the second joint venture factory in Barcelona is increasing production, allowing Vauxhall to retain a higher proportion of UK output.
To make use of its extra capacity,Vauxhall intends to reinforce its performance in the 'off-the-shell" sector with a wider range of specialist products and conversions.A new offline SVO facility at Luton will produce Vivarobased products, including the double-cab van tested by CM (25 September).TheVivaro platform cab will be the basis for a pair of Scattolini-bodied dropside trucks and an aerial access platform from Versalift.The dropside will have an ultra-low deck or a high deck with storage lockers at the rear and sides.
The 2005 Sportive model will become an integral part of the range, with metallic bodycoloured bumpers and side mouldings, air-con and CD player as standarel.The only major change from the van seen at various shows this year is the replacement of the vulnerable alloy wheels with more fleet-friendly plastic trims. Worth mentioning are a new nine-seater minibus. a Vivaro taxi and wheelchair accessible Combo,Vivaro and Movano. The Movano isn't left out of the plans. A milk float, home delivery van and extendedchassis single car transporter figure, as do Movano and Vivaro glass transporters. Somers will produce fridge vans based on Combo and Movano.
General Motors plans to exceed 200,000 light commercials in Europe in 2005, from a projected 170,472 this year. With free supply and an expanded range, don't be surprised if it happens.