Vauxhall unveiled its new Vectra range of large hatchbacks and saloons to replace the long-lived Cavalier in Britain
Friday 20th October 1995 Vauxhall unveiled its new Vectra range of large hatchbacks and saloons to replace the long-lived Cavalier in Britain. The Vauxhall badged Vectra B was the last Vauxhall to be produced at the company’s Luton plant, where the end of automobile production was announced in December 2000, taking effect just over a…
Vauxhall launched its all-new Corsa supermini, the replacement for the Nova, which like its predecessor was built at the Zaragoza plant in Spain
Friday 2nd April 1993 Vauxhall launched its all-new Corsa supermini, the replacement for the Nova, which like its predecessor was built at the Zaragoza plant in Spain. The great looks were a major plus but the first road tests revealed a chassis that wasn’t the breakthrough many journalists had expected. The GSi, in particular, was…
General Motors introduced the Opel Vectra and Vauxhall Cavalier to the western European market
Saturday 27th August 1988 General Motors introduced the Opel Vectra and Vauxhall Cavalier to the western European market.
The 1,000,000th Vauxhall Cavalier was sold
Saturday 23rd July 1988 The 1,000,000th Vauxhall Cavalier was sold. Sold primarily in the UK by Vauxhall from 1975 to 1995, it was based on an succession of Opel designs throughout its production life, during which it was built in three incarnations. The first generation of Cavalier, launched in 1975 and produced until 1981, was…
The Vauxhall Astra Mark 2 was launched
Wednesday 17th October 1984 The Vauxhall Astra Mark 2 was launched. It used the same range of engines and running gear as the Mark 1, but with a completely restyled body with better aerodynamics. It was voted 1985 European Car of the Year.
Vauxhall unveiled the Astra Mk2, which went on sale in October
Friday 24th August 1984 Vauxhall unveiled the Astra Mk2, which went on sale in October. It used the same range of engines and running gear as the Mark 1, but with a completely restyled body with better aerodynamics. It was voted 1985 European Car of the Year. Long-lived, the Mark 2 was available in estate,…
General Motors launched the Spanish built Opel Corsa, which was sold in Britain from April 1983 as the Vauxhall Nova
Tuesday 28th September 1982 General Motors launched the Spanish built Opel Corsa, which was sold in Britain from April 1983 as the Vauxhall Nova. The new front-wheel drive range of small hatchbacks and saloons effectively replaced the Chevette. However, the transport workers union threw the future of the new car, which was expected to sell…
Production of the Vauxhall Astra commenced in Britain at the Ellesmere Port plant in Cheshire
Monday 16th November 1981 Production of the Vauxhall Astra commenced in Britain at the Ellesmere Port plant in Cheshire. The Astra was launched two years earlier, but until this day had been produced solely at the Opel plant in West Germany.
General Motors launched the Vauxhall Cavalier Mk 2, available for the first time with front-wheel drive and as a hatchback
Wednesday 26th August 1981 General Motors launched the Vauxhall Cavalier Mk 2, available for the first time with front-wheel drive and as a hatchback. On its launch, it offered class-leading levels of fuel economy and performance which had previously been unthinkable for this sector of car. Sales began towards the end of September. This model…
Vauxhall launched its first-ever front-wheel drive car – the Astra range of hatchbacks and estates – to compete in the growing family hatchback sector
Wednesday 14th November 1979 Vauxhall launched its first-ever front-wheel drive car – the Astra range of hatchbacks and estates – to compete in the growing family hatchback sector. It replaced the traditional rear-wheel drive Viva saloon, which had been produced in three incarnations since 1963. Initial production of the Astra took place at the Opel…