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The Vauxhall name originates from 13th century. King John employed infamous mercenary soldier, Fulk le Breant and as a reward for his service, gave him the title of Sheriff and the Manor of Luton. Fulk chose the griffin as his heraldic symbol and through marriage to a wealthy widow, Fulk acquired valuable land on the south bank of the River Thames in London, from then known as Fulks Hall. Over time, the name of the land changed - Fulks Hall became Foxhall, which became Vaux Hall, which eventually became Vauxhall.
By the early 19th century, the land now called The Vauxhall Gardens was a popular recreation ground and the site of The Vauxhall Ironworks. Founded in 1857 by Scottish engineer Alexander Wilson, the factory was originally called Alexander Wilson and Co. and produced a wide range of machinery from pumps to large steam-powered engines. By 1849, Wilson had left the company, which had turned its attention to petrol powered engines for the marine market. In 1897, the site was renamed The Vauxhall Ironworks and developed a single-cycle petrol engine used to propel a river-launch called The Jabberwock.
1903: The Vauxhall Ironworks produces its first car.
Inspired by the engine design of the Jabberwock, Vauxhall's first production car boasted a 5hp petrol engine. As many as 40 two- and four-seat models were ordered. By the end of 1904, the latest model had an engine with almost three times the strength and could be purchased for £375.
1905: Vauxhall’s association with Luton
begins.
Problems with the lease for its London premises and the need to expand the production facilities prompted a 35 mile northward move to the site of Luton Manor, coincidentally Fulk le Breant's home some 700 years earlier. In 1907, the company changed its name to Vauxhall Motors Ltd. signalling its commitment to automotive production.
1914 – 1945: Vauxhall and the war years
Vauxhall's D-type, which began production two years before the war, was already a proven commercial success. With the commencement of the First World War, the D-Type began a new life as workhorse for the Allied forces. The inter-war years saw cars becoming cheaper and more readily available to the general public. This coupled with increased demand saw Vauxhall join the General Motors family in 1925 to become GM's first production centre in Europe.
In the Second World War, the company's workforce turned their hands to designing and building tanks for the war effort. Vauxhall's involvement didn't stop there as the factory was also involved in top-secret jet engine research. The post war years brought restrictions on the UK market and meant that the majority of Vauxhall cars were designated for export only.
1964: Vauxhall production at Ellesmere
Port
By 1960, Vauxhall and other UK manufacturers were looking to expand. After lengthy consideration, Ellesmere Port was chosen as the site of a new Vauxhall factory and the first car, a Viva, rolled off the production line in June 1964.
By the end of the 1970s, economic conditions were very difficult and the company saw sales decline rapidly. General Motors commitment to Vauxhall was however, underlined by the announcement of a massive investment which would continue in to the 1980s. This investment was proven a success when the company returned to profitability in the mid 80s and broke all sales records in 1989. Critical to the success was the flagship Cavalier model produced at Luton.
1990s: Increased awareness of environmental concerns and greater
EU integration
The 1990s saw greater recognition of the responsibility manufacturers have for the environment. Vauxhall lead the way in the UK by being the first to pre-set all of its cars to run on unleaded petrol. Ellesmere Port saw investment in the form of the highly sophisticated ECOTEC V6 engine plant, which produces the efficient and technically advanced powerhouses for all GM Europe cars.
In 1994 Vauxhall again lead the way with its commitment to quality by becoming the first British volume manufacturer to gain the coveted ISO 9000 and ISO 9002 approval for its entire manufacturing operation. Environmental awareness was also highlighted with the introduction of the company's environmental policy and achievement of the BS7750 environmental standard.
Vauxhall's product range, now one of the widest in the UK market, was made available for online purchase in late November 1999, again an industry first.
Vauxhall celebrates the start of its second centuryIn May 2003, Vauxhall celebrated its achievement of 100 years of car making in the UK. The celebrations, which included both local and national events, were underpinned by the theme "A Century in Motion". The strap line was also used in all marketing and promotional material produced in 2003.
The centenary celebrations were designed to echo Vauxhall's commitment to innovative design and style and driving excitement. This commitment was underlined in the unveiling of the VX Lightning - Vauxhall's first concept car in 25 years. The car, which created a great deal of excitement amongst motoring enthusiasts, was designed in the UK at the GM Design Studio in Coventry underlying the strength of the GM in the UK. It also marked a return to Vauxhall's performance roots. Indeed, the VX brand mark, which has not been used since the 1931 Cadet, was also assigned to the VX220 Turbo, which was launched in 2003.
Vauxhall's ambition to be the leading UK manufacturer is being realised through its constant effort to innovate in all areas of the business. The VX Racing team, who compete in the British Touring Car Championships, have been triple champions since 2000 - showcasing the Asra Coupe range.
The newly launched VXR brand will inject the excitement of Vauxhall's success on the track into the company's car and van line.
In 2006 the new Corsa was launched. Designed by Niels Loeb, it combines fresh looks with agile handling and top levels of quality.
The new Insignia, launched in 2008, replaces the Vauxhall Vectra. It represents a further evolution in Vauxhall's design language, which started with the Astra, and continued with the Corsa. Innovative technology can be found throughout the Insignia, including Intelligent AFL- a new lighting system which allows the headlights to adapt to suit weather and location - FlexRide, Adaptive 4x4, the Front Camera System and new ergonomic sports seats.
With new designs and restyles continually being launched, Vauxhall now have one of the youngest, most diverse product ranges in the marketplace. Excitement in the brand has never been stronger as the talent and versatility of Vauxhall's workforce is focussed on designing and producing cars to excite, to inspire but most importantly, cars our customers want to drive. |
Rouges, kings and
Vauxhall
Vauxhall’s first site in
London
The Jabberwock
Vauxhall’s
first car
Vauxhall
D-type
Vauxhall joins the General Motors
family
Production begins at Ellesmere
Port
Vauxhall
is awarded ISO 9000, ISO 9002 and BS7750 certification
Online for
sales
Vauxhall celebrates its
centenary
VX Lightning concept
VX220 Turbo
launched |
