BR Video: Public not put off Vauxhall by UK closures

by Daniel Farey-Jones, Brand Republic 09-Jun-09, 09:50

LONDON - Amid uncertainty over the future of Vauxhall, the public told Brand Republic that they would not be put off buying Vauxhall if UK factories closed and would instead focus on buying the best car for them no matter where it came from in the latest BR Video -- watch it now.

Vauxhall's new owners, a Canadian and Russian consortium led by Magna International, have yet to reveal what they will do with the business or its continental sister company Opel.

The change of ownership increases the chance of a break with the arrangements under GM Europe, which kept the Vauxhall brand going in the UK but focused vehicle development in Germany from the 1970s and standardised model names, such as the Vectra, across both brands from the 1990s.

There is speculation that the consortium may ditch the Vauxhall brand and make cuts at the UK factories in Ellesmere Port, which makes the Astra, and Luton, which makes the Vivaro van.

Our video interviews asked consumers whether they were aware most Vauxhall cars are produced in Europe where they are badged as Opel. While some were surprised and even disappointed to learn this, those who were conscious of the arrangements were relaxed about them.

Asked whether they would still buy Vauxhall if one of its UK factories was closed, opinions were mostly unsentimental with only one woman saying it would influence her decision.

Others interviewed said closures were "part of life" and cars were such a big purchase that you couldn't just focus on buying British or that they would just focus on what was the right car for them.