British-built Vauxhall vans win top awards!

Vauxhall’s commercial vehicles really are the best of British! That’s the view of top LCV magazine What Van? after it honoured the Luton-built Vivaro and Ellesmere Port-constructed Astravan in its annual Van of the Year awards.

Astravan was awarded ‘Editor’s Choice’ by the publication, which praised its car-like road manners, comfort and flexible engine range.

What Van? editor Neil McIntee said: “Astravan has always had the enviable reputation of being a driver’s van, and we’re glad to report that the situation hasn’t changed with the new model.”

A top honour was also handed out to the Vivaro, which added to its impressive array of silverware with the Best Small Panel Van award. The judges said that the Vivaro’s combination of striking design, new engines, impressive load space and optional TecShift transmission made it a winner.

Both the New Astravan and the New Vivaro are built in the UK, making GM Britain’s biggest van manufacturer. Over 90,000 vehicles are built on the Vivaro line at GMM Luton each year, plus a further 15,000 Astravans, alongside the Astra 5-dr hatchback, at Ellesmere Port in Cheshire.