Grupo PSA is investing in the Luton plant to manufacture the new Opel Vivaro

Innovation is a necessary measure in the automotive world, since every brand’s goal is to surpass itself and outdo the rest. Grupo PSA has always been known for offering vehicles with a high level of technology that set it apart from its main competitors but, over time, it decided to surprise us with the acquisition of Opel. Since the German firm became part of the French group, numerous plans have been carried out to innovate within the company and, among them, is the new Vivaro.

The success of Grupo PSA’s commercial vehicles has been immense for them in their current situation, which is why they have chosen to expand production in this segment. At the same time, the companies that make up the group have set themselves the goal of improving service and, to that end, the Luton plant will join the one in Hordain -Northern France- starting in 2019 to jointly produce the commercial vehicles PSA develops.

The so-called LCVs -short for Light Commercial Vehicles in English- hold a high position on the list of best sellers, which is due to the good value for money offered by the French group. This was reflected during the 2017 sales process, as a total of 476,500 units were registered, representing 15% growth compared to 2016. However, this figure only applies to vehicles with a clear commercial use, since if we add the versions for private buyers the number rises to 658,000 units sold.

Grupo PSA intends to keep up this pace of work and success during 2018, which is why they have decided to carry out the decision to expand production with the Luton plant. At the same time, the English facilities were already well prepared for investment, since several key elements were ready to be used, such as the paint booths. Another piece of good news is that the new EMP2 platform adapted for PSA’s LCVs will be operational before mid-2019, which will mean more modern and efficient vehicles.

“Only competitiveness guarantees the continuity of a plant. I want to thank all the parties involved and highlight the constructive spirit of our social partners, as well as the British authorities,” said Carlos Tavares, Chairman of the Management Board of Grupo PSA.

Without a doubt, Grupo PSA will further boost sales of its vans thanks to the addition of the Luton plant. In this way, the French group will be able to enjoy annual production of 100,000 vehicles with the installation of the new platform and, at the same time, the 60,000 units of the Opel Vivaro manufactured in 2017 will also increase.