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Stellantis is commemorating 60 years of vehicle production at its Ellesmere Port facility, celebrating six decades since the first car, a Vauxhall Viva, came off the production line on June 1, 1964.
Ellesmere Port, constructed in 1962 and inaugurated in 1964 with the Vauxhall Viva, has since produced iconic models such as the Vauxhall Chevette and, from 1980 onwards, seven generations of the highly popular Vauxhall Astra. Over its history, the plant has manufactured over a million Vivas, more than 250,000 Chevettes, and over 4.1 million Astras.
Today, the Stellantis Ellesmere Port plant plays a crucial role in British electric vehicle (EV) production, becoming the UK’s first EV-only volume manufacturing site following a £100 million investment by Stellantis. This investment is part of the company's Dare Forward 2030 initiative to achieve carbon neutrality by 2038. EV production began at Ellesmere Port in September last year, with models such as the Vauxhall/Opel Combo Electric, Citroën ë-Berlingo, Fiat e-Doblò, and Peugeot E-Partner now being produced there.
In 1970, Ellesmere Port spanned over 350,000m², but has since undergone significant changes, including the addition of a battery assembly shop, upgraded General Assembly, and the relocation of the body shop. These modifications have resulted in a 60% reduction in the site's overall area, enhancing energy efficiency and productivity. Today, the plant covers 118,000m², roughly equivalent to the size of the former body shop.
Ellesmere Port's shift to exclusive electric vehicle production continues Vauxhall’s long-standing tradition of manufacturing vehicles in the UK, which began at the Luton plant in 1905, following the company's move from Vauxhall in London, where it started in 1903. Starting next year, Luton will begin producing medium electric vans for Vauxhall, Opel, Citroën, Peugeot, and Fiat Professional.
At the 60th-anniversary celebration, attended by plant staff and local dignitaries, was Keith Tabiner, who was part of the production line in 1964 when the first Vauxhall Viva was made. His three sons—Mark, Mike, and Phil—also currently work at Ellesmere Port, collectively contributing 152 years of service to the plant. The facility has long benefited from such loyalty, dedication, and lengthy service from many employees over the decades.
Reflecting on his time at the plant, Keith Tabiner said:
"Having seen the first Vauxhall Viva come off the production line in 1964 and worked at Ellesmere Port for 40 years, it’s a pleasure to return and witness the plant thriving as it produces the electric vehicles of the future. I’ve always driven Vauxhalls, and with three of my sons following in my footsteps and working here today, everything we have is thanks to Ellesmere Port."
Diane Miller, Ellesmere Port Plant Director, expressed her enthusiasm, saying:
"We are thrilled to celebrate such a significant milestone. Production that started sixty years ago with the Viva now continues into the future with electric vans from Fiat, Citroën, Peugeot, Opel, and Vauxhall. For six decades, Ellesmere Port has been a cornerstone of the local community, and its workforce has consistently taken immense pride in delivering millions of vehicles to the UK and beyond. They now continue to do so as we transition to a more sustainable future."
Maria Grazia Davino, Group Managing Director, Stellantis UK, added:
"It is truly rewarding to celebrate six decades of vehicle manufacturing at Ellesmere Port, which now produces the latest generation of electric vans. Stellantis is the only original equipment manufacturer producing vans, including electric vans, at scale in the UK. I extend my congratulations to the employees at the plant, who continue to work tirelessly to produce the vehicles that will help electrify businesses across the UK and the more than 20 countries to which we export electric vans."
Explore our range of electric Vauxhall vehicles today: