Vauxhall’s ecoFLEX range was the top-selling in 2009

Vauxhall’s ecoFLEX range was the top-selling green range among UK fleet buyers in 2009, it has been revealed.

The carmaker it sold twice as many vehicles from its range of greener cars as any other UK competitor. In total ecoFLEX models made up a staggering 26 per cent of its total fleet diesel sales and 9 per cent of the total 2009 Vauxhall fleet sales.

The sub-119g/km 5-door Corsa 1.3 CDTi was the most popular vehicle for fleets over the last 12 months, accounting for almost 40 per cent of ecoFLEX sales and again proving to be nearly three times as popular as its nearest competitor. The 5-door Astra estate and 5-door hatchback were the second and third most requested, followed closely by the Insignia 5-door hatchback.

Paul Adler, Brand Manager Vauxhall Fleet commented: “Vauxhall are committed to delivering on the twin pillars of reducing CO2 emissions and improving fuel economy to bring true savings to fleet decision makers and company car drivers alike. The ecoFLEX range makes it easy for business car buyers to be ‘green’ as well as save money. And with more Vauxhall ecoFLEX models to come, we believe 2010 will see even greater growth.”

The Vauxhall ecoFLEX range can offer fleets considerable cost savings over the life of the car. Some ecoFLEX models fall into Vehicle Excise Duty Band A, meaning they attract £0 excise duty. The entire range qualifies for the Capital Allowance regime, which allows fleet decision makers to write down 20 per cent of the car’s cost, and offset 100 per cent of the lease payments against tax.

Indeed, the new Corsa 1.3CDTi ecoFLEX (95PS) models and the New Astra 1.3CDTi ecoFLEX (95PS) models offer CO2 emissions of less than 110g/km qualifying for a 100 per cent writing down allowance. In fact, the new Corsa 1.3 CDTi ecoFLEX (95PS) 3-dr model’s CO2 emissions have dropped to just 98g/km, matching the best in class, and are complemented by a combined fuel economy figure of 76.3mpg.

Savings on fuel are another benefit with ecoFLEX, the Astra 5dr Hatchback and Insignia 5dr Hatchback models show on average between 11 and 12 per cent improvement in combined fuel economy when compared to the standard equivalent, which means that each vehicle is able to travel over 50 miles further on a single tank of fuel.

Vauxhall now offers over 50 different ecoFLEX models to support businesses and drivers, one of the largest ranges of environmental models in the UK. It has created a microsite (www.vauxhall.co.uk/vx/microsite/ecoflex) dedicated to highlighting the benefits of ecoFLEX to its customers.

Electrifying Looks — The Vauxhall Ampera

Electrifying Looks — The Vauxhall Ampera.

New Vauxhall Ampera features stunning design

Sleek aerodynamics support emission-free driving

Offers the comfort and luxury expected of a 21st century car


Geneva: GM's design team has created a practical, efficient electric car that builds on Vauxhall's award-winning design direction, which led in part to the Insignia's European Car of the Year success. The Ampera offers excellent passenger space and futuristic equipment features in an aerodynamic, premium design package.

"The Vauxhall Ampera shows all the opportunities advanced propulsion technologies offer for car design," said Phil Zak, Director, Exterior Design at GM Europe. "We had to maximize the aerodynamic efficiency but still offer ultimate everyday driving comfort. All of that is presented in an upscale, sporty look that builds on Vauxhall's theme of sculptural forms and expressive lines."

The Ampera's exterior design takes up cues from the Flextreme and GTC Concept show cars. For example, it features dramatic, boomerang-like headlights that seamlessly integrate with the lower fog lights. The car has a dynamic, almost aggressive low stance seen most prominently in the front and tail.

Vertical slots in the outboard edges of the rear bumper not only give the car a low sporty look but also play a key role in creating a clean separation feature for the air, supporting the highly efficient aerodynamic performance. Its unique Pearl White Diamond color with matching rocker panels and rear bumper underline the dynamic appeal of the car.

Aerodynamics, too, play a particularly important role in maximising driving range. GM engineers and designers worked together to optimise the air flow around the front fascia and outside mirrors of the Ampera. Significant attention was also given to the rear with a specifically designed spoiler and clean separation features. Lightweight materials were added in the form of clear polycarbonate covers to the front grille and disk inserts on the 17-inch, five-spoke sport alloy wheels. These helped to reduce aerodynamic drag in critical airflow areas.


The Ampera offers the space, comfort, and convenience features that customers expect in a car with five-doors, four-seats and luggage capacity of 301 liters. The interior features a Jet Black cabin combined with Spice Red accents and Dark Argent Metallic paint on the instrument panel's centre stack.

"On the Ampera we've continued to challenge the norm and have searched for new and exciting color and material combinations," said John Puskar, Director, Interior Design for GM Europe. "To support the car's innovative character we've worked with experimental trims and paints that you will see more of in future Vauxhall models."