Ellesmere Port Vauxhall car plant almost doubles production

VAUXHALL’S Ellesmere Port plant has almost doubled car production as more stable conditions return to the automotive sector.

The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders revealed that UK car production rose by 90.2% in March, the fifth consecutive monthly increase and the biggest in the society’s 40 year history.

It follows probably the worst downturn in car sales in decades after finances dried up as the credit crunch took hold.

Vauxhall spokesman Dennis Chick said: “We are looking at extremes here. Last year was a disaster, but things are slowly getting back on track.”

In January 2009 Ellesmere Port produced 3,860 Astra models.

In February that rose slightly to 4,055 and in March it was 5,280.

The plant also suffered four weeks of non-production between January and February as demand slumped.

By comparison Ellesmere Port has a maximum production capacity of 16,666 cars a month. But this January production hit 8,231 cars, a 113.24% year-on-year increase compared with January 2009.

In February Ellesmere Port made 7,999 vehicles – a 97.26% increase compared with the previous year – and last month production was 89.24% ahead on 9,992 cars.

Mr Chick added: “Demand right across Europe is going up and that is why Ellesmere Port is doing well.

“They’re running at pretty good rates now and we are cautiously optimistic.”

Vauxhall Astra GSI spied

The latest edition of the Vauxhall Astra GSI has arrived, and will top the range until the arrival of the VXR in 2011.

It’s full speed ahead at Vauxhall! Still fresh from its launch late last year, the new Astra isn’t exactly looking dated, but the wraps are already off the sporty GSI model, which was caught testing undisguised in Germany.

The GSI will be semi-hot hatch to whet our appetites before the arrival of the full-blooded VXR model next year. From the pictures you can clearly see the tweaked front end and twin exhausts, while the car sits several centimetres lower to the ground than the standard model.

This version will get a 2.0-litre twin-turbo four-pot putting out 190bhp. That should mean than it will beat the old GSI’s 143mph top speed and improve on the 0-62 time of 8.2 seconds.

Vauxhall Ampera Steps Into Pre-Production Phase

Last Friday the first pre-production model of the Opel/Vauxhall Amprea electric Sedan rolled off the line at GM’s Pre-Production Operations’ assembly line in Warren, Michigan. That means the car is almost ready for mass production, after they fully developed a few more things and did some other tests, such as the final vehicle software and controls, fine tuning the vehicles’ driving characteristics, and performing safety and structural integrity testing!

“We’re right on target for producing the Ampera for European markets later next year,” said Andrew Farah, Vehicle Chief Engineer for Ampera. “There’s still work to be done, but being able to drive an Ampera off our pre-production line is a great accomplishment for the teams here and in Europe.”

The Ampera, which is the European version of Chevy Volt, is powered by electric motors and also comes with a gasoline engine which only acts as an electricity generator to fill up the batteries. On a full charge, the car can cover a distance of only 30 miles, but when the generator kicks in, the range is extended to 300 miles. It’s a plug-in electric powertrain and that means you can also charge it via power outlets at your home.

Vauxhall has plans to put the Ampera on sale in Britain by 2012.

Vauxhall VXR Power Events Rollercoaster Challenge

Calling all thrill-seekers: would you like to go on a journey of adrenaline-pumping fun? Then sign up to the VXR Power Events Rollercoaster Challenge for the ultimate combination of exhilarating driving and spine-tingling rollercoaster rides!

The VXR Power Events Rollercoaster Challenge is inviting all owners of Vauxhall VXR/V8 and Vauxhall performance models to embark on a cross-country drive from either Blackpool Pleasure Beach or Thorpe Park to the world-famous Alton Towers, taking in some of the UK's best rollercoasters in just one day.

This heroic feat isn't just about unrivalled thrills though. Through sponsorship of your challenge, you'll have the opportunity to raise money for Help for Heroes - a fantastic charity supporting the brave men and women of the British forces who have been wounded in the service of their country.

There are a 100 places available (plus passengers) so adrenaline junkies get in quick if you want to be part of this exciting 'coaster challenge.

Tickets cost just £10 per person per car for entry to both theme parks! This high performance package includes a fast-track entry pass and exclusive parking at the theme parks, with the option to remain at Alton Towers for the rest of the day to enjoy all the attractions.

The New Limited Edition Vauxhall Astra VXR Arctic Edition

British Summertime may have begun, but Vauxhall's latest addition to the VXR range still looks cooler than last week's snowstorms, yet its performance is as hot as ever.

Priced at £23,595 on the road - just £720 more than the standard Vauxhall Astra VXR - each of the 500 Vauxhall Astra VXR Arctic Editions are painted in Olympic White with a contrasting black painted roof, mirror covers, front V-grille and tailgate trim, ensuring that this version of the Vauxhall Astra VXR looks like no other.

Each Vauxhall Astra VXR Arctic Edition also gets a generous £1965 worth of options included in its price. Heated leather Recaro front seats, tinted glass and Black 19-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels all now form part of the Vauxhall Astra VXR Arctic Edition's armoury.

And for the first time on a VXR product, customers can also specify their Arctic Edition with the Panoramic Windscreen, a £920 option that offers a window on the world that extends back over the front seats with heat-absorbing glass. And if the skies are grim, a full-length shading system with pull-out sunblinds is also included.

Of course, none of this diminishes the Vauxhall Astra VXR Arctic Edition's exceptional performance. With 240PS of power and 320Nm of torque between 2400 and 5000rpm, it'll hit a top speed of 152mph, with 60mph arriving from standstill in just 6.2 seconds. Lowered and uprated VXR sports suspension, ultra-low profile 235/35 x 19 tyres and 321mm front ventilated brakes discs complete the Vauxhall Astra VXR Arctic Edition's dynamic package.

And what better way to test a new Vauxhall Astra VXR Arctic Edition than at Vauxhall's VXR Power Events. Starting this month and culminating in the VXR Power Festival at Silverstone in August 2010, Power Events gives VXR drivers and enthusiasts the chance to test their mettle (and their metal) in a series of driving challenges.