Official UK government announcements or major news outlets

Stellantis to Close Vauxhall's Luton Factory in April, Ending Over a Century of Production

Nov 26, 2024, 03:29 PM

Stellantis NV, the owner of Vauxhall, has announced plans to close its van-making factory in Luton, England, putting more than 1,100 jobs at risk. The closure is scheduled for April and marks the end of over a century of vehicle production in Bedfordshire, with the plant's history dating back to 1905. Stellantis had previously warned in June that it might halt UK production unless the government did more to boost demand for electric vehicles (EVs), citing concerns that the UK's zero-emission vehicle sales mandate is too punitive. The company plans to consolidate its UK manufacturing operations at Ellesmere Port, which has been repurposed for electric vehicle production. Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds described the decision as a 'very difficult day for Luton.' A government spokesperson added, 'We know this will be a concerning time for the families of employees at Luton who may be affected.' Car manufacturers have been warning the government that more support is needed to aid the transition to electric vehicles.