No van can touch us!

Together with Ellesmere Port, Vauxhall commanded some 60 per cent of the CV sector.

Apart from making Vauxhall top the UK’s CV retail charts in 2011, the Vivaro makers of Kimpton Road exported more than 64 per cent of production to Europe last year.

Luton’s plant director, Mark Stein, said the figure marked a “huge achievement” and he “heartily congratulates our excellent workforce for their commitment and dedication.”

The next generation Vivaro van goes into production in less than two years’ time.