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Vauxhall plans to roll out a specialist network of Premier Van Centres as it prepares to launch the all-new Vivaro later this summer.
The plan echoes similar moves by Ford and Mercedes, both of whom have launched specialist networks for their LCV operations in recent months.
The Vivaro goes on sale in September and will be sold through 116 of the brand’s 350 UK showrooms alongside the larger Movano model. A number of authorised repairers are also expected to become Premier Van Centres.
Prices for the new Vivaro will range from £17,995 to £23,145.
From August the new model will start rolling off the production line in Luton, Britain’s only remaining van plant following the closure last year of Ford’s Transit facility in Southampton.
Unlike the previous generation it will not be built alongside its Renault sister vehicle the Trafic as the French brand has taken production in house to its facility in Sandouville.
Changes to the new model include the adoption of the design language seen in Vauxhall’s most recent cars, notably the deep grille and blade shape along the side panels.
The loadspace dimensions and payload capability are improved while a four-strong line-up of new 1.6-litre diesel power trains includes a BiTurbo diesel, offering official combined cycle fuel economy of 47.9mpg and CO2 emissions of 155g/km.
The cabin has been reworked to offer an improved ‘mobile office’ environment to the driver and new infotainment technology added.
Vauxhall is also emphasising an increase in locally-sourced components in the new Vivaro, up from 25 to 40% and boosting many jobs in the UK automotive supply chain.
Andrew Charman
