If you’re a car enthusiast, you’ve probably heard of Opel and Vauxhall, two popular European car brands. Now, the question on everyone’s mind is, does Opel own Vauxhall? Well, the truth is that Opel and Vauxhall were once rival automakers in Germany and the United Kingdom, respectively. However, in 1925, General Motors (GM) acquired a majority stake in both companies, effectively making them sister brands.
Since then, Opel and Vauxhall have been working together to develop and produce high-quality vehicles for European markets. However, in 2017, GM decided to sell off both brands to the French automaker, Groupe PSA. Many speculated that this would be the end of Opel and Vauxhall as we know them, but Groupe PSA has since promised to maintain both brands’ individual identities and continue their legacy of innovation and excellence.
So, to answer the question, does Opel own Vauxhall? The short answer is no, they are both owned by Groupe PSA. However, their partnership dates back over 90 years, and their commitment to producing top-notch vehicles for European consumers has never wavered. Whether you’re a die-hard Opel fan or a Vauxhall loyalist, the future looks bright for both brands under the stewardship of Groupe PSA.
Opel and Vauxhall History
Opel and Vauxhall are two iconic automobile brands that have been part of the European automotive industry for over a century. Both brands have a rich history, with Opel being founded in Germany while Vauxhall in the United Kingdom. While their histories share similarities in terms of ownership and production partnerships, Opel and Vauxhall have remained separate entities for their target markets.
- Opel History:
- Vauxhall History:
Adam Opel founded the company in 1862 in Rüsselsheim, Germany. Initially, Opel produced sewing machines before they started manufacturing bicycles in 1886. It wasn’t until 1899 that Opel produced its first automobile, the Opel Patentmotorwagen System Lutzmann.
Vauxhall was founded in 1857 in London, England, as a manufacturer of marine engines. In 1903, Vauxhall produced its first car, the 5HP, before becoming a subsidiary of General Motors in 1925.
Despite their different beginnings, Opel and Vauxhall both contributed to the success of General Motors, with Opel serving as the automaker’s European arm and Vauxhall as its British brand. However, in 2017, General Motors sold Opel and its UK sister brand Vauxhall to French automaker Groupe PSA for 2.2 billion euros. This acquisition resulted in Opel and Vauxhall joining Peugeot, Citroën, and DS as part of a new automotive conglomerate.
Today, Opel and Vauxhall have maintained their unique identities while benefiting from their new ownership. As part of Groupe PSA, they now have access to the conglomerate’s platform and powertrain expertise, which have been instrumental in the development of new models such as the Corsa and the Grandland X. While there have been talks about integrating the two brands, Groupe PSA has affirmed its commitment to keeping Opel and Vauxhall separate and distinct to cater to their specific markets.
| Opel: | Vauxhall: |
|---|---|
| Founded in Germany in 1862 as a producer of sewing machines, bicycles, and automobiles by Adam Opel. | Founded in London in 1857 as a manufacturer of marine engines. |
| Became a subsidiary of General Motors in 1931 and remained under its ownership until its sale to Groupe PSA in 2017. | Became a subsidiary of General Motors in 1925 and remained under its ownership until its sale to Groupe PSA in 2017. |
| Serves as the European arm of General Motors until its sale in 2017 to Groupe PSA. | Serves as the British subsidiary of General Motors until its sale in 2017 to Groupe PSA. |
Opel and Vauxhall continue to solidify their positions in their respective markets as they adapt to the changing world of the automotive industry. As they move forward under their new ownership, both brands have a bright future ahead of them.
Acquisition of Vauxhall by GM
General Motors’ (GM) acquisition of Vauxhall, a UK-based car manufacturer, dates back to 1925. It was part of GM’s expansion strategy, allowing the company to enter new markets and extend its reach overseas. The acquisition of Vauxhall was a strategic move, allowing GM to tap into the growing demand for automobiles in the UK.
- In the early years, Vauxhall remained largely independent, with its own board of directors and management team. It wasn’t until the 1960s that GM began to exert more control over the Vauxhall brand.
- Over the years, Vauxhall became an integral part of GM’s European operations, serving as the company’s primary entity in the UK. However, as GM encountered financial difficulties in the late 2000s, the future of Vauxhall became uncertain.
- In 2017, GM announced that it would sell the Vauxhall brand, along with its Opel division, to French automaker PSA Group in a deal worth around $2.3 billion.
The sale of Vauxhall to PSA Group marked the end of an era for GM’s European operations. However, it allowed PSA Group to expand its reach and become one of the largest car manufacturers in Europe.
Below is a table outlining the timeline of GM’s ownership of Vauxhall:
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1925 | GM acquires majority stake in Vauxhall |
| 1964 | Vauxhall becomes a fully-owned subsidiary of GM |
| 2000 | GM combines Vauxhall and Opel brands under GM Europe |
| 2017 | GM sells Vauxhall and Opel to PSA Group for $2.3 billion |
Overall, the acquisition of Vauxhall by GM allowed the American car manufacturer to expand its operations into the UK market, while also providing Vauxhall with the resources and support needed to thrive in a competitive industry. Although GM sold Vauxhall in 2017, the brand’s legacy continues to live on, with PSA Group committed to preserving its heritage and continuing its tradition of producing high-quality vehicles.
Differences between Opel and Vauxhall
Opel and Vauxhall are two brands that have a lot in common, as they are both part of the larger General Motors conglomerate. However, there are some notable differences between the two that are worth exploring.
- Geographic focus: Opel primarily serves the European market, while Vauxhall is focused on the United Kingdom and Ireland. Despite this geographic split, both brands share many of the same vehicle models and technologies.
- Brand identity: Opel and Vauxhall have different brand identities that are tailored to their respective markets. Opel is often associated with sporty and innovative design, while Vauxhall is known for its practical, reliable, and affordable vehicles.
- Marketing strategies: The marketing strategies of Opel and Vauxhall differ slightly, as they take into account the different needs and preferences of their target audiences. Opel’s marketing is often more aspirational, with an emphasis on design and performance. Vauxhall, on the other hand, has historically focused more on value for money and practicality.
Despite these differences, there are many similarities between Opel and Vauxhall. They both share the same parent company and many of the same vehicle models and technologies. This has allowed both brands to stay competitive in their respective markets and offer customers a wide range of options when it comes to choosing a new car.
Below is a table that compares some of the key differences between Opel and Vauxhall:
| Category | Opel | Vauxhall |
|---|---|---|
| Geographic Focus | Primarily serves the European market | Focused on the United Kingdom and Ireland |
| Brand Identity | Often associated with sporty and innovative design | Known for practicality, reliability, and affordability |
| Marketing Strategies | Emphasizes design and performance | Focused on value for money and practicality |
Overall, while there are some differences between Opel and Vauxhall, the two brands share a lot in common. They both offer customers high-quality vehicles that are designed to meet the diverse needs of drivers across Europe and the United Kingdom.
Opel’s Relationship with Vauxhall
Opel, a German automobile manufacturer, and Vauxhall, a British car manufacturer, have had a long-standing relationship dating back to the early 1920s. Over the years, Opel has been involved in various ownership structures and acquisitions, which have impacted their relationship with Vauxhall.
- In 1925, General Motors (GM) acquired both Opel and Vauxhall, making them sister companies under GM’s ownership.
- In 2017, GM sold Opel and Vauxhall to the French PSA Group, which made them both subsidiaries of PSA.
- As of 2021, both Opel and Vauxhall are owned by the Stellantis group, which was formed through the merger of PSA and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles.
Despite the various ownership changes, Opel and Vauxhall continue to have a symbiotic relationship. They share platforms, technology, and manufacturing facilities. In fact, many of their vehicles are virtually identical, with only minor differences in styling and branding.
For example, the Opel Corsa and Vauxhall Corsa are essentially the same car, but one is marketed in continental Europe and the other in the UK. The same can be said for the Opel Astra and Vauxhall Astra, which are both popular compact cars sold under different brands in different markets.
| Opel | Vauxhall |
|---|---|
| Corsa | Corsa |
| Astra | Astra |
| Insignia | Insignia |
One of the benefits of this relationship is that Opel and Vauxhall can share the costs of developing new vehicles and technologies, which helps to keep their prices competitive. It also allows them to leverage their respective strengths in different markets. For example, Opel is stronger in mainland Europe, while Vauxhall has a stronger presence in the UK.
Overall, Opel and Vauxhall have a unique relationship that has evolved over the decades. Despite changes in ownership and corporate structures, they continue to work closely together to develop and sell cars under two separate but closely related brands.
Opel and Vauxhall Board of Directors
Opel and Vauxhall are both subsidiaries of the French carmaker Groupe PSA. However, before Groupe PSA, Opel was owned by General Motors while Vauxhall was a subsidiary of the American carmaker. With Groupe PSA’s acquisition of Opel and Vauxhall, there have been changes made to the companies’ Board of Directors.
- Opel Board of Directors:
The Opel Board of Directors is made up of seven members. The Chairman of the Board is Xavier Chéreau, who is also the Deputy CEO of Groupe PSA. The other six members are:
- Patrice Lucas – Executive Vice President of Human Resources and Transformation at Groupe PSA
- Michael Ableson – Executive Vice President of Research and Development at Groupe PSA
- Vincent Rousset – Executive Vice President of Industrial Operations at Groupe PSA
- Philippe de Rovira – Executive Vice President and CFO at Groupe PSA
- Christian Müller – Chief Financial Officer at Opel/Vauxhall
- Ulrich Schumacher – Chief Transformation Officer at Opel/Vauxhall
These members are responsible for overseeing Opel’s operations, including manufacturing and sales, while ensuring the company’s integration into Groupe PSA’s operations.
- Vauxhall Board of Directors:
The Board of Directors for Vauxhall is made up of six members, who are also members of the Opel Board of Directors. The Chairman of the Board is also Xavier Chéreau. The other members are:
- Patrice Lucas
- Michael Ableson
- Vincent Rousset
- Philippe de Rovira
- Christian Müller
The Vauxhall Board of Directors is responsible for managing the operations of Vauxhall, including sales and marketing, and ensuring the company’s integration with Opel and Groupe PSA.
The Opel and Vauxhall Board of Directors work together to oversee the operations of both companies and ensure their success within Groupe PSA. The close collaboration of the two boards has helped to streamline operations and improve efficiency within the companies.
| Name | Position |
|---|---|
| Xavier Chéreau | Chairman |
| Patrice Lucas | Executive Vice President of Human Resources and Transformation at Groupe PSA |
| Michael Ableson | Executive Vice President of Research and Development at Groupe PSA |
| Vincent Rousset | Executive Vice President of Industrial Operations at Groupe PSA |
| Philippe de Rovira | Executive Vice President and CFO at Groupe PSA |
| Christian Müller | Chief Financial Officer at Opel/Vauxhall |
| Ulrich Schumacher | Chief Transformation Officer at Opel/Vauxhall |
The Board of Directors for both Opel and Vauxhall play a crucial role in ensuring the success of the two companies within Groupe PSA. With their close collaboration, the companies are well-positioned for future growth and success in the automotive industry.
Opel and Vauxhall Production Plants
Opel and Vauxhall are both European car manufacturers that are now owned by the French carmaker PSA Group. Opel, based in Germany, and Vauxhall, based in the United Kingdom, are well-known for their affordable cars that cater to a broad range of consumers. Both brands have numerous production plants in Europe, producing cars that are sold globally.
- Opel’s main production facility is located in Rüsselsheim, Germany, where they produce the Insignia and Zafira models. In addition to this, they also have plants in Eisenach and Kaiserslautern, Germany.
- Vauxhall’s main factory is in Ellesmere Port, United Kingdom, and produces the Astra. They also have plants in Luton, United Kingdom, where they produce commercial vehicles like the Vivaro and Movano.
- Both Opel and Vauxhall have other plants across Europe, including in Poland, Spain, Austria, and Hungary.
Opel and Vauxhall employ thousands of people across their production plants in Europe, and they are both committed to producing high-quality, reliable cars for their customers.
Below is a table that shows the production plants of Opel and Vauxhall:
| Manufacturer | Plant Location | Models Produced |
|---|---|---|
| Opel | Rüsselsheim, Germany | Insignia, Zafira |
| Opel | Eisenach, Germany | Corsa |
| Opel | Kaiserslautern, Germany | Engines |
| Vauxhall | Ellesmere Port, United Kingdom | Astra |
| Vauxhall | Luton, United Kingdom | Vivaro, Movano |
| Opel | Gliwice, Poland | Astra, Cascada |
| Opel | Zaragoza, Spain | Corsa, Crossland X, Mokka X |
| Opel | Vienna, Austria | Engines |
| Opel | Szentgotthárd, Hungary | Engines, Transmissions |
With their extensive network of production plants across Europe, Opel and Vauxhall are able to produce a wide range of cars to meet the demands of consumers across the globe.
Opel and Vauxhall Future Plans
Opel and Vauxhall, although separate brands, are both owned by the same parent company, General Motors. In recent years, there has been much speculation on the future plans of both brands.
Here are seven key points to keep in mind:
- On March 6, 2017, PSA Group, the parent company of Peugeot and Citroen, announced that it had acquired Opel and Vauxhall from General Motors. This acquisition marked a significant shift in the European auto industry, as it consolidated two major brands under one parent company.
- Opel and Vauxhall will be fully integrated into PSA Group’s existing lineup of brands, alongside Peugeot, Citroen, and DS Automobiles. However, PSA Group has stated that both Opel and Vauxhall will retain their individual brand identities and continue to operate as separate brands.
- With the acquisition of Opel and Vauxhall, PSA Group now has a much stronger presence in Europe, with a market share of around 17%. This puts it in second place, behind only Volkswagen.
- PSA Group has stated that it plans to return Opel and Vauxhall to profitability by 2020. This is a significant task, as both brands have struggled financially in recent years. However, PSA Group believes that it can achieve this goal by improving efficiency and lowering costs across the entire organization.
- PSA Group has also stated that it plans to launch numerous new models under the Opel and Vauxhall brands in the coming years. These new models will be based on PSA’s existing platforms and technologies, but will be designed specifically for the Opel and Vauxhall brands.
- Another key area of focus for PSA Group is electric vehicles. The company has stated that it plans to electrify all of its models by 2025, and this includes both Opel and Vauxhall. In fact, Opel has already launched an all-electric version of its popular Corsa model, and Vauxhall is expected to follow suit in the near future.
- Finally, PSA Group has also stated that it plans to expand the global footprint of both Opel and Vaxhall. Currently, these brands are primarily focused on the European market. However, PSA Group believes that there is significant potential for growth in other markets, such as Asia, South America, and Africa.
In conclusion, the acquisition of Opel and Vauxhall by PSA Group represents a major shift in the European auto industry. However, both brands are expected to retain their individual identities and continue to operate as separate entities. PSA Group has ambitious plans for both brands, including a focus on electric vehicles and expansion into new markets.
| Key Takeaways: |
|---|
| Opel and Vauxhall are now owned by PSA Group, alongside Peugeot, Citroen, and DS Automobiles. |
| Both brands will retain their individual identities and operate as separate entities. |
| PSA Group plans to return Opel and Vauxhall to profitability by 2020. |
| PSA Group plans to launch numerous new models under the Opel and Vauxhall brands in the coming years, based on PSA’s existing platforms and technologies. |
| PSA Group is focused on expanding the global footprint of both brands, particularly in Asia, South America, and Africa. |
| Both Opel and Vauxhall are expected to launch all-electric vehicles in the near future. |
| PSA Group aims to electrify all of its models, including Opel and Vauxhall, by 2025. |
These key takeaways summarize the most important points regarding the future plans of Opel and Vauxhall under their new ownership by PSA Group.
Does Opel Own Vauxhall: 7 FAQs
1. Is Vauxhall different from Opel?
No, Vauxhall and Opel are the same brand. Vauxhall operates in the United Kingdom and Opel in continental Europe.
2. When did Opel acquire Vauxhall?
General Motors (GM), the former parent company, acquired Vauxhall in 1925. Opel became part of GM in 1929.
3. Who owns Vauxhall now?
Opel and Vauxhall are now owned by the French automaker Groupe PSA, which also owns Peugeot, Citroen, and DS.
4. When did Groupe PSA acquire Opel and Vauxhall?
Groupe PSA acquired Opel and Vauxhall from General Motors in March 2017.
5. What changes have occurred since Groupe PSA acquired Opel and Vauxhall?
Groupe PSA has brought significant changes in the two brands’ operations by integrating them into their global operations. They have introduced new models and technology from their stable of brands.
6. Can Opel and Vauxhall still produce their models?
Yes, Opel and Vauxhall continue to produce their models, and they remain popular brands in Europe.
7. How have Opel and Vauxhall managed under Groupe PSA?
Opel and Vauxhall have turned profitable under Groupe PSA’s ownership, and the brands have continued to thrive in Europe.
Closing thoughts: Thanks for Reading!
We hope these FAQs have answered your questions about Opel and Vauxhall’s ownership. With the brands now part of Groupe PSA, Opel and Vauxhall continue to produce quality cars that European drivers enjoy. We look forward to seeing what the future holds for these two popular brands. Thanks for reading, and please visit us again soon for more informative content.