Opel/Vauxhall Vivaro HistoryThe Opel Vivaro (sold in the UK as the Vauxhall Vivaro) has been produced since 2001 and is one of the most important mid-size light commercial vehicles in the brand’s modern line-up. The model was created through an Opel–Renault cooperation in the light-commercial sector and-through its first two generations-remained closely related to the Renault Trafic, while each manufacturer marketed the van independently. Across three generations (Vivaro A, Vivaro B and Vivaro C), the Vivaro evolved from Renault-derived engineering to a Stellantis-era EMP2 platform strategy, while keeping the same core role: an adaptable van offered in cargo and passenger-focused configurations for fleets, trades and shuttle operators. Opel/Vauxhall Vivaro: milestones and awardsVivaro A debuted in 2001 and production of the Vivaro and its Renault Trafic sister model started at the IBC Vehicles plant in Luton, England. By 2014 Opel reported 600,000 Vivaros produced and introduced Vivaro B with new diesel engines, continuing the Trafic-based partnership. A major strategic shift came after Opel/Vauxhall joined Groupe PSA in 2017: Vivaro C launched in 2019 on PSA’s EMP2 platform, becoming a technical sibling of vans such as Peugeot Expert and Citroën Jumpy/Dispatch. The Vivaro nameplate also collected major recognition-International Van of the Year in 2002, and again in 2021 for the all-electric Vivaro-e-and Opel/Vauxhall highlighted that total Vivaro production exceeded one million units, while the long-running Luton plant reached 1.5 million “Vivaro-platform” vans in 2023. |
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| Author: Paweł Kokot |
