NEW figures show Vauxhall has made "significant gains" in the electric vehicle market, in encouraging news for the Ellesmere Port factory workforce.

Previously we reported that nearly 30 percent of electric light commercial vehicles (e-LCVs) registered in the UK in 2023 was a Vauxhall, as the brand topped the sales charts for the third year in a row.

It came after the Ellesmere Port plant became the UK's first EV-only volume manufacturing plant, following a £100 million investment. Workers there produce the Stellantis small electric van range, including the Vauxhall Combo Electric.

Across the EU, about 17,000 units of the Combo Electric, Vivaro Electric and Movano Electric were sold in 2023.

The Vauxhall brand is exclusive to the UK and is marketed as Opel in all other markets globally, with both brand names under the umbrella company Stellantis.

Opel-Vauxhall grew significantly in 2023 with a sales increase of 15 per cent. – the highest percentage growth rate in more than 20 years.

In its twin domestic markets of the UK and Germany, Vauxhall recorded a six per cent market share in the UK whilst Opel closed 2023 with a market share of around 5.3 per cent in the German market.

Florian Huettl, CEO of Opel-Vauxhall, said: “We can look back on a very strong year in 2023. Opel-Vauxhall has grown considerably.

"We have made significant gains, particularly in electric vehicles, across the C-segment and light commercial vehicles. We were also able to significantly expand our international business. This is clear evidence that our strategy is working.”

From 2024, all Vauxhall cars and vans will be available with a fully electric version.