Jobs boost as Vauxhall to build new van in Britain

Motor giant Vauxhall is to build a new model of van at one of its UK plants, giving a huge boost to the automotive industry.

The move will safeguard the 1,400 jobs at the firm’s Luton factory and is also expected to create more roles.

The new Vivaro van will replace the current model from 2019. The plant’s capacity will increase to 100,000 a year. Around 59,000 vans a year are currently built at Luton.

Business Secretary Greg Clark said the decision was a vote of confidence in Vauxhall’s workforce and the UK’S automotive sector.

The company declined to say how much money it will be investing in Luton but described it as “substantial”.

The government and Luton Council have given money for the new van to be built in the UK.