A single, massively ironic photo.

[RoadworkUK]

Vauhall Insignia came in as P/X the other day.

 

Now we all know that there's bugger all Vauxhall content in the Insignia, and that the last true Vaux was the HC Viva, but.....

 

 

That's what's behind the rampant griffon on Vauxhalls these days. Probably shouldn't have created a thread for this, but I just find it hilarious, that's all.

 

(see image for a clue to what I look like when I'm not knee-deep in 800 )

[Timewaster]

That is why the Vauxhall griffin changes from square to round in 1990. Almost all Vauxhalls since have had a Z underneath.

 

[RoadworkUK]

... 1990. Almost all Vauxhalls since have had a Z underneath.

 

 

Oh. Knew they were interchangeable, didn't know they were actually underneath. Still funny though. Or maybe it's just me. Never mind.

 

Anyone want a brew?

[Timewaster]

No sugar thanks.

 

(Oh, and working in a Vauxhall dealer for a bit was a bit of an eyeopener, like the Nova GTE supplied with Opel wheels, boot badges (GSi) and steering wheel but Vauxhall door logos (GTE) and grill!)

[RoadworkUK]

I know the Omega looks 428% better with a lightning bolt than a griffon!

[Luxobarges_Are_Us]

haha that's nothing. The Vauxhall Corsa I rented in the spring was displaying Opel stickers on the inside of the door- the things that tell you recommended tyre pressures etc.

[Stroller133]

We have late Astra H's as company cars. I have a colleague whose car has Opel centre caps on all 4 alloy wheels. The badges are correct though.

[ashmicro]

I saw an MGZR with Rover badges on the C posts last summer

[Alexg]

What dealer do you work at Earl? Are you in sales?

[stormee]

You won't believe it but it became fashion among Opel drivers in D sporting VX-Grills and badges on Astra, Vectras and Omegas. Just because it's different and the grills are really nicer.

[RoadworkUK]

What dealer do you work at Earl? Are you in sales?

 

MB Colchester. Used to be full time sales, now something called Sales-Coordinator. Bit of a made up title really, I still do a bit of selling but it's mainly audit, internet and logistics stuff I look after.

[Alexg]

Interesting roll. I used to sell Vauxhalls from 2004 until 2008 (I left because the new sales manager was a tool) and currently do Nissan. Bit quiet at the mo....

[Guest]

Crumbs, you could do with a better tie. I'll lend you one.

[Luxobarges_Are_Us]

Can anyone understand why GM are keeping the Vauxhall brand? Wouldn't it be cheaper to just spend a few million on an one-off marketing campaign as opposed to having to produce an array of different bits and pieces?

[Albert Ross]

Because English buyers wouldn't trust any of that "Foreign Shite".... Seeing as Opel took Vauxhall over nearly 90 years ago or summat, I find the whole thing blinkered. If Opel returned to mainland UK, then I would expect a RWD Coupe with wide arches in the range or it can fuck off. Ner.

 

I was doing a PDI on a new Zafira this year, and the grille badge was the new style swoopy one, the steering wheel and wheel trims were the old style... I rang warranty, as it was a trim mismatch issue, who consulted three other departments, and rang me back. Turns out that's OK, "the customer won't notice." I told the salesman, who kept it quiet until delivery day came.. the customer's first words were "That's had a new grille..... has it been in a smash? I don't want it if it has!" Luckily I could show him all my reports and respnses from the factory. His solution matched mine..... Could we please supply him an old style grille so it all matched please? I had already asked this and set it up in case..... The paperwork was processed, and the New Car department stumped up the cash to pay for it. After that, I was told by the Sales Manager to "not look as hard" on PDI jobs so it would save them money. My response was something along the lines of "Bollocks you tight fisted four eyed cunt" I still keep looking!

[fiatdaft]

Opel took over vauxhall,nah ! I take it you work in a small vauxhall dealership mr ross?

[Albert Ross]

Not that small.... What I mean is, that GM took over Vauxhall in the 1920s, and whilst giving it a little boost pre-war, invested little in Vauxhall post-war (Remember the F-Type Victor corrosion issues?) and concentrated on the Opel branding afterwards, and from 1975 or so, just threw the odd bone to England, for the scousers to slap together in any old fashion (Sorry Pete) and then decided to remove the heart of Luton the other year. Investment in the UK's manufacturing plants has never been GM's strong point. If Opel replaced Vauxhall as GM's stand alone brand (with the exception of Daewoo/Chevrolet) it would need to have quality. Something it lacks by the bucketload. The Insigina (intentional spelling) is proving me right, when I suggested it was the new Ford Edsel..... How many recalls for ridiculous issues? Reprogram how many ECU's? Look at the Corsa for instance. A new recall this week, to replace brake pedal bushes... on top of the previous recall of replacing the ABS ECU... Safety concerns? I would say so. I have Fords for good reason. Yes, I do see more Vauxhalls than most on here, but I see all the broken shit too. How many coil springs do you think we fit to Vectras? I know of a dozen cars under 5 years old that are on their second SETS of springs, having had the lot replaced. I run 51 year old springs on my Land Rover. Not broken yet, and more heavily laden than any Vectra ever will be. The last good Vauxhall was the Astra F (Mk3). After that it's just been utter wank.

[Albert Ross]

Double fecking post.... you got me started!!

[fiatdaft]

I just wondered how big a vx dealer you worked for as you appear to have loads of time time to do a pdi! F type victor rust issues,all its contempories were just as bad,It was Gm that was the problem ,no car is perfect,your just seeing vx'sin with bother,we see everything,they all have problems!

[Albert Ross]

We get 0.6 to do a Pdi. The extra issues raise a separate job card with open timings, and all actions are recorded on the reverse, and accountable. I get paid for time taken on these things. I did receive an email through our warranty administrator thanking me for bringing the issue to their attention though..... I am notorious for being a little "anal" about things like this, which is why I am the MOT QC on site...... Well, I think it is!

[The Reverend Bluejeans]

Can anyone understand why GM are keeping the Vauxhall brand? Wouldn't it be cheaper to just spend a few million on an one-off marketing campaign as opposed to having to produce an array of different bits and pieces?

 

I do wonder sometimes if Opel would be a better name. But Vauxhalls are still built in Scouseville, and the current Astra and Insignia are bloody good cars - wouldn't surprise me in the least if they start to give Ford a good kicking. Going on what they're making now, Vauxhall might not need an Opel rebranding.

I could only see it working if they launched something flash - the VX220 should never have been a Vauxhall, but an Opel. That would have been an ideal springboard to launch an Opel Insignia as a credible Audi rival. In reality, the Insignia is every bit as good as an A4 but you know how Folk like nice nametags on stuff.

 

 

On second thoughts, fuck 'em. Vauxhall it is.

[The Reverend Bluejeans]

Not that small.... What I mean is, that GM took over Vauxhall in the 1920s, and whilst giving it a little boost pre-war, invested little in Vauxhall post-war (Remember the F-Type Victor corrosion issues?) and concentrated on the Opel branding afterwards, and from 1975 or so, just threw the odd bone to England, for the scousers to slap together in any old fashion (Sorry Pete) and then decided to remove the heart of Luton the other year. Investment in the UK's manufacturing plants has never been GM's strong point.

 

Not quite. Vauxhall and Opel ran side by side for years. Opel stuff like the Rekord, Commodore and Kadett were good, Vauxhall stuff wasn't. The last full design, the FD Victor was a good looking lash up that wiped out all the profits in warranty claims - they were a disaster. After that, The General waved his big stick and starting with the Chevette (and to a lesser extend the FE Victor), Vauxhalls started to become Opels built in the UK with Vauxhall content. I think the first Astra was the first 100% Opel with Vauxhall badges, but it may have been the Rekord/Carlton............?

 

In terms of quality, Vauxhall are no worse than anything else.

[Cavcraft]

*Technically Vauxhalls are assembled/built/whatever you want to call it in plastic Scouse land, not Liverpool.

[Albert Ross]

invested little in Vauxhall post-war (Remember the F-Type Victor corrosion issues?) and concentrated on the Opel branding afterwards, and from 1975 or so, just threw the odd bone to England,

Like I said then....

[warren t claim]

Marginally O/T but a few years ago I had a mk2 Cav GL with alloys that had VAUXHALL cast into the wheels themselves, not the centre caps. I thought this was a bit of strange product planning.

 

I reckon that GM will rebrand their garages OPEL in Scotland first in some sort of bizzare Celtic alliance with Ireland. Alex Salmond will cut the ribbon on the first rebranded dealership and give a rousing speech on bringing Scotland more into Europe.

[michael1703]

Did Frank Sidebottom take this picture?

[RoadworkUK]

Crumbs, you could do with a better tie. I'll lend you one.

 

Shit, isn't it. We had a visit from MB yesterday, and I remembered my name badge but forgot my tie. Had to nick the leat offensive one S/Manager had in his cupboard.

[The Reverend Bluejeans]

and concentrated on the Opel branding afterwards, and from 1975 or so, just threw the odd bone to England,

Like I said then....

 

They didn't concentrate on Opel branding at all Old Chap. They finished it here almost quarter of a century ago with the last Manta. Did you not notice?

 

As for not investing much in Vauxhall after the war....are we talking WW2 or the Falklands?

[Cavcraft]

Conversely they also make (or certainly made in the case of the Mk4) Astras at Ellesmere Port that are left hand drive and destined for Europe.

[Lankytim]

Sorry guys but I *heart* our Mk4 astra estate. Its bloody lovely and I will fight to the death defending its honour, so there.

 

So its true it was built but pretend scousers? is there a chance an actual scouser may have sat in it?