Vauxhall/Opel to showcase new tech and all new cars at Geneva Motor Show 2015.

• OnStar to provide Vauxhall range with connectivity of tomorrow
• World premieres for all-new VIVA and Corsa VXR hot hatch

Vauxhall/Opel is to preview OnStar at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show (March 5^th–15^th) with a comprehensive package including high-speed mobile network and numerous services across its passenger car range. There will also be world premieres for the all-new VIVA and the Corsa VXR.

OnStar

In the second half of 2015, Vauxhall/Opel will introduce OnStar across its passenger car range. OnStar will represent the next step in automotive connectivity in Europe. In the USA, Canada, China and Mexico around seven million customers already count on the comprehensive package, which includes Wi-Fi hotspot and numerous mobile and emergency services.

OnStar is reliable. No matter what emergency the driver may be confronted with when on the road – the system can offer assistance, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. An advisor will always be available. And if the airbag deploys, Vauxhall/Opel OnStar will be activated automatically.

Information on and access to the car is also guaranteed. 

Vehicle data such as tyre pressure or oil life can be accessed via the OnStar smartphone app. Locking/unlocking can also be controlled via the app. And if the car is stolen, OnStar will ‘work’ closely with the police to locate the stolen vehicle.

The Vehicle Diagnostics functionality is also very convenient: OnStar will send a monthly report with the most important vehicle data and information. Furthermore, a diagnostics check can be requested at any time at the push of a button.

With the introduction of OnStar, each Vauxhall will become a powerful, mobile Wi-Fi hotspot. Up to seven mobile devices can be connected simultaneously allowing for passengers to stay in touch with family and friends via social media, stream movies or watch TV via their favourite app and play games or for the driver to work while away from the office when stationary.

VIVA

Debuting at Geneva and arriving in the UK in the summer, the VIVA will be the latest addition to Vauxhall’s small car range joining the ADAM and the new Corsa.

With a name that pays homage to Vauxhall’s original Viva made from 1963 to 1979, the all-new VIVA shares the original’s philosophy of clean lines, durability and practicality.  It is designed for modern, everyday life and at 3.68 metres long is practical and spacious, providing room for up to five people.

After first appearing in the ADAM ROCKS AIR and subsequently the New Corsa, VIVA is the latest Vauxhall to feature its new 1.0-litre three-cylinder ECOTEC engine.  Specially-developed for VIVA, this 75PS powertrain is smooth, punchy and efficient, and is mated to a slick five-speed transmission.

Like its stablemates, ADAM and Corsa, VIVA is fully-connected thanks to the IntelliLink infotainment system, which allows seamless integration of Apple iOS and Android devices.

Corsa VXR

Vauxhall will take the wraps off the new Corsa VXR, its ultra-powerful small hot-hatch, at Geneva.

Benefiting from the significant revisions in technology, interior/exterior design and chassis showcased in the recently launched New Corsa, the VXR is set to raise the bar for small, fast hatchbacks when it appears in UK showrooms in May.

Headline performance figures are 0-60mph in 6.5 seconds and a top speed of 143mph – quicker than the outgoing car, but more importantly the VXR produces its 245Nm of torque from lower revs (between 1,900rpm and 5,800rpm, compared with 2,250rpm to 5,500rpm for the outgoing Nürburgring and ClubSport models). This makes the VXR a potent performer between 50-75mph, which it can dispatch in just 6.6 seconds in fifth gear.

An overboost facility provides an additional 35Nm of torque, ideal for swift and safe overtaking. Maximum power from its 1.6-litre turbocharged engine is 205PS, while the Corsa VXR achieves 37.7mpg on the combined cycle with CO₂ emissions of 174g/km.

UK SALES - VAUXHALL - Record retail sales and #1 brand and model for December prove Vauxhall are far from dead.

• Best ever Vauxhall retail sales of 127,398 in 2014
• Best-selling manufacturer in December
• Number one manufacturer in Scotland
• Corsa is Scotland’s best-selling car

Vauxhall sold 127,398 cars to private buyers last year, making 2014 its best ever year for all-important retail sales according to figures released today by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders.

Finishing the year with a flourish, Vauxhall was also the UK’s best-selling car manufacturer in December with sales of 23,162 and a market share of 14 per cent. The Corsa was the UK’s best-selling car in December with 8,074 sold.

Overall performance in 2014 was excellent with new model launches including Corsa, Vivaro and ADAM ROCKS AIR helping the company achieve total sales of 301,796 cars and vans.

Vauxhall was also the biggest-selling manufacturer in Scotland last year, for the seventh year running. The Corsa supermini was in seventh heaven as Scotland’s top-selling car for the seventh consecutive year and that wasn't even the new model that's in showrooms this month.

Innovative finance programmes helped drive retail sales with many models now available with great value PCPs.

Vauxhall’s strategic focus on true fleet sales (user-chooser company car drivers) continued to develop with registrations up by ten per cent with models including Insignia, Mokka and Zafira Tourer driving growth.

It was another huge year for Vauxhall Commercial Vehicles. The British-built Vivaro enjoyed its best year ever with over 19,000 sold in 2014.  The all-new model, which went on sale in September, was Vauxhall’s most successful van launch ever with over 12,000 early orders.

Griffin-badged Police cars are a common sight on British roads, so it’s no surprise that Vauxhall is the number one supplier to Police fleets with a substantial 80 per cent market share of competitive segments.

“It was another great year for Vauxhall with a number of exciting product launches and sales results that we can be truly proud of,” said Tim Tozer, Vauxhall’s Chairman and Managing Director.

“Now we focus on 2015 with New Corsa in showrooms, ADAM GRAND SLAM coming very soon and the all-new VIVA arriving in the Spring. OnStar will also give us a tremendous lead in the vehicle connectivity arena when it launches later this year.”