Ampera blow for UK

British Vauxhall workers could be waving goodbye to the electric Ampera – before production has even started.

Industry experts have told Auto Express that GM Europe’s expected takeover by Canadian auto parts maker Magna may mean the plug is pulled on plans to build the new car at Vauxhall’s Ellesmere Port factory in Cheshire.

Dr Peter Wells, of the Centre for Automotive Industry Research in Cardiff, said that if Magna rates the car as a low-volume niche model, production could be better suited to a smaller European plant.

“No one doubts Ellesmere Port’s ability to build the Ampera, but whether it will actually get it is another question,” he explained.

“Magna is likely to be an imaginative owner and could support greener cars, but its decisions will be ruled by economics – and making the Ampera at a smaller plant may be cheaper.”

A Vauxhall spokesman argued the takeover would not alter the plant’s chances of building the car, however, and that a decision would be made either way by the end of the year.

But good news as Astra SUV is go

Providing GM Europe’s future is assured, there are plenty of exciting new models in the pipeline. And none more so than this – an SUV variant of the forthcoming Astra.

Poised to take on Ford’s Kuga, the 4x4 will feature the all-wheel-drive technology from high-power variants of the Insignia. This is based on Saab’s XWD, which diverts torque between the front and rear axles depending on where it’s needed.

Engines will come from the standard Astra, and continue Vauxhall’s commitment to small-capacity, forced-induction motors with a new 138bhp 1.4-litre turbo.

A choice of three other petrol units, giving between 99bhp and 178bhp, could be offered, while four diesels deliver from 94bhp to 158bhp.

The SUV will arrive in 2011, after the three and five-door Astra hatch and Sports Tourer estate, which are due in 2010. Also set for a 2011 debut is a smaller Corsa SUV, designed to compete with the new Skoda Yeti and established Fiat Panda 4x4.