Vauxhall or Opel? The Difference Between Both Brands

Opel and Vauxhall are both automotive brands that have manufactured cars since 1899 and 1903 respectively.

For many years now there has been confusion amongst casual observers on the difference between both brands due to the exact nature of vehicle models that both Vauxhall and Opel produce today.

As the pair of brands more or less have the same car model line-up, it may be hard for some to distinguish the difference between Vauxhall and Opel.

We will be aiming to answer the question of what the difference is between Vauxhall and Opel through this article today.

Background and History of Both Brands

Vauxhall

Everything started with Vauxhall when the company started the mass production of marine engines and pumps in 1897.

Vauxhall’s first ever car was manufactured after six years of producing engines and pumps. It was a 5hp, single-cylinder vehicle that was invented in 1903, with a 6hp version of the model that could reverse being created a year later.

The first major event occurred during Vauxhall’s corporate timeline was in 1925, where General Motors (GM) acquired Vauxhall for around $2million. This is important to note when speaking on parallels between Vauxhall and Opel.

Being taken over by an automotive giant propelled Vauxhall’s manufacturing funds and expertise. However, after World War II, Vauxhall started to struggle with UK market demands and maintaining their production quality.

With the brand struggling, GM needed to take action to improve the Vauxhall brand – this is where Opel comes in to play.

Opel

Adam Opel founded the Opel brand, producing sewing machines in a cowshed in Russelsheim, Germany.

After Adam Opel’s death in 1894, the business decided to pivot towards car production, with Sophie Opel (wife of Adam Opel) giving the green light to produce the first ever Opel car in 1899.

The decision to venture into the car manufacturing industry proved to be a successful one, as by 1929, just four years after General Motor’s purchase of Vauxhall, Opel would also be acquired by GM.

The American juggernaut acknowledged Opel’s impact on the industry, evident through its market share in Germany, and became a major shareholder of one of the most popular German car brands. This now made Opel and Vauxhall fall under the same corporate umbrella.

Whilst Vauxhall was struggling in the 1970s through a decline in quality, Opel were flourishing through the huge momentum that was gathered after the General Motors takeover.

So as the 1970s were in full swing, General Motors decided that from there on in, all Vauxhall car models were to be designed by Opel, due to the stronger manufacturing efficiency and expertise Opel had compared to Vauxhall by that point.

Therefore thanks to GM and Opel, the last British-made Vauxhall car was produced in 1972, with the British car brand only giving small inputs to cater to the UK market.

Since then, both brands have coincided with one another in mass vehicle production throughout Europe with much success.

What is the Difference Between Vauxhall and Opel?

Ultimately, the only differences between Vauxhall and Opel is the locational branding and market-specific adaptations.

Vauxhall branded cars are only sold in the UK, whereas Opel distribute to the rest of Europe through their own branding and ever so slightly different designs.

As mentioned previously, Vauxhall will give input to the designs of Vauxhall branded car models as they are sold strictly in the UK as the cars will require attention to different market demands for a car. However, all model designs will start from Opel.

This is where the confusion, particularly for the British population, comes from.

Picture a casual observer of cars who's perhaps not in-the-know of who Opel are. If they spot an Opel branded vehicle on a UK road looking scarily similar to a Vauxhall Astra, it can be a very confusing sight.

But it’s really that simple; Vauxhall cars and Opel cars are practically the same with how much the two brands are aligned, not just in their history, but also their modern day vehicle production.

Vauxhall and Opel Popular Car Models

Now it’s been established that both brands use the same car models, what Vauxhall/Opel cars are the most popular amongst Blackcircles.com customers? Let’s explore that now.

Corsa

The Corsa is statistically the UK’s most successful super-mini ever, being Vauxhall’s best-selling car model of all time.

Along with an electric version of the car, the Corsa-e, the Corsa offers an easy on the eye exterior design and solid performance outputs for a hatchback.

Given its value for money features, the Corsa stands tall amongst Vauxhall’s model line-up when speaking popularity within the UK, as well as being a great option for Opel customers in Europe.

Astra

A top selling car throughout Europe, the Astra has been a dependable model since its release back in 1980.

Upon the model’s release, it replaced the out-dated Viva, with Vauxhall/Opel depending on the Astra to be a leader within their model line-ups since.

Being such a dependable and popular car amongst European motorists, it’s safe to say that the Astra will be on our roads for many years to come.

Insignia

Now onto another hatchback car, that being the stylish Insignia.

Released back in 2008, the Insignia has been a top choice for motorists around Europe, particularly for small families.

Whilst the Insignia has been discontinued by both Vauxhall and Opel due to market trends and plans on electrification, the car model was a great servant to both brands during its 14 years of existence.

Vivaro

An extremely popular choice for van goers, the Vivaro is an efficient and hi-tech commercial vehicle that both Vauxhall and Opel mass produce.

Having a maximum 9-seat capacity, the Vivaro offers versatility and great load capacities, making the van Vauxhall/Opel’s most successful commercial vehicle to date.

Being such a reliable vehicle and a staple in both Brands’ model line-up, it’s no surprise that the Vivaro is an industry leading van today.

Present Day Vauxhall/Opel

Only as far back as 2017, both car brands seen a drastic change in their corporate structure.

After nearly 100 years of owning both Vauxhall and Opel, General Motors sold the car brands in a £1.9billion deal that oversaw the takeover from PSA Group, the same company that own Peugeot and Citroen.

GM’s decision to sell Vauxhall/Opel to PSA was straightforward to understand; the company lost a staggering £15.77billion since 2000, with the turn of the millennium being the start of a 17-year streak of the brands failing to turn a profit.

Whilst early signs were promising, General Motors just struggled with the European market, forcing them to shift all their attention to selling trucks and SUVs/4x4s in America.

Now Vauxhall and Opel are flourishing with a company that has a better understanding of European market conditions, which makes you wonder what the future holds for both car brands.

We just hope that this article has given you a broader perspective on the difference between Vauxhall and Opel through the lens of their history and current operations.