Vauxhall has handed over its one millionth Vivaro made at Luton to its biggest UK customer, BT Fleet.

A quarter of a million Vivaros have been sold in the UK, including 24,500 so far this year. The factory is a major exporter with 52 per cent of production destined for European markets at present.

“We are very proud to celebrate this milestone at our Luton manufacturing plant,” said Rory Harvey, Vauxhall’s chairman and managing director.

"Our hardworking and dedicated workforce at Luton produce vehicles of exceptional quality so it is no surprise these UK-built Vivaro vans are so successful in the marketplace.”

“I’m delighted to take delivery of the one-millionth Vivaro on behalf of BT Fleet," said Mike Langford, senior customer relationship manager, BT Fleet.

"We have purchased 13,368 Vivaros from Vauxhall over the past 11 years and they have served us well. The van has evolved over time to meet the changing needs of our workforce, and I believe the vans we are taking delivery of at the moment are their best yet.

"As with all the commercial vehicles on our fleet (circa 30,000) we work very closely with manufacturers like Vauxhall to source the right product that is able to meet the needs of our people today and for the next five to seven years.

"Key to us when deciding which product to buy is working very closely with the people who will be driving the vans, manufacturers and converters to get the right product aligned to our business needs and strategy."

Vauxhall’s all-new Vivaro, launched in 2014, secured 1,500 jobs at the UK’s last van manufacturing plant after workers won a 10-year contract and a £185 million investment.