INNOVATION will ensure Vauxhall remains in a strong position in the UK market, a Geneva Motor Show press conference heard. At January's North American International Auto Show, General Motors chief executive Rick Wagoner said greater vehicle innovation capitalisating on successes such as the Vauxhall Zafira MPV and VX220 sports car were key to the brand's growth.

In Geneva, he said: 'Vauxhall has been our key brand in the UK and that will not change. Innovation will keep Vauxhall in a good position. We have high hopes for the Vauxhall brand. It is robust and well and will continue as our primary brand in the UK.' General Motors also ruled out any suggestions that Vauxhall-badged vehicles would be marketed on the continent or that Opel-badged models will go on sale in the UK.