VAUXHALL, host to the Acfo AGM, took the opportunity to deliver a positive message to the conference on the day before it announced 900 job losses at its Ellesmere Port factory.

Paul Adler, brand manager for Vauxhall, Saab and Chevrolet fleet sales, presented an overview of global car sales and opportunities in the Asia/Pacific region.

He said: ‘This is entirely in line with our expectations. Vauxhall’s strategy has been to pull out of short cycle business to keep up residual values. Diesel has been going like a train but we’re starting to see a slowdown.’

Saab and Vauxhall cars are more likely to be on drivers’ shopping lists.

‘Non-owner consideration is on the up,’ said Adler.

Chevrolet’s Paul Phillips introduced the all-new Captiva sport utility vehicle. He said: ‘Nobody can say this car is a Daewoo with a Chevrolet badge.’

Commenting on Chevrolet’s 2005 worldwide sales of 4.2 million, Phillips said: ‘A Chevrolet is sold every eight seconds.’