Vauxhall has made a deal with the Welsh Police that boosted its position as the biggest automobile supplier to the police forces in the UK. According to the deal, Vauxhall offers the Welsh Police Authorities with vehicles until 2014. It also has the option to extend the contract to 2015. With this contract, it means that 41 of the 52 UK Police Authorities use Vauxhall’s Low and Intermediate Performance Vehicles. This accounts for 80% of the police force in the UK. Ray Forsey, the South Wales Police Authorities’ Fleet Manager, said that Vauxhall offers fit for purpose top-quality products at a competitive price. In addition, the North Wales Police will work closely with Vauxhall’s Special Vehicles to offer a specific containment cell in the Astra Sports Tourer so that the Welsh Police Authority can fully make use of their vehicles.
As the biggest supplier to the Police Authorities, Vauxhall will supply about 9,000 new vehicles for the next four years. Dick Ellam, Vauxhall Special Vehicles Manager, said that how it approaches the supply chain is key to its success. He said that the only element it outsources is the delivery of the vehicle to the customer. He also said that other elements are accomplished in-house under its control.
He said that the company is able to make savings for the Police fleets during the time period it takes to bring vehicles into service. Vauxhall models will then be supplied to North Wales Police, Dyfed Powys Police, South Wales Police, and Gwent Police. As part of the deal, Vauxhall will supply Movano Police Protected Support Units (PSUs). The first two authorities in Wales and the UK to order full turnkey vehicles from an automaker are South Wales and Dyfed Powys Police.
