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Vauxhall is looking to eat into Ford's leadership of the police fleet sector with the service version of its new Astra.
The previous generation Astra took around a 20% share of the 5000-unit per year 'panda car' sector, but the firm is looking for that to almost double to as much as 1800 units per year with the new model.
According to the firm's vehicle conversions boss Dick Ellam, Vauxhall is the only manufacturer in the UK that can offer an in-house conversion, thanks to its centre at the Millbrook Proving Ground in Bedfordshire.
Ellam claimed the new Astra is the most advanced car in its class in terms of integrating police force functions into the vehicle. "Two generations ago, the equipment was on a separate board in the back of the vehicle," he said. "As time has gone on we have placed more behind panels," a move that helps maintain residual values by minimising interior damage and evidence of the car's previous employment. "When you take all the equipment off you can't tell the difference," said Ellam.
Vauxhall claims the car is "future-proofed" by being "the most advanced product the UK market" for the one-box system the Association of Chief Police Officers is trying to implement, where the main emergency equipment is installed in the same place no matter which manufacturer the vehicle is sourced from.
Vauxhall has also revealed a Vivaro prison cell vehicle, the first manufacturer-backed combination, replacing the aftermarket conversion that had previous been necessary on the commercial vehicle.
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