VAUXHALL motors was set up by Scots marine engineer Alexander Wilson in 1857 and went on to become one of the biggest car manufacturers in the UK.

From the Viva to the Victor to the Astra and Cavalier, the firm has been a staple on Britain's roads for well over a century.

Everyone has probably owned a Vauxhall at some point, with the cars being built on Merseyside and a plant in Luton, which was built in 1905.

But this week, the owner of Vauxhall, Stellantis, announced plans to close its van-making factory in Luton, putting about 1,100 jobs at risk.

The firm said that rules imposed to speed up the transition to electric vehicles (EV) in the UK partly drove the decision.

There are growing concerns among car manufacturers over EV sales targets, with many, including Stellantis, calling for the government to do more to boost consumer demand.

Read More: One Day plaque row is battle between conservation over evolution

As part of the shift to electric, manufacturers are required to sell a certain percentage of cars and vans that do not emit any emissions.

Current rules state EVs must make up 22% of a carmaker's car sales, and 10% of van sales this year.

For every sale that pushes it outside the mandate, firms must pay a £15,000 fine.

There are flexibilities in the system, allowing manufacturers who cannot meet the targets to buy "credits" from those that can.

But car brands with........

© Herald Scotland