Vauxhall has appointed Steve Catlin as its new managing director following the departure of James Taylor in February.

Steve Catlin, MD at Vauxhall

Catlin returns to Vauxhall more than two decades after he started his motoring career at the brand as a performance analyst. He went on to hold various roles in different areas of the business, including fleet and marketing, and worked his way up to retail sales director by 2012.

Following his departure in 2015, he’s clocked up leadership roles at Saab, SEAT, Audi, most recently steering Volvo Car Financial Services UK as MD.

Catlin returns to Vauxhall, this time as MD, as the carmaker embarks on its electric era and powers forward on its mission to make EVs more accessible and attainable for Britain.

Catlin remarked: “It’s great to be back working with Vauxhall, which has always been a brand close to my heart. A lot has changed since I was last here and not just the décor, but the motor industry as a whole. However, Vauxhall has always stood for practical innovation with a distinctly British voice. Now, with a fully electric line-up and a clear sense of purpose, it’s a brilliant time to be part of the journey. I’m looking forward to building on the progress we’ve made and the exciting road ahead.”

Eurig Druce, group managing director, Stellantis UK, commented: “Steve brings deep experience across the industry and a strong understanding of Vauxhall’s role in shaping the future of British mobility. Vauxhall, a home brand for Stellantis UK, must return to growth and I am confident Steve will lead the teams in a positive trajectory.”

He succeeds James Taylor, who is now managing director of Nissan GB as of 1 May 2025.

Latest milestones at Vauxhall include offering a fully electric version of every car and van it builds, a continued top spot for the Vauxhall Corsa as the UK’s best-selling supermini, and the brand’s industry-first move to deliver price parity for electric and petrol hybrid versions of the same car, as shown by the new Frontera.

In 2024, Vauxhall sold over 15,000 electric vehicles, becoming the leading electric brand across the Retailer Network, while the company also lays claim to being the UK’s best-selling electric light commercial vehicle manufacturer, with more than 17,000 electric vans on the road wearing the Vauxhall logo.