10:18 am, December 4, 2025
Vauxhall has announced the shock departure of managing director Steve Catlin after just six months in the role.
Catlin was appointed to lead the brand back in June, having began his career with the firm 20 years earlier, but he has now departed, citing ‘personal reasons’.
Vauxhall will now be led directly by Stellantis UK group managing director, Eurig Druce, who had been in temporary charge prior to Catlin’s arrival.
In a further shake-up to the brand’s leadership team, Vauxhall has also appointed Michael Auliar as its new commercial director. He will take up his post in the new year, reporting directly to Druce.
Auliar joined Stellantis in April, when he took responsibility for the sales and marketing performance of Spain, Portugal, Italy and Belgium.
He previously worked for Nissan for 27 years, joining as a graduate in 1998 and performing various sales, marketing and operations roles across Europe, including UK sales director.
Commenting on the changes, Druce said: ‘Vauxhall is a British brand with a proud history dating back over 120 years to its roots in 1903.
‘It’s the home brand for the group and, despite an onslaught of new competition, is increasing its market share.
‘I am delighted to welcome Michael Auliar to Vauxhall and, with his strong industry experience, I know that he will continue this trajectory.’
Druce spoke exclusively to Car Dealer last week to give his response to the Budget. You can read that full story here.
