Next Holden Commodore Could Also Find Itself Built In North America
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With Holden’s Australian manufacturing on the wind-down, production of future models appear to be in a state of flux. Even the future of the brand itself is uncertain, despite affirmations that “Holden is here to stay.” And while previous reports have indicated that some future Holden models may come from China, such as the next-generation Commodore, Car & Driver points to the 2017 Commodore being built in North America alongside the next-generation Chevrolet SS.
It seems like less of a PR nightmare to bring Holden vehicles from the United States and Canada compared to the notion of importing cars into Australia from China. This would also mean the Commodore could stay rear wheel drive, instead of adopting GM’s upcoming front-wheel-drive E2xx platform.
However, Car & Driver bases that this could happen with GM’s next-generation Zeta architecture. But considering the capabilities of the Alpha platform, and the transition of the Chevy Camaro from Zeta to Alpha come the sixth-generation model, we’re not so sure the Zeta II platform is even in the cards. We aim to clarify the situation, so stay tuned for an update.
Well Like I have been saying!!!
As for Zeta II that is not going to happen. Like I have stated look for a Alpha sedan to show up at Chevy as the SS and as a Holden.
GM also said there would never be a Holden Camaro but on the new 6th gen there could be a Camaro based Monaro.
The time line is right, the capacity is there and the exchange rate is more favorable.
Now nothing is a given till it happens as the Economy and world issued can change a lot between now and then but as of now watch for this to happen.
The 3rd gen CTS on stretch Alpha is basically the exact dimensions of the current Zeta. Zeta II won’t happen.
We’ll see Camaro production move to Lansing, SS (rename possible?) will be assembled at same facility along with the ATS and CTS, likely whatever Cadillac SUV is getting the Alpha treatment. Can this plant support Commodore production entirely for export purposes too? What about the GN and GNX that are supposed to be coming on Alpha as well.
I know what people might say, well the next gen Commodore is going FWD, I’m not so sure about that. Cadillac will be building the ATS and CTS in China to curb the import taxes, Oz might have to deal with a China assembled car that has had so much historic significance for them.
If Zeta II does become reality I see it being heavily influenced by Alpha, more like an extension of Alpha to suit needs that the current architecture can’t (and I don’t mean an FRS sized car).
That’s a lot of capacity for LGR. Meanwhile, Oshawa is holding its breath for a new product/tooling announcement.
I’ve been in an ATS, a CTS and an SS and the Caddy’s felt cramped. I don’t like the Alpha platform design (I like how it handles/rides). The backseat (even on the stretched CTS Alpha) is very small. The SS on the Zeta however was really big and well laid out. I hope GM will make a Zeta ll, but it doesn’t sound like it’s in the works. Maybe a new bigger Sigma lll?
Consolidation is the name of the game nowadays, and it’s delivering significantly better vehicles than ever before. I will add that it’s only when one has lived with an Alpha car that one truly appreciates its various qualities, even compared to Zeta or Sigma-based vehicles. Neither of those architectures have a reason to be around with Alpha, and I don’t think you should hope for a follow-up to the Zeta thanks to the forthcoming Omega.
As for lackluster backseat space in the Alpha-based cars… the ATS is no worse than its most direct competitors from BMW or Mercedes-Benz. The CTS has less rear seat legroom on paper than its most direct rivals, which is slightly annoying given that one of the biggest selling points of the midsize CTS over the compact ATS is a bigger vehicle… so you’d think it would focus on delivering more room in general. But it’s not a deal-breaker by any means.
However, it’s important to remember that both the ATS and CTS are only a first take on Alpha. GM had to make a big engineering jump to 1) deliver it and to 2) catch up to the competition. If The General does what the Germans have been doing and gradually improve on existing product lines and architectures with each generation, I am certain that all qualms about these vehicles will disappear — including the “cramped” feeling (some treat it as an attribute, by the way) or the tight rear seat legroom.
Making Australia happy has never been on my to do list, but if this report brings more production to the us then I’m all for it!
Part of me would like to see the Australian people have to buy a fwd car built in China!
Australia has had one he’ll of a xmas! I hope it continues
Manoli
What Oshawa will get depends on what the CAW will negotiate to get. They will be offered vehicles as will other plants and if they accept the terms they will be rewarded as the plant in Kansas and Lordstown in Ohio. If not they could be left wanting.
At this point the UAW has been working with GM but the CAW has still liked to resort to tough talk.
@Manoli
If GM is serious about spreading Alpha to Buick, and moving the SS to that platform, then maybe equipping a second North America is worth while (actually it will have to happen if all those models come to fruition). But exporting and shipping all the way to Oz just doesn’t sound like ‘New GM’ cost effectiveness. Same goes for shipping to Europe for Vauxhall and Opel.
Do most Jetta drivers know their car was assembled in Mexico? Not likely.
I have my doubts about Holden assembly taking place in NA. I think Car&Driver is turning this into something it isn’t, and making a few big assumptions.
I hope GM can make as many different cars off of alpha as possible!
This cramped back seat crap needs to stop! I’ve sat in all of them too and there is nothing wrong with the back seat of any of them! They have plenty of room for normal people that aren’t trying to stretch out in a lazy boy!
Which leads me to ask why do people even care how much room is in the back seat? The people who buy these cars normally drive them and sit up front the people who normally sit in back are kids!
I have never purchased a vehicle thinking I need to make sure the back seat is comfortable cuz I will never be riding back there!
I think it’s pathetic that people will not buy a car because of it’s back seat!
Here you go starting the aggression again. You can say all you want, but you’re making an idiot of yourself! You’re basically saying that you are selfish and only care about how much room you have rather the passengers.
At every test drive, I make sure to sit in the back seat with the drivers seat at my position. Because I care about the passengers in my car. It isn’t pathetic, it’s smart and selfless rather than inconsiderate and selfish. If I didn’t know any better, I’d say that you were pathetic. .
What are they going to call the new American Commodore?… The Lord Nelson?
Andrew if you knew what GM has not told you then you would understand.
There is much more planned for Alpha than just the CTS, ATS and Camaro.
As for shipping south it is a very good plan for GM as the money exchange works this way vs. what they are doing now. Also they are now sending transmissions and engine south to only comeback. How cost effective is that? This is why you are only seeing 4K SS offered.
Jetta owners know where their cars come from as it is right on the sticker when they buy them.
Part of what C&D says is assumptions but there is also many things that GM has said and done that lead to where this is going.
GM made it clear the SS was only going to be around on the Zeta for 2-3 years. Holden said there was a new car already well on the way to replace the Commodore. GM has stated and encouraged people to think of the SS as a 4 door Camaro. The 6th gen Camaro comes on line the same time the Zeta sedan dies. GM has more than enough capacity to built the Cadillac’s, Camaro and other models including export models.
There has been a few other clues but the black Suburban’s will take us away if we speak of them.
The 600 pound gorilla in the room Is the fact GM chose a SS for NASCAR. They even imported a few to make it legal to run. This was only ground work to buy time for when they moved the car here. Watch GM’s moves in NASCAR and you will get the first ideas of where this is going. What ever they run will be a RWD car and it will be a Chevy. The Camaro is not going to move up from Nationwide so you can see where this is going.
If you want to know where GM is going you have to learn how to read and interpret GMs statements and moves. Often they will leave the bred crumbs to where they are going. Also watch Al Oppenhiser of GM as of late he is the one that speaks the most on future models. He drops the biggest bread crumbs.
Too many here really do not understand the Alpha and what is possible. The Alpha is he car they really wanted the Zeta to be. It is lighter and much more flexible than the Zeta could have ever been.
Also GM only needs to send 30K units or less down under to fill demand. Also if designed for RHD they can use it in the Camaro platform with a few changes and bring back a limited number of Monaro models.
If the new chevy SS will be built on the new alpha platform what else will be built that is a large car?
Will the omega platform only have a cadillac model? Or will they spread the cost with a Buick and chevy model
That is part of the dilemma at GM now. They are working on the Omega but they are having difficulty planning on more than just the Cadillac LTS.
Right now they are looking to Buick and other options that can expand the platform to better justify the cost.
I have even heard there is a Cadillac SUV planned to be on it.
Chevy really has no need for a larger car than the SS unless they use it for some kind of Police package.
Right now we know the LTS and the Caddy SUV are planned but for all else the business case is being made.
Why not an Omega-based Commodore? I hope the Caprice survives…
Holden should be the last ones to get anything omega
Gm in Australia can go and get stuffed. We don’t want their plastic fwd s@#t boxes over here! I’ll never buy another one of their cars.
Odds are the Omega will be too big and too expensive since it will not be shared with as many other models.
The Alpha platform would fix the issues we have now with the Zeta on weight the Omega not so much.
A Caprice and Buick might work but not the Commodore
Ads the thing is if GM ignores the FWD market they will be gone for good. If you look at what is selling there it is mostly small FWD cars.
In other words if there are no FWD GM cars there will be no RWD GM Cars and more than likely no GM cars at all.
The 4 best selling car is the Cruze. It is not my cup of tea as I am sure not yours but I understand the better it sells the more cars that I want will be built. These little plastic FWD cars pay the bills and let the lower volume cars like the Camaro etc live.
You have to look at the big picture.
Looks like to me that the people in Australia won’t have to many options for cars! I’m so sad! You get what you deserve!
Brian… did some Australian kid beat you up?
Australia is one of our closest allies. They served with the rest of us in Vietnam. They have had soldiers, along side ours in Afghanistan.
So… Why don’t you just put a sock in it.
Brian don’t be a “Galah”.
Look it up.
As for the rest of you take a look at the photo in the other Holden where are here thread and see the new product drawings the guy has on his screen and wall.
Might be a little Alpha hints there for the future SS/Commodore/Buick models. GM has a history of hints like this in the past. It is for those smart enough to look around.
Nice try I’ve heard of the word before but it does show to what character! You stay low profile so as to not lose any more friends then you already have