The United States almost saw the latest generation Holden Ute as a variant of the Pontiac G8, but time ran out when Pontiac was sent to the automotive graveyard during GM’s bankruptcy.
Thankfully, Australia’s Ute is alive and well, and this ad shows the evolution of the Ute in the outback. According to some, the clip was shot in Marburg, Queensland.
Comments
These Utes are extremely popular in Australia. I had an Aussie as a tenant for a year and he always referred to pickup trucks like the Ranger or even the Silverado as a “ute.” I’ve always missed the passing of the El Camino, so it’s heartening to know it survives in pretty cool form as a Holden. I think Ford has a Falcon Ute that is the spiritual successor to the Ranchero.
I don’t know if a Pontiac G8 Ute would have worked in the US. These days, it has to be called an SUV (or crossover) and be hiked up several inches for an American to buy what is essentially a station wagon. I still think this could work wearing a Bow Tie and being lifted up a few inches off the ground, given bigger wheels and tires and badged as an El Camino.
The internal fight is not over think of Bob L
Jd, this is not the right market 4 that vehicle specifically, it would need to be more truck like and less carish.
I think the seniors in the United States would disagree. They are looking for something low to the ground that they can haul things with. The El Camino is perfect. The UTE is the closest thing to them. I hope they bring this car to the United States.