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.
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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
Wait so Alpha has possible rear seat leg room problems? Commodore on Zeta has more rear seat leg room than a Mercedes-Benz E-Class.. Just saying. Built in America is certainly more appealing than built in China but both have negative stigma about build quality. Plus no matter what, Holden fans and majority of buyers will still boycott GM. Ford fans are already boycotting imported Fords. I think Fiat will get a lot of sales of the 300 come 2028 when most Commodores will be collectors items and will only be driven on special occasions. The 300 will becomes the daily driver for Falcon and Commodore owners. Being a sedan, it’s more practical than the Mustang. If Hyundai bring the Genesis sedan as well as the coupe, they will be the market leader. Toyota will drop to 2nd without a large, RWD sedan. Holden will drop out of the top 10. Ford will hang on in the lower end of the top 10.
May things get better for Australia so that Holden and Ford can keep building, designing and engineering Commodores and Falcons there (and other cars, too).
But this is also a chance to GM bring Pontiac back. Build them in the US. Pontiac-Holden developing the next generation Grand Prix and Commodore.
Hey GM, put the twin turbo V6 under the hood of the Impala and let the RWD V8s with Pontiac and Holden.
What a dream!!
Happy Holidays!!!
Merry Christmas!
Brian… Merry Christmas, and good will towards men.
Accolades have been piled upon the Commodore and Australians may justifiably feel a real sense of pride in their achievement and by extension a strong desire to own one, but instead mainstream consumers have inexplicably turned their back on a crop of excellent domestic cars in favor of competitors from overseas that tempt with little more than the allure of saving a few bucks in the short term. The wealthy won’t consider buying no matter how well made and competitive the car is because it lacks a de rigueur Euro badge, leaving little reason for Holden to continue R&D and manufacturing. So the car goes away. And so do the jobs. If a car as good as the Commodore can’t achieve strong sales numbers in its home market where automobiles from every other producing country are flying off the showroom floor, one can only scratch their head and lament Australia’s loss.
One less excellent car to choose and yet another shuttered factory. Normal folk may have to suck it up and embrace a future of comparatively retrograde imported transportation choices to match further unemployment, making this an unfortunate self imposed blow to Australia’s middle-class. The Commodore is a rare and worthy rival to much costlier European cars: greatness within everyman’s reach. It’s a gateway drug. The Lion badge never had the cache to find many homes in rich guy’s garages no matter how good the car beneath it may’ve been. Cadillac must overcome similar shortsightedness in the US, particularly in status obsessed places like California where established American brands are still shunned regardless of how competitive their cars are. If logic had anything to do with it, Holden would be earning record profits on this Commodore. Pity. No other GM division hits the sweet spot between affordability, performance and room and “One (less) Ford” will continue with a gaping hole in its global lineup that was just begging to be filled by a best ever new Falcon.
Idiot Boy… You are no idiot.
The intent of your comment could not have been better said, and it’s the scorching truth.
Like many other countries, U.S. included… “You don’t know what you’ve got til its gone.”
Yes Idiot you are on the mark here!
Like I said we need to get you to swap screen names with Brian as it would be a better fit. You are much wiser than the name implies.
As to you Brian I have plenty of friends.
Even on this site Scott.
Thank You Friend!
You guys are too kind. We all vote with our pocketbooks every day; it behooves us to think hard about it and cast those votes wisely. Thank you both and Merry Christmas
And to you as well IB.
Most of us want quests to be comfortable, including kids who get pretty big by 14 years old.
Not to mention, GM needs to get the entire car right, including back seats. Only the best product will get them back into the global number one position, or help them fight off Toyota for number two next year.
Australia has more car brands than any other country. Every Asian company company sells there including brands not yet in the US.
They have a lot of choices besides Holden and GM needs to remember that as they are now falling behind VW. You act as if GM does OZ a favor?