Opel Voices Concern VXR Will Rob Sales From HSV In Australia

Earlier this year, Holden announced it would begin to import Opel’s high performance VXR models to Australia, beginning with the Insignia and Astra VXR. More high-performance European models will arrive on the shores of Oz down the road, and Opel performance manager Wilfriend Diehl is concerned the move may rob sales of Holden’s own high-performance HSV sub-brand.

Diehl’s main concern over HSV is that VXR “does the same job,” and will rob HSV of their already miniscule sales of 3,000 units per year. HSV boss Tim Jackson proudly proclaimed the “future is bright,” for the company beyond 2017, when Holden will cease production of the popular Commodore, however Diehl’s words paint a darker picture.

“We will be cutting their (HSV’s) grass, yes,” Diehl told Wheels. “If a new model comes into the market somebody is going to lose market share. And because HSV has the same attitude towards its cars as we do to our performance models, they will compete.”

“I know Australians will choose our cars so I hope we will create new customers and HSV isn’t affected, but it really is the same type of product,” he added.

The Commodore, which is the core of HSV’s business, will likely be replaced by the next-generation Insignia beyond 2017. A VXR variant of that car is bound to arrive in the country, so it will be up to HSV to offer a product different enough from VXR’s so the two don’t overlap completely.

HSV said it would stay focused on delivering performance cars to its many passionate customers, whether the V8 Commodore is around or not. The brand could be tasked with importing and adding a bit of Australian flare to future rear-wheel drive models imported into the country from the United States, like the Camaro or Corvette, for example. HSV could also find a niche by offering models that are faster and more hardcore than VXR’s.

Holden said it’s up to HSV to create a product lineup which will still be appealing to customers when VXR is around and the Commodore has departed.

“HSV can speak for itself about where its product is pitched,” Holden corporate affairs director George Svigos said. “But we’re looking forward to bringing the VXR product in.”

Sam loves to write and has a passion for auto racing, karting and performance driving of all types.

Sam McEachern

Sam loves to write and has a passion for auto racing, karting and performance driving of all types.

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  • opel opc
    vauxhall vxr
    holden hsv
    buick gs
    Cars are the same like me, then this strategy. Holden, even if, for example, offers the Insignia HSV v8 like it very well. Europe, though perhaps it does not matter but it's the models in different markets to GM fans will see what are the products and BUICK-OPEL-VAUXHALL-HOLDEN future is more alike than ever before, and it will be interesting and exciting.
    then these machines are globally more connected and closer than it is now. may be some differences in engines, and veoskeemis.
    the future will be the Insignia FWD-RWD-AWD. such variants do not think that anyone.
    1.2l motor - v8 motor

  • 'Opel announced in August of last year it would cease all activities as an independent brand in Australia after 11 months of operations due to deteriorating market conditions. The decision to re-enter the market was first referenced in August 2013 when the automaker said it would conduct “analysis together with Holden regarding the potential for future Holden- badged niche product, in order to ascertain if opportunities for individual carlines exist.”

    So did we have to kill Aussie Holdens off just to sell their Opels ..... honestly !!!!

  • I guess some do not read the news at all. even here there is so much more on this topic has already been said. Holden and Opel will further cooperate. Let's face it, as each country has its only land for a luxury product is too high especially in industries like GM and VAG.
    This strategy is very useful in GM production globally. before were holden holden iajaloos very separate, although there have also been a lot of cooperation, however, it is nevertheless quite separate holden and even less is known globally. Holden has been involved in its Opel and Vauxhall models throughout its history, with some differences.
    However, as a simple example such as the Opel Insignia to be the same for all countries, however, the name eirneb it offers a lot more interest globally. If, for example Australia, is spoken Insignia in Europe, I know that is the same as the Opel, Vauxhall, and America is the same as the buick regal is the same. It offers owners a lot more interest and publicity.
    Holden team will directly cooperate with the Opel-Vauxhall products, and think of myself as a news talk, just to get the products to be more consistent now.
    Currently, Australia has had some very different models and Vauxhall, Holden and Opel also offers vxr8 does not necessarily provide advertisements about goods unity would certainly be more interesting, and also products.
    HOLDEN-VAUXHALL-OPEL has been
    HOLDEN-VAUXHALL-OPEL has been throughout history, in fact, closely related to their Erinvale models. BUICK Troika, this is new, however, probably the least well connected and can be less concerned with what may be wrong.
    BUICK is, of course, was quite different. buick wants his future to keep the line or lines to return all of this can be understood, however, that a new trend in the automotive industry as well as perfectly normal.
    OPEL-VAUXHALL-HOLDEN 100% co-operation is very useful for all I dare to believe.
    Holden was still too separate, and mostly only in their country of Australia. and because of the global GM HOLDEN belongs only to your country then such action is a very great luxury.
    HOLDEN will also be a variety of modifications, ie only for austraalale but nevertheless is the same as the original product BUICK-OPEL-VAUXHALL.
    when I see a rear-wheel drive Insignia w8 austraalia only feedback I am also proud to Europe, even if it is not offered.
    The most interesting is that the future may be, for example, Model INSIGNIA 1.2l engine-w8 engine and RWD-AWD-FWD

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