Holden is committed to offering each variant of locally-produced Commodore until its final manufacturing days are upon it. According to Drive, the brand will not pull the plug on its wagon or ute variants any earlier than it has to.
That means customers will shape the end of local production, as Holden meets the demand for specific variants.
“The current plan is that we will produce V6, V8 and all three body styles all the way through,” Holden managing director Mark Bernhard stated.
“But again that will go down to customer demand.”
Holden is also stockpiling V6 engines ahead of its engine plant shutdown, likely occurring towards the end of 2016. Vehicle production will hang on until late 2o17. Bernhard did not give up a specific date for manufacturing to cease.
“We’re working towards a closure sometime in the fourth quarter,” Bernhard said.
The Holden VF Commodore Series II was the last significant update to the vehicle before it exits production locally, but 2017 will bring in more moderate changes. A handful of special editions are planned, with Holden reiterating it has a few tricks up its sleeve.
As for the future of the vehicle, Bernhard is confident an imported successor can live up to what Australians have loved for decades.
“The next-generation Commodore will have the performance and the technical capability behind it to carry the Commodore nameplate.”
Comment
I’ll take 2 Utes, please. One to drive and one to save.