Holden NG Commodore, Kia Stinger, BMW 5 Series In Play To Replace Australian Police Vehicles
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With the end of local Australian manufacturing in sight, local police departments are scurrying to choose replacements for soon-to-be retired VF Commodores and Ford Falcons. And there are a few players currently in the mix to replace Holden and Ford.
Foremost, Wheels reports Holden has already pitched the imported, 2018 NG Commodore, itself a 2018 Opel Insignia Grand Sport. Specifically, departments are interested in the new Holden Commodore Sportwagon, considering the additional space allotted by the wagon body.
Victoria Police manager of transport Frank Milelli stated Holden is very keen on locking down contracts to provide the new Commodore as a police vehicle. However, police standards may get in the way of the imported Commodore.
With a 3.6-liter LGX V6 engine and all-wheel drive, the 2018 Commodore may not clip the Commodore SS or Falcon XR in terms of its 0-60 mph sprints.
“Nationally they’re saying 0-100 kms (0-62 mph) in seven and a half seconds; our rule is equivalent to the current SS, which is about six seconds.”
Holden is facing some stiff competition, though. Kia has reportedly been in discussions with highway patrol departments in Australia about adapting the new Stinger GT for police duty.
The Korean auto brand has even brought in representatives from Australia to South Korea to drive the Stinger GT. New South Wales, Australia, specifically has shown much interest in the Kia Stinger GT with a potential order for 2,000 sedans in limbo over the vehicle’s lifetime.
Kia stated the powertrain and braking capabilities already met Australian police requirements, too.
BMW is also making a play for Australian police, too, according to Milelli. BMW Australia head of product and marketing planning, Shawn Ticehurst, also confirmed the company has offered the BMW 5 Series as a police ready vehicle.
“Cars like the 5 Series have got such a good history with the German police and the British police … so I think it’s certainly got potential but we’re not talking about any discussions we’re having at this stage,” Milelli said.
Departments will also look at the Volvo S60 Polestar, Toyota Camry and Hyundai Sonata as possible replacements for the locally manufactured VF Commodore.
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