Is Holden Preparing to Come to US?

It has been well reported that General Motors has been evaluating its Holden subsidiary’s VE Commodore in Detroit as a possible Pontiac sedan. More evidence that the car will make it Stateside has been revealed by Holden boss Denny Mooney in an interview with online publication GoAuto. Mooney touts the VE as a world car rather than an Aussie vehicle, and claims that the announcement of its US export program will be made in the next three to four months with shipments to start soon after if all goes well.

Although he was quick to add that there was nothing official in this informal interview, he did state that “it looks very favorable” and “we [Holden] designed the VE with the US in mind.” The most likely car will be the 6.0L V8 powered SS-V, which will be sold as a replacement for the Pontiac Grand Prix. The export program would see Holden selling more of its VE sedan overseas than it does locally. The company already exports the VE as well as its long-wheelbase cousin to the Middle East, China and New Zealand. Sales of large cars are declining in Australia and the move will ensure that its operations remain viable into the future.



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theman - 11/27/2006 2:36:43 PM

-1 Boost

Holden is an excellent brand..

Murcielago_LP640 - 11/27/2006 4:33:28 PM

-1 Boost

I wish they sold Holdens in the UK.

They're already RHD so no real issues. They are a superb range of stylish and desirable cars. They're also well-priced.

2JZSoarer - 11/27/2006 10:34:48 PM

+2 Boost

Bring Holden and get rid of Pontiac!!

Matthew1 - 11/28/2006 12:42:35 AM

-1 Boost

I laugh at your ignorance.

Holden make crap cars. Almost every Holden model sold in Australia is a re-badged (literally) Daewoo, and their only good models are re-badged Opels.

Yes, the new VE Commodore is a HUGE step up from the dreadful VZ, but the only one worth buying is the SS-V.

In standard form, they look awkward (the rear is freakishly tall and the nose is too bluff). The interiors, like Americans cars, have only marginal plastic quality, although the VE is light years ahead of the VZ.

Also, the SS-V's V8 is a GM-soured unit, a de-tuned version of the Corvette. (Only 400BHP)

They may be good value for money in terms of power, but the cars themselves are behind the Japanese and Europeans when it comes to styling and quality.

Don't let vmarkiv's staunch patriotism misguide you into thinking Holden make good cars.

The SS-V is better than any Pontiac product, so should be well-received, but the lesser models (V6 models) are generic and uninspiring.

Also, most of the VE's development was done outside of Australia, so it's platform could be designed to suit Opel and Chevrolet products also.

Matthew1 - 11/28/2006 12:43:55 AM

-1 Boost

I'll just add that the Commodore-based models are the only cars in Holden's line up that are actually made by Holden.

Aldairion - 11/28/2006 3:08:02 PM

0 Boost

That V8 isn't detuned...the LS2 makes 400 bhp in the Corvette as well.

I think Holdens look great, but the closest I've gotten to driving one is the GTO. Either way, I loved it...except for the ridiculous engine vibrations I could feel through the gearstick.

I don't care, I'm anxiously awaiting their arrival.