Remember Me
forgot your password?

Gm to Offer Commodore as Pontiac G8 in the US

General Motors, maker and distributor of quality Pontiac parts has previously announced their plan of exporting Commodores and selling them in the US in the guise of Pontiac. Now that plan is finally going to be realized since last week General Motors has confirmed an export deal to sell up to 50,000 Commodores in the US badged as the Pontiac G8.

Holden Commodores has become Australia’s best-selling car since it entered the market in 1978. The Commodore is 5 meters long and 1.9 meters wide and provides a spacious seating space for five. It is also one of the biggest volume-selling sedans in the world.

Holden Chairman and managing Director Denny Mooney says that after Commodore’s expansion it is already big enough and definitely is not going to get any bigger since it doesn’t need to. Instead the Commodore is set to lose weight after its latest VE model was criticized. It should be noted that the Commodore is gaining 100 kg in one generation.

It’s been three decades and the Commodore has grown 19cm in length, 18cm in width and 10cm in height.

According to Mr. Mooney, "The Commodore may get lighter,” since he is aware of the 10.9 L/100 km official fuel economy for the 3.6-litre V6. But real-world figures recorded by Drive put the figures at the mid-11 L/100 km mark.

Reducing the Commodore’s weight is an expensive exercise but can improve fuel consumption and performance. The present VE Commodore weighs 1.7 tons and almost half a ton more than the original VB Commodore of 1978. It has a 3.6 liter engine which is more efficient than ever. It’s also much bigger compared to the entry-level VB Commodore with 2.8 liter six cylinder engine and revving 181% more power.

Mr. Mooney has also acknowledged the fact that unstable fuel prices have affected the sales of the VE Commodore which was made available last August. Although the Commodore has remained Australia’s best selling car, its sales has suffered and right now it’s at a 16-year low.

Mr. Mooney has also stressed that the current Commodore didn’t need to be as big as it is. According to him, "If you would have taken the old (VZ Commodore) footprint it was probably big enough.”

However the American Holden executive doesn’t want to make the Commodore any smaller with future generations pointing to the fact that current car size are just right for both Australians and the rest of the world.

Commodore competes in the large-car segment which is experiencing waning sales as most buyers are shifting to smaller cars and higher fuel prices, increased competition and reduced import tariffs. But Mr. Mooney still believes that there is still a strong market for large cars stressing the fact that Commodore is still Australia’s best selling car. "There are still a lot of people who want to buy large cars," he says. "It's still the one advantage we (Australia) have. We can export these."

Correy Putton

Corey Putton is a 28-year old bachelor from Pittsburgh, PA who has been around cars for the better part of his life. He now works online and writes all about his passion: cars. He is also a certified mechanic.

Rate this Article: 0 / 5 stars - 0 vote(s)
Print Email Re-Publish

Add new Comment



Captcha

  • Latest Automotive Articles
  • More from Correy Putton

Custom Jeep Patriot Seat Covers: The Hot Seat Covers for Your Hot Machine

By: Rachel Kadin | 07/01/2010
Do you own a Jeep Patriot? Great, Jeep Patriot is synonymous to strength and appeal. The tough and elegant vehicle deserves equally effective maintenance.

Custom Jeep Patriot Seat Covers: The Hot Seat Covers for Your Hot Machine

By: Rachel Kadin | 07/01/2010
Do you own a Jeep Patriot? Great, Jeep Patriot is synonymous to strength and appeal. The tough and elegant vehicle deserves equally effective maintenance.

Federal auto auction - 4 tips everyone should know

By: Chris Collins | 07/01/2010
Four of the best tips before you dive into the federal auto auction scene.

Are There Legitimate Car Loan Companies For Bad Credit That Help People in the Real World?

By: Jason Lanier | 07/01/2010
There's help if you're in this situation and don't like the answers that you've been given at the car dealerships.

Austin Auto Insurance Quotes

By: Abraham Ellis | 07/01/2010
Money-Saving Tips For Austin Auto Insurance Quotes Austin Auto Insurance Quotes you need auto insurance to operate a vehicle in the majority of the US, and unless you are ready to take a really huge and costly risk, there is not any way to avoid it. Buying insurance for your auto shouldn't include deflating your pocketbook. the cost of your automobile insurance springs from many factors. Some you cannot control, as ...

5 important things to consider when shopping for new tires

By: MFrizzi | 06/01/2010
Although picking out new tires can be a daunting endeavor, there are some important pieces of information you can identify that will greatly ease the process.

The Unofficial SUV Safety Report – Why a Lexus RX350 might be Safer than a Mercedes Benz

By: Kasan Groupe | 06/01/2010
Believe it or not, today’s SUV consumers are driving towards more safer vehicles. However, with so many options to choose from, finding the right safety features might be a challenge. With the help of this auto-safety overview, you can easily determine which SUV is perfect for you and your family. Studies have shown that an upper class SUV such as a Lexus RX350 may be a lot safer than the classic Benz with Mercedes alloy wheels. You decide.

Putting More Miles in your Fuel Tank Whether you Drive a Mercedes Performance or an F-150

By: Kasan Groupe | 06/01/2010
Whether you are taking cross country road trip or you commute a good two hours a day for work, there ways to save more money on gas. By using your own common sense and referring to these healthy driving suggestions, you can conserve your gasoline for much longer.

The Teenage Drivers and Summer Connection

By: Correy Putton | 30/05/2007 | Automotive
It would also help if they would give the teenage drivers sanctions for every rule that has been broken. Reminding the young drivers about the do’s and don’ts when on the road and behind the wheel would also help out a lot.

Volvo to Roll Out Cars in India

By: Correy Putton | 28/05/2007 | Cars
Volvo said it will roll out product lines in India late this year. Vehicles include S80 sedan and XC90 sport utility vehicle.

Foundation Urges Drivers to Unite to Reduce Rider Deaths

By: Correy Putton | 28/05/2007 | Automotive
Motorcycle Safety Foundation urges drivers to unite and help reduce the crashes on america’s roads and highways. This move is in connection with NHTSA’s release of the 2006 Preliminary Fatality and Injury Assessment.

Calif. Wants Nation's Strictest Emissions Rules

By: Correy Putton | 26/05/2007 | Automotive
California state officials ask federal permission to impose the nation’s strictest emission rules. The move would cost automakers billions to produce vehicle fleets compliant with the standards.

Chrysler Breaks Ground for New Phoenix Engine Plant in Michigan

By: Correy Putton | 25/05/2007 | Automotive
Going solo once again, Chrysler intends to prove its worth in the auto industry. As part of its restructure plan, the recuperating automaker earlier hosted a groundbreaking ceremony for its new Phoenix Engine Plant in Trenton, Michigan.

Xm Satellite Radio for General Motors Pre-owned Vehicles

By: Correy Putton | 25/05/2007 | Automotive
General Motors and XM partnered to provide satellite radio services for pre-owned vehicles. The XM satellite radio service is available for pre-owned Chevrolet, Pontiac, Buick, GMC Oldsmobile, Cadillac and Hummer vehicles.

Dcx, Chrysler Divorce Could Slow China Deal

By: Correy Putton | 24/05/2007 | Automotive
Analysts say the separation of DCX and Chrysler could delay the American automaker’s China deal. They added Chrysler may be encountering some difficulties with its first deal.

California Asks Epa to Tighten Emissions Rules

By: Correy Putton | 24/05/2007 | Automotive
California state officials asked EPA to impose more stringent tailpipe emissions rules. This move is expected to force automakers to average more than 40 miles per gallon in the next decade.

Submit Your Articles Free: Signup
Article Categories




Use of this web site constitutes acceptance of the Terms Of Use and Privacy Policy | User published content is licensed under a Creative Commons License.
Copyright © 2005-2008 Free Articles by ArticlesBase.com, All rights reserved. (0.72, 6, w2)