Holden has announced a new export programme, confirming today that Commodore will return to North America in 2013 as the new Chevrolet SS performance sedan.
The limited production derivative of the yet-to-be launched VF Commodore will arrive in North American showrooms late next year. It will be the first time in 17 years that Chevrolet will offer a rear-wheel drive sedan for sale in the US.
The SS will also become Chevrolet’s next Nascar Sprint Cup racing car debuting next year in its race configuration at the world renowned Daytona 500.
Based on the much anticipated Australian-built car, the Chevrolet SS will benefit from significant technology advances including weight reduction and fuel efficiency.
Mark Reuss, GM president of North America, said that as a passionate racing fan and performance enthusiast he was thrilled by the announcement.
“The Chevrolet SS is a great example of how GM is able to leverage its global product portfolio to deliver a unique performance experience that extends well beyond the track and I am personally looking forward to driving it,” he says.
GM Holden’s executive director of engineering, Greg Tyus, said Chevrolet and its customers would benefit from Holden’s proven expertise in developing and manufacturing rear-wheel drive vehicles.
"We were responsible for the design and engineering of the Chevrolet Camaro, VE Commodore was sold as the Pontiac G8, and we are currently exporting the Chevrolet Caprice Police Patrol Vehicle - so we understand the needs of the North American market," he said.
He added that although exporting in the current economic environment was difficult, Holden vehicle exports were up 54 per cent last year compared to 2010.
"Today's announcement shows that we can, and will, continue to pursue targeted, profitable export programmes that add value to Holden and GM.
“We continue to export our engineering and design capability around the GM world and we have significant vehicle export programmes to New Zealand, the Middle East and North America.
“I’m incredibly proud of the talent we have here at Holden to design, engineer and build performance vehicles that appeal to both local and overseas markets and the new VF Commodore will be no different.
“Our expertise in this arena is second to none and highlights the flexibility of Holden’s Elizabeth manufacturing operations. It's great to have secured this new export program that will continue to support our plant."
