Holden cruising to build “smaller” car
8 Oct, 2008
28 Comments 
Holden has let slip on plans that it will build an all new “smaller” car at its Elizabeth plant in Adelaide.
At this stage it is unknown as to whether the vehicle will be manufactured from the ground up (think Torana) or assembled from “knocked down” kit using parts made off-shore.
The union representing the Adelaide plant’s 3,400 workers, the AMWU (Australian Manufacturing Workers Union), wants the car to be built at Elizabeth and will take up the issue in the next round of enterprise bargaining negotiations.
AMWU secretary John Camillo says he does not know which option has been submitted to Holden’s international bosses.
“At this stage management haven’t been too clear in regard to what they are seeking other than to say that they have put a plan in place and it’s only a few weeks away whether they would know that will go ahead or not,” he said.
“They’ve indicated that the need to take the plan to Asia-Pacific to speak to the senior GM management at Asia-Pacific and, if they approve it, they then need to go to Detroit to seek their approval in being able to produce the small vehicle at the Elizabeth operation.”
Mr Camillo says the car will cater for market trends, as larger cars now produced at the SA plant are becoming less popular with consumers.
“We see quite clearly that the Australian consumers of vehicles are targeting the smaller vehicles, so I think if Holdens can get a small vehicle on the production line at Elizabeth by 2010 they would do extremely well in selling that product,” he said.
This new development lends even more credence to our belief that the vehicle could be the partly Australian designed Chevrolet Cruze.
GM Global Vice President of Design Ed Welburn introduces the Chevrolet Cruze at the Paris Motor Show
These first photographs of Chevrolet’s all-new Cruze sedan, which made its world premiere at the Paris Motor Show, reveal a dynamic four-door coupe that proves exciting design and value are not mutually exclusive.
On sale beginning in Europe from March next year, Cruze features a dramatic re-interpretation of the traditional sedan featuring Chevrolet’s new global design language that is becoming a signature on all new products carrying the gold bowtie, or perhaps even our own Holden lion.
Cruze’s arching roof-line, extending from the steeply raked windshield to its sloping rear pillars and short rear deck, brings coupe-like proportions to a compact sedan.
Wider and longer than most of its competitors, Cruze has a purposeful stance with its wheels located at the outer edges of the tautly drawn bodywork. Noticeably tight body panel fits and a restrained use of exterior trim add to a high quality, “hewn from solid” appearance.
Cruze’s dramatic profile is matched by bold front styling, with large headlamp housings that wrap around the front corners and sweep up, arrow-like, into the fenders and sculpted hood.
Other distinct design themes include a concave shoulder line, the two-tier grille and a “wheels-out/body-in” stance. Inside, Cruze features a “twin cockpit” design motif, first introduced in the iconic Corvette sports car.
“Our goal in designing Cruze was to be bold, not evolutionary,” says chief designer Taewan Kim. “We wanted to take a big step forward, making a strong design statement for Chevrolet products around the world.”
Visitors to the Paris show will see how Chevrolet’s progressive design is also reflected in the quality of Cruze’s interior. The use of grained surfaces, soft-touch materials and low gloss trim panels ensures a quality ambience that echoes the clean, harmonious design of the exterior.
At launch in Europe, Cruze will be available with 16 valve, 1.6-litre (82 kW) and 1.8-litre (103 kW) petrol engines featuring variable valve timing (VVT) on both inlet and exhaust sides, giving more power as well as better fuel economy and lower emissions.
An all new 2.0-litre turbo diesel, developing 110 kW and 320 Nm of torque adds power with even greater frugality. Five-speed manual gearboxes and an all-new automatic transmission, Chevrolet’s first six-speed application in the compact segment, complete the powertrain menu.
With sales in Europe up by 23 percent for the first six months of 2008, Chevrolet is GM Europe’s fastest-growing mainstream brand. The arrival of Cruze spearheads an exciting new product roll-out program that is expected to propel the brand to even greater success.
“We are proud that Europe is leading the introduction for this global product,” said Wayne Brannon, Executive Director, Chevrolet Europe. “Chevrolet has always stood for expressive value and Cruze delivers on that promise like never before. It further redefines Chevrolet with its design, quality, materials and great style inside and out. The fit and finish for gaps and interfaces sets a new standard for this segment in Europe and around the world.”
Cruze is the result of a development process harnessing GM’s global expertise and is the first of a new family of compact products that will deliver world class quality. It will be backed by expected highest scores in all major crash safety ratings.
The Chevrolet Cruze will be available in Europe from March 2009, followed by other global markets with regional-specific engine choices.
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October 8th, 2008 at 6:23 pm
History shows that building a small car in oz is a risky move - Ford Closing the Homebush plant where they built lasers and capris for example. So for Holden to undertake such a risky move as to build a small car in Australia they would have to be confident that there are enough people who would buy it.
Therefore; I expect they are more liklely going to build the new Torana [using the same platform as the insignia]instead of merely assembling a car from the USA such as the Chevy Cruze..
For starters the Torana TT-36 Concept car is far better looking than the Cruze and its looks that attract people to a car.. I mean when Bob Lutz saw the TT-36 he said it would be the perfect car to become the new Pontiac G6.
Then there’s the fact that one of the reasons GM is in trouble is because they have so many factories operating at less that70% all producing the same cars. So why would GM ship parts of the Cruze over here fro Holdne to put together when its just as cost effective to import the car all ready put together - particularly if tarrifs fall to 0%
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October 8th, 2008 at 6:28 pm
Article: “Cruze’s dramatic profile is matched by bold front styling”
Dramatic and Bold - are they the new industry terms used to mean UGLY?
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October 8th, 2008 at 6:30 pm
Makes sense, because it’s the only way that Holden is going to survive as a manufacturer. Cruze interior looks great, but this needs to be a new-age Torana, along the lines of a 90% scale version of current Commodore (with styling updates), complete with RWD. In other words an affordable BMW 3-series.
Call it Commodore II if you like - it’s going to be a re-run of the original downsized Commie of 1978.
Engines: 2.8 and 3.2 V6 direct injection, 3.2 V6 turbo, 1.9 I4 and 3.0 V6 turbodiesels. Don’t even think about a V8.
Let’s hope it makes it before GM goes down.
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October 8th, 2008 at 6:40 pm
The Cruze is wider and longer than its competitors which presumably means that its roomier too.. yet what is the point in that?
Why would Holden bother building a larger smaller car with dimensions that are close to that of the Commodore particularly when Holden also have plans to build the VF commodore with a smaller more fuel efficient V6 and even a 4 cylinder engine [like the original commodore].
My point is if you’re going to build a small car build a small car. don’t build a large-small car. because then it will have more rivals including other models from your own line up
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October 8th, 2008 at 6:48 pm
Captain - I and others on this site believe that when the “New Torana” is released [in 2012 - after the VF]
it will probably be called the Commodore
It will most likely be available in FWD RWD and possibly AWD [as it will use the Insignia platrom] in both Hatch and Sedan with either a new 4 cylinder engine and a DITTO V6 engine - maybe even a diesel.. and there are strong rumours that even a Coupe is in the pipeline [A9-X?]
BTW: The TT-36 was actually a 90% scale model of the current commodore
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October 8th, 2008 at 6:52 pm
As for GM going Down - I read an article on the internet from one of the international newspapers which said that most of those who are between the 20-40yo will see the end of the American Automotive Industry before the time they retire
Which means that Ford GM and Chrysler will most likely cease production in the USA all together and import cars which will be built iby their overseas subsidiaries.
In GMs case it will probably mean RWD cars from Holden and FWD cars form Europe.
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October 8th, 2008 at 6:55 pm
well Holden has a great record when it comes to building small cars………..anyone remember the CAMIRA SUPERCAR ?? That was the biggest piece of shit ever built here…………they just fell apart !!!!! Anyway it couldnt be a repeat of that ………could it ? Anyway by the time that happens GM might have gone bankrupt. Commodore exports will dry up in the not too distant future as the Yanks stop buying gas guzzling cars……and that is exactly what the Commodore is………..too bad ……..
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October 8th, 2008 at 7:33 pm
the laser rocked, i dont care what you guys say
first car i drove, precise steering and characteristic performance…
much better than any crap produced now…
and their solid as anything, still see em on the road, something u cant say for many other cars
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October 8th, 2008 at 7:34 pm
The Cruze isn’t THAT big, so don’t start worrying thats its going to overtake the Commodore in size - it’s like saying the coming Focus will end up being as large as the Falcon
As long as the financial side of it works, then there are no objections here - the Cruze is one great looking car and is said to have one amazing interior (quality terms) so it’s a smart move by GMH
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October 8th, 2008 at 7:49 pm
I see where you’re coming from Wheelnut but that Insignia platform i don’t reckon is a global platform. Its too large for an Australian small car. Remember the Insignia is as big as a commie. The platform is also too expensive for the market as is I guess aimed at the Asian market as well, which needs a cheaper car to start with.
Chevrolet is GM’s cheaper platform for Europe, this kinda makes sense as GM’s main cars Opel/Vauxhall are becoming too pricey for many and GM felt they needed a competitor for Kia/Hyundai.
As for the Australian market this is great news, Holden at last has realised the market needs smaller/more economical cars thats what is in demend. Holden HAVE to move on this given that Toyota are completely and utterly wiping the floors as far as sales go. I do think however that smaller engines than those quoted would be a far better option as far as the average slow driving customer is concerned. They are my thoughts and I look forward to seeing this in Europe next year.
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October 8th, 2008 at 8:26 pm
there is no substitute for a large car, End of story.
i know holden are only trying to cater for the misguided public so its not their fault they are drawn to produce a smaller car.
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October 8th, 2008 at 8:44 pm
The bits of it I like remind me of Honda and the bits I dont, like the entire front design, remind me of Daewoo.
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October 8th, 2008 at 10:05 pm
Sam,
i agree.
my instant thought was hyundai sonata, and then a bit of honda accord
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October 8th, 2008 at 11:01 pm
Finally someone agrees with me! Yay. Thanks Andrew.
The other thing I wanted to mention is that with the new Hinda City coming out soon, this Cruze might be dead even b4 its born. With more rear leg room than a civic and 500 litres of boot space the New City is a magic trick on wheels which, along with its brother, the Jazz will find heaps of happy buyers. I see the Cruze following in the same in the footsteps of the Epica, if it even makes it here… Huch will come down to engines, spec levels, build quality and price point. Time will tell.
When my Corolla finally decides it has had enough, its a new Honda for me…. not before 2010 so I can get VSC of course.
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October 8th, 2008 at 11:20 pm
The double decker grille looks vile.
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October 8th, 2008 at 11:56 pm
With the $AUD falling to around US65c tonight and around 65 Yen local production could remain viable for both small and large cars locally, especially if the currencies stabilize at these levels.
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October 9th, 2008 at 6:11 am
Also now that the australia dollar has fallen so rapidly it makes teh price of our cars seem fair in comparison to the USA.Pontiac G8 US29k Commodore SS AU44K
Only a 2k mark up on oz model.
As with the cruze it looks great and we wont get the vile grill.
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October 9th, 2008 at 7:14 am
I don’t think they’ll build the Cruze here.
It wouldn’t make sense when they can import it from Korea under the Free Trade Agreement extremely cheaply.
More likely the Astra. It’s a bit more upmarket so there’s more fat in the pricing and the Astra has done very well in the past with volumes of 25000 which is what they would need for it to make sense.
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October 9th, 2008 at 7:36 am
Holden are going to start importing the new Astra and Barina from Europe early next year. So I don’t thiink they’ll be building the Astra here… more likely the Torana as I said[which will become the Pontiac G6].
However; apparently they will continue to import Daewoos but they will be sold as Daewoos and not Holdens
Then if they start builing the G8s in Cansda [as many on here expect] it will give Holden more room to build other cars such as a new Sandman particulalrly as they have plans to build a VF Crewman ute
No I expect it will be the Torana as a Sedan Hatch and even Coupe. Iif they don’t use the Insignia platform could be built on the Alpha platfrom like the Concept car was which is a modified Zeta platform [VE]
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October 9th, 2008 at 7:39 am
The past may indicate that buidling small vehicle in AUS has been risky decision, times have changed and there is no indication that fuel prices will ever be as cheap as even 5 years ago.
Large cars are pecieved to be guzzlers and harmful to the environment, right or wrong Ford and Holden need an alternative to hedge their bets either way.
Ford plans on exporting locally made focus, something falcon has never had the pleasure.
Small cars are what the world is asking of not large large vehicles.
As much as i love the VE and FG they don’t make complete business sense when viewing where the world is heading with vehicle size and CO2 emission outputs.
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October 9th, 2008 at 7:46 am
MPG don’t knock the Camira. Sure the early 1.6’s were crap but I bought the 2.0ltr Camira in 1988 and I am still driving it today. The original engine is still in the car and it has done 530000klms, still not blowing smoke. I challenge anyone to take that on.
As for Holden building a small car, I think it is an exciting idea. If they could build something around Epica size that looks as good as the Commodore I would order one.
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October 9th, 2008 at 10:49 am
Camira worst car built in Aus? No way.
Lightburn Zeta, Capri convertible, P76, XC Falcon were all far worse, with the Zeta being the biggest pig imaginable.
The Camira was far better, early versions were not too good, but as stated the later ones were fine and millions of the engines were exported for use in other cars.
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October 9th, 2008 at 1:26 pm
I will add my vote for the Camira as the worst car EVER to be built in Australia.
Worst there ever was, worst there ever will be - absolute total dog every single one we had at work for quite a few years. Even the early magnsa were far better.
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October 9th, 2008 at 2:30 pm
Camira 1.6 was shyte, but the final versions were actually a good thing. Just that the damage was already done. Kinda like Magna.
But back on topic, small cars went out because the market didn’t want them and Japan was a cheaper source. This time round though they are the flavour and they do not attract the same sort of Tax penalties going into places like Thailand and Malaysia (you know those FTA Countries that have heavy taxes on all the current cars made here because of their size). This means things like Focus and Cruz (or whatever) are actually looked at favourably
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October 9th, 2008 at 8:21 pm
Camiras good ? are you kidding?? I did my mechanics apprenticeship at a Holden dealer when they were about and every mechanic would almost cry if they had to work on one !!!!! I have worked on some bad cars but Camiras were even worse than Cortinas…….much worse. My cousin bought one af the last ones built and it was no better. The back window popped out when he was driving it home from taking delivery !! Oil leaks, rattles clunking suspension, breakdowns, electrical problems…….had it all the Camira !! Actually sounds just like a Commodore !!!
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October 9th, 2008 at 11:59 pm
Whatever they build my fear is that it will go like the locally built Vectra 1998-2000. The idea there was to build 25000 Vectras for Japan and 5000 for local market.
Holdens only sold 10000 to Japan once they found out it was made in Australia. They sold there 5000 here in OZ, but this small number didn’t help save this car.
Funny thing I heard is that the car was a better build quality.
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October 10th, 2008 at 10:33 am
wheelnut,
where do you get your info from??
it all sounds like a wish list to me.
where did you read opels are back here at the start of next year and that daewoos are going to reclaim their badge in australia??
if the sandman happens, it will only be a limited run.
i doubt holden will because it would cost them more than its worth.
they couldnt even sustain the Tonner, and it would have had more sales than what the sandman would hope to achieve
on the cruze……..
if they want it to sell here, they need to give it a name people are familiar with.
bring it as a vectra or something. if it is to have an instant impact here, it needs an identity the public is familiar with
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October 10th, 2008 at 7:37 pm
i’m kinda with you andrew…
daewoo as an “own brand”,couldn’t see even holden dealers selling them,that name is a badge of shame here..not so in korea but.
the opels will come but,know that on GOOD authority.don’t know how the new 65c aussie dollar will play out yet though
torana,sandman,i tonner…luv em but can’t see it happening…still luv ya wheelnut…hope ya right.
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