Pontiac to drop VE-based G8 range?

Holden’s largest export market could potentially dry up with inside sources reporting that Pontiac will not carry over to the next-generation rear-drive platform of the Australian-developed Commodore.

Pontiac could discontinue its entire VE-based G8 range when the next Commodore arrives in about five years time, citing limited corporate resources and fear of rising fuel-economy standards as the main motives.

This speculation follows an announcement by Pontiac that there would be no replacement for its rear-wheel drive Solstice roadster, leaving the current G8 range as its only rear-drive model.

 

This does not bode well for local industry with Holden’s billion-dollar architecture losing its relevance in the wake of changing economic times with an increasing shift toward fuel-efficient vehicles in the US market.

The news is just as grim in the blue corner, with the recent confirmation that Ford Australia would end production of its locally-built inline-six engine in 2010, instead opting to use Ford’s global EcoBoost V6 range.

This is coupled with increased speculation suggesting the next-generation front-wheel drive Ford Taurus will replace the Falcon here in Australia.

Regardless, this news should not affect the local development of the next-generation Commodore or its future in other overseas markets where it is currently sold under the Vauxhall and Chevrolet nameplates.

Source: InsideLine