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Holden Cruze set to premiere new GM global platform

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By David Zalstein |
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The next-generation Holden Cruze, expected in 2014/2015, will be one of the first in a string of new vehicles built on a new General Motors global platform set to underpin nearly 2.5 million compact sedans and crossover vehicles by 2018, according to reports.

News agency Reuters reports the new platform will first be employed for the Chevrolet Cruze, GM’s global small car that is built locally as the Holden Cruze. It says it will combine two existing GM platforms for compact models – including the Chevrolet/Holden Cruze Delta II platform – as well as one each for sedans and crossovers.

Revealing the plan to Reuters, industry sources said the new platform is to be the foundation of a global range of GM-owned vehicles including future models of Chevrolet/Holden Volt and Opel Astra – the latter whose current Delta II-based model goes on sale in Australia next month, accompanied by the Opel Corsa city car and Insignia medium car.

Opel Astra

Despite sources indicating the new platform will go by the internal GM designation of D2XX, reports say GM has declined to acknowledge the existence of the D2XX program.

The creation of the new platform also fits in with Holden’s plan to build two all-new cars in Australia based on global models and platform sharing within GM, as part of a $275 million co-investment package with federal and state governments confirmed in March.

The Holden Cruze is currently Holden’s best-selling vehicle and Australia’s fourth best-selling vehicle for the year to date, with 18,312 units sold.

  • Sumpguard

       I bet it will be a quantum leap forward in the areas needed. Underpowered base engines are not acceptable and this is the first area they need to address. it is a major safety issue imo particularly when overtaking is required.

        This isn’t a bad car overall despite the naysayers that bash anything Holden and still think Daewoo build cars however it could be better and knowing Holden who will have significant imput into it ,the next gen will be a good car provided they don’t stuff the styling up like they have with the Malibu.

    • Sumpguard

      ….and who wants to take bets that given the downsizing trend in the market  that the torana makes a comeback?

      • http://www.facebook.com/people/Karl-Sass/100000921334936 Karl Sass

        I’d put money on that considering GM already have the Alpha chassis which is RWD and a perfect fit. Holden already have experience with it because the Torana TT36 concept was built on it and Holden had major input to it’s design. In fact I reckon it’ll replace the Commodore.

        • Sumpguard

          I didn’t want to go quite that far but agree it will most likely replace the commodore.

    • Bigdick

      Not so much underpowered but the Cruze has Camry’s weight with a 1.8L engine

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Karl-Sass/100000921334936 Karl Sass

    If the Astra and Cruze share the same engine and underpinning, Holden should build the Astra here instead.

    • Shak

      There is a small flaw in your plan. Opel is here now with the real Astra, and that would have been planned long ago, and Holden would have factored that into their decision to build the Cruze here or keep importing the Astra. Also, the Cruze is selling very well, so i dont think Holden cares too much for the Astra.

      • http://www.facebook.com/people/Karl-Sass/100000921334936 Karl Sass

        Yes I should have used past tense. Having said that, Holden could build it anyway and put either a Holden badge or an Opel badge on it and charge an extra 3k for the one that wears a European badge! Cars with European badges are inherently premium.

        • Shak

          Now that i think of it thats quite a smart idea. The Opel badged model could still be sold at Opel prices, but would be more profitable firstly as it would avoid the import tariff, and secondly be built using cheaper Aussie labour. Hmm maybe GM should think about that, the plant is already tooled for Delta, so it would really just require CKD kits for the body and interior.

          • http://www.facebook.com/people/Karl-Sass/100000921334936 Karl Sass

            Yep, not as crazy as it sounds. Works for Toyota and Subaru with the 86. 

          • Noddy of Toyland

            It will never happen.

  • Shak

    Here’s hoping they address one of the major drawbacks of the current Cruze. Weight. if they can trim the fat im pretty sure it’ll help the car improve across all areas.

    • jekyl & hyde

      spot on shak.that and a motor not choked to death by euro5.
      1050kgs (a la golf) would be good…

  • BP

    Well they’ve been saying that Captiva is also tipped to be built here. I’ve always thought that was a great idea, look at it’s sales this year. Best year to date makes me think Holden should pursue with this idea :)

  • Ted

    When is the 1.6 turbo coming to replace the 1.4..

  • Latin Fish Names

    I hope the next gen car looks less Nth American.

  • Gibbut

    you mean korean