GM cancels Holden global RWD platform
January 16, 2009 by George Skentzos
Overseas interest in GM Holden’s billion dollar baby is no more, with General Motors global product development vice-chairman Bob Lutz announcing a halt to all future rear-wheel-drive large-car development for North America.
The current Pontiac G8 sedan and Chevrolet Camaro were to be just the first of many Australian exports destined for the US market as part of a global portfolio based on the Holden-developed Zeta architecture.
However increasingly frugal fuel-economy legislation combined with the global economic crisis has made the Zeta architecture near redundant in the current market climate.
“The strategy we had a few years ago of basically deriving a whole sweeping global portfolio off the Australian Zeta architecture … frankly, we have had to abandon that dream,” Mr Lutz said.”
“This is because, whether you are in the United States or in China, fuel economy mandates are getting more and more severe, and we just could not base our strategy on doing relatively large and relatively heavy rear-wheel-drive cars.”
The first casualty of this decision came with the cancellation of the Pontiac G8 ST last week – just months before it was due to arrive in showrooms across North America.
The future of its sedan sibling at this stage is far more certain, with Mr Lutz revealing the fate of the Pontiac G8 in the US relies completely on GM’s strategic review of the ailing brand.
“We’ve said that we are going to focus Pontiac down to one or two entries – and for the time being one of the two entries will be the G8, the other being the Pontiac Vibe, and of course the Solstice Roadster and Coupe – and that’s basically the Pontiac line-up.”
This decision will not affect recently announced plans to develop and assemble a next-generation small car at GM Holden’s Elizabeth plant in South Australia, an initiative prioritised by managing director and CEO Mark Reuss to ensure the future viability of the Australian icon.
“Holden has basically committed to localising a compact car for Australia’s future because we see that is where the growth is,” said Mr Reuss.
Mr Lutz also commented that the next-generation Holden Commodore would arrive as scheduled for the Australian market in the next few years and would continue to use the Zeta architecture.
Source: GoAuto
Print it: 
Wheelnut says Toyota will have to start sharing platforms yet what he so ignorantly doesn’t understand is that it is the very reason for thier leaner or more efficent operations and it has been other companies in recent years that have decided to follow suit, not the otherway around.
I’ll give you a single example of many … the humble Camry platform is the basis for derivatives such as the Aurion, Solara (US) and Avalon (US) aswell as the Kluger / Hylander and ofcourse the Lexus ES and RX series.
As i read through some of the comments, it dumb-founds me have grossly incorrect and just downright wrong how many comments from Wheelnut are.
He speaks as if he knows but infact he is undeniably ignorant and utterly arrogant.
Another … states Holden and Ford have more traditional followers yet Toyota outsells Holden and Ford combined then plus some while in the commercial and 4×4 market, there are no more loyal followers to any brand then Toyota.
Justin I know theat Toyota share couple of platforms as evident by the Camry/Aurion… but not to the extent that VW among ishares platforms and parts throughout group of companies – VW Audi Porsche Lamborghini etc…. that is all
As for the comment about Ford and Holden having “traditional followers”…. what I meant was most Australians see Ford and Holden as beng More Australian than Toyota – even though they are both foreign owned.. they have more of a History in Australia than Toyota [particularly Holden as they were established here].
Which is why stories relating to Holden and Ford generally get more of a reaction than those about Toyota..
Justin says “there are no more loyal followers to any brand then Toyota.
hahaha Yeah and I bet yours is white like everyone elses Justin! Toyota are the kings of marketing and plebs follow them and their surveys !
It appears that there aren’t that many people who have bothered read the article in particular the last paragraph which says:
Mr Lutz also commented that the next-generation Holden Commodore would arrive as scheduled for the Australian market in the next few years and would continue to use the Zeta architecture.
Which means the Commodore isn’t dead! its just that for the time being ; whilst GM go through their restructuring porcess etc. The only car to use the Zeta platform will be the VE and the Camaro.. [like Richo said]
Bavarian – Holden are the king of market and all plebs follow them even when they sell dated, reshashed Daewoo’s.
Check out most crap box Commodores, always the same ‘ole bogon sterotype driving them.
And while i am at, atleast Toyota hasn’t become a welfare case and dependant on handouts. Gee … hasn’t GM managament been desperately pledding for help over the past few months. Must be a soul wrenching experiance
LooseWheelNut – Toyota has quite a history stance themself in Australia but the world continues to move forward and history will not sustain the future.
Take a long hard look at the dwindling market percentage Holden and Ford have lost over the years. Gone from a once approx 50% between them down to less then half and now at approx 23%.
Yeah, history is really helping them … NOT !!
And just to inform your ignorant personality, Toyota started sharing parts and platforms throughout it’s organisation long before VW ever did but haa, you wouldn’t have a slighest clue because you are ridiculously narrow minded.
“RWD does not work for mass producers as a rule, forget your niche producers, the germans have it covered,”
Richo, how about you read the entire post before posting your redundant comments.
“Mr Lutz also commented that the next-generation Holden Commodore would arrive as scheduled for the Australian market in the next few years and would continue to use the Zeta architecture.” – This is the same Mr Lutz who canned the G8 wagon and ute after admitting – “Lutz confirms the wagon – based on the stylish Holden Commodore wagon (pictured top) – was part of the original G8 product plan, but that GM couldn’t get the numbers to add up. “I had to lose one of them [to make the program work financially],”
This is the same Mr Nutz who is the head designer of an insolvent company, reliant of welfare to pay next months wages. Yer, I wouldnt believe anything this guy said.
Why then, did Toyota Australia cop $35 000 000 from The Green Car Plan, just to import some parts, & install them on the Camry Production line?
If they’re travelling so well, then accepting that money is surely bad form.
The debate on RWD is mute.
The Germans & Australians have stuck with it, & Lexus have bucked the Toyota Trend & accepted that RWD has a purpose & a place in their line up.
Torque, you are correct, it’s the Mazda 3 that’s the most popular vehicle bought by the public, rather than fleet sales.
Hard to believe (based on these posts) that it isn’t a Camry or Corolla.
As for Commodore Stereotypes, I’m self-employed, Managing Director of my Company, & have been for 12+ years.
I have no kids, & have managed to miss out on every single Gov’t handout possible… :-(
My main car is a VE SS, & I certainly don’t consider myself a Bogan.
Really don’t care what the Toyo-philes opine, you can have them as far as I’m concerned.
If people out there want to drive a white toyota, that’s their choice.
I don’t, I won’t, & I’ll buy another GM vehicle in the future.
The one toyota I owned, was no better in quality than my VE, & as it was a boring, anonymous box, I’ve been there, done that, & won’t darken their doorstep again.
Bavarian Missle (.)(.),
That callsign remains hynotic.
Is it (.)(.), or (.) (.)?
:-)
That’s Hypnotic!
Good for you JasonP, and I can tell you Toyota wont sleep after losing that sale.
At least toyota is building a hybrid with that money, HOLDEN got a 150 million to build a 4 cyl, now thats a joke.
I tell you what, I will stick with my German cars and you keep buying the holden crap. You dont realise this…but…you are a bogan :)
Gentlemen
On another note, we now have in Vic more evidence of “The Plot” ie
1. Rumours circulating today that “fine evaders” (read that as young people who do not have much cash to pay multiple speed and impoundment fines) will now have their DLs cancelled
2. The Asst Police Commmissioner in Vic in the media today talking up an increase in middle aged/mid life crisis hoons (read that as old blokes who have lots of cash to pay fines) having their cars confiscated.
As I asserted in an earlier blog, you have to manage your anticipated and changing cashflows carefully so that your bonus is maximised.
Cheers.
Axe,
Thanks mate!
Can I have a drag against your Yaris?
:-)
Sorry Axe,
You said German didn’t you?
Can I have a drag against your 1990 318i then?
:-)
I’m actually Pro-German cars & their car industry.
Seriously considering either an R32 or an S3 next time.
friend of mine has an 08 330Ci twin turbo, & loves it.
I’m not even anti japanese; I also have an 08 Mazda 2.
I’m not particularly against toyota, it’s just that not one single model does it for me.
I’m sure toyota won’t miss that one sale to me, so everyone’s happy!
However, I have bought brand new cars in Sept 03, Feb 05, Jan 07, & Oct 08, so I guess they won’t miss the 4 sales to me.
Just to check, are there any other car companies out there who’d like to sell someone a new car every 18 months or so?
JUST SO EVERYBODY KNOWS,
BAVARIAN MISSILE is a GIRL,the two “dots” represent “high beam”(not exactly in the car sense).plus she has a “cute” bum(her words).and she dabbles in forged crankshafts…champion!!!.as that ok b.m.?
Justin – Holden and Ford History goes much deeper than Toyota… Ford and Holden helped Australia in the war effort and the depression.
They also helped our farmers and other industries – although Toyota has made inroads in that area over the last decade or so.
Its true there were more Toyotas than Fords and Holdens used in the Snowy River Mountain scheme but there were even more VWs used than Toyotas.
As for History -history is how we learn from the mistakes we made and how to avoid repeating them in the future… as they say inorder to know where you are going you need to know where you have been.
As I have said before if Toyota are so f-n good as their marketing department would like us to believe how come it took them so long to become number one?
The Axe Bob Lutz isn’t GMs Chief Designer; Australian and former Holden Designer Mike Simcoe is.
BTW I’d rather be in a 4 star Daewoo than a 2 star Daihatsu [which is owned by Toyota]
Quote [Justin]: Toyota started sharing parts and platforms throughout it’s organisation long before VW ever did but haa, you wouldn’t have a slighest clue because you are ridiculously narrow minded.
Yeah Right have a look at the VW Beetle and the Porsche.. over the years the quality etc between them has changed but the first few models shared a number of similarities etc [both companies were formed in the 1930s and both cars were created/designed by Dr Ferdinand Porsche]
The original VW Beetle and the Porsche shared a number of components
Quote [Axe]: This is the same Mr Lutz who canned the G8 wagon and ute after admitting – “Lutz confirms the wagon – based on the stylish Holden Commodore wagon (pictured top) – was part of the original G8 product plan, but that GM couldn’t get the numbers to add up.
You could say the same about Toyota and their on again off again plans in relation to the next generation Supra which at this stage has been put On Ice [again]
Yet their cross town rival; Nissan has gone ahead and released the R35 GT-R which has received rave reviews across the world and could potentially attract some would be Supra buyers..i
mmmmmmmm , a little old for a girl Jekyl but thanks for the compliment . Im a high performance nut you have a good mammary {he he he} ,which is why I guess Toyotas are so, yawn……….boring to me ! Did see Toyotas first attempt at a performance car in this country during the week,TuRD Camry . First thing I noticed was the fake exhaust second thing I noticed ,I wasnt in my car !grrrrrrr Probably be another 12 months till I see one by the numbers they sold!
Jason like you I enjoy most models ,Jap cars including but Toyotas even with their reliability surveys are way down the list of ever wanting to own one cause I have in the past and didnt find them any better or worse than the Commodores or GT Falcons Ive owned. Love the new Lancer,Mazda 6s and who can go past the GT-R………Germans are my passion but I will always be Australian enough to say the local product Holden and Ford create will always be worth buying, saving and sticking up for !
After all , Sumo wrestling,Sushi,Humpback Whales and Toyotas just doest have the same ring as, Footballs,meatpies,Kangaroos and Holden cars ;)
And We Love Football, Meat Pies, Kanagroos & Holden Cars…
I love Beemers too, but Chris Bangle has a lot to answer for………
To all the Toyotaphiles out there who think they never ever make a mistake and they are perfect in every way, i have three letters for you:
T – R – D
aww stuff it one more for good measure:
Avalon
[Your comment is awaiting moderation…I THINK NOT!]
Who cares what GM does in USA
These are the facts -
Commodore, #1 seller in Oz for 13 years straight.
Well exported and accepted around the globe.
The market has spoken!
Crickey, when they build the cab-chassis Ute again WIRH-A-BENCH-SEAT and DEDICATED-INJECTED-LPG i will put my hand up for one [Bye to Falcon!]
Cheers
F-0
Gee Jason, just relax mate, last time I looked it cost about $570.00 to register a company and nominate yourself as managing director.
318? Nahh, not even close, feel better tho :)
Global product development vice-chairman Bob Lutz, OK whatever. Buy whatever you like guys, I relly couldnt give a $@#$ :)
Haha, my comments were a deliberate shit stir and gee it worked, get a life losers. like if i give a toss whether Holden or Ford goes front wheel drive, like seriously most of the people driving them wouldn`t even know.
Axe,
Can’t wait for your next deeply insightful critique.
OK, I’m a Bogan, cause I drive a Commodore.
Oh well…..
:-)
As long as you keep the streets well swept, we’ll all be happy.
:-)
Have always bought whatever I liked, & thanks for your permission to continue to do so.
Enjoy whatever Beemer you drive, & I’ll enjoy my SS.
Its ok mate, will help you out of the gutter anytime :)
I said I drive german not BMW, try reading toots :)
Frugal one,
i agree,
when holden makes a few changes to their ute, it will be the one not to go past.
you left out a few upgrades needed too by the way.
how about you add better engines firstly before putting it on LPG,
and how about better tranny too,
oh and how about a better interior???? that wouldnt go astray,
oh and then rid the terrible blindspots put into the commy ute in the interest of keeping style higher on the list than practicallity???
the commy ute isnt built with one ounce of practicallity in it.
i cant see them changing that formula overnight.
but in saying that I’d rather be getting round in a commy ute over a crapper Japper, thats when interior standards and comfort go right out the window
had a ve sv6 for 7 months what a peice of crap noisy rough engine a 5 speed auto that realy had no idea what was required,cheap and nasty interior most uncomfortable seats rock hard leather.good panel fit ruined by a heap of paint blemishes.not a nice car at all.i was one of those people that truely beleived that holden was the be all and end all of motor cars i could never see fault in any gm product,so i must say thank you to gm for making me see the error of my ways by making something so awfull that i could no longer live with this delusion.i agree with a previous comment most wouldnt know if they drove a fwd.oh and andrew m most upmarket jap stuff run rings around the commodore in the interior stakes except aus made toyotas.
Bencong – couple of points, first of all you would think you would have picked up on these things before you bought it, second you say you could never previously see fault in GM products, presumably meaning you have bought them before, yet the best commodore they have made so far (whether you like commodores or not its pretty clear that the VE is the best one they have made) is the one where you suddenly realised they are crap… things not adding up!
1st there was Dingo who wouldn’t allow a bad word about Toyota to go un-challenged.
Now we have Richo that says people are full of sh-t if they dare express a view of Holden that he doesn’t approve of.
CA, can’t you ban these guy’s so we can get on with intelligent discussion??
Zorro – care to read my other posts, particularly those where i say the FG is a much better car then the VE commodore.. seriously all i was saying is that bencong sounded like he was making stuff up, because all the things he mentioned are things you would pick up on a test drive, so why did he buy it? It’s not like he bought it and then had alot of reliability problems which can obviously happen to people and you wouldn’t know about it on a test drive, but when you buy a car and then complain about the way it looks, quality of the interior, engine noise etc, these are all things you would notice before you bought it
Richio is right… I mean Becong should have been aware of the SV6s short comings etc particularly given that so many journos have made note of the rough idle the lack of sound deadening material not to mention the out-dated automnatic.
BTW: Becong; Andrew M was saying that both the Falcon and Commodore utes are better than the Japs not the sedans/
Mind you the Japanese don’t actually make Utes they make Pick-ups [Hilux Triton Navara]
bencong,
bet you bought a silver one,didn’t you.seen more than one going in for a full respray.will go with you on the leather too.you should be venting to a holden service centre manager though,no one here really cares…
i think everyone is going way over the top they are still going to makerear wheel drive cars just on same platform.Still got a couple of more models in it. VF and so forth
Wheelnut Says:
January 17th, 2009 at 5:08 pm
“This is by no means intended to be a shot at Americans its just that if you’ve got the resources which can help improve your products why wouldn’t you use them?”
Broadly I would agree, however there is so much more at stake for GM than worrying about the fate of one of their smaller operations (in Oz). I don’t know the detailed implications of the current crisis or situation within GM, as I am very sure the rest of the arm chair experts here don’t, but some sections of their company are going to be disappointed.
Bavarian Missile ( . ) ( . ) Says:
January 18th, 2009 at 8:13 pm
“I will always be Australian enough to say the local product Holden and Ford create will always be worth buying, saving and sticking up for !
After all , Sumo wrestling,Sushi,Humpback Whales and Toyotas just doest have the same ring as, Footballs,meatpies,Kangaroos and Holden cars ;)”
That’s it, keep up the patriotism – Holden and Ford count on that to prop up their miniscule non-fleet sales.
BTW – Holden is an American company, in case you didn’t know. So your uninformed association above is ridiculous. Just like 75% of what you type.
JasonP Says:
January 18th, 2009 at 7:12 pm
“Seriously considering either an R32 or an S3 next time.
friend of mine has an 08 330Ci twin turbo, & loves it.”
335i !!!
JasonP Says:
January 18th, 2009 at 8:20 pm
“I love Beemers too, but Chris Bangle has a lot to answer for………”
BIMMER!!!
JasonP Says:
January 18th, 2009 at 10:02 pm
“Enjoy whatever Beemer you drive, & I’ll enjoy my SS”
It’s Bimmer. Now you’re starting to sound like a journalist from Wheels magazine mate.
The Realist – Bavarian Missile was not being patriotic through thinking Holden is an Australian company which i know BM is smart enough to know isn’t the case, she was referring to the fact that Commodores and Falcons are made in Australia giving Australian’s jobs etc. Are you really so stupid as to not understand that? And you have the hide to refer to BM’s comments as “ridiculous”
And Bimmer, Beemer, as if anyone really gives the slightest ounch of shit, but just to make you look a bit stupider then you have done by yourself, according to the Encarta dictionary, the words “beemer” and “beamer” are “informal references to the automobile manufacturer “BMW”. No reference is made to your spelling of “bimmer” you bloody idiot
Thanks Richo for explaining to the “Realist” he obviously needs to get a new name !
The Realist – GM have released a statement outlining their restructuring plans etc… in it it mentions the companies that GM will be Holden onto and Holden is one of them Opel is another..
So given that GM will survive one way or another [the US govt won't let em go bust] in the end Holden will also be there [because our govt won't let em go bust either]
However; my point was that maybe if GM took advantage of the experience and expertise their subsidiaries have to offer and if they used the Global and flexible platforms such as the Zeta paltform earlier they might not be in so much trouble
Axe,
Any & all help appreciated!
Not a BMW? I like Mercs, Opels & Audi/VW as well. Hope you’re happy with your German; I would be.
We’re sweet mate, keep posting! :-)
The Realist, 330Ci or 335i, whatever. It’s the one with the twin turbo six that keeps winning engine of the year awards.
:-)
I reckon it would be a good substitute for an M3.
Most of the performance & handling, for less outlay.
GM says……….”lets ditch the wonderfully aussie built and designed Zeta platform and go back to our old sh*t Sigma platform.”