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Chevrolet Caprice law enforcement vehicles headed to US

The Australian-built Holden Commodore has found a new role in law enforcement with specially prepared Police Patrol Vehicles (PPV) set to hit the streets of North America from as early as 2011.


Derived from the long-wheel-base Holden Caprice, the Chevrolet Caprice patrol cruiser was announced at the annual International Association of Chiefs of Police convention - the biggest of its type in the US.

This showcase has been described by Holden Executive Director Sales and Marketing, John Elsworth, as an "exciting first step" for what could prove to be a lucrative deal for Holden, even more so than the now defunct Pontiac G8 Sedan export deal.

“Today is the start of the process. It’s our ticket to the dance. Now we need to go out and really impress the judges,” Elsworth said. “North American law enforcement fleets account for about 70,000 sales a year so securing a fraction of those sales would be a major manufacturing boost for GM's operations in Australia."

Holden's reputation as a proven supplier to Australia's police fleet, including demanding highway patrol and pursuit applications should help clinch the deal with US law enforcement.

Unlike the Pontiac G8 which entered the market just as the global financial crisis began to make headlines worldwide, the Chevrolet Caprice police car has been described as the right tool at the right time for law enforcement by Jim Campbell, General Manager for GM Fleet and Commercial Operations.

The Chevrolet Caprice will be offered in both V6 SIDI and V8 AFM guise, both E85 capable, and will feature a host of specialised equipment including:

  • High-output alternator
  • Engine oil and transmission coolers
  • Standard 18-inch steel wheels with bolt-on centre caps
  • Large, four-wheel disc brakes with heavy-duty brake pads
  • Heavy-duty suspension components
  • Police-calibrated stability control system
  • Driver information centre in the instrument cluster with selectable speed tracking feature

In collaboration with the Australian National Security Agency, Holden has also presented a special NSA law enforcement vehicle based on the Pontiac G8.

As a technology partner of the LAPD, the Australian-built NSA Pontiac G8 boasts advanced integrated technology to create one of the safest most high-tech police vehicles in the world.

The technology package highlights include:

  • Large, purpose designed, multi-function, touch screen integrated into dashboard
  • Intelligent power management system
  • Consolidated user interface
  • Automatic Licence Plate Recognition
  • In-car video with live broadcast capability
  • Advanced wireless connectivity
  • Automatic and seamless CAD and computer system updates performed ‘on the fly’ minimising down time and costly service calls
  • Wireless vehicle telemetry fleet management system
  • Forward looking infrared/night vision (FLIR) camera
  • Fingerprint and facial recognition capability
  • Virtual prisoner cell
  • Latest high output low power LED lighting technology

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