Holden Caprice US police deal threatened by Ford’s new Taurus

Holden’s opportunity to export its Caprice model to police in the US is under threat as Ford’s American division plans a replacement for the popular Crown Victoria.

Chevrolet last month unveiled the Caprice PPV (Police Pursuit Vehicle) and announced that it would aim to sell the long wheel-base Australian as a police-only vehicle from early 2011.
But [...]

Holden reintroduces second shift as V6 demand grows

Holden has today reintroduced the second shift at its Port Melbourne engine plant on the back of rising local and global demand for its 3.0 and 3.6-litre V6s.

Production has increased from 240-320 to 440 units per day, a move that Holden powertrain lead executive, Mr Martyn Cray, says reflects higher export orders and a short-term [...]

Cadillac Converj timing, specs still up in the air

Reports from the US are saying General Motors will build the plug-in Cadillac Converj, but is yet to decide on a production timeline or specific design elements.

The Converj uses the same electric technology as the Chevrolet Volt, which is capable of travelling around 64 kilometres on plug-in power and is due for production late next [...]

Chevrolet Camaro Concepts at SEMA 2009

Chevrolet has yet again showcased a series of unique Camaro concepts at the SEMA show in Las Vegas.

In total there were five specialised Camaros on the show floor, each representing a different vision of style, personalization and performance.
The first and perhaps most exciting Camaro concept was purpose-built for Jay Leno and is powered by a [...]

GM backflips on Opel sale

General Motors (GM) has cancelled plans to sell a majority stake in its European car business Opel, including its UK brand Vauxhall.

GM said in a statement that its board had made the decision because of “an improving business environment for GM over the past few months”.
GM had agreed to sell Opel and Vauxhall to Canadian [...]

New Astra takes home Golden Steering Wheel award

European car buffs have handed the Vauxhall/Opel Astra its first major trophy last over night in Berlin, by winning the Golden Steering Wheel in the compact class. It is the most prestigious award issued by Auto Bild magazines group. This year’s election involved readers in 26 European countries, representing more than 40 million readers overall.

The [...]

Transmission sharing in US exposes Ford, GM to Indian parts shortage

A parts shortage from an Indian supplier has affected both General Motors and Ford in the US because both manufacturers use the same six-speed gear box.

The transmission sharing was a money saving move made by both companies who, instead of developing their own fuel saving technology, decided to share the costs of US$720 million in [...]

Holden VE Ute range achieves five-star safety

The Holden VE Ute range has become the first utility in Australia to receive the maximum five-star safety rating from the Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP).

This latest result means Holden’s entire locally manufactured range now boasts a full five-star safety rating from ANCAP.
The VE Ute now also becomes the only light commercial vehicle in [...]

Cadillac CTS-V Challenge throws down against the Germans

GM’s Bob Lutz has thrown down the gauntlet to highlight the Cadillac CTS-V as a world class performance sedan, issuing an open challenge to best the Caddy’s lap time around Monticello.

Lutz is so confident in the CTS-V’s capability that he is willing to stake its reputation against any standard production sedan, with several US automotive [...]

GM to sell Opel to Magna by Thursday

With Hummer and SAAB out of the way, General Motors Co. is likely to finalise a deal to sell its European brand Opel to a group led by Magna International Inc., according to reports from Germany.

The deal which was already agreed to more than a month ago hit turbulence with labor union demands for a [...]

GM recalls 10,000 Pontiacs in the US over brake issues

Despite the Pontiac brand being officially dead, GM have recalled 10,119 Pontiac Vibe models over a cold weather brake issue.

Certain vacuum components of the Vibe’s braking system have been known to freeze in very low ambient temperatures, an issue facing owners in the US’s northern most states.
GM says that dealers will inspect and modify [...]

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