Holden News [Archive] - GRRRR8.net

Crazy Paul

03-06-2009, 04:53 PM

Holden, unions look at job-saving deal.
HOLDEN is facing further pressure to reveal its restructure plans in the face of doubts over its American parent company.
March 06, 2009
http://www.news.com.au/adelaidenow/story/0,22606,25146747-5006301,00.html

Holden at Elizabeth to cut production in April
HOLDEN will close for 10 days in April to cope with plunging sales, leaving its 2800 award workers concerned about "inevitable" job losses yet to come.
March 02, 2009
http://www.news.com.au/adelaidenow/story/0,,25126155-5006301,00.html

Australian new car sales fell 22pc in February
NEW car and truck sales slumped by almost 22 per cent in February, according to industry figures.
March 04, 2009
http://www.news.com.au/adelaidenow/story/0,,25137554-5005962,00.html

GM Holden not immediately affected by General Motors job cuts.
ADELAIDE-BASED GM Holden will not be immediately impacted by a decision from General Motors in the United States to cut white collar jobs from its global car making operations.
February 11, 2009
http://www.news.com.au/adelaidenow/story/0,,25039634-5006301,00.html

Holden kicks off planned shutdown.
The plans, which were first announced in November, will see the plant shut for five weeks out of 12 in the first quarter of 2009.
January 27, 2009
http://www.news.com.au/adelaidenow/story/0,,24968858-5006301,00.html

Pontiac will not import Holden utes made at Elizabeth to US
HOLDEN utes will no longer be built as Pontiacs for export to the US - but the car marker insists the move will not disrupt its Elizabeth export program.
January 07, 2009
http://www.news.com.au/adelaidenow/story/0,,24883071-5006301,00.html

Holden will still be South Australia in 20 years - boss
HOLDEN will still be building cars in South Australia 20 years from now, says chairman and managing director Mark Reuss.
December 10, 2008
http://www.news.com.au/adelaidenow/story/0,,24780023-5006301,00.html

99-LS1-SS

03-06-2009, 05:04 PM

It's enough to make you want to cry. I sure hope this economy turns around soon. It would truly be ashamed to lose a bad ass manufacturer like Holden.

R.Penguin

03-06-2009, 08:32 PM

"Holden will still be South Australia in 20 years - boss
HOLDEN will still be building cars in South Australia 20 years from now, says chairman and managing director Mark Reuss.
December 10, 2008
"

Yeah baby! That's the good old Oz spirit! :woohoo:

MANOFSTEEL69

03-07-2009, 04:23 AM

Yea Paul....Sorry our piss-poor management of our country financially has reached you guys. :(

Crazy Paul

03-19-2009, 08:33 AM

I just saw my first Holden with AFM yesterday at a Dealership.

The Auto AFM versions come with "fugly" big fender badges where the 6.0 V8 badges used to be. The AFM badges have a green section on them.
http://g.imagehost.org/0169/available_models_heading_01.jpg

At the rear the V Flag and SS badge have both gone and are replaced by a single badge.
The change to the naming badges all being on the left and adding AFM badges (auto only) on the right is from March production onwards.

http://g.imagehost.org/0603/SSV_badge.jpg

MANOFSTEEL69

03-19-2009, 08:35 AM

I'm digging the single badge Paul. Let me know when you can get ahold of some!

Crazy Paul

03-19-2009, 08:48 AM

I'm digging the single badge Paul. Let me know when you can get ahold of some!

OK, maybe in a couple more weeks I'll go back with a camera and scope out all the new badges. There's about 2 dozen different models and levels of trim in the VE range now. They only had AFM SS and SSV on show the other day.

MtbDoc

03-20-2009, 04:55 AM

Sorry that you are getting caught up in this "green" BS as well. Just another attack on the economy and free enterprise in the name of bigger government regulation.

The Commodore

03-20-2009, 05:26 AM

Sorry that you are getting caught up in this "green" BS as well. Just another attack on the economy and free enterprise in the name of bigger government regulation.

Going green is about the government getting some green.

Crazy Paul

04-25-2009, 04:03 PM

EMBATTLED car maker Holden stands to lose up to $1 billion a year when its ailing US parent dumps major brand Pontiac.

General Motors is this week expected to announce plans to ditch or sell the brand as it desperately works to stave off bankruptcy.

That means the maker of Australia's most popular car could be in for more pain, the Sunday Herald Sun reports.

Holden had been banking on exporting 30,000 VE Commodores each year to the US, where the model is sold as the high-performance Pontiac G8.

World VE Commodore exports began last year in a deal worth about $1 billion annually.

Holden manufactures the left-hand drive VE Commodore - with help from a $6.7 million Federal Government loan - at its plant in Elizabeth, South Australia.

The company spent $77 million preparing the plant for the vehicle's production, hailing the project as the future of the Elizabeth plant.

The deal was expected to lift Holden exports to 70,000 a year - half its total production.

Although the car was well-received by US auto critics, the world economic crisis meant the G8, which retails for $53,000 in North America, has failed to achieve strong sales.

Only about half the 25,000 G8s delivered to the US have been sold.

Holden, which has not made a profit since 2004, had hoped VE Commodore exports would reach up to 50,000 a year.

It is Holden's second blow this year over Pontiac's demise.

In January, Pontiac shelved plans to import a G8 ute from Australia as its performance sports truck.

R.Penguin

04-25-2009, 05:02 PM

"the G8, which retails for $53,000 in North America"

OOPS! Need a bit more research unless that's AU$. :p

HOLDEN FTW!

http://i247.photobucket.com/albums/gg156/pingucof/rearlion.jpg

Crazy Paul

04-25-2009, 05:20 PM

Aussie news story, $ quoted are AUD.

Family Re-Union Pic ?

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y20/PerthPurplePenguin/cid_EC802E4CC2E44A13B804D7B7456B88B.jpg

R.Penguin

04-25-2009, 05:26 PM

Aussie news story, $ quoted are AUD.

Family Re-Union Pic ?

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y20/PerthPurplePenguin/cid_EC802E4CC2E44A13B804D7B7456B88B.jpg
Hey! Yeah! That was a great party! At least until Aunt Frizmop drove in with a stolen truckload of baked beans. Blazing Saddles? HA! :p

:poof:

Panzer Leader

04-25-2009, 06:27 PM

It is enough to make me request movement clearence to relocate to Australia. BTW, nobody there has been taken over by giant seedpods yet, have they?

Crazy Paul

05-31-2009, 08:36 PM

GENERAL Motors will declare bankruptcy late tonight.
http://www.news.com.au/business/story/0,27753,25568543-31037,00.html
edit.
General Motors files for bankruptcy
http://www.news.com.au/story/0,27574,25572732-2,00.html

Holden will weather GM storm.
http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/business/story/0,,25566577-36418,00.html
Holden expects no changes to its Australian and New Zealand operations as a result of the financial woes of its American parent company, General Motors.

In a statement, Holden chairman and managing director Mark Reuss said Holden "will continue normal operations in Australia and New Zealand and does not expect changes to its business'' after GM announced it had filed for bankruptcy protection in a deal that will give American taxpayers a 60 per cent ownership stake in the automotive giant.

Holden will remain a part of the GM family, unlike its British Vauxhall and German Opel subsidiaries, Mr Reuss said.

"Operations at Holden are unchanged in Australia and New Zealand, and we expect it to remain that way,'' Mr Reuss said.

"GM has clearly stated that all of its businesses in the Asia Pacific region - and that includes Holden - continue normal operations and are not directly impacted by this process in the US.''

55belairgasser

06-01-2009, 01:38 AM

Not good news(for GM) but good info. -Lance

BigV8

06-01-2009, 12:18 PM

Being a taxpayer I vote to keep making a Holden car for the states:)

01350ta

06-02-2009, 04:58 AM

It would be nice to see Holden cars come to this country as Holdens. I dont why GM needs to rebadge them.

Crazy Paul

06-07-2009, 04:34 AM

Holden won't be sold despite GM woes

http://www.news.com.au/business/story/0,27753,25600279-462,00.html

MANOFSTEEL69

06-07-2009, 04:38 AM

If Holden could seperate itself from GM and aquire the Pontiac line.....Damn it is a sweet dream, but we all know the reality of it sucks.

Crazy Paul

07-28-2009, 02:35 PM

V8 superpower swaps sides, sending Lowndes back to Holden

THE most successful team in V8 Supercars racing will make the biggest backflip since Craig Lowndes defected from Holden to Ford in 2001.

Triple Eight Racing will become a Holden team in 2010 today (Wednesday), joining the Holden Racing Team as one of the company's two official racing arms in a deal worth at least $3 million.

Ironically, the move will put Lowndes back in a Holden Commodore.

A three-year deal will be confirmed at 11am today in Melbourne, although no one at Holden or Triple Eight was prepared to discuss the details yesterday.

"No comment at the moment. Try me again later tomorrow," Roland Dane, the owner of Triple Eight and pit lane general for TeamVodafone, said yesterday.

Holden motor sport manager Simon McNamara would not return calls, although there has been open discussion inside the company since the start of the year about a plan to get the company back in the winner's circle. "We do not like to lose," one senior manager said.

The Triple Eight defection comes after the team was sacked by Ford at the end of last year, partly because the TeamVodafone racing colours were considered too close to Holden's red and too far away from the Ford corporation's blue oval.

Ford switched all of its funding to two teams, Ford Performance Racing and Stone Brothers Racing, which have failed to win in 2009.

Dane retaliated by removing all Ford badges from the Falcons raced by Lowndes and V8 Supercars champion Jamie Whincup, replacing the one in the grille with a Hog's Breath Cafe logo.

But he still pushed ahead with development and construction of new FG Falcons for TeamVodafone, as well as Triple Eight's customers, Dick Johnson and Paul Cruickshank.

How the Holden switch will affect those deals is not clear.

The timing of the move to Holden has been made easier because Lowndes' personal contract with Ford ends at the end of this year.

Direct manufacturer deals with V8 Supercars drivers are banned but his was allowed to run its course, forcing Triple Eight to field him in a Falcon this year.

Triple Eight's move to Holden is, in some ways, a homecoming. Its British division has run the official touring car team for Vauxhall -- the equivalent of GM Holden -- for many years and the new head of Holden, Alan Batey, is a former Vauxhall employee.

The signing of Triple Eight will not have a significant impact on the Holden Racing Team, although it could take a funding cut.

But other teams in the red camp, including Kelly Racing and Garry Rogers' Valvoline team, could have their support trimmed or ended.

HRT is moving towards a renewal of its long-term deal with Holden, which is tied to its relationship with Holden Special Vehicles, with an announcement likely as early as next week.

"We hope to have some good news on that in the next couple of weeks," a Holden spokesman said. "Holden has a great history with the team and it is the factory team."

JoeSyko

07-28-2009, 03:40 PM

[B]
Dane retaliated by removing all Ford badges from the Falcons raced by Lowndes and V8 Supercars champion Jamie Whincup, replacing the one in the grille with a Hog's Breath Cafe logo.

haha...i would have loved to see that.

http://www.hogsbreath.com.au/images/Hogster-with-Ball.gif

Crazy Paul

07-28-2009, 04:46 PM

http://images.smh.com.au/ftsmh/ffximage/2009/03/07/whincup_wideweb__470x307,0.jpg

Crazy Paul

07-29-2009, 04:12 AM

http://media.gm.com/servlet/GatewayServlet?target=http://image.emerald.gm.com/gmnews/viewmonthlyreleasedetail.do?domain=21&docid=55916

Crazy Paul

08-05-2009, 07:58 AM

A Special Edition SSV Sedan, Ute and Sportwagon have been announced for November and December production.

They will feature the Pontiac G8 front (bumper and bonnet) along with other features from the G8, like extra chrome mouldings and rear lip spoiler on the sedan.

Prices will remain the same as other SSV variants.

Colours available will be:

Voodoo Blue
Red Hot
Phantom Black

(It will be interesting to see if they make a Holden badge to go on the front...might be the answer we've all been waiting a long time for if they do).

bracketracer

08-05-2009, 08:14 AM

Please post pictures of these once you see them. I bet they will look really good! That's one way to use up parts that are sitting in bins that could have been put on more 2009 G8s, and maybe even 2010 G8s if GM hadn't been taken over by the US Auto Task Force.

95_9C1

08-05-2009, 08:18 AM

A Special Edition...will feature the Pontiac G8 front (bumper and bonnet) along with other features from the G8

sounds like they're using up the leftovers :(

Crazy Paul

08-05-2009, 08:31 AM

sounds like they're using up the leftovers :(

Waste not, want not.

:spank:

Word is the Series 2 VE HSV is getting a Holden version (shorter) of the G8 hood also.

-Ray-

08-05-2009, 09:15 AM

Odd that they are going to do that. Limited edition. :)

WhyteSS

08-05-2009, 11:44 AM

interesting

95_9C1

08-05-2009, 12:36 PM

Waste not, want not.

those pieces are going to be expensive

Crazy Paul

08-05-2009, 04:34 PM

those pieces are going to be expensive

Not sure I follow.

Holden probably has a warehouse full of G8 hoods and fronts which they made here to go onto future G8 exports......exports get cancelled.......Hmmm throw away all those parts or put them onto a Holden Special Edition.

One benefit I see is that once G8 parts go onto a production Holden, then what were previously "export only" spare parts become readily available Australia wide.

It should in effect extend the spare parts availability for you guys with G8's in USA for whatever G8 common parts end up on new Holdens.

95_9C1

08-05-2009, 05:11 PM

Not sure I follow.my glass was half empty

It should in effect extend the spare parts availability for you guys with G8's in USA for whatever G8 common parts end up on new Holdens.

now, it seems half full

GMMAD

08-05-2009, 09:43 PM

Waste not, want not.

:spank:

Word is the Series 2 VE HSV is getting a Holden version (shorter) of the G8 hood also.
there is going to be a limited edition SSV as well with G8 bonnet/front bar/chrome mould etc

Crazy Paul

08-05-2009, 09:57 PM

there is going to be a limited edition SSV as well with G8 bonnet/front bar/chrome mould etc
Refer Post #25 of this thread.

Crazy Paul

08-07-2009, 01:08 PM

Holden receives secret $200m lifeline from Federal Government

http://www.news.com.au/business/story/0,27753,25899771-462,00.html

r33pwrd

08-07-2009, 01:27 PM

Holden receives secret $200m lifeline from Federal Government

http://www.news.com.au/business/story/0,27753,25899771-462,00.html

Thats good... and bad. Hey down there do you guys consider the Holden / Commodore American or Australian?

Crazy Paul

08-08-2009, 06:32 AM

I don't know anyone who associates Holden with USA.

-Ray-

08-08-2009, 10:51 AM

I don't know anyone who associates Holden with USA.

Well theres one old guy I can think of. LOL

JimmyJazz

08-09-2009, 08:41 AM

I don't know anyone who associates Holden with USA. The main reason I looked at my car was because of watching "Australian V8 Supercars" on Speed TV! Which they stopped showing after I bought it.

01350ta

08-10-2009, 05:46 AM

Thats good... and bad. Hey down there do you guys consider the Holden / Commodore American or Australian?

Football, meat pies, kangaroos & Holden cars, all Australian

r33pwrd

08-10-2009, 07:20 AM

Football, meat pies, kangaroos & Holden cars, all Australian

I agree I just like to see what the guys frow Australia look at it as... I agree that it is 100 percent and Australian car.

Crazy Paul

03-02-2010, 06:27 PM

Holden boss moving to US to take job with Chevrolet

http://www.news.com.au/business/breaking-news/holden-boss-moving-to-us-to-take-job-with-chevrolet/story-e6frfkur-1225836496618

-Ray-

03-02-2010, 06:36 PM

Wow!

Panzer Leader

03-02-2010, 06:38 PM

Holden boss moving to US to take job with Chevrolet

http://www.news.com.au/business/breaking-news/holden-boss-moving-to-us-to-take-job-with-chevrolet/story-e6frfkur-1225836496618

Thats interesting. There is a soon to be closed Hummer Factory in Shreveport, LA. Perhaps a future site for Holden of America?

Crazy Paul

03-02-2010, 07:24 PM

Thats interesting. There is a soon to be closed Hummer Factory in Shreveport, LA. Perhaps a future site for Holden of America?

Dream on.
Holden have said a heap of times it's not going to happen.

They find it difficult to turn a profit in the comparitively less competitive Australian domestic market without attempting to enter the USA market.
Compare the selling price in Aus for an SS Commodore (convert to US$) to what you guys are used to paying.

dllb

03-02-2010, 07:54 PM

Isn't this really a product of the protectionist laws AU enacts?

I know many years ago I used to chat with a friend there and he was telling me how most computer parts cost 3Xs as much as they do in the USA because of import duties.

Then there's that crazy trying to stop internet porn from being made or entering the country thing your government is always trying to do. LOL

I never could understand how people let the government do unpopular things to them. Although that seems to happen everywhere. :(

Dream on.
Holden have said a heap of times it's not going to happen.

They find it difficult to turn a profit in the comparitively less competitive Australian domestic market without attempting to enter the USA market.
Compare the selling price in Aus for an SS Commodore (convert to US$) to what you guys are used to paying.

Crazy Paul

03-02-2010, 08:06 PM

Pricing to some extent is controlled by import duties etc.
For the most part isolation and a relatively small market place makes for higher prices. Population of only 20 million on a remote island far from the rest of the world doesnt help with domestic buying power.

Crazy Paul

03-17-2010, 03:16 PM

Frod Australia on endangered species list?

Ford will be next to quit Australia, predicts analyst John Wormald

FORD will be the next carmaker to quit manufacturing in Australia because "throwing money" at the industry can only work in the short term, a government adviser has claimed.
Subsidies were doomed to fail because the industry lacked a vision for the future and Ford was most vulnerable because it was isolated from its parent's global operations.

The carmaker has a 3000-strong production workforce in Australia.

"As soon as choices have to be made, Ford is the next Mitsubishi," said John Wormald, principal of international consultant Autopolis, referring to the Japanese company's decision to shut down its Adelaide factory two years ago.

Mr Wormald, who is in Australia to advise the Victorian Government, said the replacement for the Falcon, due in about five years, could be imported cheaply and the carmaker did not need its Melbourne plant.

"Ford isn't short of assembly capacity in other places," he said. "Where's the plan to integrate Australia?"

Ford is the smallest of the three Australian makers and, unlike GM Holden or Toyota, lacks export markets for the locally made Falcon or its SUV variant, the Territory. Last year, it made about 60,000 cars out of an industry total of 223,000.

A spokeswoman for Ford said the company had no plans to abandon manufacturing in Australia.

http://www.news.com.au/business/ford-will-be-next-to-quit-australia-predicts-analyst-john-wormald/story-e6frfm1i-1225842111059

Crazy Paul

03-31-2010, 02:22 PM

Export crash leads to big Holden loss
Neil McDonald From: Herald Sun April 01, 2010 7:46AM

THE loss of Pontiac exports to North America has savaged GM-Holden's bottom line.
The car maker yesterday revealed a $210.6 million net loss for last year, with the axing of the Holden-built Pontiac program proving to be the biggest drag on its result.

The loss included a series of other one-off charges totalling $223.4 million, but the company said the cancelled program was the main problem.
Not counting those items saw the company report a $12.8 million after-tax profit.

The bottom-line red ink is significantly worse than the $70.2 million loss GM-Holden posted in 2008.
The company's chief financial officer, Mark Bernhard, said the latest result was disappointing but a by-product of one of the most severe economic downturns.
"This had a substantial impact on both our domestic and export sales," he said.

"Much of our loss was incurred as a result of GM's decision to discontinue the Pontiac brand in North America."
High-volume exports of the Pontiac G8 ended last April, affecting the number of cars the company built.
Last year, 67,000 vehicles rolled out of GM-Holden's factories, significantly down from the 119,000 built in 2008.
It exported 88,000 engines last year, compared with 136,000 in 2008.
Mr Bernhard said other key Holden export markets were hit by the global economic downturn, which led to a dramatic decline in demand for Australian-built cars from Holden's overseas customers.
"At a local level, despite producing Australia's top-selling car, the Commodore, our domestic market was also impacted," he said.

These factors saw revenue decline from $5.8 billion in 2008 to $3.8 billion last year.

However, Mr Bernhard said that as the health of the world economy started to improve in the second half of last year so did Holden's finances.

"At this time we started to witness the benefits of some of the more difficult restructuring decisions made during the year to ensure we were operating on a leaner, more efficient base," he said.
"This contributed to the company's positive operating cashflow of $289.8 million."
Mr Bernhard was confident Holden would return to profit soon, particularly with local production of the Cruze small car starting in Adelaide early next year.
"While we've had a good start to the year, I'm not in a position to declare victory just yet," he said.

Crazy Paul

04-08-2010, 01:42 AM

Holden designers win international award

Holden is this week glowing in the announcement that the locally designed and developed interpretation of the Chevrolet Camaro - putting a modern sway on the iconic US muscle car - has been branded the 2010 World Car Design of the Year ahead of a strong field of European luxury rivals and Japanese marques.

http://news.drive.com.au/drive/motor-news/holden-designers-win-international-award-20100407-rrel.html

Crazy Paul

08-30-2010, 08:07 PM

Holden to export VE Series 2 to Brazil as Chevrolet Omega.
August 31, 2010 9:58AM
http://www.news.com.au/business/breaking-news/holden-to-export-green-commodore-to-brazil/story-e6frfkur-1225912225341

Crazy Paul

08-30-2010, 08:15 PM

Both V6 and V8 models in the VE Series II Commodore line-up have been designed as the first Australian-made vehicles to run on bio-ethanol as well as conventional petrol.
Bio-ethanol, also known as E85, is a cleaner burning fuel capable of cutting carbon dioxide emissions by up to 40 per cent and is cheaper than regular fuel petrol by 20¢ a litre.

The new cars will go on sale in late September.

Read more: http://www.news.com.au/business/new-holden-commodore-range-runs-on-bio-ethanol/story-e6frfm1i-1225912149664#ixzz0y9aTmkpn

Crazy Paul

08-30-2010, 08:19 PM

http://www.holden.com.au/pages/ve-series-ii-coming-soon

http://www.holden.com.au/resources/documents/VESeriesII_pressRelease.pdf

MongosG8

08-30-2010, 09:20 PM

Holden to export VE Series 2 to Brazil as Chevrolet Omega.
August 31, 2010 9:58AM
http://www.news.com.au/business/breaking-news/holden-to-export-green-commodore-to-brazil/story-e6frfkur-1225912225341

LOL!! I used to have an Olds Omega when I was a teen many moons ago. It had a 305 in it. LOL! Thought it was all that.
Let the Brazilians have the name it will suit them.

As for E85 we have our gas tainted with 10-15% of this crap. It actually costs more money not less and you get real shitty gas mileage with it.
Personally the stuff sucks. Dont be fooled by what they say for increase in power. I filled up out of state that doesnt use this crap and my car ran 10 times better with an increase in miles until reality hit me and had to fill up with this when I returned home.

The farmers get good money for growing the corn that's used for it in the states. I feel there are better solutions out there than using this crap.
This is JMO.

travis gore

08-31-2010, 01:20 AM

LOL!! I used to have an Olds Omega when I was a teen many moons ago. It had a 305 in it. LOL! Thought it was all that.
Let the Brazilians have the name it will suit them.

As for E85 we have our gas tainted with 10-15% of this crap. It actually costs more money not less and you get real shitty gas mileage with it.
Personally the stuff sucks. Dont be fooled by what they say for increase in power. I filled up out of state that doesnt use this crap and my car ran 10 times better with an increase in miles until reality hit me and had to fill up with this when I returned home.

The farmers get good money for growing the corn that's used for it in the states. I feel there are better solutions out there than using this crap.
This is JMO.

true you do not get the mileage like gas. A proper tune with E85 will make more horse power. You can also run a higher compression with E85. Around here a lot in the local club run E85. Sure you will need to upgrade your fuel system,since you need more E85. All that use it love it. parish8 just posted some big dyno #'s on E85.

MongosG8

08-31-2010, 01:31 AM

travis gore

08-31-2010, 01:48 AM

Travis, I appreciate the feedback!
Didn't mean to sound like a DK by bashing it. Its frustrating knowing the potential your car has and cannot get to those levels due to the additional E85 percentage.
How can I go about looking into something like this?
Should I send Parsih8 a PM? Would love to know because my poor G8 is hurting using the E85 as it sits.
I had asked my dealer and a few other techs and they really didn't have a solution for it.
One suggested to get a special tune that will compensate for the E85 use but I'm a little hesitant to go that route without knowing for sure what real options are offered.

I did not take it as bashing. It is no different than putting racing fuel in your car and not tuning it. I am not switching to E85 yet but it is a good option.
you can read this thread
http://forum.grrrr8.net/showthread.php?t=16687&highlight=E85
http://www.ls1tech.com/forums/fueling-injection/602091-how-run-your-ls1-e85.html
http://forum.grrrr8.net/showthread.php?t=13403&highlight=E85

Seattle09GT

08-31-2010, 09:37 AM

I was just reading about a Koenigsegg model that is specifically designed to run on E85. Due to the specific tuning to take advantage of the ethanol, it goes from 806 HP to 1018 HP at the crank. If you had regular access to E85 where you live a specific E85 tune on a car designed to use it out of the box will add a lot of performance. On a dual-fuel burner with both an E85/gasoline tune, the E85 is going to hurt MPG and power.

I agree with the posters about that I loathe the forced selling of E10/E15. The gas breaks down faster, it does cause a small MPG hit, and does take away a touch of horsepower, all of that hurts performance. On older cars/classic cars the E10/E15 is very harsh on fuel lines and fittings.

Returning back to your normal discussion on Holden announcements. Personally, I think the dual CNG/gasoline Holdens are slicker than owl shit, and wish they sold them here.

lenco12

09-19-2010, 12:00 AM

Yea Paul....Sorry our piss-poor management of our country financially has reached you guys. :(

At the rear the V Flag and SS badge have both gone and are replaced by a single badge.
The change to the naming badges all being on the left and adding AFM badges (auto only) on the right is from March production onwards.

-Ray-

09-19-2010, 02:20 AM

Travis, I appreciate the feedback!
Didn't mean to sound like a DK by bashing it. Its frustrating knowing the potential your car has and cannot get to those levels due to the additional E85 percentage.
How can I go about looking into something like this?
Should I send Parsih8 a PM? Would love to know because my poor G8 is hurting using the E85 as it sits.
I had asked my dealer and a few other techs and they really didn't have a solution for it.
One suggested to get a special tune that will compensate for the E85 use but I'm a little hesitant to go that route without knowing for sure what real options are offered.

E10 should be what you put in your G8. If you used E85, GM can void your drive train warranty. Legislation is underway to try and move the country to E15.

Crazy Paul

11-02-2011, 03:39 PM

Next Commodore 'last designed locally'

From: AAP
November 03, 2011 8:41AM

Holdens may no longer be engineered in Australia
Around 250-300 Melbourne engineers could lose their jobs

THE engineers who design Holden cars say the next model Commodore due in 2014 might be the last created in Australia.

The Association of Professional Engineers, Scientists and Managers (APESMA) chief executive, Chris Walton, says management at the motoring company have indicated the model following the next version of Holden's family car may not be created in Australia.

Holden, a subsidiary of US motoring giant General Motors, has made Australian-engineered cars since 1948.

"Senior management have confirmed it is highly likely that the 2014 Commodore will be the last one engineered in Australia," Mr Walton told ABC Radio today.

This would result in around 250 to 300 engineers losing their jobs at Holden's plant in Port Melbourne.

Industry Minister Kim Carr said the Government was talking to car makers about their future investment plans.

"In this industry, it is capital intensive, decisions are made on a long-term basis," Senator Carr said.

But Senator Carr could not guarantee Holden cars would continue to be engineered in Australia.

"We expect that in 2014 the vehicles will be produced here," he said.

"We are in the process of discussion about these questions."

Read more: http://www.news.com.au/business/next-commodore-last-designed-locally/story-e6frfm1i-1226184260113#ixzz1cauAXdYa

texn884

11-02-2011, 05:38 PM

That's not good Paul.

Birdman330

11-03-2011, 08:23 PM

That sucks.....

SRG963

11-04-2011, 04:35 AM

I hope things turn around for Holden.

Eidolon

11-04-2011, 07:32 AM

While moving design around like that is kind of a facet of our modern global economy, I unfortunately don't trust that someone else could do it as well as the Aussies. And I frankly like knowing that there's a place somewhere out there where the 1970's seemingly never happened and big V8 sedans still shamelessly prowl the streets. Somehow I just don't count the Charger.

bracketracer

11-05-2011, 09:30 AM

That is sad news to read. I shake my head when they talk about eliminating the jobs of people who designed and engineered such an AWESOME car! I will be eternally grateful to everyone at Holden who had any part big or small in my G8 GXP being in my hands. I am still sad that Pontiac is dead, but at least some awesome Australians helped make what may have been the best overall Pontiac ever!

Savage-wp

11-06-2011, 12:06 PM

I blame the Eco nazi terrorists who would like nothing better than to kill off the internal combustion engine.
I hate these wankers, all they talk about is global warming and carbon emissions, and how it's all man's fault. Wake up assholes, it's the sun stupid.

Crazy Paul

12-07-2011, 03:15 PM

I just watched on TV a brilliant address by Mike Devereux (Managing Director of GM Holden) to the National Press Club.
It was a long,technical, and very informative speech which discussed the past,present,and future of the Australian car industry. If anyone finds a download location please let me know as I could watch it many more times. And yes the G8 program was mentioned and explained in good detail. Mike spoke just as much about Ford and Toyota programs as he did about Holdens, as you'd expect from his other role as the President of the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries.

Some key points.
- Holden car exports have dropped from 60,000 peak in around 2008 to about 7,000 p.a. currently.
- Main reasons for export reduction GFC, high value of Aussie $, changes to destination country Tariffs and Taxes
- Exports of the Chev Omega to Brazil were heavily affected by local tariff increases (up about US$9k per car & it happened overnight)
- Holden ute exports to USA is not viable because of a 30% tariff which the USA applied to utes but not cars
- Mike could not see the export situation changing while the AUD remained at or close to parity with the USD, he did mention 85c as being one factor which would contribute to viability.
- Mike sees the Holden future as being reliant on producing 2 cars (Commodore and Cruise) locally and contributing heavily to global vehicle programs like the previous Camaro design project.
- Future car designs will be based on market demand and customer feedback, with emphasis on fuel saving technology (LPG & ethanol).

http://www.npc.org.au/speakers/michael-devereux.html

Panzer Leader

12-07-2011, 04:30 PM

Crazy Paul

12-07-2011, 05:24 PM

CP-Totally amazed. The virus that attack the U.S. is now in OZ. I hate to think of the demise of a great car company. And it is worse when they do it, piece, by piece. Wish all the Holden folks all the best.

Ummm, you've got the wrong impression.
You're going to need to read a transcript to get a feel for the positive aspects of his speech.
It was far from doom and gloom. He was of the attitude that if you're given lemons you make lemonade.

Speech Transcript here: http://media.gm.com/content/Pages/news/au/en/2011/Dec/1207_AustralianEconomyNeedsTheCarIndustry/_jcr_content/rightpar/sectioncontainer/par/download_0/file.res/111207%20Press%20Club%20Address.pdf

todds87ss

12-07-2011, 06:07 PM

- Future car designs will be based on market demand and customer feedback, with emphasis on fuel saving technology (LPG & ethanol). http://www.npc.org.au/speakers/michael-devereux.html

I think we read that and saw similiarities with Eco nazis that have crushed the US market. I do not want to buy a car from a company that has a focus on fuel saving technology.

Panzer Leader

12-07-2011, 06:33 PM

Ummm, you've got the wrong impression.
You're going to need to read a transcript to get a feel for the positive aspects of his speech.
It was far from doom and gloom. He was of the attitude that if you're given lemons you make lemonade.

Speech Transcript here: http://media.gm.com/content/Pages/news/au/en/2011/Dec/1207_AustralianEconomyNeedsTheCarIndustry/_jcr_content/rightpar/sectioncontainer/par/download_0/file.res/111207%20Press%20Club%20Address.pdf

Paul I was replying to your post of 2 November. It sounded as though Holden, was being downsized, regarding the number of models that would be produced (2). And that the Commodore would be the last totally Australian designed car. My take, and if I am wrong please correct me, was that GM was pulling the strings, not Holden itself. If in fact, Mr. Devereux is correct in his analysis and forecast, then it would seem as though, there is still hope for the Holden to return to the U.S. My contention has been that GM/HOLDEN should produce the car here in the U.S. as well as Australia. Engineering would be joint and God knows there are enough GM plants shut down here in the States. In fact, we have at least one here in Louisiana. I truly hope the best for Holden. BTW, I still want the damn Coupe.

Eidolon

12-07-2011, 06:42 PM

Didn't know it was a tariff that was blocking the utes. I'm guessing it gets qualified as a light truck instead of a passenger vehicle and so falls afoul of the Chicken Tax (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chicken_tax)? Pun intended, of course. But Ford has to go through some hoops to get the Transit Connect around that dumb tariff. They import it as a passenger vehicle, then strip it and turn it into a cargo van once it's on US shores. Hoops like that wouldn't really work for the ute.

Crazy Paul

03-21-2012, 05:14 PM

A $275 million investment in Holden's vehicle making operations in Australia has been officially announced.

In return for the money, Holden has agreed to inject more than $1 billion into vehicle manufacturing in Australia and to make two next-generation models.

Under the partnership, Holden will make cars in Australian until at least 2022.

http://www.news.com.au/business/holden-gets-275m-from-three-governments/story-e6frfm1i-1226307018498

Crazy Paul

03-25-2012, 03:32 PM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_hZqkZ05PCg

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AqKusSkZEAQ

zepcom

03-26-2012, 09:32 AM

but what about nascar and a new chevy?

-Ray-

03-26-2012, 03:49 PM

Wow, a place to read current Holden news.

Crazy Paul

05-16-2012, 01:18 PM

news.com.au
May 17, 2012 12:00AM

HOLDEN will announce today an export program for the Commodore, which will see the Adelaide-made car become a race and showroom star in the US.
Though sales of the Elizabeth-produced sedan continue to slide in Australia, a Commodore V8 will be exported to America where it will be sold with the Chevrolet SS Performance badge.
The dollar value of this historic deal is expected to be announced today.

http://www.news.com.au/business/holden-out-for-a-hero-america-set-to-get-the-commodore/story-e6frfm1i-1226358142172

Leon McJones

05-16-2012, 02:35 PM

The they go again teasing us! I sure do hope this is forthcoming but I have learned not to hold my breath

travis gore

05-17-2012, 01:37 AM

The they go again teasing us! I sure do hope this is forthcoming but I have learned not to hold my breath

:)
this looks like the real deal

-Ray-

05-17-2012, 04:44 AM

BigRed585Lbs

05-17-2012, 07:23 AM

Oh, boy! I'm waiting for a RED one!

http://media.gm.com/media/au/en/holden/news.detail.html/content/Pages/news/au/en/2012/May/0518_HoldenExportProgramChevroletSS

Guess it'll be BigRed2.

Crazy Paul

06-30-2012, 03:57 PM

Thieves target Holden engines in $2.5 million theft

AUSTRALIA'S largest car manufacturer Holden has been the victim of a multi-million dollar theft racket involving some of its employees.
The Sunday Telegraph can reveal more than $2.5 million in major car parts - comprising hundreds of V8 motors and transmissions - have been stolen from one of the car giant's plants.
http://www.news.com.au/business/companies/thieves-target-holden-engines-in-25-million-theft/story-fnda1bsz-1226413416774

Adam

06-30-2012, 06:59 PM

^ Wow, what a mess!

EcoBrick Bob

06-30-2012, 07:10 PM

GXPaycheck

06-30-2012, 07:22 PM

Like those will be hard to trace. They will be heading out of country soon!

WhiteDeathLSX

07-01-2012, 05:46 AM

Or someone may have accidentally forgot to stamp the block with its serial no. ;)

Sent from my DROID RAZR using Tapatalk 2

texn884

07-16-2012, 11:35 AM

Maybe that is in that crate in my drive way, hmmmm

Crazy Paul

07-24-2012, 11:42 PM

soup070

07-25-2012, 03:57 AM

Seven arrested over General Motors Holden's stolen engines racket.

http://www.adelaidenow.com.au/news/south-australia/seven-arrested-over-general-motors-holdens-stolen-engines-racket/story-e6frea83-1226434724047

The last statement says,"He(police) urged anybody who has recently bought a GMH engine for about $2000 or a transmission to contact police." Ok, if you bought a 6.2 or 6.0L fully built engine for $2k, do you really think your going to contact police. Thats like buying a $50 plasma flatscreen in the back ally, you know it "just didn't fall off the back of a truck." Basically you knew when you shelled out such little cash for a $8-11k item it would have to be HOT, so really you think your going to contact the police? Who really thought they would get away with so many engines? One, two,...140 - sealing one candy bar won't be hard to locate, walking out with the box completely stupid. How didn't they walk out the gate with such a big item. I've heard about guys getting caught (Ram trucks were built in W. STL) with walking out with parts in their lunch box and even getting busted with bringing their RV in to hide big items. How many people have to look away to have 140 engines & 100 trans to be walked of the dock? Seven people sounds like a small number, I'm sure more will come out the woodwork.

Crazy Paul

07-25-2012, 04:35 AM

Some thieves aren't too bright.

I bought a couple $500 items off ebay and a few weeks later received a letter from a Company I'd never dealt with. One of their employees had stolen the items and then used the Company shipping account to ship the items to me.

One other theft ring from the Holden plant got busted because workers started driving their cars to work with stolen items fitted, parts that hadn't been released to the general public yet.

todds87ss

07-25-2012, 05:46 AM

[QUOTE=BigRed585Lbs;458513]Oh, boy! I'm waiting for a RED one that does not leak!!!

QUOTE]

fixed. :)

zepcom

07-26-2012, 04:36 AM

Some thieves aren't too bright.

You can say that again!

One other theft ring from the Holden plant got busted because workers started driving their cars to work with stolen items fitted, parts that hadn't been released to the general public yet.

lol. Nothing like a dead giveaway. Wow.

Natural selection wins again.

travis gore

07-26-2012, 08:32 AM

One other theft ring from the Holden plant got busted because workers started driving their cars to work with stolen items fitted, parts that hadn't been released to the general public yet.

:)

BigRed585Lbs

07-27-2012, 01:36 PM

Alas, I remain in "wait" mode.
Impatient little fart, am I not?

Crazy Paul

08-20-2012, 04:06 PM

35% US Tariff & $ exchange rates are likely to kill potential Chevy SS Ute program.
http://www.news.com.au/business/companies/holden-ute-cant-carry-tariff-load-in-us/story-fnda1bsz-1226454440153

WoodburyMan

08-20-2012, 08:16 PM

35% US Tariff & $ exchange rates are likely to kill potential Chevy SS Ute program.
http://www.news.com.au/business/companies/holden-ute-cant-carry-tariff-load-in-us/story-fnda1bsz-1226454440153
Booooooooo.

Back in 2009 I was looking for a 2 door car. I was going to get the G8 ST, but they they canned it and I got a GTO. If they did bring one stateside I would drop the G8 in a heartbeat, provided I could afford it, and get the heavy chevy badged Ute. One would hope a G8 front end would bolt right up..

zepcom

08-27-2012, 04:10 AM

35% US Tariff & $ exchange rates are likely to kill potential Chevy SS Ute program.
http://www.news.com.au/business/companies/holden-ute-cant-carry-tariff-load-in-us/story-fnda1bsz-1226454440153

Might not be true after all...

http://www.gminsidenews.com/forums/f70/tariffs-no-obstacle-next-generation-holden-ute-113025/

Straight From The Lions Mouth: Tariffs Are No obstacle for Next Holden Ute

Michael McWilliams
GMInsidenews.com
Australia Correspondent

23 August 2012

There was a lot of scratching heads and sunken hearts recently, when media in Australia cited import tariffs being too great an obstacle for the Holden Ute to cross the Pacific. Members on GMI raised the issue about the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between Australia and the US.

After reviewing the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade website, clear statements are made about the key outcomes from the FTA, specifically relating to automotive products:

"The 2.5 per cent duty on passenger motor vehicles, the 25 per cent tariff on light commercial vehicles and tariffs on auto parts and accessories exports were immediately eliminated."

To put an end to the confusion, GMInsidenews contracted @DFAT via twitter and this was their response:

Thanks @beltedradial.Tariffs on utes to the US are zero under AUSFTA. Refer to DFAT website bit.ly/O6ZZ5j #gmchat @holdennews

It did not take long for Andrea Matthews, Social Media & Digital Communications Manager for Holden, to clear the air.

"No decision has yet been made on the next generation Ute or its presence in export markets outside Australia. However, there is a free trade agreement between Australia and the USA that would not preclude an Australian-produced light commercial vehicle being sold in the US market, contrary to recent media speculation."

So there it is. The dream for many die hard fans remains alive. El Camino just may live yet.....

zepcom

08-27-2012, 04:23 AM

and another bit of interesting news....

http://trademarks.justia.com/856/99/el-camino-85699199.html

Hmmm.... it's got me interested at least!

Crazy Paul

11-02-2012, 04:41 PM

HOLDEN has reassured workers at its Adelaide car plant that it will stay open until at least 2022, despite announcing it will axe 170 more jobs before Christmas.
The cuts follow the loss of 100 jobs in February and industry analysts warn more cutbacks are likely over the next five years as Holden scales back production because of falling demand.
Workers who apply for redundancy will finish work on December 14, when the factory closes for the summer break, but redundant workers will be paid through the holiday period.
The latest cuts, about 8 per cent of the workforce, come as Holden faces its worst sales period in 19 years and despite a $275 million government grant.
They will bring the number of workers to just under 2100.

http://www.news.com.au/business/companies/holden-to-axe-170-jobs/story-fnda1bsz-1226509315015

Crazy Paul

11-09-2012, 03:17 PM

Frod and Holden working together to save a Supplier from extinction.
http://www.news.com.au/national/autodom-collapse-almost-wrecked-australian-car-industry/story-fncynjr2-1226513994050

But who is going to save Frod Australia?

Crazy Paul

02-07-2013, 03:23 PM

About Holden Commodore The Holden Commodore nameplate was launched 35 years ago with the introduction of the VB Commodore in 1978. Quickly establishing itself as an Australian favourite, the car has undergone 14 iterations, and from 1996 to 2010, was the bestselling car in Australia for 15 consecutive years. VF Commodore will be revealed to the public on 10 February and goes on sale later this year.

http://www.adelaidenow.com.au/business/holden-to-unveil-new-commodore-before-bowing-out-in-2016/story-e6frede3-1226573139742

Edsel1134

02-09-2013, 05:10 AM

1 more day.. I'm excited :)

vert

02-09-2013, 06:10 AM

I take it the SS will have HUD. That is one of the items I miss the most from my GP days.

Edsel1134

02-09-2013, 05:30 PM

I'm ify I think it looks too much like a Buick regal :/ any pics of the Hsv models? Maybe the ute?

Crazy Paul

02-09-2013, 05:46 PM

any pics of the Hsv models? Maybe the ute?
Seperate company, seperate schedule.
You'll have to make do with every wanker in the world doing a photochop and telling you that's it, for the next bunch of months at least.

MongosG8

02-10-2013, 09:07 PM

I agree with Paul ..there is so many frigging Photochops out there we will never know until NASCAR Daytona when we can see the real thing. But that could be changed too ..ya never know.

Crazy Paul

02-21-2013, 07:03 PM

SS name unpopular in Israel.
(slow news week folks)
http://www.news.com.au/national/whats-in-a-name-holden-ss-causes-controversy-overseas/story-fncynjr2-1226583387867

Eidolon

02-21-2013, 07:16 PM

... Now THAT's what I call desperate for attention. I wonder how long and hard he had to think about it before he could work himself up enough to act offended?

Crazy Paul

02-21-2013, 07:57 PM

... Now THAT's what I call desperate for attention.

Indeed.
I wonder if he's bitched to all the manufacturers of Stainless Steel components and requested they refrain from using abreviations on their products. Too offended to watch sport on TV in case someone has a Stuart Surridge cricket bat?

Crazy Paul

05-04-2013, 03:09 PM

Holden to cut price of new VF Commodore by $10,000

http://www.news.com.au/business/companies/holden-to-cut-price-of-new-vf-commodore-by-10000/story-fnda1bsz-1226635199166

Crazy Paul

05-17-2013, 05:21 AM

The last VE has been built.
Production run was 520,000 cars in all.
http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/last-ve-commodores-top-end-performance/story-e6frg6n6-1226644775026

Crazy Paul

09-17-2013, 04:25 PM

astynx

09-17-2013, 05:04 PM

Sad news. Holden vehicles could have been GM's lower-tier, below Cadillac, performance division. To compete with the on-slaught of Ford Mustangs and Dodge Chargers in U.S.

MongosG8

09-17-2013, 07:41 PM

Holden begins shedding engineers, designers, procurement personnel.
http://www.news.com.au/business/companies/next-holden-commodore-likely-to-have-more-foreign-parts/story-fnda1bsz-1226721200323

(2017 model will be fucking junk).

I could only imagine where they are going to outsource their parts from ..let me guess .China! Complete junk comes from that country . I feel really bad for Holden and their workers. They have a great vehicle and if they outsource to China.. expect things to break and fall apart.

As you can tell I'm anti made in China.. their shit is just that ..SHIT!!

Crazy Paul

10-11-2013, 04:20 AM

Plead Guilty -- a guy who helped steal 140 6-litre and 6.2-litre V8 engines and 174 transmissions between January 2010 and June 2012.
http://www.perthnow.com.au/news/national/richard-andres-jorquera-pleads-guilty-to-stealing-almost-140-holden-v8-engines-and-transmissions-worth-more-than-500000/story-fnii5yv8-1226736691505

STL_G8GT

10-11-2013, 08:43 AM

Good news... Schmuck only got 30k... 500k-800k in product... Moron.

-Ray-

10-11-2013, 10:55 AM

More Holden news.
Auction for first Holden.
http://blog.hemmings.com/index.php/2013/10/09/first-australian-built-holden-heads-to-auction/?refer=news

Crazy Paul

10-13-2013, 01:38 PM

Holden is urgently airfreighting wheels from the US to Australia to meet a spike in demand for the new Commodore — even though there is a former wheel supplier just 25km from its factory gate. About 12,000 wheels are being flown 13,000km across the Pacific at an estimated cost of $2.5 million, based on quotes from the airfreight industry, because demand for the most expensive version of the new Commodore is better than expected.
http://www.carsguide.com.au/news-and-reviews/car-news/holden_airfreights_wheels_as_factory_just_25km_awa y_misses_out

MongosG8

10-13-2013, 08:37 PM

^^^ Why doesn't this surprise me reading this article that GM/Ford now outsource their rims from China. IMO.. Its just sad. Take away jobs from Australians & Americans and give it to these douche bags because they work cheap and turn out cheap products.

Crazy Paul

10-25-2013, 05:36 AM

Holden's Mike Devereux to leave GM Holden next month for new role in Shanghai

http://www.news.com.au/business/companies/holdens-mike-devereux-to-leave-gm-holden-next-month-for-new-role-in-shanghai/story-fnda1bsz-1226746891670

Panzer Leader

10-31-2013, 12:10 PM

Hate to say it CP, but looks like you have scumbags there as well. We get sold out there, and you guys in OZ..... Does he know how to use chop sticks?

Crazy Paul

12-10-2013, 07:31 PM

HOLDEN has confirmed it will cease manufacturing cars in Australia in 2017.

Victorian Premier Denis Napthine made the announcement in State Parliament this afternoon.

The announcement comes only one day after Holden chief executive Mike Devereux said that no final decision had been made about the company's future in Australia.

Dr Napthine said it was an irreversible decision made in Detroit and he was only told this afternoon.

http://www.news.com.au/national/victoria/holden-will-cease-operations-in-2017/story-fnii5sms-1226780690797

69project

12-12-2013, 05:58 AM

So is the Holden Brand now going the way of Pontiac or does Holden have any plants outside of Australia? I am trying to figure out what this will do to the G8 market and parts availability. I suspect all body and interior bits will become very scarce pretty fast once Holden stops making Commodores. I do not see an aftermarket developing like we see for GM A, B, F, G and X bodies from back in the day. Just not enough there. Very sad day indeed as I really like the Holden Brand.

-Ray-

12-12-2013, 09:15 AM

Aftermarket is already making body panels.

Seattle09GT

12-12-2013, 02:06 PM

The Truth About Cars is reporting that GM is going to kill EVERYTHING Holden and rebrand to Chevrolet in Australia in 2017.

Chewy

12-12-2013, 02:11 PM

The Truth About Cars is reporting that GM is going to kill EVERYTHING Holden and rebrand to Chevrolet in Australia in 2017.

While that SUCKS, that's better than offing it altogether. Right?

Crazy Paul

12-12-2013, 02:26 PM

The Truth About Cars is reporting that GM is going to kill EVERYTHING Holden and rebrand to Chevrolet in Australia in 2017.
Fine if someone wants a 4 cyl FWD shitbox with a bowtie on it.
http://www.news.com.au/finance/business/holden-cars-and-dealerships-could-be-rebadged-as-chevrolet/story-fnkgdhrc-1226781980761

"General Motors headquarters in Detroit wanted to kill the Holden nameplate during the Global Financial Crisis, along with the Hummer and Pontiac brands, but the then boss of Holden Mark Reuss fought against it."
"The last time Holden won the argument with Detroit to save the proud Lion badge, it got a stay of execution because Holden agreed to "soften" its image and focus on technology."
"Holden made a promise to General Motors that it would try to modernise the brand because it has a bogan image," the source said.