Holden builds Chevrolet Adra SUV concept

Sadly, Holden will not be manufacturing vehicles in Australia beyond 2017. However, its local design studios will continue to showcase Aussie talent on a global level even once Holden’s manufacturing facilities are closed.

The latest project to come from Holden’s Global Design Center in Melbourne is the Chevrolet Adra concept, the result of collaboration between GM India and Holden.

While images of the Adra show it with a Melbourne background, the car was created for an unveiling at the Indian Auto Salon in New Delhi. The Adra was conceived, designed and developed in collaboration as the first project by General Motors Technical Center India (GMTC-I) and specifically targets the emerging Indian market.

Because Holden’s Global Design Center is one of just two GM facilities in the world capable of fabricating the concept car, Holden was responsible for constructing the Adra.

The result is a small, affordable SUV – under 4m in length to qualify for India’s tariff breaks on small vehicles -- similar in concept to the Ford EcoSport.  Holden says it features ‘high’ ground clearance, ‘generous’ interior space and sporty styling.

The carmaker says that while in the past design projects undertaken in Australia would have been seen on Australian roads, GM has moved towards a ‘whole world’ approach. “Today, GM designers work on global programs, the majority of which are for international markets and Adra is a perfect example of this,” GM’s international operations design boss Michael Simcoe says.

“Holden’s design capabilities are recognized worldwide. They have a reputation for being a mature and highly experienced design center with incredible scope including creative design, clay modeling, animation, color and trim and fabrication,” said Simcoe. “The end result is a show car that is sure to impress the Indian public and one that GM India should be incredibly proud,” he added.