Holden Chevrolet SS export plan crucial

The Chevrolet SS is finally about to fire up in the USA with deliveries of more than 1000 Australian-built, left-hand drive Commodores.

The SS program was announced nearly a year ago as a halo project for Chevrolet and to provide the basis for the heartland American brand's race program in the high-profile NASCAR championship.

But as exports from Adelaide take on a much greater importance following the change of government in Canberra, and new Industry Minister Ian Macfarlane pushing Holden hard to build its overseas efforts, the SS program could be crucial.

Chevrolet says the SS has a major role in its marketing plans for the brand, although it is still refusing to confirm a showroom target of more than 5000 sales a year.

But Carsguide can reveal early numbers from the USA, direct from global Chevrolet boss - and former head of Holden - Alan Batey.

"We have already begun shipping the Chevrolet SS. The first shipments have approximately 1000-plus vehicles and should arrive in dealers by the middle of quarter four," Batey tells Carsguide.

Holden has stonewalled on details of the SS program from the start, insisting that any information must come from the USA because that is where the program is based, just as it has on the similar export deal for left-hand drive police cars based on the Holden Caprice.

It's a similar approach to Ford Australia, which refuses to discuss any of the overseas projects it is undertaking at Broadmeadows for foreign divisions of the blue oval brand.

But Batey is bullish as he provides a broad-brush reply to Carsguide questions. "Yes, we're happy with the way the program is going," he says.

"The SS means a lot for Chevrolet as it is the first rear-wheel-drive V8 sedan we have offered since 1996. We are the only original-equipment manufacturer in NASCAR whose street variant is a V8 rear-wheel drive and that helps us build a loyal fan base for the brand.

"With Camaro (originally developed as a coupe from the VE Commodore sedan) and Corvette, Chevrolet is already the best selling sports car brand in the US. The SS will add a performance sedan to the portfolio and give us a performance line-up which no other brand can match."

Despite his tough talk, Batey is still vague on some crucial details including the first customers and their locations. "We have not announced an on-sale date," he says.

But he talks again about the SS pricing, as well as the car's opposition. "The 2014 Chevrolet SS will start at $44,470 ($47,704), including a $995 ($1067) destination charge. Competition includes vehicles like the Dodge Charger SRT8, the Chrysler 300 SRT8 and the Ford Taurus SHO."

This reporter Twitter: @PaulWardGover