Holden ships Omega

The shipment of Commodores, rebadged as Chevrolet Omega, also marks the 10th year of Holden exports to Brazil.

Brazil joins the US, Middle East, South Africa and New Zealand as markets for the VE Commodore and WM Statesman.

China, where the previous long-wheelbase Statesman was sold as the Buick Royaum, is expected to be next on the list.

Holden has actively positioned itself as a global manufacturer to help underpin the continuing viability of its local operations.

Holden and Toyota are the only local carmakers with an active export program, though Ford has export plans for next-generation Focus, which will be built here from 2011. It expects to ship 15,000 cars a year overseas.

Mitsubishi had hoped to enter an export program with Proton for its 380 sedan, but that deal fell through.

From next year, cars built by Holden will be sold around the world by five brands.

GM-Holden chairman and managing director Chris Gubbey says the company was able to get the investment needed for the VE program because of its export opportunities.

Apart from Brazil, VEs rebadged as Pontiac G8s are soon to be sold in the US.

Gubbey says VE and WM Statesman and Caprice were specifically developed with design hardware and suspensions that can be easily adapted for different markets.

“VE and WM are generating a great response from our global GM partners, so much so that we expect to export 50 per cent of the vehicles we make by the end of next year,” he says.

Brazil's media has already praised the Omega after a preview last month.

GM Holden export manager Kristian Aquilina says the ethanol E24-capable Omega is sold as Chevrolet's flagship model in Brazil.

“The Omega's position as the top model in Chevrolet's line-up confirms Holden's ability to produce a world-class product,” he says.

Holden has exported more than 9000 vehicles there since 1998.

The Holden export program started in 1954 with a small shipment of FJ Holdens to New Zealand. Last year 46,074 Holdens were shipped, taking the tally to more than 700,000.