Holden Commodore 2008 News

Yet there is still no clue to a release date.

Bendigo is Victoria's hoon capital and the Commodore the car of choice, latest police figures show.

Holden Commodore is safe as Australia's favourite car, according to Toyota.Commodore has just extended its run as No.1 on local roads to 12 straight years and Toyota says there is no chance it will be able to end its showroom success.Toyota's Corolla finished 2007 as No.2 in the sales race and one of five Toyota models in the top 10, but a global shortage and saturation of the Australian market means it will not challenge for top spot this year.“It will not happen. No chance,” Toyota Australia executive director of sales and marketing Dave Buttner says.“We cannot get enough cars. And anyway, the gap is too big.”The Corolla trumped the Commodore several times last year, but the final result was a margin of 57,307 to 47,792 in favour of Holden's billion-dollar baby. It was a turnaround from the overall sales result, which Toyota won by 236,647 to second-placed GM Holden on 146,680.Its margin of almost 90,000 was strong, but Toyota trounced Ford, which finished 128,000 vehicles behind in third place.The result shows a 50 per cent increase in Toyota Australia's sales in the past five years and an 87 per cent improvement in the past 10 years.Toyota is already planning for another year at No.1, which would make it six in a row, though Buttner says the company has nothing major in the way of new models this year.“We anticipate Toyota expanding its 2007 result to at least 250,000 sales this year,” he says.“Every major product has been replaced or significantly upgraded in only three years — most of them in the past 18 months."“But this year will be quiet. In the Toyota range there are no significant new model launches.”Buttner, along with most other industry experts, is predicting a sales total of more than one million cars again this year, but only about 10,000 more than the record 1,049,982 set last year. 

Less than 20 per cent of Australians are now buying Australian, with imported vehicles taking 81 per cent of the record 1,049,982 vehicle sales last year.The Holden Commodore was still the country's favourite car for the 12th straight year, but the swing to imports was reflected in the Ford Falcon's slide to a lowly fifth place in the ranking of best sellers.It was beaten by the Mazda3 and the Toyota Hilux pickup.The Mitsubishi 380 did not even make the top 10.The strong performance of imported vehicles came as many more Australians turned to small cars and four-wheel-drives, which rebounded after the fuel shocks of 2006, in preference to locally made family cars.Sales of 4WDs were up 16 per cent against an industry average of 9.1 per cent, while sales of light cars priced below $15,000 improved 10.2 per cent.Toyota dominated the new-car results last year, taking its run at No.1 to five straight years, with a margin of more than 90,000 over second-placed GM Holden and a 128,000-car gap over Ford in third.Toyota also lifted its sales to more than 200,000 and is aiming for 250,000 in 2008.The one-million-vehicle milestone was a first for the industry but is expected to be bettered this year with sales of at least 1,060,000, according the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries, which compiles the official VFacts sales results.“Last year the motor vehicle market grew at approximately twice the rate of the economy as a whole,” FCAI chief executive Andrew McKellar said.“One million new motor vehicles in a country of 21 million people is an impressive achievement."“The Australian motor vehicle market has now grown in six out of the last seven years, driven by the strength of the labour market, rising asset values and improving vehicle affordability.”Though Australia's sales rate of about 1 in 20 people was even better than Britain's 1 in 25, Mr McKellar sounded a warning.“Although economic fundamentals remain strong and consumer confidence is proving to be robust, we think future growth will be more closely aligned with trends in overall domestic demand,” Mr McKellar said.The industry also faces a review of federal government policy this year, with local carmakers arguing for an extension of the existing arrangements, including support from the Automotive Competitiveness and Investment Scheme.They will point to the growth in exports in recent years, with overseas deliveries by GM Holden and Toyota now totalling more than $5 billion a year.Toyota said the domestic sales of its Camry and V6 Aurion, which totalled close to 50,000 cars last year, were easily beaten by exports of more than 90,000 cars.   Our top 10 favourite carsRanking 2006 2007Holden Commodore: 56,531 57,307Toyota Corolla: 46,256 47,792Toyota HiLux: 36,885 42,009Mazda3: 32,432 34,394Ford Falcon: 42,390 33,941Toyota Yaris: 29,663 27,990Toyota Camry: 24,221 26,336Toyota Aurion: 3380 22,036Hyundai Getz: 20,853 21,166Holden Astra: 19,364 20,588 

Want V6 or V8 performance and economy? It sounds like a motoring conundrum but technology now exists to have two engines in one. Holden has hinted that it will offer a V8 next year — that switches to a V4 when outright power isn't required, such as cruising on a highway.And Honda is driving down the same route. It will soon have a V6 Accord that will switch to a V4 or even run on three cylinders to save fuel.Holden, which ironically is enjoying a boom in V8 sales, says it is “seriously looking at” the so-called active fuel-management system for its V8 models next year. The car will switch off alternate cylinder banks when not under load, turning the engine into a four cylinder.Holden engineers say that doesn't equate to a halving of fuel consumption, but the savings will be substantial. Holden won't talk about which models it will be used in, but it has its new Sportswagon ready for the market — a model it hopes will swing buyers away from all-wheel-drive sports utility models.Meanwhile, Honda's Thai-built Accord is being billed as having three engines in one. It's coming to Australia in February. The 3.5-litre V6 will feature Honda's Variable Cylinder Management (VCM), allowing the car to run on six, four or three cylinders depending on road speed and load conditions.Honda says the engine runs on all cylinders during acceleration or under high load, and seamlessly switches to four or three cylinders for cruising or low-speed running. They say the change will not be obvious to the driver.With three operating modes, the VCM system can tailor the engine's displacement to match the driving requirements. The system automatically cuts fuel and closes both the intake and exhaust valves of the cylinders not needed.When operating on three cylinders, the rear cylinder bank is shut down.When running on four cylinders, the left and centre cylinders of the front bank operate, and the right and centre cylinders of the rear bank operate to maintain balance. The spark plugs continue to fire in inactive cylinders to minimise plug temperature loss and prevent fouling induced from incomplete combustion during cylinder re-activation. Clever stuff.

A hectic 2007 proved to be lucrative for the car industry with a plethora of new cars launched and more than a million sales throughout the year. And there's no indication that it will be slowing down in 2008.AUDI The new A4, to rival the 3 Series and C-Class is expected here about April, while July will see the hot sports wagon, the RS6 Avant and the A3 Cabrio. Extra A5 variants will follow. BMWBMW has a busy year ahead, starting with the 320d and 335i touring this month. The 1 Series Coupe will go on sale around April, followed by the convertible in May-June. But its big one for the year will be the new X6 Sports Activity Coupe, arriving between July and September. It comes with three engine variants, all twin-turbo, an in-line six, a 3.0-litre diesel and a 300kW 4.4-litre V8. Pricing is expected to start at just under $100,000. And the X5 scores a new engine in February, with the first variable twin turbo diesel offered in the range. CHRYSLER/JEEPJanuary will be a busy month for Chrysler, with the Sebring Cabrio and Grand Voyager people mover both arriving in Australia. The Jeep Cherokee will also get a total makeover. CITROENBased on the C4 Picasso, but bigger and better equipped, Citroen will introduce the Berlingo van between July and September, with a mainly diesel range. This will make room in the line-up for the new Nemo small van mid-year. The C5 will also get a new V6 diesel engine.FERRARIDeliveries of the exquisite F430 Scuderia, priced at about $550,000, will start mid year. Only about 40 will come to Australia and New Zealand. FIAT The reincarnation of the 1960s Bambino will arrive in March, but Fiat has already sold the first four months' supply. The new Fiat 500 will have three engine choices, a 1.2-litre petrol, a 75kW 1.4-litre petrol engine or a 56kW 1.3-litre turbo diesel. Pricing is expected to start from $22,000. The new Ritmo will join the Fiat 500 in March with pricing from $30,000. FORD One of the biggest launches for the year will be the new Falcon. Ford will release details of the new model in February and it's expected to be followed by an unveiling at the Melbourne motor show in the same month, with the official launch around May.FPV FPV will start the year with a new model, the hot turbo Territory, known as the F6 X model. It's the first non-Falcon model from FPV, with 270kW and 550Nm. The FPV Falcon range will also arrive this year. HOLDEN/CADILLACWith Ford's big year planned, you can't expect Holden to keep quiet. But so far, Holden has only announced it is expecting the VE Sportwagon, due in the first half of the year. GM-Holden is also introducing Cadillac with the first model due late in 2008. HONDA Honda will start the year with the new Accord model, due to be launched in February. The small Jazz is also getting an update after the middle of the year. Details on the new generation will be released closer to the launch. The Accord Euro is also expected to arrive later this year. HYUNDAI No big launches just yet, although an upgraded Sonata is expected mid year. JAGUARJaguar's major release for the year will be the new XF in June, with pricing expected to start from $105,000. It will be available in a V6 diesel, as well as a V6 and V8 petrol. KIAPreviewed at the Sydney motor show last year, Kia will launch its new seven-seater Rondo crossover in February. It is expected to start from as low as the mid-$20,000 mark. LEXUSNew for Lexus will be the LX570 around April or May, followed by the IS-F towards the end of the year. Details still to come. MAZDAThe second-generation Mazda6 will go on sale at the end of February with pricing from less than $30,000. It will be powered by a 2.5-litre, four cylinder engine, with 125kW and 226Nm.MERCEDES-BENZThe first arrival for Mercedes-Benz is expected to be the C 63 AMG in mid March. It will be followed by the S 320CDI, priced at $189,874 and the C-Class wagon, which will carry a $3000 premium over the sedan, coming in just under $60,000. MINIAnother new version of a 1960s cult car is also headed our way, with the Mini Clubman launched in February. The modern successor of the Morris Mini Traveller, the Austin Mini Countryman and the Mini Clubman Estate won't get into showrooms until March or April. Pricing will start in the mid-$30,000 area. MITSUBISHIMitsubishi will release two turbocharged Lancers this year. The top-level Lancer Evo X GSR will be here in April and sell for about $58,000. The 2.0-litre four cylinder turbo engine pumps out 200kW and 422Nm. Joining it will be the detuned version in the Ralliart all-wheel drive, at about $40,000. NISSANNissan's first addition for the year will be the all-wheel-drive wagon, the Dualis. Starting at $28,990 and stretching to $35,990, it's powered by a 102kW, 2.0-litre engine. PEUGEOTThe big launch for Peugeot will be the 308 replacing the 307 range, which will start with the 308 hatch in February in both petrol and diesel guises. The touring will follow in June or July, with the 308cc model a prospect for late 2008 or early 2009. PROTONProton has announced the Persona, based on the Gen2 hatch platform, will make its debut at the Melbourne motor show in late February, going on sale in March. It will be priced around the mid-teens. The Gen2 will also get engine updates and minor styling changes. RENAULTThe all-new Laguna will go on sale mid-year with a 2.0-litre diesel engine. SAABJune sees the arrival of the Turbo X AWD. SSANGYONGThe South Korean company will go completely diesel in 2008, with no more petrol engines on offer in Australia. SMARTThe new Fortwo arrives in Australia in February. The one-model brand will get both the 52kW and 62kW models, in hatch and cabrio, being bigger than the current models. SUBARUThe star WRX STi comes in February with a 2.5-litre turbocharged engine, although pricing is still to come. The third generation Forester arrives in March. SUZUKIFebruary's proving to be a busy month, with Suzuki also launching its Grand Vitara diesel. TOYOTAAfter a big year in 2007, Toyota is expecting a quiet year, with only the TRD Hilux due to be launched in April-June. VOLKSWAGENVolkswagen will kick off the year with the SUV, the Touareg R50, to be released in April. It's powered by a 258kW V10 TDI engine. The Tiguan also arrives about October.  VOLVOThe recently launched XC70 arrives in showrooms this month, joined by the C30 diesel also in January. It's priced at $43,950. A base model C30 will also enter the line-up, at $34,450. A 3.0-litre six-cylinder engined V70 will arrive in March. 

January 1, stamp duty on cars in Queensland will leap from 2 per cent of the price to 3 per cent for four-cylinder cars, 3.5 per cent for six cylinders and 4 per cent for eight or more cylinders.Only hybrid vehicles, with petrol-electric power plants, will stay at 2 per cent.The higher tax will range from $100 more for the buyer of a $10,000 second-hand four-cylinder car up to thousands of dollars for big-engine, top-dollar cars.The increase will add $220 to the price of a $22,000 four-cylinder car like a Toyota Corolla, $600 to a $40,000 six-cylinder car like a Holden Commodore, and $800 to a V8 Commodore.Mercedes-Benz dealers say an E280 Elegance sedan, currently costing $107,344 on the road, will be $108,864 from January 1.On a $200,000 V8-powered car, the duty will increase from the present $4000 to $8000.It will end Queensland's reign as the low-tax state for car buyers, which has attracted many buyers from interstate, especially Western Australia.Dealerships are starting 'beat the taxman' sales to encourage customers to buy cars sooner rather than later.Most upmarket brands have arranged extra stock to meet the last-minute buying rush.Brisbane executive Andre Faiva had planned to get a new car next year, but took delivery of his $50,000-plus BMW 320i sedan last week. Mr Faiva, a property recruitment consultant living in Brisbane, says he saved about $2500 due to the lower duty and other deals.“I'd heard about the duty change, but sort of forgot about it until I went in to have a look at cars,” he said.“Then I started to talk more seriously. It was well worth bringing things forward to save that sort of money.”The State Government announced the change in May, estimating it would bring in an extra $200 million.The RACQ, the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries and the Motor Trades Association of Queensland have criticised the move.The FCAI, representing carmakers and importers, said; “This is a clear and patent grab for a bit of extra tax revenue by the Queensland Government.”Brisbane BMW dealer principal Martin Roller said; “The amount to be saved on stamp duty at the moment is definitely a buying motivation for a lot of people.“We've just had our strongest six-week period ever."“We're telling people that if they want to do something about getting a car, they probably want to do it now."“It's going to bring forward to December a lot of cars that otherwise would have been bought in January.” 

Rapper 50 Cent calls it his 'pimped out' Pontiac G8. But Australians will recognise the locally-built car that stole the limelight at a Las Vegas car show this week as a cousin to the Holden Commodore

There has been a rash of locally developed high-performance off-roaders such as the Ford Territory FPV F6 and Toyota's HiLux TRD. Now Holden Special Vehicles is looking to get in on the act.

Looking like it came straight from a European design catalogue, GM Holden's new VE Commodore Sportwagon made its world debut at the Australian International Motor Show.Station wagons, avants, shooting brakes; call them what you will; have been finding favour behind European badges where designers have emphasised styling over raw luggage space.More traditionally, the Aussie wagon had been something of a utilitarian load carrier, serving as a working-day trade vehicle and weekend family conveyance. The growth in popularity of both utes and SUVs ate into the wagon's popularity and there were even suggestions that Holden would not bother with a VE derivative.It has, and the result is every bit as stylish as the VE sedans. “This is a car for families with a get-up-and-go attitude,” says GM Holden chairman and managing director Chris Gubbey.“The generous interior space, combined with sleeker, sportier styling, makes this a wagon that people will want to own as a year-round family car, or for family and business use.”While Holden is calling the Sydney show car a production-based concept, there is likely to be little change before the car goes into production in the first half of next year. The 20-inch alloys will go as will some of the external bling, but overall what you see will be what you get.The vehicle draws on VE sedan at the front, with a sleek and sporty silhouette at the back and is built on the same VE wheelbase. It is the third VE derivative after sedan and the newly released ute.To create a wider boot opening the designers have the tailgate hinge well forward into the roof line. The Sportwagon seats five adults and with a 60:40 split rear seat can be configured to carry up to four passengers and long load.The motor show display model includes a roof-mounted DVD player, Bluetooth capability, multi-function driver information display system and zone-based front and rear park assist systems; all currently standard on the VE Calais V-Series sedan.There are no clues as to pricing or powertrain specifics, although it is likely that a similar engine range to the VE sedan; 3.6-litre V6 to 6.0-litre V8; and model spread from the basic through to the Calais V-Series.Leading safety technology features such as ESP will be standard across the range.“Sportwagon breaks the mould for Holden wagons,” says . Holden's executive director sales, marketing and after sales, Alan Batey.“It has great style, performance and practicality for families, businesses or both. Customers will get a car that's equally at home as a working tool or a desirable family car; with all the storage advantages that come with a wagon.”The concept model on display at the show also incorporates a V8 engine featuring Active Fuel Management (AFM) and E85 flex fuel capability. The AFM allows cylinders to turn off under light load conditions to improve fuel economy.Also on show will be Holden Special Vehicles' Maloo performance ute. The Maloo R8 shares plenty of DNA with the ClubSport R8 sedan, including the ground-hugging front spoiler, grille, headlights and fog lights and is a far more aggressive car than the ute it replaces.The Maloo sits on 19-inch alloy wheels; a 20-inch option will be available; while a remote-release hard tonneau, reverse parking sensors and a full-sized spare are all standard.And, for the first time an Aussie ute will break the 300kW power barrier with the Maloo's 6.0-litre Gen IV V8 tuned to release 307kW. Drive to the rear wheels will be through a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic gearbox.