Autoblog Green http://green.autoblog.com Autoblog Green http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/%SiteURL%/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog Green http://green.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/Chris Shunk, Sam Abuelsamid and Dan RothThe podcast by the people who obsessively cover the auto industry.<![CDATA[Australian Premier lobbying for Volt built Down Under]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/08/25/australian-premier-lobbying-for-volt-built-down-under/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/08/25/australian-premier-lobbying-for-volt-built-down-under/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/08/25/australian-premier-lobbying-for-volt-built-down-under/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

2012 Holden Volt - Click above for high-res image gallery

As has been reported in the past, GM's Australian arm is waiting in eager anticipation for a Holden-badged version of the Chevy Volt to hit the market Down Under in 2012. That car will be assembled here in the United States and is little more than a standard Volt minus the Bowtie emblem on the front fascia - not that there's anything wrong with that, of course.

According to Wards Auto, though, South Australia Premier Mike Rann is hoping for even more electrification, preferably built in Australia for its own home market. Since Holden is already going to build a version of the upcoming Cruze in Australia, which is based on the same Delta underpinnings as the Volt, might it be possible for Holden to build its own Volt? Says Rann:
While the Cruze will be a fuel-efficient car, I would like to see the Elizabeth plant manufacturing the same model but with an even greater fuel efficiency in the future, as the technology develops.
While it's true the Volt and Cruze share the basic Delta platform, the details of the two cars are radically different and there aren't any plans at present to build a Voltec-powered vehicle in Australia. Still, The General isn't ruling out a locally-built EV for the Australian market, and officials from the country have further visits planned later this year to continue discussing the subject. Stay tuned.


Gallery: Melbourne Motor Show: Holden Volt


[Source: Wards Auto]

Australian Premier lobbying for Volt built Down Under originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 25 Aug 2009 16:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 holden volt2012HoldenVoltaustraliaaustralia voltAustraliaVoltchevy voltChevyVoltholdenholden cruzeholden evholden voltHoldenCruzeHoldenEvHoldenVoltmike rannMikeRannTue, 25 Aug 2009 16:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Holden Commodore gets new fuel sipping options]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/08/05/holden-commodore-gets-new-fuel-sipping-options/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/08/05/holden-commodore-gets-new-fuel-sipping-options/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/08/05/holden-commodore-gets-new-fuel-sipping-options/#commentsFiled under: ,


Holden Commodore VE family - click above for high res image gallery

General Motors' Holden division down in Australia has been building the company's 3.6-liter high feature V6 at its Melbourne plant since the engine first launched in 2003. Until now, however, the Australian plant has only built the original port fuel injected variant. For 2010, Holden is adding the new 3.0-liter variant that is also being used in a number of North American market models like the new Equinox, LaCrosse and CTS. Another first for Holden is that both engines are now direct injected across the board.

When paired up with the 6L50 6-speed automatic that is now standard on the V6 models, the Commodore Omega is now rated at a combined 25.3 mpg (U.S.) on the Australian driving cycle. The Commodores benefit from weight reductions, new low rolling resistance tires and other upgrades.

The 3.6-liter versions also get fuel efficiency improvements from the direct injection ranging from 7-13 percent while power improves from 262 to 282 hp. The upgraded engines will be available in the Commodore family starting in September.

Gallery: 2010 Holden Commodore


[Source: General Motors]

Continue reading Holden Commodore gets new fuel sipping options

Holden Commodore gets new fuel sipping options originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 05 Aug 2009 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>direct injectionDirectInjectionholdenholden commodoreHoldenCommodoreWed, 05 Aug 2009 08:01:00 EST<![CDATA[2010 Holden Commodore expected to get new smaller 3.0L DI V6]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/06/08/2010-holden-commodore-expected-to-get-new-smaller-3-0l-di-v6/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/06/08/2010-holden-commodore-expected-to-get-new-smaller-3-0l-di-v6/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/06/08/2010-holden-commodore-expected-to-get-new-smaller-3-0l-di-v6/#commentsFiled under: ,



For the 2010 model year, the big powertrain news from General Motors in the U.S. has been the launch of two new direct injected engines, a 2.2-liter four cylinder and a smaller 3.0-liter version of its high-feature V6. The latter engine uses its new fuel delivery system to help it achieve similar output to the previous port injected 3.6-liter while using less gas. That engine will see duty in several vehicles for the new model year, including the new Chevy Equinox, Cadillac SRX and CTS and the Buick LaCrosse.

It looks like this powerplant is heading down under to find a home in the Holden Commodore. The new 3.0-liter V6 will be paired up with a new 6-speed automatic transmission and should achieve similar performance to the 3.6-liter while improving efficiency from 22.2 mpg (U.S.) to an estimated 24.8 mpg (U.S.), a nearly 12 percent bump. The new DI V6 joins other alternatives in the Commodore iine-up, including a factory offered LPG system and an upcoming flex-fuel version. For the near term however, Holden isn't planning to offer any turbocharged four cylinder engines in the Commodore.

[Source: Drive.com.au]

2010 Holden Commodore expected to get new smaller 3.0L DI V6 originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 08 Jun 2009 08:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3.0-liter3.0-liter di v63.0-liter v63.0-literDiV63.0-litertdi3.0-literV6holdenholden commodoreHoldenCommodoreMon, 08 Jun 2009 08:45:00 EST<![CDATA[VIDEO: Top Gear electric car build-off, Aussie rules]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/05/28/video-top-gear-electric-car-build-off-aussie-rules/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/05/28/video-top-gear-electric-car-build-off-aussie-rules/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/05/28/video-top-gear-electric-car-build-off-aussie-rules/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



While they might lack the comedic punch of their seasoned British co-frères, the presenters at Top Gear Australia don't seem to have any electric car "issues." Indeed, in a recent episode they even held their own battery-powered build-off. Presenters Warren Brown and Steve Pizzati each took a car of their choosing, stripped out all the combustive components and inserted a rough and (mostly) ready electric drivetrain, before meeting up on a racetrack to compete for bragging rights.

Realizing that a decent electric vehicle shouldn't be too heavy, Pizzati decided to go with the featherweight Suzuki MightyBoy while his competitor settled on that great Australian classic, the HZ Holden Kingswood. This hulking station wagon weighs in somewhere between the QEII and the state of New Hampshire. While we won't tell you which conversion won straight out, we will throw out the hint that the triumphant strains of "Football meat pies kangaroos electric cars" could be heard coming from the passenger compartment of the conquering contestant. Hit the break for the segment in two parts - as well as a bonus video of a very nice MightyBoy conversion.

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading VIDEO: Top Gear electric car build-off, Aussie rules

VIDEO: Top Gear electric car build-off, Aussie rules originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 28 May 2009 14:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>HZ Holden KingswoodHzHoldenKingswoodSuzuki MightyBoySuzukiMightyboyTop Gear AustraliaTopGearAustraliaThu, 28 May 2009 14:09:00 EST<![CDATA[Holden to shrink next-gen Commodore but keep rear drive]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/03/31/holden-to-shrink-next-gen-commodore-but-keep-rear-drive/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/03/31/holden-to-shrink-next-gen-commodore-but-keep-rear-drive/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/03/31/holden-to-shrink-next-gen-commodore-but-keep-rear-drive/#commentsFiled under: , ,



When the current generation of General Motors' Zeta platform was conceived and developed by the company's Holden division in Australia, we lived in a very different world when it came to life. Gas was still cheap, and GM was planning to revive a range of rear wheel drive performance cars for Pontiac, Buick and Chevrolet. Ultimately, the Pontiac G8 and Chevrolet Camaro were the only North American models to come to fruition, with every other variant canceled as GM teeters on the brink of bankruptcy. Now the crew at Holden is looking at what to do next and smaller and lighter are the order of the day. The Holden Commodore is expected to get an updated version of the Zeta architecture with mass reductions and smaller engines coming in 2013. That platform should run through the end of the decade.

Direct injected V6s and and turbocharged fours will likely supplant V8s with transmissions getting six ratios across the board. Meanwhile hybrid and diesel powertrains may be put on ice due to cost reasons.

[Source: GoAuto.com.au]

Holden to shrink next-gen Commodore but keep rear drive originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 31 Mar 2009 18:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>holden commodoreholden zetaHoldenCommodoreHoldenZetaTue, 31 Mar 2009 18:21:00 EST<![CDATA[Melbourne 2009: GM releases new shots of Holden Volt]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/02/26/melbourne-2009-gm-releases-new-shots-of-holden-volt/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/02/26/melbourne-2009-gm-releases-new-shots-of-holden-volt/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/02/26/melbourne-2009-gm-releases-new-shots-of-holden-volt/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click above for a high-res gallery of the Holden Volt

Although it won't actually be present at the event, GM has released three new images of the Holden Volt to coincide with the start of the 2009 Melbourne Motor Show. Like the Opel Ampera that will be shown off at the Geneva Motor Show next week, the Holden is a rebadged version of the range-extended electric Chevy Volt. This lightly remodeled car is very important for the Australian market as the automaker tries to shed its fuel-thirsty reputation and switches to smaller, more efficient packages.

The Voltec powertrain that makes the Volt tick isn't likely to see any changes on its trip Down Under, and, as we can see from the image gallery below, there aren't any real changes to the Volt's sheetmetal either. This fact shouldn't come as a surprise to anyone since The General worked to hard to make the overall shape of the original Volt as slippery as possible in the first place. See the full press release after the break.

Gallery: Melbourne Motor Show: Holden Volt


[Source: General Motors]

Continue reading Melbourne 2009: GM releases new shots of Holden Volt

Melbourne 2009: GM releases new shots of Holden Volt originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 26 Feb 2009 20:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakingholdenholden voltHoldenVoltmelbournemelbourne 2009melbourne motor showMelbourne2009MelbourneMotorShowvoltThu, 26 Feb 2009 20:08:00 EST<![CDATA[Melbourne 2009: GM debuts new Holden Cruze]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/02/26/melbourne-2009-gm-debuts-new-holden-cruze/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/02/26/melbourne-2009-gm-debuts-new-holden-cruze/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/02/26/melbourne-2009-gm-debuts-new-holden-cruze/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Click above for a high-res gallery of the Holden Cruze

Attendees at the 2009 Melbourne Motor Show will be greeted by a nice surprise at the Holden tent as GM's Australian arm has announced it will be bringing what appears to be a production-ready Holden-badged Cruze to display. After taking a brief look at the pics, it's easy to see that nothing much has changed from the Chevy version of the Cruze besides a switch to right-hand drive and, of course, a fresh set of Holden badges all around.

The new Holden Cruze headlines a list of 25 vehicles that the Australian automaker will be showing off in Melbourne. Also on the stand will be Holden's EcoLine range of vehicles, including two Commodores (one sedan and one Ute) running on liquefied petroleum gas and another two vehicles featuring Active Fuel Management, which switches the V8 engine into a V4 when full power isn't required. See the full press release after the break.

Gallery: Meobourne 2009: Holden Cruze


[Source: General Motors]

Continue reading Melbourne 2009: GM debuts new Holden Cruze

Melbourne 2009: GM debuts new Holden Cruze originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 26 Feb 2009 19:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>holdenholden cruzeholden ecolineHoldenCruzeHoldenEcolinemelbournemelbourne 2009melbourne motor showMelbourne2009MelbourneMotorShowThu, 26 Feb 2009 19:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Holden cuts Commodore V8 power to save gas]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/01/05/holden-cuts-commodore-v8-power-to-save-gas/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/01/05/holden-cuts-commodore-v8-power-to-save-gas/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/01/05/holden-cuts-commodore-v8-power-to-save-gas/#commentsFiled under: ,



For the first time in many years, the engineers at Holden, GM's Down Under division, have cut the power of a V8 engine in the big Commodore sedan. The 6.0L V8 automatic transmission combination in the Commodore is now equipped with Active Fuel Management, GM's terminology for cylinder deactivation. The system allows four cylinders to be shut off at light load conditions. In the Commodore (which is sold in North America as the Pontiac G8) the power drops from 362 hp to 349 hp while combined fuel efficiency goes from 16.44 mpg to 18.23 mpg (US). That's still not particularly impressive, but the 1.8 mpg increase is at least notable.

[Source: Drive.com.au]

Holden cuts Commodore V8 power to save gas originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 05 Jan 2009 07:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>active fuel managementActiveFuelManagementafmholdenholden commodoreHoldenCommodoreMon, 05 Jan 2009 07:47:00 EST<![CDATA[Holden to start building Cruze based small car in 2010]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2008/12/22/holden-to-start-building-cruze-based-small-car-in-2010/http://green.autoblog.com/2008/12/22/holden-to-start-building-cruze-based-small-car-in-2010/http://green.autoblog.com/2008/12/22/holden-to-start-building-cruze-based-small-car-in-2010/#commentsFiled under: ,


Click to enlarge

For the first time since local production of the Vectra ended in 1998, GM's Holden division will, in 2010, build a smaller car in Australia. The new model will be built on the Delta Global compact car platform that also underpins the Opel Astra, Chevy Cruze and, of course, the Volt. Over the past decade, Holden has only built larger, rear wheel drive vehicles based off the Commodore platform (available in the US as the Pontiac G8). However, increased fuel prices and concerns about the environment have caused demand for those vehicles to sag recently.

Holden wants to use the program to take the lead in alternative fuel and drive system development in Australia. Holden is evaluating E85, diesel, LPG and CNG engines for the vehicle. Start-stop hybrid technology is also being evaluated. This would likely be the next-generation GM mild hybrid system which will debut around that time-frame. The new car will be built at Holden's Elizabeth factory in Adelaide.

Gallery: 2010 Holden small car sketch


[Source: Holden]

Continue reading Holden to start building Cruze based small car in 2010

Holden to start building Cruze based small car in 2010 originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 22 Dec 2008 08:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>holden compactHoldenCompactMon, 22 Dec 2008 08:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Australia's Holden gets first-ever Energy and Environment Director]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2008/12/16/australias-holden-gets-first-ever-energy-and-environment-direct/http://green.autoblog.com/2008/12/16/australias-holden-gets-first-ever-energy-and-environment-direct/http://green.autoblog.com/2008/12/16/australias-holden-gets-first-ever-energy-and-environment-direct/#commentsFiled under: ,

Environmental concerns have made their way to the land of Oz, and GM's Holden division has responded by appointing its first-ever Energy and Environment Director. Richard Marshall will take the post beginning on January 12 of next year and will report directly to the Chairman and Managing Director, Mark Reuss. This addition seems appropriate now that Holden has announced its new EcoLine, which seeks to lower the fuel consumption of all automobiles so equipped. Other steps taken to improve its eco-standing are a reduction in engine power in exchange for fuel efficiency and an increased use of liquified petroleum gas. The automaker has also announced that a Holden-badged version of the Chevy Volt will make it to Australia in 2012.

Interestingly, Marshall's previous role had been as the Director of Innovation Engineering. Odd, we weren't aware that it was possible to engineer innovation, but whatever. We wish Marshall the best of luck in his new post.

[Source: Holden]

Continue reading Australia's Holden gets first-ever Energy and Environment Director

Australia's Holden gets first-ever Energy and Environment Director originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 16 Dec 2008 07:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Energy and Environment DirectorEnergy and Environment Director Richard MarshallEnergyAndEnvironmentDirectorEnergyAndEnvironmentDirectorRichardMarshallholdenholden ecolineHoldenEcolineRichard MarshallRichardMarshallTue, 16 Dec 2008 07:52:00 EST<![CDATA[Holden Volt coming in 2012 without Green Car Innovation Funds]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2008/12/09/holden-volt-coming-in-2012-without-green-car-innovation-funds/http://green.autoblog.com/2008/12/09/holden-volt-coming-in-2012-without-green-car-innovation-funds/http://green.autoblog.com/2008/12/09/holden-volt-coming-in-2012-without-green-car-innovation-funds/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,


Click above for high-res gallery of the 2011 Chevy Volt

As we had heard in the past, General Motor's upcoming extended-range electric vehicle will make an Australian appearance in 2012, and it will be wearing a Holden badge. Apparently, rumor and innuendo in Australia had the Volt coming to the continent as a Chevrolet. Holden's Managing Director Mark Reuss also says that the EREV will be introduced without the use of Australia's planned Green Car Innovation Fund. That's nice, but perhaps the General's spokesperson could have been a bit more appropriate if he didn't make such a big deal about the automaker using its own funds, considering what's been going on here in the US these last few weeks.
Also on schedule for Australian consumption in 2010 are flex-fuel Holdens. Along with the ethanol capability, GM is working with Coskata to open its first-ever plant outside the United States. That plant will make the alcohol fuel from waste products.

Gallery: 2011 Chevrolet Volt Live Reveal


[Source: CarPoint]

Holden Volt coming in 2012 without Green Car Innovation Funds originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>australian voltAustralianVoltchevy voltChevyVoltholdenholden voltHoldenVoltvolt australiaVoltAustraliaTue, 09 Dec 2008 13:47:00 EST<![CDATA[Holden cuts power of V6 Commodore to cut fuel consumption]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2008/11/01/holden-cuts-power-of-v6-commodore-to-cut-fuel-consumption/http://green.autoblog.com/2008/11/01/holden-cuts-power-of-v6-commodore-to-cut-fuel-consumption/http://green.autoblog.com/2008/11/01/holden-cuts-power-of-v6-commodore-to-cut-fuel-consumption/#commentsFiled under: ,



Aside from the United States, Australia has been considered one of the last bastions of the big rear wheel drive V8 sedan as a mainstream product. Like the U.S. for many years, successive models have gotten heavier, more powerful and thirstier. That situation appears to be changing, though, as GM's Australian branch, Holden, is actually reducing the power output of the base engine in the Commodore specifically to reduce fuel consumption. The base 2.8L V6 is going from 241 hp to 235 hp starting in November. That change should increase fuel mileage from 21.6 mpg to 22.2 mpg, a whopping 2.8 percent. OK, that isn't much but every little bit helps. It's estimated that drivers who accumulate 12,000 miles a year will save about $60 in fuel costs. Buyers who opt for the LPG-fueled version of the Commodore will see a more substantial improvement of 8.6 percent. What the Commodore really needs is a diet and something more substantial like a change to using a turbocharged four cylinder engine, or even a direct injected version of the V6. The 2.8L is a smaller displacement version of the 3.6L V6 that GM uses in a wide variety of U.S. models. A direct injected 3.0L has been rumored to be coming in 2009 that will match the performance of the current non-DI 3.6 with significantly better fuel efficiency.

[Source: Drive.com.au]

Holden cuts power of V6 Commodore to cut fuel consumption originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Sat, 01 Nov 2008 08:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>holden commodoreHoldenCommodoreSat, 01 Nov 2008 08:32:00 EST<![CDATA[Holden launches ecoline, includes V8 engines]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2008/10/11/holden-launches-ecoline-includes-v8-engines/http://green.autoblog.com/2008/10/11/holden-launches-ecoline-includes-v8-engines/http://green.autoblog.com/2008/10/11/holden-launches-ecoline-includes-v8-engines/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Australia's Holden, a unit from General Motors, has announced a new badge for all vehicles that it equips with some sort of alternative fuel or gas-saving technology: ecoline. Holden faces a bit of an uphill climb when it comes to environmentally-friendly technology, as the marque is best known for its large, rear-wheel drive, V8-powered coupes, sedans and utes. This new ecoline badge is meant to soften that image somewhat. Unfortunately, the ecoline badge won't mean much until 2012 or so when hybrids and diesels are expected to be offered by Holden in Australia. Until then, the most fuel efficient models that will get the badge will be equipped with V8 engines, though they will get Active Fuel Management, which cuts the number of cylinders that fire when maximum power isn't needed. This type of technology is effective and has been available in the U.S. from GM for a while, but it doesn't seem like quite enough to earn a special badge. Perhaps that should have waited for the hybrids and diesels.

[Source: Fullboost]

Holden launches ecoline, includes V8 engines originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Sat, 11 Oct 2008 08:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>active fuel managementActiveFuelManagementholdenholden afmholden ecolineHoldenAfmHoldenEcolineSat, 11 Oct 2008 08:34:00 EST<![CDATA[Holden to get Chevy Volt for Australia]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2008/10/10/holden-to-get-chevy-volt-for-australia/http://green.autoblog.com/2008/10/10/holden-to-get-chevy-volt-for-australia/http://green.autoblog.com/2008/10/10/holden-to-get-chevy-volt-for-australia/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click above for high-res gallery of the 2011 Chevy Volt

It sounds as if the Australian market will be the third - behind the United States and Europe - to get a version of the Chevy Volt. In Europe, the Volt will be sold as either an Opel or a Vauxhall and in Australia it will be known as a Holden. The Volt, in its current Chevrolet guise, was shipped to Sydney for the Motor Show, which is where the announcement was made that it would make the trip to Australia by 2012.

The Holden Volt will join the Toyota Camry hybrid and the Honda Insight as fuel-saving cars with internal combustion engines that use an electric motor to achieve their fuel efficiency. Unlike its two rivals, the Volt will use only its electric motor to power the wheels, with the engine used solely to charge the batteries when needed. Officials from Holden say that the Volt will go for 60 kilometers before a single drop of petroleum is used. Hey, that's about 40 miles. Imagine that.

Gallery: 2011 Chevrolet Volt Live Reveal


[Source: The Age]

Holden to get Chevy Volt for Australia originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 10 Oct 2008 17:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>australiaaustralianaustralian voltAustralianVoltchevy voltChevyVoltholdenholden electric carholden electric vehicleholden evholden voltHoldenElectricCarHoldenElectricVehicleHoldenEvHoldenVoltFri, 10 Oct 2008 17:51:00 EST<![CDATA[Holden emboldened by lack of Chrysler success, offers cheap gas]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2008/09/02/holden-emboldened-by-lack-of-chrysler-success-offers-cheap-gas/http://green.autoblog.com/2008/09/02/holden-emboldened-by-lack-of-chrysler-success-offers-cheap-gas/http://green.autoblog.com/2008/09/02/holden-emboldened-by-lack-of-chrysler-success-offers-cheap-gas/#commentsFiled under: ,

Apparently taking a cue from our friends at Chrysler, the down under team from General Motors are now offering cheap gas as a buying incentive. Back in June, Chrysler began offering a three-year guarantee of gas at $2.99 a gallon on most new Chrysler vehicles in a bid to get consumers to buy. Holden is now offering buyers a guarantee of 99¢/liter which equates to about $3.22/gallon in U.S. dollars and gallons. The current price for regular gas in Australia is around $4.63/gallon. Holden's incentive goes for two years or 12,000 miles, which is considerably less than the three years/36,000 miles offered by Chrysler. Given the continued collapse of Chrysler sales this summer, it's not clear if the promotion is having any meaningful impact, but Holden is going to try it - at least through the end of October anyway. The press release is after the jump.

[Source: General Motors]

Continue reading Holden emboldened by lack of Chrysler success, offers cheap gas

Holden emboldened by lack of Chrysler success, offers cheap gas originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 02 Sep 2008 16:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cheap gasCheapGasfuel cap promotionFuelCapPromotionholdenTue, 02 Sep 2008 16:27:00 EST<![CDATA[LPG fueled Holden Commodores now only $400 more than gas after tax breaks]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2008/08/06/lpg-fueled-holden-commodores-now-only-400-more-than-gas-after-t/http://green.autoblog.com/2008/08/06/lpg-fueled-holden-commodores-now-only-400-more-than-gas-after-t/http://green.autoblog.com/2008/08/06/lpg-fueled-holden-commodores-now-only-400-more-than-gas-after-t/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Australians looking for a cheaper alternative to gasoline now have a very cost effective option with a dual fuel conversion being offered by Holden. The installation allows Commodores and derivatives to be operated on either LPG or gasoline. Holden recently dropped the conversion price of the system by $1,000 (AUS) from $3,900 to $2,400. The Ute pickup variants went from $4,900 to 3,400. The net cost for sedan buyers can drop to as little as $400 thanks to a $2,000 tax rebate from the federal government. That expense can be recouped in operating cost savings in about four months for the sedan and one year for the Ute thanks to LPG costing less than half the price of gasoline right now. The conversion is done on vehicles with the 3.6L DOHC V6 that also use in a wide variety of North American market GM cars and CUVs. The fuel system can automatically switch from LPG to gasoline on the fly when the fuel level drops too low. The press release is after the jump.

[Source: General Motors]

Continue reading LPG fueled Holden Commodores now only $400 more than gas after tax breaks

LPG fueled Holden Commodores now only $400 more than gas after tax breaks originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 06 Aug 2008 16:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>australiadual fuelDualFuelholden commodoreHoldenCommodorelpgWed, 06 Aug 2008 16:44:00 EST<![CDATA[Australian gov't to help GM, Ford fix fuel economy of large cars]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2008/06/17/australian-govt-to-help-gm-ford-fix-fuel-economy-of-large-cars/http://green.autoblog.com/2008/06/17/australian-govt-to-help-gm-ford-fix-fuel-economy-of-large-cars/http://green.autoblog.com/2008/06/17/australian-govt-to-help-gm-ford-fix-fuel-economy-of-large-cars/#commentsFiled under: , ,



The Australian auto market is an interesting beast. Many of the big players in America offer vehicles there which are completely different from what is available stateside. Ford and General Motors have continued to develop large, rear-wheel-drive passenger cars for the Australian market, and these have recently proven desirable in the states again. New fuel economy regulations, though, may put an end to the idea of importing Australian-designed Ford and Holden vehicles into America. In fact, even the Australians may find it tough to keep these vehicles on the road. Federal industry minister Kim Carr would like to help Holden and Ford make their vehicles more fuel efficient, which could mean an abrupt halt to vehicles like the Ford Falcon and Holden Commodore in their current forms. Incentives are being provided which could bring engines like Ford's 3.5 liter Duratec engine to Australia, in both normally aspirated form and even equipped with the new EcoBoost technology. These direct injected and turbocharged mills produce gobs of power while offering a slight increase in fuel efficiency.

[Source: GoAuto]

Australian gov't to help GM, Ford fix fuel economy of large cars originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 17 Jun 2008 18:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>australiafordford falconFordFalconholdenholden commodoreHoldenCommodoreTue, 17 Jun 2008 18:48:00 EST<![CDATA[Australian Premier wants automakers to build domestic hybrids]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2008/06/06/australian-premier-wants-automakers-to-build-domestic-hybrids/http://green.autoblog.com/2008/06/06/australian-premier-wants-automakers-to-build-domestic-hybrids/http://green.autoblog.com/2008/06/06/australian-premier-wants-automakers-to-build-domestic-hybrids/#commentsFiled under: , ,



The premier of the Australian state of New South Wales is a big supporter of hybrid vehicles. The state government already has 355 hybrid vehicles in the the government fleet. However, as with governments everywhere, if something is made locally Morris Iemma would prefer to buy domestic. Unfortunately of all the cars made in Australia, none are propelled by hybrid powertrains. The hybrids in the NSW fleet are all imported Honda and Toyota models.

Iemma has approached Holden about producing a hybrid version of the Commodore sedan which we get over here as the Pontiac G8. Toyota has been examining the prospect recently of building hybrid Camry's in Australia. Iemma has committed to using domestic hybrids in the NSW fleet if they are built. The Holden may actually turn out to be the first to produce a domestic hybrid. When GM announced the second-generation mild hybrid system earlier this year, they said the system would be compatible with rear wheel drive vehicles such as the G8/Commodore. Given the realities of fuel economy regulations, it seems almost certain that a hybrid version will debut sometime around 2010-11. If that does happen, it will likely be offered in Australia as well.

[Source: The Australian, thanks to Berto for the tip!]

Australian Premier wants automakers to build domestic hybrids originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 06 Jun 2008 10:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>australiaaustralianaustralian hybridsAustralianHybridsholden commodoreholden commodore hybridHoldenCommodoreHoldenCommodoreHybridFri, 06 Jun 2008 10:43:00 EST<![CDATA[While waiting for hybrids, Holden adds Astra diesel]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2008/05/29/while-waiting-for-hybrids-holden-adds-astra-diesel/http://green.autoblog.com/2008/05/29/while-waiting-for-hybrids-holden-adds-astra-diesel/http://green.autoblog.com/2008/05/29/while-waiting-for-hybrids-holden-adds-astra-diesel/#commentsFiled under: ,



While GM's down-under division Holden waits for hybrid powertrains to appear in their big Commodore sedans, they are moving ahead with improving the mileage of other models. The latest addition to the lineup is the Astra CDTi Wagon. The estate version of the compact Astra is now available to Australian buyers with the 1.9L turbodiesel that's offered in many of GM's European cars. On the Australian test cycle, the Astra diesel rates 33.1 mpg (U.S.) when paired up with six speed automatic transmission. The Holden Astra gets a full range of standard safety equipment include stability control and plenty of airbags for all occupants. Unfortunately, buyers at Saturn stores in the U.S. don't have the option of either a diesel engine or the wagon. The GM press release is after the jump.

Continue reading While waiting for hybrids, Holden adds Astra diesel

While waiting for hybrids, Holden adds Astra diesel originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 29 May 2008 07:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>holden astraholden astra cdtiHoldenAstraHoldenAstraCdtiThu, 29 May 2008 07:54:00 EST<![CDATA[Holden boss confirms plans for hybrid Commodore]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2008/05/19/holden-boss-confirms-plans-for-hybrid-commodore/http://green.autoblog.com/2008/05/19/holden-boss-confirms-plans-for-hybrid-commodore/http://green.autoblog.com/2008/05/19/holden-boss-confirms-plans-for-hybrid-commodore/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Hot on the heels of word that Holden Special Vehicles was looking at alternative drivetrains for future high performance models for the GM Australian lineup comes news that Holden will introduce a mainstream hybrid within two years. Nick Reilly, GM President Asia-Pacific was in Australia recently for an annual review at Holden and announced that the brand that developed the Zeta platform would introduce a gas-electric hybrid within two years. According to Reilly, the big Commodore sedan would likely be the first to go hybrid. Actually selling hybrids in Australia could prove problematic though since buyers there have generally shown little willingness to pay the extra cost. Reilly is encouraging the Australian federal government to introduce tax breaks to eliminate some of the financial sting for consumers.

Of particular interest to Americans is that the Commodore is now available in here as the Pontiac G8 and the new Camaro that is debuting this summer is also based on the same architecture. If a hybrid Commodore appears, it is almost a certainty to show up in at least the G8 and possibly the Camaro soon after. GM already showed a two-mode hybrid equipped concept pickup at the Chicago Auto Show called the GMC Denali XT which is built on the same platform. At the debut of the two-mode Tahoe last year, GM officials described a third smaller rear wheel drive passenger car variant of the system which could make its debut in the Commodore. The next generation of GM's mild hybrid is also possible and GM explicitly said that system could be used in rear wheel drive applications.

We contacted GM's US hybrid spokesman Brian Corbett for comment on which system might be used. Corbett declined comment on any unannounced products.

[Source: Sydney Morning Herald]

Holden boss confirms plans for hybrid Commodore originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 19 May 2008 13:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>holdenholden commodoreholden hybridHoldenCommodoreHoldenHybridtwo-modetwo-mode hybridtwo-mode hybridstwo-mode-hybridtwo-modehybridtwo-modehybridsMon, 19 May 2008 13:28:00 EST