Holden Cruze - Australian-made - ready to be seen

Filed under:GM, Holden, Vauxhall, Chevrolet,
General Motors decided some time ago to make the Cruze in the Australian territory, for the local market, not for export. After a few expensive, hard lessons involving Vauxhall Vectra 1998 - 2000, the firm is ready for any challenge. So, the production begins on the 3rd quarter, next year.

GM HOLDEN managing director and chairman - Alan Batey reported to GoAuto 'Perhaps the most innovative decision we have taken is to produce the Cruze small car here in Adelaide – it’s a bold play to return to small-car production but we know it’s right. Cruze has been an instant hit in Australia as an imported vehicle and its features and fuel economy are a big part of the mix. I can tell you the specifications on the local vehicle are going to be another step up'.

Alan Batey affirmed 'Small cars have had mixed results for us but we have produced some beauties including Torana and Gemini. The Vectra program in the 1990s gave us valuable learnings and we built the Cruze case on domestic success alone, rather than betting on export markets. We would certainly love exports but have not staked the program on getting them'.

Holden encourages its customers to pick locally made cars. The carmaker is in need for more government support in buying Australian-build autos.

Mr Batey continued 'It might surprise you to know that South Australia and Victoria are the only state governments which have so far bought more locally built cars than imported cars this year. Some other jurisdictions are plummeting towards 20 per cent. It’s much the same in local government which surprises and disappoints me when I look at the ‘source local’ demands many of them make'.