Holden Sticking With Australia Despite High Costs

With the launch of the all-new VF Commodore just around the corner, Holden's Mike Deveraux doesn't Ford's bad news to steal the limelight away from his very important product introduction. Amid a backdrop of constant squabbling between the governing party and the opposition, Deveraux urged both sides to find common ground over the fate of Australia's auto industry "…both sides of the equation understand how critical the auto industry is to the economy and how plugged-in in terms of its viability. We have a pretty solid plan. We will need to work closely with the opposition and government to make sure that Australia's policy setting are competitive globally." As of April, the Commodore was ranked #10 in Australia's sales chart and in danger of slipping. With the tide turning against large rear-drive sedans, Deveraux and Holden have to figure out how they'll build cars for the Australian market without turning Holden into just another outpost for rebadged GM global products. Rumors of the Commodore becoming front-drive would be a blow for enthusiasts, and bring an end to Australia's muscle car era, but may end up aligning better with market tastes. Ironically, Chrysler could end up being the lone auto maker to offer a rear-drive sedan in Australia should that scenario take place. from The Truth About Cars http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com

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