Holden looking to bring Pontiac G8 ST as a GMC, looking at Chevy and Cadillac for G8

Posted: May 01, 2009

Filed under: Cadillac, Chevrolet, GM, GMC, Holden, Industry News

“We are not going to give up on getting the Commodore into the US,” a Holden insider has told GoAuto. Holden has made it pretty clear that ever since GM announced the death of Pontiac, it is doing all it can to not end Australian exports to the U.S.

Insiders say that ever since the death of Pontiac was announced, officials have been looking at different options that they are not able to discuss as of yet.

It is reported that Pontiac’s partnership with Holden was originally an unfortunate mistake. Apparently Bob Lutz fell in love with Monaro and thought it would a great vehicle to replace the Pontiac GTO. Eventually, that brought the Commodore to the U.S. as the G8.

For those of you still upset about the death of the Pontiac G8 ST (which was cancelled before the death of the brand since GM ran out of cash to market the car), Holden feels that the model could now perform well in the GMC range. Holden and GMC have already been working together on the Denali concept car, which was built by Holden in Australia.

Other options to continue Holden exports to the U.S. include Chevrolet. Currently, Holdens are sold as Chevrolets in the Middle East. Sources say that Holden could also supply Cadillac with rear-wheel-drive long and short wheelbase VEs.

Holden believes that there is clearly a high demand in the U.S. for its Commodore as a niche vehicle – and we definitely agree. GM sold a total of 2,939 units of the G8 in March despite cutting back on marketing.

- By: Omar Rana

Source: GoAuto

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Tags: Holden Commodore, Pontiac G8, Pontiac G8 ST, Sedans

Dre

Logic would dictate that the G8 be rebadged as an impala and the current measly impala be rebadged as a Caprice. The ST should be the El Camino and there it is...problem solved.

Dane

Wow GM... There is a brand new opportunity now that you are getting rid of Pontiac, Hummer, GMC and Newer Saturn... Bring Holden's over here... Spend billions on marketing and placement and then get rid of Buick and Holden in 15 years under another failed tempt at a recovery....

Horus

The G8 is done. Cobalt, then the Criuze, Malibu and the Impala. Where does a $38,000.00 Chevy fit in? Answer: No where. At that price you enter CTS territory and since GM hasn't had a clue in 20 years they will never allow the G8 to exist as a Chevy. With the bloated Camaro SS on the way at 34 grand the Aussie is toast.
Next up! The Solstice rebadged as a Vega.

Ed

Caddy should not get the G8. It already has a fine sport sedan (can't remember its name at a moment).

GMfan87

CTS-V, fastest four door production car on the road

Ed

GMC line should not have a car. It is known for trucks and SUVs. The G8 should be moved into Chevy as a Chevy Holden GT.

Allen

BRING IT BACK! BRING IT BACK!

COMMODORE FTW!

GMfan87

The G8 should definately go to chevy and i think the ST would sell better than most expect. Another rear wheel drive caddy would be cool too especially with the threat of bringing in FF european BLS clone...