GM Refuses To Rule Out Chevrolet Joining Cadillac, Hummer & Saab Down Under

[Robert Ryan]

but only for the Corvette, Camaro, Volt, and a decent truck.

I would very much even doubt that lineup. Corvette? How many would they sell? It will be years before the produce a RHD version. Camaro, HSV already produces muscle cars, why do they need an internal competitor? Volt I have huge doubts about it's viability.; Decent Truck? If GMC had decent midsize trucks they would not have been falling on Isuzu designs and engines. Pickups? see the previous arguments how non-viable they are on this forum.

[JoeT]

The only Chevrolet products that should be sold in down this way as Chevrolet's are Camaro and Corvette. Any Chevrolet/GMC trucks and SUV's should be sold as Holden's.

With the Volt, it may be unique now, but as time goes on more and more electric vehicles of all shapes and sizes are going to be produced by GM and sold under different brands in the US and other parts of the world and as such I believe that if the Volt reaches Aussie shores it should be sold as a Holden.

[MonaroSS]

I'll predict that in ten years in Australia you will have GM-Stores and most of them on one side will sell Holden’s and on the other side Chevrolets.

The Holden’s will have reverted to Holden & Opel premium product (no entry level) with some US derived light commercials (sourced from Thailand/US/China). Holden will be the GM brand for hybrid and other leading edge technology as it can support the higher costs.

The Chevrolets will be Daewoo and Shanghai-GM product with some possible US product all of which will be a full range of small to medium sized cost-competitive / traditional economical cars and small to large cheap crossovers/people carriers. The large crossovers/people carriers will replace entry level Commodore for cheap family and taxi/fleet duty.

Some select GM-Stores will also carry the near-luxury and luxury range of Saab/Cadillac (no Hummer).

[TDi]

Originally Posted by kgratton

I don't see Toyota selling Scion or Daihatsu in Australia. Maybe they think the market's too small for multiple brands to be as profitable or it would pollute the brand image in some way? Just a thought.

Actually, Toyota withdrew Daihatsu from the Australian market 3 or 4 years ago, due to years and years of no sale growth and a small product lineup.

As recently as 2 years ago, Toyota had been toying with the idea of introducing the Scion badge here in Australia and aiming it at the 'youth' market, like that of the US, but as yet, nothing has happened.

[RedVee8]

Originally Posted by MonaroSS

I'll predict that in ten years in Australia you will have GM-Stores and most of them on one side will sell Holden’s and on the other side Chevrolets.

The Holden’s will have reverted to Holden & Opel premium product (no entry level) with some US derived light commercials (sourced from Thailand/US/China). Holden will be the GM brand for hybrid and other leading edge technology as it can support the higher costs.

The Chevrolets will be Daewoo and Shanghai-GM product with some possible US product all of which will be a full range of small to medium sized cost-competitive / traditional economical cars and small to large cheap crossovers/people carriers. The large crossovers/people carriers will replace entry level Commodore for cheap family and taxi/fleet duty.

Some select GM-Stores will also carry the near-luxury and luxury range of Saab/Cadillac (no Hummer).

Probably correct.
Just as the PBG (&S?) chain is a combo to match the full breadth of the Chev brand, the GM brand would be a combo to match the breadth of the Holden (Opel assisted) range.

[vam29]

Who wouldn't believe in Chev-Cad instead of Saab-Hummer-Cad? Then if
GMC and Saturn are also dropped, Chev, Pont, Buick and Cad become stronger and consequently GM too. Two channels: Chev-Cad and Pont-Buick separate but eventually together under one stand-alone GM roof . Dynamite brands and marketing potential. The recipe for success all over the world as well as in NA. I'd bet Wall St. would love it too!

[MonaroSS]

Originally Posted by RedVee8

Probably correct.
Just as the PBG (&S?) chain is a combo to match the full breadth of the Chev brand, the GM brand would be a combo to match the breadth of the Holden (Opel assisted) range.

I'm only predicting it because the only thing I think I can be sure of is that 10 years from now either the current GMNA management will be replaced or GM will have been bought out.

In both cases the new leadership will rationalise GM Brands around the world and try to bring them under one over-arching umbrella.

Given Chevy is probably going to be entry level from Daewoo in most of the world I'd say that they will do that in OZ too, especially since Daewoo as Holden’s hasn't worked as well as Opel’s as Holden’s did.

So from our international sourcing here in OZ you can split GM into a two-tiered supply system where you get 1. entry level and value from Daewoo and future GM China product and then you also get 2. quality Holden and Opel product.

And if GM can get Caddy and Saab to work then you have a third tier 3. Saab/Cadillac for near luxury/luxury.

And if they ever get North America sorted out then they will likely do the same there where the Holden name is exchanged for BPG or whatever is left of it by then in the US, maybe just Pontiac or Buick....

[t-rex]

Originally Posted by MonaroSS

I'll predict that in ten years in Australia you will have GM-Stores and most of them on one side will sell Holden’s and on the other side Chevrolets.

The Holden’s will have reverted to Holden & Opel premium product (no entry level) with some US derived light commercials (sourced from Thailand/US/China). Holden will be the GM brand for hybrid and other leading edge technology as it can support the higher costs.

The Chevrolets will be Daewoo and Shanghai-GM product with some possible US product all of which will be a full range of small to medium sized cost-competitive / traditional economical cars and small to large cheap crossovers/people carriers. The large crossovers/people carriers will replace entry level Commodore for cheap family and taxi/fleet duty.

Some select GM-Stores will also carry the near-luxury and luxury range of Saab/Cadillac (no Hummer).

At least somebody down under can understand how Chev and Holden can both work in Oz.

[Rick_VT]

I have often wondered why very few full-sized pickups in Australia? My guess is because of tariffs.[/quote]

Isnt there a free trade agreement between Aus and NA??

Plus the company that brings the old F series Ford and the few Silverado trucks charge something like $80-100,000 or even more for them.

And at current fuel price of around $1.65 a litre which is over $6 a gallon cant see anyone wanting to fill one of them up here lol

[Rick_VT]

Originally Posted by t-rex

At least somebody down under can understand how Chev and Holden can both work in Oz.

And the point of selling Chev branded cars here is what?? Now the Chev name is well to know to car people, but majority of aussies prob wouldnt have a clue who Chev are and if you say there an American brand they will prob think big heavy fat V8 gas guzzlers, hardly an ideal way start to what is goin to be entry level small to medium cars.

And how would the sales be counted, as combined Holden/Chev or seperate?? And what is the point of having to spend all that money on brand identification here considering how small the Aussie market is, cant say i see the point to it honestly.

[YupYupYup]

Originally Posted by MonaroSS

I'll predict that in ten years in Australia you will have GM-Stores and most of them on one side will sell Holden’s and on the other side Chevrolets.

The Holden’s will have reverted to Holden & Opel premium product (no entry level) with some US derived light commercials (sourced from Thailand/US/China). Holden will be the GM brand for hybrid and other leading edge technology as it can support the higher costs.

The Chevrolets will be Daewoo and Shanghai-GM product with some possible US product all of which will be a full range of small to medium sized cost-competitive / traditional economical cars and small to large cheap crossovers/people carriers. The large crossovers/people carriers will replace entry level Commodore for cheap family and taxi/fleet duty.

Some select GM-Stores will also carry the near-luxury and luxury range of Saab/Cadillac (no Hummer).

MonaroSS has a rational, less emotionally-charged take on things...Thank you.

Just because you do not want something, doesn't mean it is not going to happen. Asia being at Australia's back door and its prominence in GM's long-term strategy will mean that you will get Daewoo and China cars. Chevy is becoming a major global brand, this time it will be everywhere in the world in a more consistent and globally-sourced manner. Corvette does not need to sell much to be successful. Look at Japan. Volt is a no-brainer and Holden doesn't have anything to compete. Chevy trucks are the best in the world for all-round capabilities...Holden's are great city/ light-duty trucks.

Who knows, in the near future we might not see Holden as a brand, instead replaced by Chevy as a global brand to match up with Asian strategy. The way the world is, everything is on the table. Don't rule anything out. And since Holden has been losing market share to Toyota...

[YupYupYup]

[quote=Rick_VT;1446608]Now the Chev name is well to know to car people, but majority of aussies prob wouldnt have a clue who Chev are and if you say there an American brand they will prob think big heavy fat V8 gas guzzlers, hardly an ideal way start to what is goin to be entry level small to medium cars.[quote]

Ha, ha! Coming from a land of big fat Holden/ HSV gas guzzlers and "super-trains/ or whatever those long-haul trucks are called...Funny.

[Robert Ryan]

And how would the sales be counted, as combined Holden/Chev or seperate?? And what is the point of having to spend all that money on brand identification here considering how small the Aussie market is, cant say i see the point to it honestly.

Agree . It is badge engineering before you even start. The PROBLEM is not the badge but lack of product. Improve the image of Holden by allowing more variety under the Holden name. Chevrolet/ Cadillac means NOTHING here as Trishield as rightly stated.HOLDEN is Chevrolet in Australia

Now the Chev name is well to know to car people

Not to many other people in Australia and I would doubt many "car people" could name a model of the top of their heads that is currently produced by Chevrolet.

Chevy trucks are the best in the world for all-round capabilities...Holden's are great city/ light-duty trucks.

The US Pickups or "trucks" as you like to call them are a non-event here.

[Robert Ryan]

Corvette does not need to sell much to be successful. Look at Japan

Yes totally insignificant, as it is not produced in RHD form. They do drive on the same side of the street as we do.

Who knows, in the near future we might not see Holden as a brand, instead replaced by Chevy as a global brand

Absolute stupidity. The same reason Volvo has not rebanded Mack in the US, because of "Brand Indentification"

Just because you do not want something, doesn't mean it is not going to happen

Agree with you there. None wants GM to file for Bankruptcy, but it does not mean it will not happen.

"super-trains/ or whatever those long-haul trucks are called...Funny.

Roadtrains and they are Double B's. They are the most efficient way to truck a load across the continent.

[Frankster177]

Chevrolet still has a bit of cachet.
Back when cashed up ppl drove Impala's over the usual Holden.

To make it into a brand selling korean and Chinese cars.......Nahhhhh.
Especially when the Korean cars are already sold here.

All they have to do is hang a Chev sign on holden dealers and sell Camaro and Volt.