[Don't Call Me Surely]

In case you didn't know, GM owns Australian car company Holden, and Holden isn't in the best of situations. The automaker already received $275 million from the Australian government last year, and now it is asking for more. The government has alluded that another injection of cash would be the last.

Without such an injection Holden would likely have to close its doors, which would necessitate the laying off of about 1,700 employees. It would also end American car manufacturing in Australia.

Holden mostly makes re-badged Chevrolets, but it also makes brand specific cars, like the Commodore which is going to be sold in America as the SS (that's us!)

 

[alcatraz]

If Holden shuts down does that mean that the SS production will move somewhere else, or would that just be the end of that?

 

[flyinlow]

Would probably be the end, at least for a while. GM would need to ship all the production equipment to the states and set up in one of the factories to produce the car. Would probably be cheaper for them to design a new car from the ground up rather than do all of that.

 

[Commodoreman2000]

The 275 million dollars hasn't actually been paid as yet. That amount was what was negotiated to start being paid for the next generation Cruze and Commodore.
As the market conditions have altered since the negotiations early last year they have reportedly asked for double that figure.
That's at least what is being reported by certain popularist media outlets here. Holden have begun negotiations with the new industry minister who is going to try to strike a fair deal for not just Holdens but the entire industry to be able to stand on its own feet.
Ian McFarlane (industry minister) has even gone as far to say he wants to talk with Ford to see if he can get them to change there stance on Australian manufacturing. To reverse it their decision. (Highly unlikely). Unlike the previous shadow minister Sophie Mirabella (replaced by McFarlane) he gets the importance of manufacturing and the feeder industry and flow on benefits.
The only real question is will GM be willing to postpone its final decision on investing over 1 Billion dollars from the end of this month to maybe February as McFarlane has ordered an enquiry that was due to have an answer in 12 to 18 months to have it basically done in less than 90 days and to put anything else they are doing on the back burner.

I believe they will give the required funding so the ball is now in GM NA court.

 

[MikeC1003]

There's a high demand for the Commodore SS-V (Aussie version of the Chevy SS) right now. More continued marketing effort, for the Chevy SS, might make US buyers more aware of the car & maybe increase demand. Hasn't been much more about the Chevy SS for months. All us car guys knew about the G8 GXP but not sure a lot of the public ever did. I bet a lot of G8 GXP owners aren't willing to part with their rides. Be great if the Chevy SS does well here. That'd mean a lot of exports for Holden Manufacturing & something good for the Aussie auto industry.

 

[alcatraz]

I predict that Holden will get a cash injection from the gov't that will keep them a float for a while, but really it just doesn't make sense to have manufacturing in Australia unless it is for domestic purposes. In the near future auto manufacturing in Australia will die off. Sad, but true.

 

[ozstrat]

Unlike Mirrabella, McFarlane likes the car industry and understands that many of the problems stem from the artificially high Aussie dollar. He at least understands you do not toss 90,000 workers onto the scrapheap because of currency fluctuations, especially when it is trending to its historical norm.
MacFarlane has said export is key so I expect he will be pushing for an expanded Chevy program. Maybe a Chevy S (V6) plus ute & wagon?

 

[chevypwr]

I predict that Holden will get a cash injection from the gov't that will keep them a float for a while, but really it just doesn't make sense to have manufacturing in Australia unless it is for domestic purposes. In the near future auto manufacturing in Australia will die off. Sad, but true.

It's sad and already going to happen with SS production, switching production to the U.S.
I wonder which plant it will be produced at when the time comes

 

[1k Rider]

I have wanted Holden cars imported to the US for the last 20 years, so I am obviously rooting for Holden.
Not to mention, every Aussie I have every met has been great, so I wish them well.

On the other hand, the SS is overweight and has old technology compared to the other GM products on sale, and that are about to be released. So, the replacement of the SS Sedan by something Alpha based with a LT1 and a TR7070 can't come soon enough.

So, if the end of the SS brings us a LT1 Alpha sooner, so be it.
The current SS should have been released in 2008, and it would have been an UNBEATABLE car in 2008.........but not in 2013 and 2014 is almost 2 months away.

 

[ozstrat]

I have wanted Holden cars imported to the US for the last 20 years, so I am obviously rooting for Holden.
Not to mention, every Aussie I have every met has been great, so I wish them well.

On the other hand, the SS is overweight and has old technology compared to the other GM products on sale, and that are about to be released. So, the replacement of the SS Sedan by something Alpha based with a LT1 and a TR7070 can't come soon enough.

So, if the end of the SS brings us a LT1 Alpha sooner, so be it.
The current SS should have been released in 2008, and it would have been an UNBEATABLE car in 2008.........but not in 2013 and 2014 is almost 2 months away.

I disagree that the SS is overweight and has old technology. 60% of the relatively new Zeta chassis has been modified & weight reduced, and there is also the aluminum hood/trunk. V6 fuel consumption is now equivalent to the considerably smaller V6 Camry. The VF has also adopted the standard GM wiring loom and is currently loaded with more tech than any other GM vehicle. The only thing old about the car is the retained glasshouse, doors and the Chevy design language foisted upon it.
If the SS goes to Alpha it will end Holden's association, and probably their very existence.

 

[1k Rider]

I disagree that the SS is overweight and has old technology. 60% of the relatively new Zeta chassis has been modified & weight reduced, and there is also the aluminum hood/trunk. V6 fuel consumption is now equivalent to the considerably smaller V6 Camry. The VF has also adopted the standard GM wiring loom and is currently loaded with more tech than any other GM vehicle. The only thing old about the car is the retained glasshouse, doors and the Chevy design language foisted upon it.
If the SS goes to Alpha it will end Holden's association, and probably their very existence.

When you compare the 2014 SS Sedan to the 2014 Alpha Cadillacs, the 2014 Corvette, and even the lowly 2014 GM trucks, YES, the SS has old technology.
When you compare the 2014 SS to the 2015 Camaro, the 2014 ATS, and the 2014 CTS, YES, the SS is overweight.

I truly hope that Holden can be saved and that Holden can return to the top where it belongs. But, the SS Sedan is dead on arrival in the USA, and the only one to blame for that is GM. The SS Sedan should have launched in 2008 in the USA, with prices that were in line with the Pontiac G8.

 

[ozstrat]

When you compare the 2014 SS Sedan to the 2014 Alpha Cadillacs, the 2014 Corvette, and even the lowly 2014 GM trucks, YES, the SS has old technology.
When you compare the 2014 SS to the 2015 Camaro, the 2014 ATS, and the 2014 CTS, YES, the SS is overweight.

I truly hope that Holden can be saved and that Holden can return to the top where it belongs. But, the SS Sedan is dead on arrival in the USA, and the only one to blame for that is GM. The SS Sedan should have launched in 2008 in the USA, with prices that were in line with the Pontiac G8.

With the SS now having the same wiring loom as the "high tech" vehicles you mentioned, including all the associated tech, and then some, where is the old technology you refer to?

And big cars tend to weigh more than small cars, it's a physics thing.

 

[1k Rider]

With the SS now having the same wiring loom as the "high tech" vehicles you mentioned, including all the associated tech, and then some, where is the old technology you refer to?

And big cars tend to weigh more than small cars, it's a physics thing.

Did you know the new Alpha based CTS is much bigger than the old CTS and it's LIGHTER?
So, bigger cars can actually weigh LESS.

With all due respect, wiring looms mean nothing when even the lowly GM pickup trucks have direct injection and variable valve timing now.
The 2015 Camaro will get all of the above, plus the lightweight alpha chassis, plus a TR6070.

Sorry, friends. Unless the SS gets major updates for 2015, the car is DOA and you should be looking at another GM product.

Did the guys who keep crying that a Camaro is too small and they NEED the extra 2 doors realize that the 2014 Silverado LTZ pickup comes with a version of the new LT1 6.2L V8, 4 doors, and leather with a dealer invoice of $37,484?
AND, you can add 4WD for an extra $3k.

PS
Anyone who doesn't think the LT1 is a major leap forward from the LS3, or think the trucks are too lethargic to even be considered with the SS Sedan, should watch the end of this video featuring the truck LT1.

 

[Tarnath]

Did the guys who keep crying that a Camaro is too small and they NEED the extra 2 doors realize that the 2014 Silverado LTZ pickup comes with a version of the new LT1 6.2L V8, 4 doors, and leather with a dealer invoice of $37,484?
AND, you can add 4WD for an extra $3k.

Indeed I do. But in my case, I just bought a new truck. It's my wife's turn.

 

[1k Rider]

Indeed I do. But in my case, I just bought a new truck. It's my wife's turn.

What model truck did ya buy?

If you have multiple vehicles, and at least one with 4 doors, why not buy a 2014 C7 or a 2015 Camaro?

 

[Tarnath]

Vehicles are in the sig. The truck is mine (a little over a year old) and the TBSS is my wife's. So its her turn for something, not mine. Maybe a new Silverado in another year or two, once I can get one without the chrome front bumper and with the 6.2l they just released.

The answer is simple. Compromises. My wife works graveyards at the hospital, so it is my job to get the kids to school in the morning. Plus we hunt, so the crew cab truck works for me on a daily and weekend basis. The TBSS works for my wife to run the kiddos around in the afternoon and other errands she may need to attend to. It is getting on up there in age and mileage. And what she wants, she gets. After all, she makes enough to afford it. So, SS it is. However, we are in such a position that we are NOT in a big hurry. So, as I have stated in other threads, we are taking a wait and see attitude. I think it will likely work in our favor.
Oh, and since her dad is retired GM, we get GM Employee discounts. That always helps.

 

[1k Rider]

I asked what model to determine the numbers of doors. But, whatever.

So, as I have stated in other threads, we are taking a wait and see attitude. I think it will likely work in our favor.
Oh, and since her dad is retired GM, we get GM Employee discounts. That always helps.

Wait and see is a great position to be in.
Especially with the 2015 Camaro and ATS-V are coming.
Not to mention, I think GM will be forced to make changes to the SS for it to sell.

 

[ozstrat]

Did you know the new Alpha based CTS is much bigger than the old CTS and it's LIGHTER?
So, bigger cars can actually weigh LESS.

With all due respect, wiring looms mean nothing when even the lowly GM pickup trucks have direct injection and variable valve timing now.
The 2015 Camaro will get all of the above, plus the lightweight alpha chassis, plus a TR6070.

Sorry, friends. Unless the SS gets major updates for 2015, the car is DOA and you should be looking at another GM product.

Did the guys who keep crying that a Camaro is too small and they NEED the extra 2 doors realize that the 2014 Silverado LTZ pickup comes with a version of the new LT1 6.2L V8, 4 doors, and leather with a dealer invoice of $37,484?
AND, you can add 4WD for an extra $3k.

PS
Anyone who doesn't think the LT1 is a major leap forward from the LS3, or think the trucks are too lethargic to even be considered with the SS Sedan, should watch the end of this video featuring the truck LT1.

Escalade Reveal: The Next Icon - YouTube

Directly from "Wheels" magazine -

Weight-loss Program
High-strength steels and aluminium helped VF shed the kegs​

"Mass begets mass" says Holden engineering director Greg Tyus in a voice straight from the old testament. "The more you take out of a vehicle, the better you can do with safety, with fuel economy, and you can make it more nimble.

Weight reduction was at the core of the VF Commodore project. It was just the headline components like the aluminium bonnet that brought down the crucial kerb weight figure; every part changed for the VF upgrade became a target for mass savings. etc etc

Everything I read about the VF directly contradicts everything you say about it. Can you please try doing some research instead of making stuff up!

 

[1k Rider]

Directly from "Wheels" magazine -

Weight-loss Program
High-strength steels and aluminium helped VF shed the kegs​

"Mass begets mass" says Holden engineering director Greg Tyus in a voice straight from the old testament. "The more you take out of a vehicle, the better you can do with safety, with fuel economy, and you can make it more nimble.

Weight reduction was at the core of the VF Commodore project. It was just the headline components like the aluminium bonnet that brought down the crucial kerb weight figure; every part changed for the VF upgrade became a target for mass savings. etc etc

Everything I read about the VF directly contradicts everything you say about it. Can you please try doing some research instead of making stuff up!

I'm making stuff up and haven't done my research? LMFAO

Again, you are relying on hearsay and opinions from 3rd rate articles to form "your" opinion, starting crap with me, and making a fool of yourself in the process.
When are you going to learn to stop trying to argue with people who actually know what they're talking about?


The 2014 SS Sedan curb weight is 3,975lbs coming directly from General Motors in their printed brochure for the SS.
http://media.gm.com/content/media/us/en/chevrolet/vehicles/chevrolet-ss/2014/jcr%3Acontent/iconrow/textfile/file.res/14-PG-Chevrolet-SS-051013.pdf
The last G8 automatic tested weighed 4,037lbs according to the digital scale used by Car and Driver.
http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/2009-pontiac-g8-gxp-automatic-instrumented-test

IF, and it's a BIG IF, the actual curb weight provided from GM is supported by independent scales, it's only a 62lb loss, and that is the BEST case scenario.
Even if it's an actual 62lbs dropped (doubtful), a few pounds from some aluminum panels is step in the right direction, but it's a joke to call the SS a much lighter car, let alone a new car.
The Alpha Camaro is supposed to shed FOUR HUNDRED POUNDS or MORE off of the current car.


Feel free to post your humble apology below.
Now that you have made a fool of yourself, AGAIN, you're dismissed.

 

[ozstrat]

I'm making stuff up and haven't done my research? LMFAO

Again, you are relying on hearsay and opinions from 3rd rate articles to form "your" opinion, starting crap with me, and making a fool of yourself in the process.
When are you going to learn to stop trying to argue with people who actually know what they're talking about?


The 2014 SS Sedan curb weight is 3,975lbs coming directly from General Motors in their printed brochure for the SS.
http://media.gm.com/content/media/us/en/chevrolet/vehicles/chevrolet-ss/2014/jcr%3Acontent/iconrow/textfile/file.res/14-PG-Chevrolet-SS-051013.pdf
The last G8 automatic tested weighed 4,037lbs according to the digital scale used by Car and Driver.
2009 Pontiac G8 GXP Automatic – Instrumented Test – Car and Driver

IF, and it's a BIG IF, the actual curb weight provided from GM is supported by independent scales, it's only a 62lb loss, and that is the BEST case scenario.
Even if it's an actual 62lbs dropped (doubtful), a few pounds from some aluminum panels is step in the right direction, but it's a joke to call the SS a much lighter car, let alone a new car.
The Alpha Camaro is supposed to shed FOUR HUNDRED POUNDS or MORE off of the current car.


Feel free to post your humble apology below.
Now that you have made a fool of yourself, AGAIN, you're dismissed.

If what you think you know about the SS has not come from any other sources, exactly when did you crawl all over an SS to come to your own conclusions? How did you decide if an SS is too heavy or that it does not have enough tech when you haven't seen one and refuse to believe anything you read?
By your own admission, you are incapable of making an informed comment about anything.