Denny Mooney, chairman of GM’s Australian subsidiary Holden, is adamant that the 2007 VE Commodore SS and SS V sedans should come to the United States as the next Pontiac Grand Prix. Mooney made comments about the idea in July, and has again reiterated them in the latest issue of GoAuto e-news. “So the reality is that if this car went over there it would do well, he said. “A rear-wheel drive, performance sedan at an affordable price? It doesn’t exist in the US.” He admitted the closest product currently on the market is the Chrysler 300C or the Dodge Charger. Mooney says that unlike the failed Pontiac GTO — which was targeting a niche segment with certain expectations — the sedan market is both larger and easier to target. He said demand for such a sedan is “20 times bigger than the coupe market.”
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08/16, 9:41 AM
posted by:
Renton
The UAW was up in arms about the “imported” GTO. They forced GM to limit the amount allowed in. Not a big deal for the slow seller, but how would this myopic, selfish, destructive thinking affect a model as important as the Grand Prix.
Unions suck.
08/16, 9:54 AM
posted by:
A non E Moose
Gimme gimme! I want one! People looking at a 300C would have another another option. Great idea!
08/16, 10:14 AM
posted by:
rdsx
so ugly
08/16, 10:16 AM
posted by:
Jimmy C
I love the idea of a RWD Grand Prix…but I’m sure a lot of repeat customers will have a problem losing their front wheel drive. If the car came with an all wheel drive option that would make the Grand Prix much more competitive in the Northern US and Canada!
In regards to the GTO….I can’t wait to see the new design!
08/16, 10:18 AM
posted by:
Adam
I’d drive one. Its better than the majority of American cars sold here.
08/16, 10:36 AM
posted by:
ss
it looks dated…park it next to a 300c or a Passat and its going to just look old.
08/16, 10:37 AM
posted by:
Fatstrat
Unions are currently the downfall of American car companies. I wonder what they will all do if a companylike GM was to go out of business (probably will never happen). My guess is that all UAW workers would strike and try to force the government to keep paying them anyway. It would make as much sense as how they currently operate.
08/16, 10:44 AM
posted by:
red barjetta
I find GM’’s new strategy of importing and rebadging thier foreign brands as domestic vehicles interesting. I definitely belive it is the right move for Saturn, it will be interesting to see how it pans out for Pontiac. At the very least, here in America, we should begin to see a real difference now between the various domestic brands.
08/16, 10:52 AM
posted by:
Richard
The real problem facing the American auto manufacturers is ballooning health care costs. GM, Ford, and Chrysler pay a large measure of these costs for their workers. Many of the domestic plants of offshore companies do not. Currently, these plants employ younger workers. As they age, however, those costs will be passed on to America’s taxpayers.
…but I digress.
The GTO may be a wonderful car, but it does not look like a GTO. The VE Commodore is also a wonderful car, I am sure. But, there is no way that this car can be dressed-up to look like a Grand Prix. I don’t have anything is particular against Holden. However, its products’ styling is just a bit bland. If GM Australia can incorporate clean, crisp US styling Down Under, I will reconsider. Import the VE Commodore as a Holden, but keep the Grand Prix “grand.”
08/16, 11:19 AM
posted by:
Kyle
Awesome! I really like Holden and I’m excited for this being a possiblility. GM over seas no matter what company…Holden, vauxhall,opel, and chevrolet(non us) seems to make better looking cars. I was able to drive a Holden in Australia last year, and I have to say those cars are better than American made GM cars
08/16, 11:25 AM
posted by:
MGBYG
Looks somewhat like a Pontiac with the high tail, low nose G6 profile.
Interior looks miles ahead of recent Pontiac plastics.
Union-bashing is sooo 1977…
Let’s all just agree that other countries’ autoworkers are ‘cheaper’ because their own governments take care of healthcare costs…just like WalMart workers here.
08/16, 11:28 AM
posted by:
Big Nick
Its decent
08/16, 12:50 PM
posted by:
Jay
I think it’s a good idea but I don;t have much to say about it… RWD Grand Prix=good idea
08/16, 1:05 PM
posted by:
Andrew
What’s stopping GM from producing these cars over here using a modified Holden design? Seems they could keep the RWD platform but build it over here. Sure, you’d have to make sure the suppliers were either in the US or capable of getting the parts to the US. But it has been done plenty of times before. Who’s to say it has to be build in Australia?
08/16, 2:03 PM
posted by:
Michael Spadaro
I’d like a Grand Prix in coupe form, but I’ll take a sedan if I have to.
08/16, 5:49 PM
posted by:
Pete
Very nice!! Good job Holden!! Though the GTO is not a hot seller, the car has a great interior, and is a high quality car. Holden knows how to design, engineer, and manufacture a quality auto…Hopefully it’ll make it to the states without a lame Pontiac front bumper.
08/16, 6:47 PM
posted by:
Pierre
Cool car !
08/17, 7:12 AM
posted by:
Dazed
HOW DARE THE UAW try to stop this car from being imported!! This car is way way better than anything the UAW’s workers have EVER built!
They cant stop toyota from importing cars WHY should they be allowed to stop GM from importing cars??
UAW is killing the American car industry!
08/17, 9:47 PM
posted by:
what were you thinking
it looks cheap, but what car dosnt from gm.
08/24, 10:35 PM
posted by:
Anonymous2
I think the car looks great. The powertrain includes an LS2 engine with a 6 spd auto trans… should run with the 3 and 5 series. Lets get it hear quick. From what I have seen the interior looks great.
08/28, 11:01 AM
posted by:
Hal Gailey
GIve Mr.Mooney a medal. The man is not only a genious he says what we all want to say.
If only we could slap some sense into GM to make them listen.
Holding my breath for a Holden Commodore in America!!
08/30, 10:18 AM
posted by:
Edward
In response to someone that said there’s no way they could make it look Pontiac, the newest issue of Motor Trend did a graphic re-design and it looks beautiful.