GM officially debuts Holden Cruze, shows off Australian Volt
by Jeremy Korzeniewski on Feb 27th 2009 at 8:57AM 
Click above for a high-res gallery of the Holden Cruze
Late last year Holden, the Australian arm of General Motors, announced it would be getting a new small sedan based on the global platform underpinning the Chevy Cruze. At the time, it was assumed that the Holden would feature revised sheetmetal and possibly a new name, but now that the wraps are off, it's clear that the only things changed are the badges, grille and location of the steering wheel. That's not necessarily a bad thing, as the new Cruze is a looker regardless of what brand name is affixed to the front.
Hit the jump to check out the Holden Volt.
Click above for a high-res gallery of the Holden Volt
Another new vehicle that the Australians are anxiously anticipating is Holden's version of the range-extended electric Volt. Again, nothing is expected to change when the eco-friendly vehicle makes its conversion to right-hand drive, especially since GM has invested so much engineering work into making the Volt's shape as aerodynamically-sound as possible.
Both vehicles are being highlighted at the 2009 Melbourne Motor Show starting today. The Holden Cruze will be there in the sheetmetal, although these images Holden Volt are all we get from the General. See both in our galleries below and check out the dueling press releases below.
Gallery: Melbourne Motor Show: Holden Cruze
Gallery: Melbourne Motor Show: Holden Volt
PRESS RELEASES:
ALL-NEW CRUZE HEADLINES HOLDEN STAND
The Australian debut of the all-new Holden Cruze headlines Holden's presence at the 2009 Melbourne International Motor Show.
The stunning new small car range will be among no fewer than 25 vehicles on the stand, representing Holden's broad vehicle offering covering a range of segments, prices and alternative fuel solutions.
GM Holden Chairman and Managing Director, Mark Reuss said the motor show stand highlighted how Holden was moving with the changing needs and desires of motorists.
"This show is about more than cars; it's about responding to change and offering realistic, high value solutions for Australian car buyers," Reuss said.
"We understand these tough market conditions call for an innovative approach to diversifying our product range.
" Cruze is among the products on our stand which highlight the product diversity and quality of Australia's own car company."
Cruze
Cruze will enter Australia's small car segment when it goes on sale in the second quarter of 2009, offering motorists space, safety, value and large car comfort.
Powered by a 1.8 litre 4 cylinder petrol or optional 2.0 litre turbo charged diesel, Cruze will offer the choice of a five speed manual transmission or six speed automatic transmission with Active Select.
With a sporty design, exceptional fit and finish and one of the most advanced interiors in the small car market, Cruze will set the benchmark for Holden's future small car strategy.
Special Edition Commodore International – Sedan and Sportwagon
Commencing production mid March 2009, the Special Edition Commodore International pack will feature an impressive level of standard features.
Providing two value offers for retail customers, the Special Edition International Commodore Sedan and Sportwagon have both been awarded a maximum five star safety rating by ANCAP.
Unique product features include 18" alloy wheels, foglamps, a 6-disc CD changer, leather appointed seat trim and steering wheel, bluetooth for compatible mobile phones and rear park assist on sedan.
The Commodore International sedan can be fitted dual fuel LPG, expanding Holden's range of LPG compatible vehicles and adding yet another model to the Holden EcoLine range.
The automatic VE Commodore International sedan has a Recommended Retail Price (RRP) of $33,990 Driveaway. At just a $2,000 premium, the Sportwagon variant will have a RRP of $35,990 Driveaway.
VE Range
A number of VE models will join the Special Edition International pack including the Commodore Omega sedan which has been awarded a maximum five star safety rating from ANCAP.
The result reflects the introduction of a steering column shroud energy absorber across the VE sedan range that helps to reduce driver knee injuries, and a passenger seat belt reminder on the Omega sedan, introduced in October 2008.
These improvements are in addition to the front passenger side impact airbags and curtain airbags that were made standard across the range last year.
The popular Sportwagon line-up will also be on display offering comfort, safety and styling, combined with sedan-like ride and handling.
Since it was launched in July 2008, Sportwagon has sold more vehicles than any SUV in the market, ensuring Commodore remained the bestselling vehicle in Australia for the 13 th consecutive year.
VE Ute offers more features, more useable interior space, greater storage flexibility and more performance than any of its Holden predecessors.
The Holden stand features an Omega Ute fitted with dual fuel LPG and demonstrates how the new LPG system is cleanly integrated into the Ute's tub liner.
Captiva
Two versions of the popular Captiva are on the stand demonstrating why this vehicle has become one of Australia's best selling SUVs.
The 2WD Captiva SX diesel, which combines the five-seat space of a medium SUV with segment-leading fuel economy (7.2 litres per 100 kms manual, 8.5 litres per 100 kms automatic), and the AWD Captiva LX.
Both vehicles feature Traction Control, Active Rollover Protection, Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and curtain airbags as standard.
Colorado
The powerful Colorado 4x4 light truck delivers high levels of performance and load carrying capability with the turbo diesel engine delivering a three tonne braked towing capacity.
Offered in a wide range of body styles, engine types and specifications the Colorado delivers durability, power and features.
Epica
GM Holden is showcasing the value-packed mid-size Epica sedan, available as a fuel efficient four-cylinder turbo diesel engine with a six-speed automatic transmission with Active Select, Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and six airbags standard across the range.
The introduction of significant safety features such as ESC and six airbags as standard across the range compliment an already comprehensive list of safety features which includes ABS, Traction Control and Electronic Brake Force Distribution.
Small car range
Joining the all-new Cruze will be a selection of Holden's small car range, including the upgraded 3-door Barina which recently received a four star ANCAP safety result.
The result reflects structural improvements and the addition of front side impact airbags as standard across the updated Barina hatchback range introduced in August 2008.
Barina is joined by the fuel efficient Astra CDTi Wagon, the sporty Astra SRi Turbo 3-door, the stylish Astra CD hatch and the stunning Astra TwinTop.
EcoLine
A range of vehicles on Holden's stand are part of the Holden EcoLine range, highlighting the company's broad use of alternative fuel or fuel saving technologies.
The Holden EcoLine range offers consumers affordable solutions to tackle rising fuel costs.
An LPG Commodore sedan and Ute are showcased alongside the fuel saving technology of Active Fuel Management (AFM).
AFM enables an eight cylinder vehicle to automatically operate on four cylinders in certain driving conditions and is standard on all automatic V8 models in the Holden range.
GM Holden is the first local manufacturer to develop this technology which in certain driving conditions can deliver fuel savings of up to one litre per 100 kilometres, with potential for even better results at constant cruising speeds.
Diesel vehicles including the 2WD Captiva SUV which boasts segment leading fuel efficiency and the mid-size Epica will also be on display.
Holden Vehicle Display – Melbourne International Motor Show 2009:
JG Cruze CDX
JG Cruze CDX
JG Cruze CDX
AH Astra CD 5-Door with 'Style Pack'
AH Astra CDTi Wagon
AH Astra SRi Turbo 3-Door
AH Astra TwinTop
TK Barina 3-Door
TK Barina sedan with optional pack
EP Epica CDXi Diesel - Holden EcoLine
VE Commodore SV6
VE Commodore SS V-series (AFM) - Holden EcoLine
VE Sportwagon International
VE Sportwagon Calais V-Series (AFM) - Holden EcoLine
WM Caprice (AFM) - Holden EcoLine
CG Captiva SX 2WD Diesel - Holden EcoLine
CG Captiva LX AWD
VE Commodore Omega
VE Commodore International LPG - Holden EcoLine
VE Ute Omega LPG - Holden EcoLine
VE Ute SV6
VE Ute SS V-Series (AFM) - Holden EcoLine
RC Colorado LT-R 4x4 Crew Cab Turbo Diesel
RC Colorado LX 4x4 Crew Cab Turbo Diesel
RC Colorado LX 4x4 Crew Cab Turbo Diesel
The Melbourne International Motor Show 2009 is at the Melbourne Convention Centre, and runs from Friday, 27 February to Monday, 9 March.
HOLDEN VOLT PROVIDES GLIMPSE OF AUSTRALIA'S DRIVING FUTURE
GM Holden has released the first images of the highly anticipated Volt extended range electric vehicle as it will appear on Australian roads.
The images, which show a right-hand-drive version of Volt sporting Holden badges on its aerodynamic front and rear, were released as part of Holden's presentation at the Melbourne International Motor Show.
It is a local take on the vehicle that has won widespread acclaim for its ability to travel up to 64 kilometres on electricity before using petrol or producing exhaust pipe emissions.
GM Holden Chairman and Managing Director Mark Reuss said the company had been overwhelmed by public interest in Volt since announcing it would launch in Australia in 2012.
"We think Volt has the potential to change the game in Australian motoring," Mr Reuss said.
"Since we announced our plans to introduce Volt to Australia, we have been overwhelmed by public interest in the car and the technology that makes it work.
"There is no doubt that Volt's advanced propulsion systems represent some of the most exciting alternative fuel developments in motoring.
"At Holden, we believe Volt will play an incredibly important role in our efforts to make motoring better for the environment," he said.
General Motors estimates that compared to similar sized petrol-powered vehicles, Volt will save motorists up to 1892 litres of fuel a year. This is based on US research that identifies 75 per cent of commuters travel an average daily distance of less than 40 miles (64 kilometres).
When Volt's battery energy is depleted, a small petrol engine generates enough electricity to power the vehicle for hundreds of additional kilometres.
GM also calculates that charging the vehicle at night through a standard power outlet will use less electricity annually than an average household refrigerator.
Volt is planned for manufacture at GM's Detroit-Hamtramck Assembly and is scheduled for launch in the US in late 2010. The right-hand-drive version will launch later.
Volt – How The Technology Works
Volt is an Extended-Range Electric Vehicle (E-REV). In a significant advance from conventional hybrids , it uses electricity to move its wheels at all times and speeds.
For trips of up to 64 kilometres, Volt is powered solely by the electricity stored in its battery without using petrol or producing exhaust pipe emissions.
When the battery's energy is depleted, a small petrol-powered engine generates electric power for the vehicle to travel hundreds of additional kilometres.
Advanced technology enables the vehicle's battery to be charged in less than three hours on a standard 240v power outlet. Charge times are reduced if the battery has not been fully depleted.
GM estimates that compared to petrol-powered vehicles that average 7.8 litres of fuel per 100 kilometres, Volt will save motorists up to 1892 litres of fuel a year.
Volt – Vehicle Details
The design of the Volt production car has evolved from an original concept that was unveiled at the 2007 North American International Auto Show in Detroit.
General Motors created an energy efficient design for the production vehicle, resulting in one of the most aerodynamic cars in the company's history.
Many of the design cues from the concept car have been carried over in the production Volt, including the closed front grille, athletic stance and rear design graphics.
Inside, Volt will offer the space, comfort, convenience and safety features that customers expect in a four-passenger sedan.
Volt – Battery Details
GM will establish the first lithium-ion battery pack manufacturing facility operated by a major automaker in the United States to produce the Volt's battery pack system.
It consists of lithium-ion cells that are grouped into modules, along with other key battery components.
The plant will be located in Michigan, subject to negotiations with state and local government authorities. Facility preparation will begin in early 2009, with production tooling to be installed mid-year and output starting in 2010.
Get a WordPress.com Blog
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Luis 11:47AM (2/27/2009)
I'm sorry, but that piece of black pastic behind the rear window screams 1995 or Chrysler Sebring. GM's designers could've done MUCH better. It's disgusting, actually, than in 2010 we have design like that.
Reply
garlinski 9:05AM (2/27/2009)
If you squint and stare at the front end, it has a little bit of a C-Class look to it... a little. I do like the Cruze though. GM is taking WAY too long to get it to the US market. Potential winner here.
Reply
Beastage 9:16AM (2/27/2009)
The front end isn't the strongest aspect of the Holden version... but with that interior and specs, who cares :D
garlinski 9:19AM (2/27/2009)
looking through the pics again, I REALLY like that interior. Come on GM... get a move on it!
hypermiler 11:16AM (2/27/2009)
That's what happens when you try to set up a US production, instead of importing finished Cruze straight from Daewoo...
Mazda FTW! 9:09AM (2/27/2009)
Has GM stated why North America will take so long to get the Cruze?
Reply
Beastage 9:14AM (2/27/2009)
Maybe they have tons of inventory that needs to be sold.
Len_A 9:25AM (2/27/2009)
Takes bloody time to get all the emissions testing done, including the mandatory durability testing of the emissions system. Safety testing takes time, as there are mandatory front and side crash testing to be done and you can't get started until you have a finalized design with a prototypes built with the finalized parts. That takes time.
Then bidding out and ordering the tooling takes time.
shethj 9:31AM (2/27/2009)
the factory that will build it has to be converted and GM needs to get the 1.4L turbo into production. Originally a new factory was to be built to assemble the engine and that wouldnt have been ready until next spring. Now they are going to build the engines at an existing plant and source engines from Europe until that plant is ready. The Cobalt came out in 2004 and was always scheduled to be replaced in 2010 or so. Chevy was not planning to have an replacement until 2010 and thus thats when the factory will be ready. In other countries the Cruze is a new entry for Chevy and isnt really replacing anything.
MM 10:35AM (2/27/2009)
I think it has to do with the fact that they have to re-engineer some of its structure to meet the US safety regs since these regs differ from MCAP in Europe and the rest of the world because our government likes to make things difficult.
jgp 11:56AM (2/27/2009)
@shethj
IIRC, in other countries, the Cruze replaces the Daewoo/Chevy Lacetti, so it's not an all-new entry.
laser 9:24AM (2/27/2009)
Weak product. GM needs to reach with its designs and innovations - this vehicle is bland - looks like a prior generation Hyundai. The Holden front end is hideous. The Chevrolet version with the caricature Chevrolet grill is not beauty, but this thing just reeks - "I think I'll buy a Toyota instead!"
Reply
shethj 9:33AM (2/27/2009)
why would I buy a Toyota instead? This car looks better than the corolla inside and out. The corolla has no styling advantage over any compact on the market today. when does Toyota ever think outside the box when it comes to styling? Have you seen the Camry or Avalon?
Pokey 10:12AM (2/27/2009)
Wow, that's the most ignorant comment I've seen on AB all week. Congratulations!
You call the Cruze "bland", then go on to say you would buy a Toyota instead? I am not even going to point out the irony of that statement to you.
Monkaroo 11:39AM (2/27/2009)
Listen fool. If you think the Toyota Corolla, with its over done body skirts, and dated exterior design and week engine, is better looking than the Cruze then your crediability overall is useless.
You would have done better to say you'll go buy a Jetta Etc. OMG! The only taste some people have is in their mouth!
BoneHeadOtto 9:25AM (2/27/2009)
It has a Subaru Legacy grill almost exactly
Reply
BoxerFanatic 10:58AM (2/27/2009)
That is a bit ironic, considering that I thought instantly when I saw the new Legacy Concept pictures last month, I thought the grille looked exactly like a Chevy, between Merc R-class headlights.
I am so glad i have a modified grille on my Legacy, with the center bar removed... It doesn't look like a Chevy grille anymore. :D
BoneHeadOtto 9:25AM (2/27/2009)
Make this the new Cobalt SS and i will be very interested. Give me a wagon version SS and ill make a downpayment right now.
Reply
Avinash machado 9:28AM (2/27/2009)
Makes the Cobalt feel like a 100 year old car.
Reply
Mr.TiredOfEconomicDownturn 9:46AM (2/27/2009)
Benjamin Button Reference FTW.