Autoblog

Holden shows wagon and ute versions of new Commodore

Jonathon Ramsey — Fri, 22 Feb 2013 10:00:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Wagon, Holden, Australia

Holden isn't giving anything away when it comes to specs, but the Aussie outpost of General Motors has offered a few snapshots of the Sportwagon and ute versions of its brand-new VF Commodore. All the company will say for now is that the models are still being tested before final approval and that all three variants will go on sale at the same time later this year.

What are the chances we'll get either one of them - or both - here? Well GM did file to trademark both "El Camino" and "Nomad," but remember how it all ended in heartbreak last time we were so close to this? Let's get the Chevrolet SS here and on sale first, then assuming all goes well, we might dare to dream about rear-wheel drive Chevrolet wagons and car-based pickups again. We'd advise you to likewise keep your hopes in check as you read the press release below.

Continue reading Holden shows wagon and ute versions of new Commodore

Holden shows wagon and ute versions of new Commodore originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 22 Feb 2013 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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High tarriffs curb resurgent U.S. hopes for Holden Ute

Chris Tutor — Tue, 21 Aug 2012 14:29:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Pontiac, Holden, Australia

With the Holden Commodore sedan on its way back to the States as the Chevrolet SS, we were hoping that the El Camino-like, two-seat Ute wouldn't be far behind (after all, the halfbreed was supposed to be offered here as the Pontiac G8 Sport Truck before General Motors offed the brand altogether). Unfortunately, however, the Aussies have been informed that the Ute falls under our light commercial tariff rate of 35 percent - roughly three times the rate on passenger vehicle imports.

"We were hopeful at one stage, we thought we might be able to duck in under it, but it was ruled out," Holden executive director Richard Phillips tells the Herald Sun. "With the dollar where it is, exports can only be pursued that are niche... and profitable in this environment."

Bummer.

High tarriffs curb resurgent U.S. hopes for Holden Ute originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 21 Aug 2012 14:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Aussies build a Chevy El Camarino

Zach Bowman — Mon, 22 Nov 2010 10:58:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Performance, Truck, Chevrolet, Holden, Australia

Holden Commodore SS Ute Camaro Conversion - Click above for high-res image gallery

So you have a Holden Commodore SS Ute and, for some vexing reason, you want it to look more like the American-market Chevrolet Camaro. Well, we've got good news for you. An enterprising young soul from Victoria, Australia has worked up just such a kit. With new sheetmetal from the A-pillar forward and a custom Camaro nose cap, the end result is as close to a Camaro-meets-El-Camino mutation as you're likely to find. This particular example was spotted outside of a Nashville, Tennessee tuner.

We have to say that while the Commodore SS Ute is as handsome as can be right from the factory, the Camaro nose doesn't exactly do the car an injustice. There's no word on exactly how much the conversion kit will set you back, though with all of the appropriate pieces and sheetmetal, we'd be surprised if the final price tag were less than $5,000 - before paint. Worth it? That's a conversation you'll have to have with your wallet.

Gallery: Holden Commodore SS Ute Camaro Conversion

[Sources: Car Advice, Performance Street Car]

Aussies build a Chevy El Camarino originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 22 Nov 2010 10:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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