Holden may build the Volt in Australia

vztrt · 21-08-2009, 07:00 PM

Holden may build the Volt in Australia

http://news.theage.com.au/breaking-n...0821-etlz.html

Quote:

Holden may build the Volt in Australia
Tim Dornin
August 21, 2009 - 6:39PM

Holden says it would be an "enormous leap" but hasn't ruled out building the Volt electric car at its Australian assembly operations in Adelaide.

The company said on Friday it remained committed to bringing the US made version of the car to the Australian market in 2012, before considering local production.

The Volt shared its Delta platform with the Cruze, the four-cylinder car Holden will build in SA from next year.

"Having the same platform certainly gives us a first step in terms of future development opportunities but anything involving electric vehicles would be an enormous leap," Holden spokesman Scott Whiffin said.

"We've only just launched the imported Cruze and are working towards a range of locally built, fuel efficient models on petrol and diesel.

"We'll get this piece right then look at potential alternatives including E85, LPG, stop-start hybrids and other powertrains.

"We plan to bring Volt to market as an imported vehicle in 2012 and we'll look at the market reaction to it before considering any further moves on that front."

The company's comments followed calls from South Australian Premier Mike Rann for the company to build an electric version of the Cruze in Adelaide.

Mr Rann met the head of General Motors, Fritz Henderson, in the US overnight and was also given a test ride in the Volt.

"Because the Cruze has the same architectural base as GM's new Volt, it is technologically possible to ultimately have an electric version of the Cruze manufactured on the new car production line at Elizabeth," Mr Rann said in a statement from Detroit.

"While the Cruze will be a fuel-efficient car, I would like to see the Elizabeth plant manufacturing the same model but with an even greater fuel efficiency in the future as the technology develops.

"Developing and adapting this new Holden four cylinder to even lower carbon emission standards will further entrench our car manufacturing industry."

Mr Whiffin said the premier was clearly impressed by the Volt, judging by his comments.

"Premier Rann is a great advocate for Holden and the Australian car industry and we're delighted he had the chance to meet Fritz Henderson in Detroit," he said.

"We're also pleased that senior Volt engineers were able to give him an understanding of what is an incredibly important vehicle for us."

© 2009 AAP

vztrt · 21-08-2009, 07:01 PM

SA premier takes Holden hybrid case to Detroit

http://www.goauto.com.au/mellor/mell...25761900202777

Quote:

Rann urges GM CEO to build plug-in hybrid small car in Australia

21 August 2009

By TERRY MARTIN

THE case to build a plug-in hybrid version of Holden’s forthcoming small car series in Australia received a shot in the arm this week when South Australian premier Mike Rann emerged from talks with General Motors CEO Fritz Henderson in Detroit urging the US auto giant to proceed with the plan.

Premier Rann said he was confident GM would agree to manufacture an electric version of the Holden small car, based on the Chevrolet Volt, at its Elizabeth plant in South Australia – once the Volt was established in the US domestic market.

“The Volt is currently only in prototype stage but I think that the message we’re giving General Motors is that we played our part, we’ve made a major contribution to Holden’s future, (and) we’d like to see the electric car built at Elizabeth as well,” Mr Rann told ABC news.

“I’m very confident about it because that’s the way the market is going. Obviously, car companies have to follow consumer demand. They know that people are increasingly wanting more fuel-efficient cars that produce less emissions.”

Holden made it clear at the announcement last December of its new small-car manufacturing program, which commences in the second half of 2010 with a model based on the current Korean-sourced Cruze, that it was considering a range of alternative fuel and fuel-saving technologies for the new vehicle line, including stop-start hybrid capability.

As GoAuto has reported, there are strong indications the hybrid plan will proceed after the Cruze was subsequently rolled out, in official GM photographs, with the plug-in hybrid powertrain used in the Volt.

Both the Cruze and Volt, and other vehicles including the new-generation Astra, are built on GM’s Delta II vehicle architecture. At this stage, Holden will produce a small Delta-based sedan and hatchback at Elizabeth, and has committed to importing a Holden-badged version of the Volt from 2012.

GM Holden spokesman Scott Whiffin told GoAuto that Holden was delighted premier Rann had met with Mr Henderson to discuss the electric-car program, but emphasised that local production would not be considered until it had tested market reaction with the 2012 imported version.

“We’ve only just launched the imported Cruze and are working towards a range of locally built, fuel-efficient models on petrol and diesel – we’ll get this piece right then look at potential alternatives including E85, LPG, stop-start hybrids and other powertrains,” he said.

“We plan to bring Volt to market as an imported vehicle in 2012 and we’ll look at the market reaction to it before considering any further moves on that front.

“Premier Rann is a great advocate for Holden and the Australian car industry and we’re delighted he had the chance to meet Fritz Henderson in Detroit. We’re also pleased that senior Volt engineers were able to give him an understanding of what is an incredibly important vehicle for us.

“The Volt shares its platform, known as Delta, with the car that will be built in Elizabeth from next year. Having the same platform certainly gives us a first step in terms of future development opportunities, but anything involving electric vehicles would be an enormous leap.”

In a statement, Mr Rann said that the small-car decision had secured the future of Holden as a manufacturer in Australia “and the 9000 jobs that rely on the car industry in South Australia”.

“And while the Cruze will be a fuel-efficient car, I would like to see the Elizabeth plant manufacturing the same model but with an even greater fuel efficiency in the future as the technology develops,” he said.

“Developing and adapting this new Holden four-cylinder to even lower carbon emission standards will further entrench our car manufacturing industry.”

Federal industry minister Kim Carr has declined to comment on the latest developments, but will travel to Detroit in October for a fresh round of talks with Mr Henderson.

Weeks before Holden had even announced its small-car manufacturing plan, GM Holden chairman and managing director Mark Reuss raised the prospect of building the Volt at Elizabeth.

Following news from the UK that the Volt could be manufactured at Vauxhall’s Astra plant in Ellesemere Port, Mr Reuss was asked whether Holden’s Volt could be assembled here.

“Sure,” he said, before cautioning that the timeframe was unknown “because I can’t tell you the rate of change of development of the manufacturing of the lithium-ion battery”.

Described by GM as an ‘extended-range electric vehicle’, the Volt can travel up to 64km on electric power only before a 1.4-litre petrol engine is employed to recharge its lithium-ion batteries, allowing hundreds of kilometres of additional travel.

As previously reported, GM commenced pilot production for the Volt in June and is currently building about 10 vehicles a week.

Dozens of pre-production Volts are being tested at GM proving grounds in Yuma, Arizona, and Milford, Michigan, and further testing is being conducted in hot and cold climates to validate the performance of the batteries, which will be produced at a new $US43 million ($A51 million) plant in Michigan.

Full-scale production is scheduled for late next year as a 2011 model.

While in the US this week, Mr Rann also met with California governor Arnold Schwarzenegger to discuss how state governments could lead the way in reducing carbon pollution and embracing green energy.

Ghiadude · 21-08-2009, 07:08 PM

Now we know why they were so secretive about the $200m its pending detroits approval

XR8putts · 21-08-2009, 07:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vztrt

Holden may build the Volt in Australia

They wish.

Hows that E-Commodore coming along?

I'll be shocked if they get their local small car built, let alone the Volt.

R-Design · 21-08-2009, 08:05 PM

I can already see the 1st two coming off the production line:

eb2fairmont · 21-08-2009, 08:27 PM

Like most things Rann, this is all smoke and mirrors. Any hard decisions he'll hide and anything that remotely sounds like good news he'll be licking thier ring clean. Hard.

The guys a twat. Anyone in SA who has a hot car is a hoon, a menace to society and to be locked up. This is desipte the fact that many want a motorsport complex in this state, which would give many a legal means to enjoy thier cars in a safe environment. Rann feels that endorsing such a complex would send the wrong message.

Well whats the Clipsal 500 then?

Sorry that was a silly rant. The clipsal 500 is just a Holden factory picnic at taxpayers expense.

Wally · 21-08-2009, 09:30 PM

Gee the Volt and the Spark are mooted.

Bossxr8 · 21-08-2009, 10:30 PM

Why would they bother. The Volt will sell for 55k US. Here it may cost even more. Prius sells for around 40k and they only sell around 200 a month.

This is as big of a dead end as you can get. Especially with Australia's dirty coal powered electricity supply recharging it and the sky high RRP wiping out any savings in fuel costs.

phillyc · 21-08-2009, 10:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by puts99

They wish.

Hows that E-Commodore coming along?

9 years later... Yep it'll be here in 'another 18mths'.

Pity the media will just lap this up.

Eu-GenixX · 21-08-2009, 10:51 PM

Holden may build the volt?... i also may win the lotto...

351EL · 22-08-2009, 11:19 AM

More spin.

mik · 22-08-2009, 11:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Boss315

I can already see the 1st two coming off the production line:

Falc'man · 22-08-2009, 12:45 PM

News just came in: They won't build the Volt.

More news: They will build it.

Moments later, in the news: They won't build it.

Latest news: They will.

Later than latest: They won't.

Stay tuned for more Holden news; either they will, or they won't, but as you always find out, they never do.

Nikked · 22-08-2009, 01:28 PM

lol, 'may'... Is The Age run by womens weekly?

BlueOvalPrint · 22-08-2009, 03:40 PM

Won't happen, just Holden's usual "look at me, look at me!" stunt to keep itself in the daily fishwrappers. Bit like how they unveil their big wow showcars at the same time as they release some steaming pile of poo for sale to the pubic eg they had the Efijee on show when they released the Daewoo Barina and Epica...

Franco Cozzo · 22-08-2009, 05:52 PM

Why would GM bother building it over here? Aren't they trying to keep Americans in jobs?

**Polyal** · 22-08-2009, 05:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Falc'man

News just came in: They won't build the Volt.

More news: They will build it.

Moments later, in the news: They won't build it.

Latest news: They will.

Later than latest: They won't.

Stay tuned for more Holden news; either they will, or they won't, but as you always find out, they never do.

LOL...so true its like an episode of home and away.

Windsor220 · 22-08-2009, 06:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 351EL

More spin.

eb2fairmont · 22-08-2009, 08:10 PM

And that folks is the god's honest truth.

vztrt · 24-08-2009, 11:58 AM

SA in bid to build electric Holden Cruze

http://www.caradvice.com.au/38858/sa...-holden-cruze/

Quote:

SA in bid to build electric Holden Cruze

The South Australian government is in the midst of making a pitch to General Motors in the US to have GM Holden build a version of its electric car at Elizabeth, South Australia.

The move to build the Volt, an electric version of the new Holden Cruze, is backed by a federal and state government lobbying campaign, spearheaded yesterday by South Australian Premier Mike Rann at GM’s Detroit headquarters, aimed at generating thousands more jobs in the country’s struggling automotive sector.

Federal Industry Minister Kim Carr, who has been working with the SA Government on the issue, will visit Detroit in October for further talks with GM chief executive Fritz Henderson.

Mr Rann yesterday held an hour-long meeting with Mr Henderson after visiting the GM Volt four-cylinder electric car pre-production plant, where he was taken on a demonstration drive. He also held talks with GM’s chief economist, Mustafa Mohatarem.

“Mr Henderson told me he was strongly committed to the company’s Australian operations and he had great confidence in the company’s Australian management,” Mr Rann said.

“They will be concentrating on the US domestic market at first for the Volt electric car, but he did point out that the Volt and the new Cruze had the same platform.”

Senator Carr was reluctant to comment on the campaign because of the complex commercial considerations involved but did note that the project had scope for several possibilities including petrol, LPG, E85, diesel and electric.

Mr Rann said the Holden Volt, due for introduction in Australia as an imported vehicle in 2012, could have a future in Holden’s expanded operations making small and large cars side by side.

The Premier said the new Holden Cruze had the same architectural base as the Volt so therefore it was technologically possible to have an electric version of the Cruze manufactured on the new production line at Elizabeth.

The Cruze, currently imported into Australia but with other versions to be manufactured here from next year, has sold about 2000 units in its first full month of sales, making it one of the top 10 selling cars in the nation.

GM has a commitment to respond to changing demands in the market and the State Government is contributing $30 million over the next four years, along with $140 million from the Federal Government.

Earlier this month, it was revealed Holden had been given a $200 million lifeline by the Federal Government as it battled the economic meltdown and an alarming sales slump.

GM Holden national media manager Scott Whiffin said the company was delighted Mr Rann had the opportunity to meet Mr Henderson.

With: Adelaide Now

R-Design · 24-08-2009, 01:41 PM

Rann's pushing so hard you'd think he's on the GM payroll. He's probably established a department to work on the R&D for Holden.

I wonder if Mitsubishi would still be manufacturing locally if they're received this level of Government support.

vztrt · 24-08-2009, 02:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Boss315

Rann's pushing so hard you'd think he's on the GM payroll. He's probably established a department to work on the R&D for Holden.

I wonder if Mitsubishi would still be manufacturing locally if they're received this level of Government support.

Maybe he's pushing hard because there's a lot of SA government money that has been pumped in and he doesn't wanna repeat of Mitsu. The SA government bought the 380 (recently they were replacing them for the VE) it was everyone else that didn't.

irlewy86 · 24-08-2009, 02:46 PM

Holden MAY build the Volt.

I MAY buy it.

Just after I take Jessica Alba out for dinner and just before I topple Barack Obama to become the first bogan president of the US.

eb2fairmont · 24-08-2009, 04:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Boss315

Rann's pushing so hard you'd think he's on the GM payroll. He's probably established a department to work on the R&D for Holden.

I wonder if Mitsubishi would still be manufacturing locally if they're received this level of Government support.

Rann's pushing so hard for it because:

1. He's got an election in 6 months or so and public sentiment is not as good as the polls would have you believe.

2. Doesn't need Holden going a$$ up in an election year

3. Hasn't done jack for the last 2 years so needs to be seen doing something in the next 6 months or so.

4. Did i mention he has an election soon?

eb2fairmont · 24-08-2009, 04:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by irlewy86

Holden MAY build the Volt.

I MAY buy it.

Just after I take Jessica Alba out for dinner and just before I topple Barack Obama to become the first bogan president of the US.

That makes two of us.

Gaz · 24-08-2009, 09:54 PM

Holden MAY put a _ _ _ _ on wheels and people WILL buy it.... wait.. never mind.

ltd · 25-08-2009, 08:37 AM

Reuss has just announced to rapturous applause from the Australian media that Holden will release the all new "GUNNA-DORE". Maybe, if things allow, one day, perhaps, we're gunna do it I think.
The news was received well amongst all of the journalists both inside and outside the conference; but notably Paul Gover wasn't taking notes, he had his hands feverishly moving in his pockets. Just what he was doing we're not sure.

Reuss's welcomed announcement came at the same time as Paul Gover......., I mean, the industry faced a downturn from reduced GM funding and Obama promising to keep American jobs by firing Australians.

Mike rann was there and was quoted as saying;
"Hospitals, roads and hospitals; that's what I stand for. (Whispering to his assistant)Lets wrap this press conference up I've got a booze up at Holdens after this..... Doh"

Buoyed by the premiers endorsement Reuss went on to discuss the car which is basically a commodore but has:
* Spinning wheel rims - with spinners
* Round spinny thing on the dashboard
* Round spinny disco ball for all the young people - Holden are stylish
* Spinny propeller thing on the exhaust
* Spinning things under the bonnet

He then went on to announce the new catch phrase designed to capture the Gen Y morons who don't know when they are being juiced; "Gunna-dore, take it for a spin".
The federal government then gave a 100 billion dollar lifeline to Reuss, who is now off to negotiate building the first ever Australian Built hybrid car..... In Korea.