CarPoint Confidential: Ute Set For September Debut?

CarPoint Editor
3 January 2007
www.carpoint.com.au

Holden's next generation of the VE/WM new model dynasty is now due in September. Mark it in the diary now.

Indeed, our sources have revealed that the lure of "substantial" export orders for "the Americas" have accelerated the planned launch date of the new Commodore Ute. It will now be unveiled ahead of a Spring launch and it will be part of Holden's export portfolio.

The new Ute will be exported in much larger volumes than the past generation of haulers, our source says. For example, right-hand drive VZ Utes have been exported in small quantities to South Africa (NZ's not really exporting, is it?) but the new Ute will be built in left-drive.

Just what badge it will wear is an interesting question to ponder.

Holden will verify GM's worst kept secret (that Commodore will go to the USA as a Pontiac) at an announcement in Melbourne next Thursday. This will correspond with a similar 'reveal' at the Chicago Motor Show in the USA. It is unlikely, however, that the Ute will go to the USA or South America wearing the same nameplate.

Whatever the badge, the most important US benchmark the Aussie Ute must measure up to can be found in your local hardware already. US market 'truck' beds are rated on their ability to swallow 8 x 4ft sheets of plywood and nothing else...

If we were betting types we'd wager that the extra wheelbase and new rear suspension the new generation Ute will boast will make sure the car does exactly that...

http://www.gminsidenews.com/forums/s...ad.php?t=44343

 

Yes, it's likely headed here.

The only hurdles it had was the US tarriffs on imported trucks, and resistance inside GM to make a new VE version of the Ute..... both of which no longer are a factor.

 

Looks good, El Camino, here we come!

 

Definately can't see it being a big seller.

 

This continues to be a point of confusion. It's not the VOLUME that matters - it's the PROFIT. The new GTO was likely a financial success for GM, even though it was not a 'big seller'. GTO owners are happy. So it's a win-win.

 

dont quite understand the appeal of an elcamino.

 

You've obviously never owned one.

Not that a new El Camino would fit my current lifestyle, mind you. However there was a time when I would have chosen an El Camino over a Camaro AND a pickup.

 

Uh-huh.

Let's see...

*ponder ponder ponder*

OH! I KNOW!

 

As long as it is profitable for GM, bring it on over. The more exciting and diverse their product portfolio the better.

Although again, I see lots of people say they would love to see a new El Camino. But how many of them will actually buy one?

As cool as the SSR was, a $25-32,000 V8 Ute does make a little more sense than a $40-45,000 SSR if you want a sport truck/car/thing.

 

I sure hope they don't mean a 4 x 8 sheet of plywood between the wheel wells and with the tailgate up.

 

Didn't Bob Lutz say that the Ute was not coming here?

 

As with everything else concerning Holden imports to the US, its about 10 years too late. GM missed the truck craze, a time when a vehicle like this probably could have done VERY well.

 

I think a potential El Camino would almost have to be retro-styled. Especially with the G8, they can't just stick a Chevy badge on it and expect it to sell.

 

I think they could do a tough modern-Chevy nose for it -- maybe with hints of the new Camaro in it -- and it'd do just fine. It won't ever be more than a niche product in the modern market; the idea is to get the people who want one something to get really excited about, and a good Chevy nose and an available LSx should take care of that.

 

I think the case for importing the Ute as a Chevy El Camino is far overstated. Because, really, I can't really see it as being anything more than a very low volume niche player.

It's one thing to sit at your keyboard and say "hey that's kinda cool" and another to actually dig in your pocket at purchase time, to write the check for a new one.