Press Release: GM Holden has teamed up with Holden Special Vehicles (HSV) to expand its range of exported vehicles to the
The new export program, launched overnight in the
The new high performance model will be known as CR8. It features the LS2 6.0-litre engine Generation IV V8 engine delivering 307kw of peak performance with 550 Nm* of torque.
With over 200,000 Holden-sourced short and long wheel based vehicles sold into the region since 1998, the
Currently Holden currently exports variants of the VE and WM sedan ranges which are sold in the region as Chevrolet Lumina and Chevrolet Caprice respectively. The Chevrolet Lumina ranges from the LS model (based on the VE Omega) up to the sports-based SS (based on the equivalent Commodore SS model).
Alan Batey, GM Holden Executive Director – Sales and Marketing comments, “This extension of our product range in the region illustrates the growing maturity of the
“Holden has been able to partner its expertise in tailoring vehicles for the
“Local buyers appreciate the luxury brands but also seek great performance and handling from their vehicles. Both the Lumina and Caprice deliver that combination and with the introduction of the CR8, consumers will be offered another exciting option.â€
Scott Grant, Managing Director of HSV, said “This announcement adds another important export market to the HSV portfolio, on top of our successful program with Vauxhall in the
“HSV is already well known brand among car enthusiasts in the
“We have also been involved in the region through supply and preparation of 20 Clubsport R VZ models for the Lumina CSV Championship which is run by the Bahrain International Race Circuit and sponsored by Chevrolet.
“The initial response from dealers has been exceptional with the CR8 being praised for its aggressive stance, excellent acceleration and handling.â€
Exports represent an increasingly important part of GM Holden’s current business model with total export sales for 2006 reaching 46,074. Of those, over 31,000 were for the
Earlier this year, Chevrolet Caprice received its second major award in the
The launch of the new export program is timed to coincide with the Desert 400 V8 Supercar round in
The new CR8 will also be on display at a CSV stand at the forthcoming Dubai Motor Show from 14-18 November.