Holden Gets Rebadged Opels
Holden may be losing the Commodore, but the brand will gain three new “premium” offerings, suggesting a possible direction for its famed HSV performance shop.
Holden-badged versions of the Astra GTC and VXR, Insignia VXR and the Cascada convertible. Just-Auto reports that the Insignia will be a new “fully imported” premium sedan, while the Astra models will target the growing hot hatch segment. Holden expects the Cascada to go up against ragtop entrants from BMW and Audi.
The introduction of the three models suggests a possible future direction for Holden, which will be left without its signature, locally build models like the Commodore. Hotter versions of the rear-drive cars, built by tuning arm HSV, are a big part of Holden’s public image, and the Astra and Insignia could even be future candidates for the HSV treatment.
To some, its heresy to even suggest such a thing. But the three models, which Holden expects to be niche products, are critically acclaimed despite their lack of a V8 and rear-wheel drive. But with rumors of a front-drive Commodore continuing to circulate, a souped-up, front-drive HSV car might be a fixture in the future.
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Holden will not only use Opel to supply vehicles. I don't think Opel cars for the consumer are any better than Korean, Thai or even US vehicles overall. Holden will supply the most competitive products. It is free the change suppliers at will. The EU doesn't manufacture all that Holden requires.
I've said this before when people suggest sending U.S. Cars to Australia; manufacturers world-wide design their cars to be built for left or right hand drive. With very few exceptions ( mostly Chrysler/Jeep), U.S. Manufacturers build for left hand drive only. One example is the Ford E-series van. It makes a great base for a motorhome but is almost impossible to convert to RHD because the engine is offset to one side.
Wow, I like the blue one.
Astra did not sell in US well and Insignia too. Opels do not sell well even in Europe. I do not see what the excitement is about. At least Holden was making unique RWD cars. Could be joint platform for US, China and Australia (Europe and Japan are dying markets). Omega was a RWD which was supposed to compete in luxury segment - the reason why it stayed RWD as long as it did as well as Scorpio. I could understand if Holdens were rebadged VWs but Opels?