18 December 2007

Joint Press Release:
Federal Minister for Trade
South Australian Acting Premier and Minister for Industry and Trade
Victorian Minister for Industry and Trade

Holden to Get a Bigger Slice of American Pie

A symbol of the great American dream – The Pontiac – will be born, bred and manufactured right here in Australia, symbolising the new era of federal and state governments working towards better outcomes for Australia.

In an early indication of cooperative federalism, Federal Minister for Trade, Simon Crean, South Australia’s Acting Premier and Minister for Industry and Trade, Kevin Foley, and Victoria’s Industry and Trade Minister, Theo Theophanous, joined today to ship out the first fleet of Holden’s new Commodore-based Pontiac G8 cars bound for the USA.

Mr Crean said it marked the start of an export program that could see up to 30,000 re-engineered Commodores sold on the US market every year.

“We need strong export strategies and innovation to succeed in the US market.” Mr Crean said.

“I’m committed to lifting Australia’s productivity and export performance, including through a review of Australia’s trade policies.  The Federal Government will also conduct a broad-ranging review of the car industry to start early next year to ensure that it remains competitive into the future. Holden shows that with the right product, people and policies, Australian manufacturers can succeed.”

Mr Theophanous said the $35million project was particularly good news for Victoria which is home to GM’s Global Rear Wheel Drive architecture team - the group responsible for the development of the VE Commodore, Statesman and the new G8 Pontiac engine.

“The Brumby Government is committed to helping the industry build on its technological expertise and develop new export opportunities – today’s shipment shows this approach paying off for the automotive industry and the local economy,” Mr Theophanous said.

“This is a global coup for the automotive industry reinforcing the strength of the excellence of our automotive engineering and design. Overall the project is set to add a minimum of $20 million a year to Victoria’s economy.

“With the engines for this new car coming out of Victoria, very soon thousands of Americans will be driving what essentially is an Australian vehicle with a Victorian heart and soul.”

Mr Foley said the VE Commodore has an outstanding reputation in South Australia and he is not surprised the US market has picked up on the high performance Pontiac G8 export model.

"The American motoring public will be able to see first hand what great cars we build in Australia and particular in South Australia,” Mr Foley said.

The recognition that this vehicle will undoubtedly receive on the international market will no doubt cement GM Holden's position as a producer of world-class vehicles.”

Media Inquiries: Mr Crean's office 02 6277 7420 - Departmental Media Liaison 02 6261 1555