Australian company wants Pontiac G8 to be next cop cruiser

[BigPontiac]

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Australian company wants Pontiac G8 to be next cop cruiser

Police agencies across the United States are chock full of Crown Victoria cruisers. In all, there are over 80,000 Crown Vics on patrol, but the generations-old cruiser is finally getting consigned to history within the next year. That leaves a huge opening to any company that has a suitable replacement, and an Australian company thinks it has what it takes. Melbourne's National Safety Agency is working on newer, safer and more efficient technology for large markets like the US, UK and Canada, and they have a very solid partner in Holden. Holden builds both the Commodore and the Pontiac G8, giving the NSA both left and right hand drive RWD vehicles with powerful engine options. The very capable GM models also adhere to safety and emissions standards in several high volume markets.

The NSA has built a Pontiac G8 police cruiser prototype for an upcoming meeting with the LAPD and the Association of Public Safety Communication Officials, with several police-specific technologies on-board, including a integrated computer mounted into the dash. The G8 will also employs safety technology to keep officers safer, while also reducing the considerable costs that go into retrofitting a vehicle for police duty.

[Camino LS6]

There would be alot of happy cops.

[Camino LS6]

The only problem I can see is that the Crown Vic is much cheaper. I know when the local sheriff's office bought their last batch they paid somewhere in the low 20's a piece for them; I don't think the G8 can beat that.

Crown Vic is being put out to pasture.

[G. David Felt]

LAPD commits to a large enough quantity, they can get them much cheaper than what we pay for them.

[Croc]

This is fantastic news, and a potential revenue windfall for GM, if they play their cards right. Yes, fleeted vehicles aren't much in the way of $$$ profit margins, but think of the opportunities for servicing government vehicles. Licensing revenue, custom paint jobs and decals, etc. GM could certainly do worse.

Oh, and that would extend the shelf life of the G8, huh? Maybe it'll be on the market a lot longer than 3-4 more years.

[Camino LS6]

This is fantastic news, and a potential revenue windfall for GM, if they play their cards right. Yes, fleeted vehicles aren't much in the way of $$$ profit margins, but think of the opportunities for servicing government vehicles. Licensing revenue, custom paint jobs and decals, etc. GM could certainly do worse.

Oh, and that would extend the shelf life of the G8, huh? Maybe it'll be on the market a lot longer than 3-4 more years.

Maybe.

But knowing GM, I wouldn't be surprised if they cancel the G8 right after setting-up another shift to build the cars at Holden.

[Intrepidation]

Not as mean looking as a Charger buts till awesome nonetheless.

[Camino LS6]

Not as mean looking as a Charger buts till awesome nonetheless.

Can't agree with you there...

[Blake Noble]

Hopefully this will bode well for the G8 and for Pontiac.

[hyperv6]

This is almost enought to make one want to be come a officer.

But then is just watch cops and they don't get paid enough for the crap they put up with.

The Crown Vic is not selling well and is going away. Many departments are going to the Impala due to the better mileage and lower cost. Chevy is doing well with the Impala as a squad car.

The G8 might have a chance if gas stays cheap but if it goes up and Cities already laying off officers I suspect the cheaper more efficent cars will rule.

A G8 Cruiser is as Niche as you can get!

Edited February 27, 2009 by hyperv6

[Camino LS6]

A G8 Cruiser is as Niche as you can get!

True that.

[Intrepidation]

I've only seen one Impala cop car in the area that I can recall. However, I've seen quite a few Chargers...and one Magnum.

[Camino LS6]

Cities buy the Impala by the truckload.

[Oracle of Delphi]

A Fleet Vehicle by Any Other Name Would Smell as Sweet (or Would It?)

I dub thee Fleet Queen ...

[Intrepidation]

I think that title still belongs to the Grand Prix.

[Camino LS6]

I think that title still belongs to the Grand Prix.

It does.

[Oracle of Delphi]

The times they are a changing ...

[Camino LS6]

The times they are a changing ...

Yeah, hopefully Opel will go bother Daimler and we'll be rid of them!

[Oracle of Delphi]

Yeah, hopefully Opel will go bother Daimler and we'll be rid of them!

Daimler doesn't have the cash, but I pray for our freedom daily ...

[Camino LS6]

Daimler doesn't have the cash, but I pray for our freedom daily ...