Pontiac G8 to be Sold in Australia

[Northstar]

Holden to build limited edition run to clear Pontiac parts

North America's loss is about to become Australia's gain. As Pontiac prepares to shut its doors in the USA, and with it the Commodore export program, it has emerged that the Commodore-based Pontiac G8 will be sold in Australia from late this year.

Holden exported approximately 41,000 Commodores as Pontiac G8 sedans between November 2007 and February 2009. A ute version of the Pontiac G8 was due to follow later this year but it was axed along with the rest of the Pontiac brand.

A top secret Holden dealer bulletin obtained by the Carsales Network has revealed that the Pontiac G8 will be sold locally in November and December, with production due to start on November 2.

The move has been designed to clear parts stock that was destined for the now axed Pontiac export program.

There will be sedan, ute and wagon versions in three colours -- black, red and 'voodoo' blue. This means the local Pontiac G8 will be sold in two guises not available in the US (where it was a sedan only), making the ute and wagon particularly rare.

Even though all cars will be based on the Holden Commodore SS V and wear SS V badging they are expected to become collector's items as they will mark an important milestone (and memory) in Holden history: when it last exported cars to the world's biggest car market.

Significantly, the limited edition models will not wear Pontiac badges, but they will get all the other Pontiac parts. The parts include the Pontiac G8 bonnet, front bumper and grille. On sedan models, the lower 'lip' boot spoiler will replace the SS V's high-mount spoiler.

It is unclear how many of each will be made, but dealer contacts have suggested it will be close to 1500 in total, or about 500 of each body style.

Prices of each limited edition model will be $1000 more than a regular SS V. The Holden bulletin outlined to dealers the following:

Pontiac G8 SS-V ute manual $47,490

Pontiac G8 SS-V sedan manual $55,290

Pontiac G8 SS-V wagon manual $57,290

Automatics are likely to be available although they were not mentioned on the price list.

Holden has so far refused to confirm the special model. Holden spokeswoman Kate Lonsdale said: "We are always looking to introduce exciting special edition packs but we haven't announced any special programs just yet."

http://www.carpoint.com.au/news/2009/large...australia-16339

[Intrepidation]

There will be sedan, ute and wagon versions in three colours -- black, red and 'voodoo' blue. This means the local Pontiac G8 will be sold in two guises not available in the US (where it was a sedan only), making the ute and wagon particularly rare.

[CSpec]

I would love to have a G8 wagon!!

[GMTruckGuy74]

Dodgefan

There will be sedan, ute and wagon versions in three colours -- black, red and 'voodoo' blue. This means the local Pontiac G8 will be sold in two guises not available in the US (where it was a sedan only), making the ute and wagon particularly rare.

Well that just sucks, doesn't it? The wagon was the version I most wanted, and would even have settled with a 3.6L V6 equipped model. Thanks Holden, just for sticking it to us Pontiac fans one last time

[z28luvr01]

So Pontiac finally became a global brand, on its deathbed. I'll bet several members are already checing prices on qantas.com for flights to Australia.

[NINETY EIGHT REGENCY]

Excuse me while I get ethnic for a minute:

Ain't that a b*******! That is something. American GM fans get f******ed over one more time for the umpteeth time. Is there some reason GM North America could not have sold these cars here as final Pontiacs?

And This deserves a "Sue Simmons" moment for GM. This one hurts. The wound goes deep. I know you need to get rid of Pontiac parts, but I ask you.....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pGESbqXLPEA...feature=related

Edited August 19, 2009 by NINETY EIGHT REGENCY

[hyperv6]

Camaino did you see this.

Pontiac G8 SS-V ute manual $47,490

They may build it after all. Might check out how much to import one.

[67impss]

Would love a wagon but they wont be Pontiacs nor 2009's therefore can't inport them for 25 yrs. laws are sooooo stupid

[Drew Dowdell]

someone want to clean this up and throw it on the front page?

[67impss]

someone want to clean this up and throw it on the front page?

Should be moved to Holden as it is not Pontiac

[daves87rs]

Just sad....

[z28luvr01]

Well that just sucks, doesn't it? The wagon was the version I most wanted, and would even have settled with a 3.6L V6 equipped model. Thanks Holden, just for sticking it to us Pontiac fans one last time

It's not Holden's fault. The car would probably be an Epsilon if not for Holden.

[wildcat]

So Pontiac finally became a global brand, on its deathbed. I'll bet several members are already checing prices on qantas.com for flights to Australia.

No, Pontiac isn't global. These will be sold as Holdens.

[Drew Dowdell]

LOL! Z and DF, you guys wanna combine your front page posts?

[z28luvr01]

No, Pontiac isn't global. These will be sold as Holdens.

My comment was tongue in cheek. Sorry I couldn't express that better. They'll probably be RHD anyway.

[z28luvr01]

someone want to clean this up and throw it on the front page?

It's up there now.

[Intrepidation]

I put Z's writing in my post since his was better.

[PurdueGuy]

Is there some reason GM North America could not have sold these cars here as final Pontiacs?

Yes, quite simply the extreme cost and distraction of resources involved in getting the additional models certified in the US just to sell a few models.

[SAmadei]

Would love a wagon but they wont be Pontiacs nor 2009's therefore can't inport them for 25 yrs. laws are sooooo stupid

Meh. 25 years will just fly by in a blink. I remember folks waiting for mid-70s Ford Falcons to age 25 years so they could have Mad Max cars.

GM burned me already for the final time. I can live a full, rich life without ever owning an EpII.

[67impss]

Meh. 25 years will just fly by in a blink. I remember folks waiting for mid-70s Ford Falcons to age 25 years so they could have Mad Max cars.

GM burned me already for the final time. I can live a full, rich life without ever owning an EpII.

You might be able to wait but I'll be 74 at that time

Do you think we might be able to talk the Ozzies into letting Americans into the outback territories to be able buy Holden's I mean the way this country is going. But then again their Gov doesn't like guns

[Camino LS6]

Just when I thought no more salt could be stuffed into the wound...

[FUTURE_OF_GM]

As if I needed yet ANOTHER reason to hate GM

[Blake Noble]

I can't put into words exactly how enraged this makes me feel ...

[Robert Hall]

Very strange situation.

[the_yellow_dart]

So... they're introducing a brand to a new market just to clear some parts?

Holden doesn't need money that badly, do they???

[Robert Hall]

So... they're introducing a brand to a new market just to clear some parts?

I wonder about that... it did say they wouldn't be badged as Pontiacs...so will be they be marketed as Holden Pontiacs? Or just regular Holdens with Pontiac trim? Very strange.

[Camino LS6]

I wonder about that... it did say they wouldn't be badged as Pontiacs...so will be they be marketed as Holden Pontiacs? Or just regular Holdens with Pontiac trim? Very strange.

Not really, Holden has a long tradition of offering special editions of their cars, that's how this insult to Pontiac fans is to be marketed.

[Robert Hall]

Not really, Holden has a long tradition of offering special editions of their cars, that's how this insult to Pontiac fans is to be marketed.

Yeah..seems like it will may be used like the HSV label..

[Camino LS6]

Yeah..seems like it will may be used like the HSV label..

Nah, more like their once every few years' special editions.

HSV is a whole different deal.

[Robert Hall]

Nah, more like their once every few years' special editions.

HSV is a whole different deal.

Yeah, more of a trim package special than upgraded hardware. HSV is Holden's equivalent of Caddy's V-series, BMW's M, Merc's AMG, etc I think?

Rob

[Camino LS6]

Now you have it right.

This is one of the special edition cars, the Monaro CV8R:

By CaminoLS6

[ocnblu]

[FAPTurbo]

Sending to North America was deemed unfeasible, so why hold it against Holden for using the parts? At least they'll make some money.

[ocnblu]

Yeah we should not be upset at Holden, they engineered a fantastic car. It is Fritz Henderson I hold responsible for this... we waited decades for a proper RWD Pontiac sport sedan... and when we get it.... RRRRRRRRRRRRIP..... it gets torn from our grasp by the clown at the top.

[SAmadei]

Yeah we should not be upset at Holden, they engineered a fantastic car. It is Fritz Henderson I hold responsible for this... we waited decades for a proper RWD Pontiac sport sedan... and when we get it.... RRRRRRRRRRRRIP..... it gets torn from our grasp by the clown at the top.

Hey, that's why I've voting with my wallet. Elsewhere.

[Delta Force79]

What a slap in the face to Pontiac fans, and while I am not a die hard Poncho fan, this is a f@#king disgrace. TO see the way Pontiac is not only being given the shaft and not even a proper sendoff, now this. GM you have sunk to a new low.

[hyperv6]

No reason to be too upset if you really want to buy a G8 Sedan. There are still new ones sitting on dealer lots for sale. They have not sold out!

Edited August 20, 2009 by hyperv6

[Satty]

No reason to be too upset if you really want to buy a G8 Sedan. There are still new ones sitting on dealer lots for sale. They have not sold out!

Tru dat, the local dealer has 3 in stock and is offering $4-5,000 off MSRP.

[Camino LS6]

The GXPs are gone (at least all of the manuals).

The GTs are few and far between.

The V6 cars are the most plentiful, but even those are gone around here.

What this means for me is that in 2011, when I expected to order an ST, GM won't have anything for me.

Holden is blameless here, but GM is not.

Delta is right, this is a new low.

[aaaantoine]

Uh... How about put Pontiac G8s in Chevy dealerships (with no changes whatsoever) until the parts run out?

Lots of thoughts on this, but they are all over the place. So, no further comment.

[GMTruckGuy74]

Uh... How about put Pontiac G8s in Chevy dealerships (with no changes whatsoever) until the parts run out?

Lots of thoughts on this, but they are all over the place. So, no further comment.

If GM wanted to use up the parts and still offer the car in NA, why not just keep them in Buick-GMC dealerships? Those salespeople have been the ones selling the G8 anyway, and the service departments are the ones that have been taking care of the cars too (no need for re-training sales staff or service techs in Chevy dealerships).

I am in no way mad at Holden (I think I may have come off this way in my earlier post). GM yet again has made a STUPID decision here and continues to tell it's North American Pontiac customer base to screw off. GM wants Pontiac dead and they wanted it dead six months ago. No appropriate fairwell for this brand nor it's loyal customers that continued to purchase Pontiacs into the new millenium (forget about the classic Poncho owners that haven't bought a new Pontiac since the Pontiac-engineered 400 & 301 disappeared ). GM could have continued Pontiac on a niche basis with the G8 range for 2010 - umm, Holden is still making the Commodore for 2010, right??? - and a proper "final edition" Pontiac could have been offered to those of us who will miss our brand. But no, Fritz made up his mind and Lutz in no way can change it

This is why instead of supporting the New GM I'm buying an older, used car and the New GM can have my AURA lease back to deal with in November. Pissed off by even the New GM? Then vote with your dollar$ where it hurts them

Edited August 20, 2009 by GMTruckGuy74

[FUTURE_OF_GM]

My local dealer has a black manual GXP (which is sold) a red auto GXP and a silver GT sitting together on the lot. It was a beautiful site and I just had to stop in the other day and take pictures.

This really does piss me off. The jury is out as to whether I will continue to support GM. I'm sure I will (because I have no other options) but I will never forgive and forget.

[NINETY EIGHT REGENCY]

Wow... the feelings run deep here just as they did with Oldsmobile. I am reading thinking man.... I thought what I said in my post about this was harsh, but I was trying to be funny. I have been topped by them all here.

A lot of people are now being placed in the position Oldsmobile people have been in since 2004. When you brand or a car you likes goes, what do you do when what is being offered does not appeal to you or meet your needs?

People have voted. They left GM or kept their current car or bought an older car from the defunct brands.

[Camino LS6]

It's simple really, GM stubbornly mishandled Pontiac ( and the G8 in particular) so now they pay the price.

Eventually, they will admit the mistake but it will be way too late.

Let them feel the pain of their own decisions - they've earned it.

[Justin Bimmer]

Wow... the feelings run deep here just as they did with Oldsmobile. I am reading thinking man.... I thought what I said in my post about this was harsh, but I was trying to be funny. I have been topped by them all here.

A lot of people are now being placed in the position Oldsmobile people have been in since 2004. When you brand or a car you likes goes, what do you do when what is being offered does not appeal to you or meet your needs?

People have voted. They left GM or kept their current car or bought an older car from the defunct brands.

You forgot another option: They bought a new GM vehicle that was not Oldsmobile.

I know Oldsmobile and Pontiac are important to a lot of people here, but at least you still have a choice as to which American car you can purchase.

Almost nothing electronic is made here.

Almost nothing clothing wise is made here.

I'm glad I can still get a Chevrolet, Cadillac, Buick, or GMC that is still mostly made here, at least for now. Keep booing and buying used and then we may have only Toyota, Honda, Kia, and Hyundai to buy from. Because people that really don't care about what car they drive, that's what they drive. They are the majority of the customers too.

So two options: 1. Build cars they want to buy. 2. Try to change their minds and prove to them they need to feel something when they drive their cars.

Now, being a BUSINESS. . . which one is easier and will make you more money?

[Camino LS6]

Yeah, like a re-badged Vue?

GM still doesn't get it.

[Justin Bimmer]

Yeah, like a re-badged Vue?

GM still doesn't get it.

On some things, they certainly need to be drug out onto the carpet for. But, I'm not about to yell at them for making a business decision to NOT import a car from Australia.

I own a pontiac, I love pontiac. I'm not going to blow it up and let it burn in effigy because GM got rid of pontiac.

[Camino LS6]

They should never have stopped the import program in the first place, they should have kept it going to the end of the brand in 2010.

Instead they panicked.

Edited August 20, 2009 by Camino LS6

[Camino LS6]

Not to mention that they could have sent Pontiac out with a measure of grace and dignity.

Show a little class, GM!

[Justin Bimmer]

What if they were losing a ton of money on the import program?

It could have been an major accounting work around for Holden and GM to have the cars here in the first place. With the debts being pushed into Motors Liquidation, there was no need to be creative anymore.

That could be one reason why lutz said YES! Then Fritz said NO!

But, I know. . . bean counters.

But I want GM to MAKE MONEY!!!