It's Official - Lutz approves Monaro/Pontiac exports!

[Thunda Downunda]

GM vice chairman Bob Lutz has confirmed that the Holden Monaro will be exported & sold as a Pontiac GTO in the USA

Lutz called it "an instant cult classic" and cited up to 20,000 units, also mentioning the possibility of other models - read Ute - although with capacity restraints at Holden's Elizabeth plant the overall number won't be large by US standards

Here's how it was reported by Autoweek in the States

[MattyG]

Thats great news! Especially for the Aussie car industry.

[CHVYPWR]

Now, how 'bout that UTE I want a NEW El Camino

[replicant_008]

Evidently, there were two issues about the GTO since the announcment.

Fuel Tank - in litigation-filled US, fuel tank behind the rear axle is a no-no. Maybe it has something to getting a Liberace from a 3 tonne Chevy Suburban. But Holden thinks this isn't a show-stopper to relocate the tank.

The other issue was with UAW (United Autoworkers - US union) - they were initially concerned that the cars were not being built by US folk. But because of the relatively minute volumes in the US scheme of things it's now no big deal. No big deal for UAW but a big deal for the hardworking folk assembling cars at Holden in Australia.

Now if the blue oval and others could only get their act together and sell some of their product overseas, the whole of Australia could develop a wider base of suppliers, showcase more of its technology and expertise and give some more folk jobs - at not only at the manufacturers but across the whole industry and everyone servicing it!

[ozxterra]

I for one am happy. I miss the Holdens and am sick of the plastic, underpowered, front wheel-drive crap GM passes as performance sedans here.

If only there were HSV access too (Sigh).

[GMCSprint1971]

Originally Posted by CHVYPWR

Now, how 'bout that UTE I want a NEW El Camino

Hell YES!!! Send them and I will buy them... I want an Aus. Ute to haul around my ass! Make mine a HSV SST in Black please! I know there isn't such a thing......yet

Cheers!

[GMCSprint1971]

Originally Posted by Thunda Downunda

GM vice chairman Bob Lutz has confirmed that the Holden Monaro will be exported & sold as a Pontiac GTO in the USA

Lutz called it "an instant cult classic" and cited up to 20,000 units, also mentioning the possibility of other models - read Ute - although with capacity restraints at Holden's Elizabeth plant the overall number won't be large by US standards

Here's how it was reported by Autoweek in the States

Well take what Holden can produce. I guarantee "I'll" buy one. Anything to help out our friends in motorsports downunder! I hope it's a hit!

Cheers!