As a follow up to my recent post about the export variants of the Adelaide -built Holden Commodore and Caprice, it is fantastic to hear today that the Commodore will be making its way back to the United States as a Police vehicle.
Adelaide Now reported that orders can now being taken from US police forces to purchase the purpose built Chevrolet Caprice, based on the Holden Statesman. They state that Holden is hoping to sell 20,000 of these cars in America.
The vehicle will feature a 6.0L V8, a long wheel base providing room for a safety barrier and specially designed, heavy duty seats to accommodate equipment belts. Plus it looks a heck of a lot better than the old Ford Crown Victoria’s that most police are still using.
Again, this is more great news for the northern suburbs of Adelaide as Holden ramps up for the release of the new Cruze and Commodore, diversifying the business and helping to secure the future of the region and the Australian automotive industry.
Have a look at the 2011 Chevrolet Caprice PPV website for full details about the car and some great pictures.
On a recent holiday to America, I was strolling down Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills doing some window shopping when I spotted a wonderful sight. Parked amongst all the Bentleys and Aston Martins was a Holden VE Commodore with Pontaic G8 badges. It fills you with pride when you’re on the other side of the planet and you come across something that was built in your own neighbourhood. So being the good tourist that I am, I whipped out the camera and snapped a quick pic!
Being proud of Holden’s export achievements, I thought I’d put together a list of some of the export variants of the humble Commodore and the websites of the worldwide GM affiliates that are selling our wonderful machine.
Since most of the Holden’s here are actually Korean built Daewoos, it’s only fair that they sell the Elizabeth-built Caprice with their badging. Have a look at the Daewoo Veritas.
Sadly, the global financial crisis wiped out the Pontiac brand in America, putting an end to our exports in that part of the world. The SS Commodore-based Pontiac G8 can still be found on Pontiac’s website though. At least Holden is making use of the left over Pontiac bumpers and bonnets for the local special edition SS-V. Maybe we’ll see the ute go that way with a Chevrolet El Camino badge, or the sedan as a Police car?
Our minerals aren’t the only thing that China buys from us, they also get our Holden Statesman with a Buick Park Avenue badge slapped on.
Any Top Gear viewer will have seen the HSV Clubsport as the Vauxhall VXR8 in the UK – if you haven’t seen it, I’m sure Channel 9 or GO! will repeat the episode where they test it for the twentieth time!
And of course, our mates over the water in New Zealand get the Commodore as it’s meant to be – with a Holden badge!
So what else do we export from this great city? Post a comment to tell the world about other Adelaide exports that make you proud to be South Australian.
Do you work in the Adelaide CBD? Do you like the idea of cycling to work?
Well, next week, Bicycle SA are going to be running a number of lunch time session to encourage and support commuting by bicycle. Sessions will include better biking skills, cycling in the CBD, and the essentials of maintenance. Other events will also be held during the week including bicycle tours of the River Torrens.
If you’d like to find out more or register to attend a session, just visit the Bicycle SA website.
Last night, I went into the city for the Skyshow. Once again, a fantastic show was put on in Adelaide. Hopefully, it will become a regular event again. I took the Flip camera with me and filmed the show, so for your viewing pleasure, here’s the first 10 minutes….
Last year, RAAF Edinburgh put on a fantastic display at the Clipsal 500 to give the general public an idea of what the RAAF do in the Adelaide northern suburbs. This year, they’ll be doing it again, so if you’re heading to the Clipsal, be sure to stop by the RAAF display to check out their toys.
Here’s a short video from the 2009 Clipsal with Group Captain Reg Carruthers talking about the display…
As a follow up to my recent post about the export variants of the Adelaide -built Holden Commodore and Caprice, it is fantastic to hear today that the Commodore will be making its way back to the United States as a Police vehicle.
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