PM launches new Holden Cruze

[Geez Louise]

Taken from Ninemsn.

http://news.ninemsn.com.au/national/...w-holden-cruze

Australia's manufacturing sector has a bright and viable future, Prime Minister Julia Gillard says.

The Prime Minister was launching the new Holden Cruze - the small passenger car the company has started manufacturing at its factory at Elizabeth in Adelaide.

Ms Gillard helped drive the first Cruze off the production line, watched by about 1000 staff as well as representatives of the automotive component manufacturing sector.

She said the new car was proof that Australia's manufacturing had a bright and viable future.

"It is proof that in a tough global economy, we can compete, we can mix it with the best," she said on Monday.

Holden chairman Mike Devereux said the production of the Cruze marked a new era in manufacturing both for Holden and the Australian car industry.

"Two years ago, during make or break time for our people and our industry, we made the decision to build Cruze in Australia," Mr Devereux said.

"It's already creating new capabilities and opportunities for the industry and our critically important supplier community."

BlueScope Steel has warned the introduction of the federal government's proposed carbon price will harm the manufacturing industry and entrench Australia's dependence on resources.

Ms Gillard did not talk to reporters at the Holden launch on Monday but earlier told ABC radio she was listening to industry concerns.

"I understand that there will be industries that need assistance to adjust to carbon pricing but can I also say to you ... we are good at reform," she told ABC radio in Adelaide.

[Zero_PSI]

I can imagine the thoughts of the 1000 staff..."This better not cut into my lunch break".

[R-Design]

Originally Posted by 28 February 2011
By BYRON MATHIOUDAKIS

Holden’s Australian-built Cruze surfaces
Local Cruze: Australian-made small car debuts with new engine options ahead of late March release.

GM Holden reveals its big Australianised small-car hope ahead of a late March launch
GM HOLDEN unveiled the first Australian-made small car in more than a decade this morning in Adelaide, the Cruze, which goes on sale in March.

Dubbed the JG Series II, the facelifted small sedan ushers in a fresh face, improved Euro 5 emissions-meeting engines and an optional 1.4-litre turbocharged petrol four that brings more advanced rear suspension and electric power steering, as well as a sporty SRi series option.

Despite the upgrades, prices stay put for the volume-selling 1.8-litre petrol versions, meaning that the base model CD still kicks off from $20,990.

Ending almost two years of sourcing from GM Daewoo in South Korea, the Australian Cruze marks the first locally manufactured small car since the demise of Toyota’s AE100 Corolla in 1999.

Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard was on hand to drive an example off the line at Holden’s Elizabeth manufacturing plant in Adelaide, before full production commences in the last week of March.

However, as revealed earlier this year, the long-awaited (and Holden-designed) five-door hatchback version will not be released until the last quarter of 2011, leaving the facelifted Cruze sedan to soldier on alone in Australia’s booming small-car market segment until then.

The biggest visual giveaway is the more rounded grille, yet the bumper and air intake, wheel design, headlight and rear fascia treatments are also different.

Several new colours have been introduced, most of which are shared with the VEII Commodore and WMII Caprice that the Cruze is manufactured alongside at Elizabeth.

About half of the JG Series II’s retail value is now said to be Australian made, with the roof, body sides, closures, fascias and most interior plastics and trim made on site. Holden says local content will climb as more suppliers come on board.

Counting both the Cruze and Commodore/Caprice variants, total Holden Vehicle Operations production at Elizabeth will rise to approximately 430 vehicles per day over two shifts, five days per week. Personnel numbers now top 2500.

Holden has accessed $149 million from the federal government’s now-defunct Green Car Innovation Fund and another $30 million from the South Australian state government to help assist bring the Australian-made Cruze to market.

The headline Series II act is the all-new 1.4-litre ‘iTi’ double overhead cam four-cylinder turbo petrol – an engine that was first seen in the Cruze’s closely related Astra J cousin (due to go on sale Australia next year with Opel badges). Both GM small cars share the same Delta architecture.

Delivering 103kW of power at 4900rpm and 200Nm of torque between 1850 and 4900rpm, and paired to six-speed manual or new six-speed automatic transmissions – the latter with a sequential-shift manual mode - it averages 6.4 litres per 100 kilometres (auto: 6.9L/100km) and 153 grams carbon dioxide emissions per kilometre (auto: 164g/km).

The 1.4L iTi carries a $1250 price premium in entry-level CD guise, but also brings electric (instead of hydraulic) power steering and adds a Watts Linkage to the torsion beam rear suspension set-up, which is claimed to reduce lateral movement and cabin noise intrusion to produce a more controllable yet quieter car without the expense of a multi-link rear set-up.

The turbo-petrol drivetrain also underpins the new SRi and flagship SRi V series.

Both are identifiable by a modified grille and air intake, a rear lip spoiler and revised alloy wheels, while the latter also introduces remote keyless entry and starting, satellite-navigation, a 10GB hard drive, CD/MP3 rip and store capability, DVD player and live-radio pause functionality to the Cruze for the first time.

More information about these, as well as the mechanical workings of the 1.4L iTi-equipped models, will be revealed at the Cruze’s official launch on March 16.

Meanwhile, the least changed Series II cars are the CD and CDX that use GM’s long-lived 1.8-litre Ecotec four-cylinder petrol unit.

Holden says minor modifications have resulted in driveability and fuel economy improvements, but outputs remain at 104kW at 6200rpm and 176Nm at 3800rpm respectively.

The standard five-speed manual returns 7.0L/100km while the optional six-speed automatic gearbox ($2000) slurps slightly less unleaded petrol at 7.4L/100km (down from 7.5).

Greater efficiency comes in the form of a heavily revised 2.0-litre DOHC common-rail turbo-diesel for the Cruze Diesel, which has the distinction of being the most frugal Australian-built production vehicle.

Although power is now up nine per cent to 120kW at 3800rpm and torque jumps 12.5 per cent to 360Nm at 2000rpm, combined fuel consumption slips 0.1L/100km to 5.6L/100km for Diesels fitted with the improved six-speed manual gearbox. The six-speed auto remains unchanged at 6.7L/100km. Holden expects the latter’s popularity to increase as fuel prices spike upwards, despite a $500 price increase for the model variant. Currently diesel sales are at about 20 per cent of total Cruze volume.

As before, all Cruze models score a five-star ANCAP safety rating and include six airbags, electronic stability control (ESC) with traction control, an anti-lock braking system (ABS), electronic brake-force distribution (EBD) and collapsible pedals.

Since its May 2009 release, Cruze demand has consistently outstripped pre-release predictions, resulting in more than 43,000 sales and making the Cruze a consistent top-three player in a tightly contested segment long dominated by the Mazda3 and Toyota’s Corolla.

Holden believes the Series II changes will keep the car at the front of the small-car sales race.

“We are absolutely delighted to be adding Cruze to our Australian manufacturing base,” said GM Holden chairman and managing director Mike Devereux.

“Its combination of style, fuel efficiency, Australian design and engineering will ensure it continues the Holden success story well into the future.

“The Cruze has already demonstrated that it’s a car that Australians want. In a very short time, and with only one body-style, the current Cruze model has become a top 10 seller in the Australian market. With the release of our new models and a hatchback on the way we are confident Cruze will continue to go from strength to strength.”

Ironically, the last Australian built small car also spawned a Holden version (from 1989 to 1997), although the previous non-Toyota sourced Holden model to be made locally was the unpopular RB Gemini, an ex-Isuzu co-op assembled in Elizabeth from 1985 to 1987.

The outgoing Cruze continues to be built for Asian markets at Incheon in South Korea, and the car is also manufactured in Ohio USA, St Petersburg Russia, Shenyang China and Halol India.

Globally, Australia ranks number three globally for Cruze popularity, behind South Korea and China. Global sales are now past the half-million unit mark.

2011 Holden JGII Cruze sedan pricing:
CD 1.8L $20,990

CD 1.8L (a) $22,990
CD 1.4iTi $22,240
CD 1.4iTi (a) $24,240
CD Diesel $24,990
CD Diesel (a) $26,990
CDX 1.8L $24,490
CDX 1.8L (a) $26,490
CDX Diesel $28,490
CDX Diesel (a) $30,490
SRi 1.4iTi $24,490
SRi 1.4iTi (a) $26,490
SRi V 1.4iTi $27,990
SRi V 1.4iTi (a) $29,990

http://www.goauto.com.au/mellor/mell...257844007D4BCC

[flappist]

It is red.
It is moving forward.
It is uniquely Australian.
It is moving forward.
It is somewhat boganish.
It is moving forward.

I mean the car of course...........

[Whitey-AMG]

Interesting - the lower half of the front bar shares the same " kinetic " design as the FORD.


I guess this will be the demise of the Commodore........at least it will still be locally built in Australia......and I think its one of the better looking small to medium cars out there anyways.

[Fled74]

The upper and lower grill designs don't complement each other at all.

[JC]

They should have taken the opportunity to badge it as a "Torana". Imagine the SLR6000 - 6 litre chev donk, mated to front or AWD; weapon!

[321Go]

Originally Posted by flappist

It is uniquely Australian.

???????

2009 Chevrolet Cruze.

[burnz]

advert already, quick to market
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2WAix...layer_embedded

[Franco Cozzo]

Chevrolet version of it looks way better.

[Polyal]

This just makes me want to throw up...their good.

[flappist]

Originally Posted by 870-cse

???????

2009 Chevrolet Cruze.

Completely different car.

I have answered the question, moving forward.........

Althought it would really appeal to my sense of humour if the bogans started putting bowties on them as well.
So much so that I would from that point on refer to the bowtie as an "Epica" badge.

e.g. Hey mate is that an Epica ute, very metrosexual of you to buy one instead of a real commodore.......

[Joe5619]

It is going to be very very interesting to see how this things sells & what it does to Commodore sales!!

It is nice to see an Australian built small car again, even if it does have a Holddn bagde on it.

[bobthebilda]

Despite the upgrades, prices stay put for the volume-selling 1.8-litre petrol versions, meaning that the base model CD still kicks off from $20,990

Since its May 2009 release, Cruze demand has consistently outstripped pre-release predictions, resulting in more than 43,000 sales and making the Cruze

Still cant see how Holden are going to turn it into a money maker.
They apparantly put up around $300 million of their own money, and have been selling on average 2000 per month since may 2009.
A $20990 car, must be leaving Holdens at less than $16000 add $1600 gst, $700 rego, $700 stamp duty, $600 transport, $1000 dealer profit, $400 financing. $ 300 million written off over 5 years @ 10% interest gives a yearly cost of approx $80 million. $16000 - (80,000,000 / 25,000) =$12800

$12800, then you have to take out wages, parts, supplied parts, advertising for the car, all the fixed costs of running the plant.

I think the cruze is going to be the car that will give Ford local production the edge LOL.

[Whitey-AMG]

Originally Posted by bobthebilda

Still cant see how Holden are going to turn it into a money maker.
They apparantly put up around $300 million of their own money, and have been selling on average 2000 per month since may 2009.
A $20990 car, must be leaving Holdens at less than $16000 add $1600 gst, $700 rego, $700 stamp duty, $600 transport, $1000 dealer profit, $400 financing. $ 300 million written off over 5 years @ 10% interest gives a yearly cost of approx $80 million. $16000 - (80,000,000 / 25,000) =$12800

$12800, then you have to take out wages, parts, supplied parts, advertising for the car, all the fixed costs of running the plant.

I think the cruze is going to be the car that will give Ford local production the edge LOL.

That's assuming that they continue to sell at the 2000 per month average. Methinks the long term goal is to have a diverse engine family in the CRUZE and for it to slowly replace the Commodore as their mainstream seller. Big cars like the Falc and Commodore are clearly on the sales decline.....GM are more than hedging their bets with the CRUZE.

[Franco Cozzo]

I'm interested in this 1.4LT engine, weird seeing a peak power figure under 5000 RPM because on modern 4 cylinder engines its usually 6500 or something fairly high like that.

[aussie muscle]

nice of the govt to help out holden with some free promotion. just the sort of thing you need the PM to endorse your product.

[csv8]

Why cann't Ford get the PM to launch a new car!!!!!!!!!
Why cann't Ford learn from Holden !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
New Focus had better be really really good or its down the gurgler!!!
They even have a V series in it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[robertjp]

Can anyone say "wheel's car of the yr. 2011" The new direction for the Australian motoring enthusiast. The new Aussie ....... I can see all. the drivel now from Paul Gover etal.......

[Whitey-AMG]

Originally Posted by csv8

Why cann't Ford get the PM to launch a new car!!!!!!!!!
Why cann't Ford learn from Holden !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
New Focus had better be really really good or its down the gurgler!!!
They even have a V series in it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Because Holden " go better "........" of course ".......

[bobthebilda]

Originally Posted by ESP

That's assuming that they continue to sell at the 2000 per month average. Methinks the long term goal is to have a diverse engine family in the CRUZE and for it to slowly replace the Commodore as their mainstream seller. Big cars like the Falc and Commodore are clearly on the sales decline.....GM are more than hedging their bets with the CRUZE.

Even worse for Holden. Theres no doubt the cruze is a very slow replacement for the commodore ie just let it die off over time, and let the cruze sales slightly eat away at it. The VE is now nearly 5 years old, so every day it is losing the people who want to update. (I mean who wants to sell a $16000 VE, and then have to go out and buy the same car for $36000.

But they have the problem that they lose a $28000 sale when a commodore is not sold, and gain a $15-16000 sale when a cruze is bought in its place. Even if cruze were ever to reach the dizzy heights of a corolla in sales, its still only going to amount to 45000 sales a year. Just not a competitive total to be making, when most of its competitors factories pump out 400,000 cars a year, in lower wage countries.

[DanielXR8]

Originally Posted by Zero_PSI

I can imagine the thoughts of the 1000 staff..."This better not cut into my lunch break".

Good to see the revised front end and that Holden engineers overcome the challenges of fitting a grill that could let a bit of air in and still support a Holden badge that big.

Presumably it can be detached and used as a spare wheel.

On a serious not, for the sake of the Aussie car industry, hopefully this car will sell very well.

Dan

[Dr Smith]

Originally Posted by csv8

Why cann't Ford get the PM to launch a new car!!!!!!!!!
Why cann't Ford learn from Holden !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
New Focus had better be really really good or its down the gurgler!!!
They even have a V series in it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The new Focus will be a superior car. Just like Fiesta which in all probability only sits below Polo in it's overall segment class ratings. The issue will be if Ford can spec it up and take advantage of the FTA so that it's value for money equation improves over the current car. Ford needs a greater presence in all market segments, it doesn't need to lead sales in any of them, just sit near the top in more of them and the black ink will run thicker for longer.

[DanielXR8]

Originally Posted by aussie muscle

nice of the govt to help out holden with some free promotion. just the sort of thing you need the PM to endorse your product.

Yes it is nice. The government of our country should endorse anything made in Australia, be it a product, service or innovation.

[DanielXR8]

Originally Posted by csv8

Why cann't Ford get the PM to launch a new car!!!!!!!!!
Why cann't Ford learn from Holden !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
New Focus had better be really really good or its down the gurgler!!!
They even have a V series in it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

They also have some pretty slick marketing videos already out on Youtube for it and a Facebook group.

Holden get marketing.

[chrisfpv]

Doesn't look to bad. Craps on the Ford variant for looks that's for sure.

[Whitey-AMG]

Originally Posted by bobthebilda

Even worse for Holden. Theres no doubt the cruze is a very slow replacement for the commodore ie just let it die off over time, and let the cruze sales slightly eat away at it. The VE is now nearly 5 years old, so every day it is losing the people who want to update. (I mean who wants to sell a $16000 VE, and then have to go out and buy the same car for $36000.

But they have the problem that they lose a $28000 sale when a commodore is not sold, and gain a $15-16000 sale when a cruze is bought in its place. Even if cruze were ever to reach the dizzy heights of a corolla in sales, its still only going to amount to 45000 sales a year. Just not a competitive total to be making, when most of its competitors factories pump out 400,000 cars a year, in lower wage countries.

I imagine CRUZE will be significantly less expensive as an overall proposition. This is a GLOBAL GM product that will share in its R&D , technology , engine platforms etc etc. What might look like a loss on face value in terms of Commodore v Cruze dollar gap will more than be made up by the fact that less is spent on CRUZE locally. Remember how much it cost for the VE release........it was 5c change from a Billion Dollars for the GM Australia to swallow. I doubt that it would cost even a quarter of that to release a local version of the CRUZE ??

[Ford_The_Win]

Just what working families need!

Still, no matter how good or bad the car may be, it's good to see something Australian-made endorsed.

[Brazen]

They should put the diesel in the SRI variants....360NM

[banarcus]

More Australian jobs is a good thing. Good on GMH.