Greener Commodore To Come Out Of Green Car Innovation Fund Leftovers

Holden and the Federal Government have announced today that $39.8 million from the remaining funds in the axed Green Car Innovation Fund (GCIF) will go towards new fuel-saving technologies for the Holden Commodore.

The program will focus on developing fuel-efficiency and carbon emission reduction technologies for the next-generation Commodore, with a view to reducing fuel consumption by more than seven percent.

Among the advancements will be aluminium body panels for reduced weight, and enhanced aerodynamic performance.

According to Holden, the improved technologies will each year save around 3.6 million litres of fuel and reduce carbon emissions by around 9000 tonnes.

Holden Managing Director and Chairman Mike Devereux said the investment is crucial in allowing the Australian automotive industry to compete on a global level.

“Holden continues to be one of the country’s largest investors in research and development and to invest in the future of automotive design, engineering and high-tech manufacturing in Australia,” Mr Devereux said.

“The assistance from the Federal Government will enable Holden to bring Australian-made firsts in fuel-efficiency and weight saving to market and to secure local jobs in the broader automotive industry.”

Mr  Devereux said that the ongoing success of the Commodore, along with the new locally-made Cruze (funded in part by a $149 million GCIF investment) proved that new vehicles must be affordable while returning real-world savings for the environment and for drivers.

“Holden is also continuing to develop other low emission and alternative fuel solutions in our Ecoline portfolio including a dedicated LPG Commodore and E85 flex-fuel capability on the 3.6 litre SIDI V6 engine later this year.”

The Australian-made Cruze represents Holden's largest engineering and manufacturing program since work began on the VE Commodore, enabling Holden to return a second shift to its South Australian plant in 2010.

“The assistance through the Green Car Innovation Fund for these two important locally-made vehicles has been critical to the success of Holden and the Australian industry through a very challenging economic period,” Mr Devereux said.

“With a great product portfolio, including efficient, locally-made cars like Cruze and Commodore, we’re confident about the future of Holden and the viability of our local automotive industry.”