news

Holden To Spearhead Development Of Two New Models For Chinese Market

Holden has announced that it will develop at least two new models for the Chinese market, as part of an agreement with Shanghai General Motors (SGM) and the Pan Asia Technical Automotive Center (PATAC).

In a 50-50 joint venture with Shanghai A

Mike Stevens

06:3516 April 2012

0comments

Holden To Spearhead Development Of Two New Models For Chinese Market

In a 50-50 joint venture with Shanghai Automotive Industry Corp, PATAC forms part of GM's global strategy for the design and development of new models, along with testing for vehicles and components.

For Holden, the partnership will see designers and engineers at its Port Melbourne technical centre develop new vehicles on global GM platforms, tailored for the world's largest car market, China.

“Holden is a valuable source of expertise within GM International Operations and we’re one of only seven fully-integrated design, engineering and manufacturing operations in the GM world,” Holden Chairman and Managing Director, Mike Devereux said.

“We have worked with SGM and PATAC in recent years on smaller projects, but this is the first significant, long-term project to partner our organisations."

Details for the new models have not been revealed, but with Holden recently announcing plans for two new models to enter production in South Australia before the end of the decade, it is likely that the projects are related.

For China, the new cars can be expected to wear either Buick or Chevrolet badges, with the platform for the next-generation Cruze small car among them. A replacement for the Commodore would likely follow.

While development of the new cars will be spearheaded by Holden, production of the Chinese models is likely to occur in China, with the Australian models produced at the carmaker's Elizabeth, South Australia plant.