Australians Get Last Crack at Locally Built Commodore

GM Holden releases its last Australian-produced Commodore range, saying it has saved the best until last.

It says the 2017 edition of the iconic Aussie car is packed with technology and hints at what’s to come in 2018’s foreign-built next-generation Commodore.

GM Holden is ending 83 years of local production in October and will become a full-time importer. Toyota will halt local production about the same time and Ford Australia shut down its assembly lines last year.

Communications Director Sean Poppitt says the ʼ17 Commodore honors the attributes that have made it one of Australia’s most loved cars over the past 38 years.

“Commodore has always stood for leading driving dynamics, exceptional customer value and a striking road presence, and the 2017 Commodore is a perfect example of that,” Poppitt says in a statement.

Premium high-tech features including head-up display and satellite navigation are available on SV6 models and above.

GM Holden offers three new colors to the ʼ17 Commodore range for customers looking for a collectable final model, including Light My Fire (orange), Spitfire Green and Son of a Gun Grey.

The range has been pared back, with a manual transmission reserved for V-8 sports sedans and pickups. The SS-V models and Calais Sportwagon have been discontinued.

GM Holden says personally configured ʼ17 Commodore vehicles may be ordered through dealers before April 1, with all vehicles ordered afterward being subject to availability.

Prices range from A$35,490 ($26,848) for the Evoke Sedan to A$61,490 ($46,516) for the Caprice V LWB Sedan V8.

Prices for pickup versions range from A$33,490 ($25,335) to A$54,690 ($41,373).