Talking About Automobiles

As GM Holden starts to export the Pontiac G8 vehicles, its Elizabeth plant’s production will equally divided both for export and domestic production. The Adelaide-based Elizabeth plant will go into full blast production of 620 cars per day or at a rate of one car per 76 seconds.
The announcement for this GM Holden milestone was made in a Holden Vehicle Operations event in Adelaide, South Australia. Famous personalities were seen in the affair including new Federal Industry Minister Simon Crean MP, the Acting Premier of South Australia, Hon. Kevin Foley and Hon. Theo Theophanous, the Victorian Minister for Industry and Trade.

The Pontiac G8 will be available in showrooms and dealerships all over America during the first quarter of next year. According to GM Holden Chairman and Managing Director Chris Gubbey, vehicle exports is needed for the company’s success.

“For 60 years, we have been producing world class vehicles primarily for the Australian market. That market has developed into one of the most crowded in the world with almost fifty brands now competing for a share of only a million new vehicles annually.

“GM has recognised Holden’s expertise and has entrusted the design and engineering of the Group’s large rear-wheel drive cars to us. This commitment is seeing us develop our exports which we see as a vital part of our business model going forward.

“The results are already evident. Vehicles are now rolling off the production line here at Elizabeth for export under internationally recognised brand names of Holden, Vauxhall, Chevrolet and now Pontiac. Next year, with our exports to Korea, we will add Daewoo to that list,” he said.

“In the last few years, over $500 million has been invested in upgrading the plant at Elizabeth giving GM Holden of the most flexible plants in the GM group,” said Chris Gubbey.

“This investment has enabled us to remain competitive and means we can achieve a diverse mix of models, both left hand and right hand drive, for markets around the world.”