Oh, would you look at that? GM will indeed be making some of its left-hand drive Holden conversion money back after all! Unfortunately, it's not doing anything other than cop cars in the States, just yet. Brazil, on the other hand, will be getting its own Holden Commodore Series II wearing the Omega nameplate. This move marks the return of Holden exports to Brazil, which ran between 1998 with the VT-based Chevrolet Omega and 2008.
GM says the Brazilian-market Commodore will be offered with the 3.6-liter SIDI V6 that can run on fuels with up to 25% ethanol.
Initially, Holden will re-test those zesty South American waters by exporting a scant 600 units under the guise of an "Omega Fittipaldi" limited edition, in honor of Brazilian racing champion Emerson Fittipaldi. As an extra bonus, this year marks the 40th anniversary of Fittipaldi's first Formula One win.
Mike Devereux, Holden chairman and managing director, seems to be very happy with the proposition of exporting to and learning from the South America auto market:
"We're really pleased to work with Chevrolet Brazil and to rebuild targeted export programs which add value to Holden's domestic business...Holden's Chevrolet Omega program for Brazil shows that niche export opportunities are beginning to emerge as we recover from the challenges of the global financial crisis."
"Our work with Chevrolet Brazil over the past decade has taught us a great deal about the potential of bio-ethanol and the flex-fuel technology needed to make our locally-produced engines E85 compatible. Those lessons have allowed us to develop cars for local and domestic markets capable of running on varying ethanol blends ranging from E10 all the way to E85 as well as how to work with fuel retailers to make bio-ethanol available commercially."
Expect more official details on the Omega Fittipaldi and Holden's specialty export program when the car makes its first public appearance at the International São Paulo Auto Show in October.
By Phil Alex
