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Holden's First VE and WM Export To Middle East
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GM Holden has despatched its first shipment of the all-new generation export versions of Commodore, Statesman and Caprice from Adelaide’s AAT Port to its largest export market, the Middle East. The 500 cars, prepared as the Chevrolet Lumina and Chevrolet Caprice, are destined for ports throughout the Middle East where they will be distributed into the United Arab Emirates, Oman, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain. The shipment represents an exciting new chapter in what has been Australia’s longest and largest automotive export programme. GM Holden Chairman and Managing Director, Denny Mooney, said exports were a key part in Holden ensuring its South Australian vehicle operations continued to run at full capacity. Mr Mooney said the Middle East market had grown into Holden’s largest destination of vehicles, with more than 30,000 shipped there last year. 
He said the Chevrolet versions of Statesman and Caprice had
become major sellers, enabling Holden to invest $190 million in the development
of the WM series to extend its place in the domestic and export markets. “The long wheelbase Holdens are now our biggest seller overseas
which has allowed us to take these all-new cars to a whole new level,” Mr.
Mooney said. “Caprice will be among the most spacious passenger cars in the
world – all designed, engineered and manufactured right here in Australia." “ Middle East customers seek many of the same vehicle attributes
as Australians and the incredible value offered by the all-new Commodore is sure
to build on our strong position in the region.” The VE Commodore has been prepared as a Chevrolet Lumina for the
Middle East market and will be available in four models; the luxury LS and LTZ,
and the sports S and SS. The advanced 3.6-litre Global V6 six-cylinder engine will be
offered on LS, LTZ and the S while the 6.0-litre V8 will be available the SS. The WM Caprice has also adopted the Chevrolet badge but will
maintain its well recognised brand name. It will also be available in four
models; the luxury LS, LTZ, the sporty SS and the top of the range Royale. The 3.6-litre engine will be available on the LS and LTZ and the
6.0L engine will be offered on the entire range. Middle East Chevrolet Dealers, media and fleet customers had
their first taste of the new VE and WM when they visited Australia in early
September. According to Emma Pinwill, GM Holden’s Export Manager, the feedback
has been extremely positive. “The main question we were asked was how quickly we could get
them over there,” Ms. Pinwill said. “The cars will be sold through the 24 dealers we have throughout
the region and from the initial feedback we have received we expect a large
interest from private and fleet customers." “With the huge advances in safety and the great styling of the
VE and WM, we’re confident these cars will enhance our already strong reputation
over there.” 
All vehicles sent to the Middle East are carefully prepared for
their month-long journey to ensure they are suitably protected. The vehicles are washed and have external wrap guards applied
before the exterior is covered with a thin protective covering. Internal protection is added to the doors, seats, steering wheel
and gear knob. All small items such as floor mats, keys and manuals are placed
in the boot for safekeeping. Chevrolet Lumina and Caprice models are expected to go on sale
in early November. Holden last year exported 60,518 vehicles around the world, a
record for the company since its export programme started in 1954. Cars were sent
to every continent except Antarctica.
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