Brazil nuts about Holden Commodore
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Brazilian Emerson Fittipaldi test drives the new
Chevrolet Omega Fittipaldi at Holden's Proving Ground
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12th September, 2010
- Holden Commodore Series II bound for Brazil as Chevrolet Omega
- Vehicle ambassador motor-racing identity Emerson Fittipaldi
- Relationship with GM do Brasil helps develop Holden’s flex-fuel expertise
Holden has announced a new, niche export programme to Chevrolet Brazil based on the VE Series II
Commodore range.
The export vehicles will be sold as Chevrolet Omega in Brazil from November this year and will be
powered by Holden’s locally-built 3.6 litre SIDI V6 engine initially capable of running on blends of up
to 25 per cent ethanol.
The niche-volume programme marks the return of Holden exports to Brazil which ran for 10 years from
1998 with the VT-based Chevrolet Omega.
Holden Chairman and Managing Director Mike Devereux said the new programme was a step in the recovery
process after the challenges of the global financial crisis.
“We’re really pleased to work with Chevrolet Brazil and to rebuild targeted export programmes which
add value to Holden’s domestic business,” Mr Devereux said.
“Holden’s Chevrolet Omega programme for Brazil shows that niche export opportunities are beginning
to emerge as we recover from the challenges of the global financial crisis.”
Mr Devereux said Holden had also learned a lot from its 'sister' company and the Brazilian market
where ethanol accounts for 45 per cent of vehicle fuel.” “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,” Mr Devereux said.
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Holden will export 600 of the special edition Chevrolet Omega Fittipaldi. The model will be
represented in Brazil by retired motor racing driver, Emerson Fittipaldi.
Fittipaldi won the Formula One world drivers’ championship in 1972 and 1974 racing for the Lotus and
McLaren teams. He later switched to racing IndyCar in the United States, winning the Indianapolis 500 in
1989 and 1993 and the IndyCar drivers’ championship in 1989.
This year Fittipaldi is celebrating the 40th anniversary of his first Formula One victory at Watkins
Glen in the United States on 4th October. Since retiring from racing he has become a passionate advocate
and an investor in ethanol production in Brazil.
General Director of Sales and Marketing for GM do Brasil, Ronaldo Znidarsis, welcomed the new Chevrolet
Omega to Brazil.
“The Omega has a great tradition in Brazil dating back to when it was produced by Chevrolet until
today. It represents luxury, sophistication and performance and is a very important nameplate for the
Chevrolet brand in Brazil,” he said.
Mr Fittipaldi said he was very proud to represent Omega and Chevrolet: “The Omega is a sedan with
excellent performance. It’s this performance and handling that makes it such a great car for people who
really loving driving but who won’t give up the comfort of a luxury car.”
Vehicle specifications will be outlined by Chevrolet in Brazil in October during the 26th International
São Paulo Motor Show.
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