Holden's First VE, WM Export To Middle East Review

2006-09-18 -- GM Holden has dispatched its first shipment of 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.

First Holden VE & WM Exports

The shipment represents an exciting new chapter in what has been Australia’s longest and largest automotive export program.

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.