Is this VE end?

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Is this VE end?
MATT CAMPBELL
April 23, 2010
Comments 6

Holden's VE Commodore.
Holden’s most popular Commodore ever to be replaced this year.

Holden will roll out its new “VF” Commodore later this year, as the company makes plans to cut production of the VE Commodore earlier than first thought.

Holden will reportedly shut down its Adelaide assembly plant for 13 days in July and August as it begins to phase out the current model VE Commodore.

"Ahead of updating our locally produced Commodore range later this year, we need to prepare for a smooth run out of the current model within the plant," a Holden spokesperson said.

"To do this, we have been working with the union to balance short-term manufacturing plans that will allow us to taper production of the current range, before ramping up with the new model."

That means the long-awaited VF Commodore is likely to make its debut later this year, but a Holden spokesperson said it was too early to confirm the changeover date.

The new model is unlikely to present any spectacular changes, though a freshened interior and minor exterior tweaks are expected.

Engines are likely to be tweaked for better economy and emissions, but there’s no word as yet on whether the long-rumoured diesel variant will also feature.

One of the big changes for the new model is Holden's introduction of its E85 models which are capable of running on a mixture ranging from 100 per cent petrol to a shandy of 85 per cent ethanol and 15 per cent petrol.

The E85-capable engine is believed to be mechanically very similar to the dual-fuel 3.6-litre V6 Holden currently fits to production cars that customers want to run on either petrol or LPG.

The car maker has already developed E85-compatible engines as part of its failed US export program that was cancelled in response to the global economic crisis and General Motors' flirt with bankruptcy, which halted exports of the Commodore to one of its largest markets.

Sales of the current Commodore range are still strong, and the car was the highest-selling model in Australia for March with a total of 4209 sold.

"The company has enjoyed a strong start to 2010 and anticipates a great response to the updated Commodore range later in the year as we seek to extend its reign as Australia’s best-selling car," the spokesperson said.

So far this year the Commodore is also the top-ranking vehicle, with 11,364 cars sold.

Earlier this week, Holden’s new managing director Mike Devereux said the company’s plans for its much anticipated new locally-made Cruze small car were still on track, with a 2011 almost certain.

With Barry Park