New VF Commodore sedan to cost less than 35k

[Brazen]

Estimated figures, new base model 'Evoke'

Should have automatic park assist, rear view camera standard.



http://www.carpoint.com.au/news/2013...nder-35k-36111

Price cuts of up to $5000 in store for buyers of Holden’s new-look 2013 Commodore


GM Holden is about to announce price cuts of up to $5000 for its heavily upgraded VF Commodore range ahead of the new-look sedan, wagon and ute’s release on June 1.

The outgoing VE Commodore line-up is currently in run-out priced from as low as $34,990 plus on-road costs for the Commodore Z-Series sedan, which is being offered with three years’ free servicing and a five-year warranty.

The same run-out deal applies to the SV6 Z-Series Ute, while the Z-Series SV6 sedan is on special for $35,990 plus ORCs and the Z-Series Sportwagon can be had for $37,990 plus ORCs – the same price as the Z-Series SS Ute.

However, Holden looks set to at least match those stellar run-out deals permanently with the new VF Commodore, pricing for which will rewind the clock to 2006 levels, when the VE sedan was launched with a base price of $34,490.

Pricing for both the Australian-made Cruze and Commodore will be crucial in Holden’s effort to stem worrying sales slides of 30 and 40 per cent respectively so far this year – on top of their 13.7 and 24.8 per cent sales declines in 2012.

Our sources say price cuts of up to $3500 recently announced for the 2014 Cruze small car <<< /news/2013/small-passenger/holden/cruze/holdens-2014-cruze-arrives-early-35478 >>> will be eclipsed by the VF Commodore’s aggressive pricing.

While Holden’s official recommended retail pricing for the VE Commodore continues to start at $39,990 for the Omega sedan and $35,490 plus ORCs for the Omega Ute, expect the VF Commodore ‘Evoke’ models that will replace them to cost less than $35,000 and closer to $30,000 respectively.

Similarly, the 3.0-litre V6-powered VE Commodore Sportwagon Omega ($41,990 RRP) will be replaced by the VF Commodore Sportwagon Evoke costing as little as $36,990 plus on-roads.

Officially, Holden would not pre-empt any VF Commodore pricing ahead of an official announcement next month.

“The VF will represent exceptional value for money given the advanced technologies it will offer,” said GM Holden External Communications Director Craig Cheetham.

While some V8-powered versions of the seven-year-old VE Commodore are still being produced at Holden’s Elizabeth assembly plant, the first pre-production VF Commodores rolled off the South Australian production line last week in readiness for the first in a series of media events next week.

Holden unveiled ‘show car’ versions of both the VF Commodore Calais V and SS V sedan, wagon and ute in February just days before the Chevrolet SS-badged export version was revealed in the US and the NASCAR that imitates it debuted at the Daytona 500.

Holden has not revealed final production versions of any VF Commodore variant and the replacement for the entry-level VE Commodore Omega, which motoring.com.au sources confirm will revive the Evoke name used for an original VE Commodore paint colour, is yet to break cover in any form.

However, recent spy shots of a production-ready VF Commodore SS snapped driving in Melbourne’s east by vigilant motoring.com.au reader Mark Row show the showroom version of Holden’s V8 hero model will eschew the concept car’s subtle rear lip spoiler for the larger rear wing seen here.

Trademark Commodore V8 cues like dual twin exhaust outlets and big alloy wheels continue, while other spy shots confirm the SS will be available with a bold decal kit including racing stripes for the bonnet and boot, plus red highlights on the front bumper and grille.

A range of components from the outgoing VE SS Redline Edition should also be available, including Brembo brakes, while the carbon-ceramic brakes seen on Chevrolet’s Corvette and Camaro could also be offered.

Holden is yet to reveal powertrain details for the VF Commodore but the current line-up of 3.0- and 3.6-litre petrol V6, 3.6-litre LPG V6 and 6.0-litre petrol V8s matched with six-speed manual and automatic transmissions is expected to carry over with minor upgrades.

Combined with weight reductions realised by the use of aluminium bonnets and boots and improved aerodynamics, expect incremental efficiency gains for all models.

The VF Commodore SS will not be available with the TAPshift steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters fitted as standard to the Chevrolet SS.

However, Holden has confirmed that premium Commodore variants will be available with a range of new high-tech driver aids, including Forward Collision Alert, Lane Departure Warning, Side Blind Zone Alert, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, colour head-up display and push-button starting.

Other new-for-VF features will include high intensity gas-discharge (HID) headlights, LED driving lights, a larger eight-inch colour in-dash touch-screen infotainment system including MyLink telematics, rain-sensing wipers and heated and ventilated front seats.

Touted as “the most advanced vehicle created in Australia”, all VF Commodores will come standard with electric power steering, the Automatic Park Assist self-parking system and an electric parking brake, while a reversing camera and driver’s knee airbag are also expected to join the list of new range-wide standard features.

Other improvements will include the relocation of the power window switches, door locks and boot release to the driver’s door, steering wheel-mounted cruise controls (rather than stalk-mounted), new front and rear seats in two designs, two smaller steering wheel designs and higher-quality perforated leather trim.

However, the aforementioned advanced safety aids, push-button starting, big-screen multimedia and telematics systems and LED running lights seen on premium VF variants will not grace the new entry-level Commodore Evoke, which replaces both the VE Omega and Berlina.

[csv8]

Ford are going to have match or better Holden's pricing if this is correct..If the retail price of the XT is $5k more than Evoke...as the VF is better equipped than the Falcon, lets hope FH is a match for VF in specification levels or better....Aussie cars have been over priced for years with content decreasing...let the games begin!!!!

[Brazen]

Originally Posted by csv8

Ford are going to have match or better Holden's pricing if this is correct..If the retail price of the XT is $5k more than Evoke...as the VF is better equipped than the Falcon, lets hope FH is a match for VF in specification levels or better....Aussie cars have been over priced for years with content decreasing...let the games begin!!!!

We had the power wars, the fuel economy wars, I hope finally we will have the value wars - something the imports have been dominating for a while now.

[jpd80]

And this is why I said in another post that Ford's manufacturer List Pricing is a thing of the past.

It also shows just how desperate Holden is to lift sales, I think that there is a lot more riding on
the success of the new VF Commodore than Holden is letting on, Giving up $5,000 on list price is huge.....

[Brazen]

Originally Posted by jpd80

And this is why I said in another post that Ford's manufacturer List Pricing is a thing of the past.

It also shows just how desperate Holden is to lift sales, I think that there is a lot more riding on
the success of the new VF Commodore than Holden is letting on, Giving up $5,000 on list price is huge.....

The high list prices do much more harm than good, they should be more closely aligned to the transaction price.

A high list price:

• scares away people
• makes the vehicle less competitive in reviews and comparisons in magazines or online car review sites
• restricts the car from showing in searches on online car buying sites
• makes the vehicle look unattractive in novated lease calculators which pre-load RRP
• makes resale look worse than what it is
• and makes people feel they are buying an unloved car when the see the price slashed from RRP.

[dimka100]

I'm not sure if 5K is enough, after all both Falcon and Commodore RRP prices are inflated by well over 10K.

[dimka100]

Totally agree with you there mate, whats the point of a high RRP price if nobody will pay it??? You are right, in the retail market it does a lot more hard than good!

Originally Posted by Brazen

The high list prices do much more harm than good, they should be more closely aligned to the transaction price.

A high list price:

• scares away people
• makes the vehicle less competitive in reviews and comparisons in magazines or online car review sites
• restricts the car from showing in searches on online car buying sites
• makes the vehicle look unattractive in novated lease calculators which pre-load RRP
• makes resale look worse than what it is
• and makes people feel they are buying an unloved car when the see the price slashed from RRP.

[Road_Warrior]

Originally Posted by csv8

Ford are going to have match or better Holden's pricing if this is correct..If the retail price of the XT is $5k more than Evoke...as the VF is better equipped than the Falcon, lets hope FH is a match for VF in specification levels or better....Aussie cars have been over priced for years with content decreasing...let the games begin!!!!

Please explain how content has been decreasing? When the base Falcon XT offers more equipment and features than it ever has?

[Nikked]

IIRC, the AU was available at $29,990...

[csv8]

Road Warrior maybe not decreasing but not keeping up...compare the Chrysler 300>G6 and the 300C/300L>G6E much more equipment for a lot less $$$$..Aussie cars have lagged behind in equipment levels for years and people are buying other cars with much higher specification levels..Holden/Ford expected people to keep buying their cars but on a $$ for $$ basis they aren't good value...Holden have realised this and the VF is a correction..Hopefully the FH also follows this trend. You just have to look at the specifications for the Focus and the Mondeo and see whats missing in the Falcon......
My cousins Explorer LTD is light years ahead of the Tezza Titanium...just my opinion...

[GTP-RPD]

Originally Posted by csv8

Road Warrior maybe not decreasing but not keeping up...compare the Chrysler 300>G6 and the 300C/300L>G6E much more equipment for a lot less $$$$..Aussie cars have lagged behind in equipment levels for years and people are buying other cars with much higher specification levels..Holden/Ford expected people to keep buying their cars but on a $$ for $$ basis they aren't good value...Holden have realised this and the VF is a correction..Hopefully the FH also follows this trend. You just have to look at the specifications for the Focus and the Mondeo and see whats missing in the Falcon......
My cousins Explorer LTD is light years ahead of the Tezza Titanium...just my opinion...

agreed not to mention quality of materials used especially in the trim dept.

[DanielXR8]

Originally Posted by csv8

Road Warrior maybe not decreasing but not keeping up...compare the Chrysler 300>G6 and the 300C/300L>G6E much more equipment for a lot less $$$$..Aussie cars have lagged behind in equipment levels for years and people are buying other cars with much higher specification levels..Holden/Ford expected people to keep buying their cars but on a $$ for $$ basis they aren't good value...Holden have realised this and the VF is a correction..Hopefully the FH also follows this trend. You just have to look at the specifications for the Focus and the Mondeo and see whats missing in the Falcon......
My cousins Explorer LTD is light years ahead of the Tezza Titanium...just my opinion...

Given the FH is well into next year by all accounts, I think we are looking at the need for a price/content rethink for FG. Maybe a cheaper better equipped FG series III might be needed?

Will upset those whose resales is affected, but what else can Ford do. They certainly can't afford another big drop in Falcon sales figures.

[Polyal]

Good on them, atleast they are doing everything they can. They spent big on the VE so I assume its the same platform with cosmetic changes here and there?

[DanielXR8]

Originally Posted by GTP-RPD

agreed not to mention quality of materials used especially in the trim dept.

Putting some decent leather in the local Fords, wouldn't hurt things and better quality carpets and trim in the G6E-Turbo/FPV range. There are things Ford can do to improve things, without having to throw new tech in tomorrow.

That said, Ford this year have cheapened the floor mats in the FPV's and have taken some chrome trim out of the interior of the Territory. The memo about cost cutting and decontenting hurting a brand, hasn't been seen by Ford Aust bean counters as they are hard at work thinking up ways of taking stuff out of cars, which didn't have much in them to start with.

[Dr Smith]

So all Holden are doing is officially stating a price that sits somewhere halfway between current rrp and the discounts being offered anyway. I still don't think the large car market is going to grow regardless. And where are the new Commodore buyers going to come from, are potential Mazda3/Corolla buyers suddenly going to jump back, are Aurion/Falcon buyers going to stop buying and choose Holden or are SUV buyers going to come back...I just cannot see it happening.

[Polyal]

I do see your point Dr Smith but I think perhaps alot of people buy smaller cars because of the smaller RRP? Not just the physical size.

So if the Commodore and Falcon can get closer to that price, and offer similar or close enough fuel economy then why would you buy a 3 et al. Perhaps that is the theory?

Have people gone to mid sizers because of the lack of "quality" (which is mostly BS), or was it prodomently a financial choice? Like it or not times are tough and are not going to get much better for a while so when buying a new car if something does the majority of what you want and costs less wuld you not buy that?

I also believe that perhaps Holden and Ford (less Holden) have just become another manufacturer these days, they are not ingrained as they once where and the competition is just better.

Unfortaunately that competition is also decently cheaper even if you cant compare them 100%.

[Dr Smith]

It's an interesting point, if a Falcadore was the same price as a Mazarolla, with identical features, power and economy which would sell more?
Edit: my last 3 new car purchases were BA Futura wagon, G6ET and now SZ Titanium tdi. The G6ET was the best car I've ever owned, but if I had to buy today I wouldn't think twice with a new Terry, can't say the same with the G6ET because the Terry offers more in everyway except acceleration, for our family situation.

[1TUFFUTE]

Originally Posted by Dr Smith

It's an interesting point, if a Falcadore was the same price as a Mazarolla, with identical features, power and economy which would sell more?
Edit: my last 3 new car purchases were BA Futura wagon, G6ET and now SZ Titanium tdi. The G6ET was the best car I've ever owned, but if I had to buy today I wouldn't think twice with a new Terry, can't say the same with the G6ET because the Terry offers more in everyway except acceleration, for our family situation.

whoever advertised it more....

[malazn mafia]

Originally Posted by Dr Smith

It's an interesting point, if a Falcadore was the same price as a Mazarolla, with identical features, power and economy which would sell more?
Edit: my last 3 new car purchases were BA Futura wagon, G6ET and now SZ Titanium tdi. The G6ET was the best car I've ever owned, but if I had to buy today I wouldn't think twice with a new Terry, can't say the same with the G6ET because the Terry offers more in everyway except acceleration, for our family situation.

Mazarolla is built by robots, Falcadore is built by workers on minimum wage or more. Maybe Australia needs more robots. Did Holden do this with VF? They just slashed a whole heap of workers?

[b2428]

I'm sorry if this is contraversal or however it's spelt and please know I'm ford through and through, but I honestly hope that the vf does well. Great even. Hear me through before you crucify me. If the vf does well jobs are safe, many families have food on the table and hopefully can afford to spend money on holidays which as a roll on effect to many communities. If lowering prices does this then great. Rather the. Looking at it has being ford verse Holden by looking at it in this light I know many would see this as being more important.

Just my 2 cents worth

[Motorbreath310]

Originally Posted by csv8

Road Warrior maybe not decreasing but not keeping up...compare the Chrysler 300>G6 and the 300C/300L>G6E much more equipment for a lot less $$$$..Aussie cars have lagged behind in equipment levels for years and people are buying other cars with much higher specification levels..Holden/Ford expected people to keep buying their cars but on a $$ for $$ basis they aren't good value...Holden have realised this and the VF is a correction..Hopefully the FH also follows this trend. You just have to look at the specifications for the Focus and the Mondeo and see whats missing in the Falcon......
My cousins Explorer LTD is light years ahead of the Tezza Titanium...just my opinion...

Correct me if I'm wrong but isn't the current Chrysler 300 built on the MB W210 E-class platform? They wouldn't of had to spend money on developing the chassis if that's the case so it becomes a small wonder that they were able to pack so much gear into it.

All you ever hear about is the Falcon's 'archaic' chassis, could you imagine what would happen if people knew the truth about the Chrysler?

[Joe5619]

Originally Posted by dimka100

I'm not sure if 5K is enough, after all both Falcon and Commodore RRP prices are inflated by well over 10K.

I agree... I wish Ford & Holden would stop pussy footing around this issue. Lets be honest, there is no “real" price change here at all. Falcon & Commodore basic models are had for no more than 32K. Price them at that price as 'run out prices'. RRP are worthless in this day & age. Ford doesn't have a RRP price for basic Foucs, just a cheap bottom 'run out price'. I wish they'd do the same with Falcon XT.

Good on Holden for dropping it, am sure Ford will follow as well

[Matty4]

Wonder how long it will take for Range Rover to put a stop to them using the "Evoke" name, seeing as it sounds the same as "Evoque"

[ryeman]

I read in GOAUTO that they are committed to the "all new VJ" from 2016, did anyone else see that? If true that would be of great relief to the local industries.

[BHDOGS]

well i guess holden can afford to trim some money of the cars after firing 500 people interesting

[phillyc]

Originally Posted by Brazen

The high list prices do much more harm than good, they should be more closely aligned to the transaction price.

A high list price:

• scares away people
• makes the vehicle less competitive in reviews and comparisons in magazines or online car review sites
• restricts the car from showing in searches on online car buying sites
• makes the vehicle look unattractive in novated lease calculators which pre-load RRP
• makes resale look worse than what it is
• and makes people feel they are buying an unloved car when the see the price slashed from RRP.

Before the FG was launched I emailed Ford suggesting a change to their prices as the link between RRP and sale price was already being broken.

I suggested driveaway (subtract $2,000 for RRP) something along the lines of
* $32,990 XT, (entry)
* $34,990 XR6/G6, (entry sport/luxury)
* $39,990 XR6E/G6E, (sport luxury)
* $42,990 XR6T/XR8, (premium sport)
* $47,990 G6ET/G8E (premium sport luxury)
add $2,000 for sportwagon, subtract $3,000 for Ute.

I suggested it for those very same reasons mentioned in your post Brazen.

[cupic]

Sell more cars Dealers
Delete the ORC option

[csv8]

Chrysler 300C is a segment-straddler. Officially it’s listed as a prestige/luxury car which puts it alongside the likes of Holden Caprice (starting price $61,990). But that really should only apply to the 300C Luxury ($51,000) or sporty SRT8 ($66,000)…although at $51,000, you can see why the 300C Luxury is popular with five-star hotels and limousine drivers.

The mid-grade 300C ($46,500) more realistically competes with cars like the Holden Commodore Calais (starting price $50,290) and Ford Falcon G6E ($47,735). Holden wins the power race with 210kW/350Nm out of the venerable 3.6-litre V6 (210kW/340Nm) from Chrysler’s 3.6-litre and 195kW/391Nm from Ford’s 4.0-litre straight-six) but Chrysler 300C scores with its luxury interior and extensive standard kit.
http://www.carshowroom.com.au/newcar..._and_Road_Test

[DanielXR8]

Originally Posted by Dr Smith

So all Holden are doing is officially stating a price that sits somewhere halfway between current rrp and the discounts being offered anyway. I still don't think the large car market is going to grow regardless. And where are the new Commodore buyers going to come from, are potential Mazda3/Corolla buyers suddenly going to jump back, are Aurion/Falcon buyers going to stop buying and choose Holden or are SUV buyers going to come back...I just cannot see it happening.

I think the prices cuts are in part at least to try and keep Commodores share of the large car market as a percentage where it is now or possibly grow it a bit, at the expense of Ford and Toyota.

[DanielXR8]

Originally Posted by Dr Smith

It's an interesting point, if a Falcadore was the same price as a Mazarolla, with identical features, power and economy which would sell more?
Edit: my last 3 new car purchases were BA Futura wagon, G6ET and now SZ Titanium tdi. The G6ET was the best car I've ever owned, but if I had to buy today I wouldn't think twice with a new Terry, can't say the same with the G6ET because the Terry offers more in everyway except acceleration, for our family situation.

If they match on price/features then other considerations come into play. Quality of sales and service, location of dealers, cost of servicing, support from the dealer and from the brand etc. On those I suspect Mazarolla would still be winning the sales race comfortably.