CarPoint Confidential: week ending August 26, 2006
Every Saturday CarPoint Confidential features the latest news snippets and the good oil other sources either won't publish, don't care about or don't know. Heard an automotive rumour or new model tip? Then let us know at editor@carpoint.com.au
>> Export program future to HSV's growth
Don't expect to see rows of new HSV E-Series in dealers' showrooms any time soon. In a deliberate strategy to control supply and build residuals, the hot Holden maker will not seek to grow its volumes markedly Down Under. Rather, HSV boss Phil Harding is adamant the company has learned from the mistakes that saw Z-Series cars heavily discounted as dealers struggled to move stock.
"Our growth will come from export," said Harding at this week's E-Series launch. "We've deliberately pulled back [on local supply] to manage exclusivity. We have a deliberate strategy of satisfying the local market but we're not trying to oversupply and we're obviously very keen to make sure residuals improve."
According to Harding, he would like to see around 25 per cent of HSV's production exported. With Australian sales targets focussed on around 4000 units in FY06/07, that would place total production at 5300 or thereabouts.
Interestingly, when interviewed by CarPoint on his plans for future non-V8 HSV cars, Harding spoke about a 1000-unit target (Astra Turbo-based VXR will contribute around 300 of those) and that non-V8 target being 10 per cent of total HSVs.
So on one hand we have a production target of around 5300 and on the other, one of 9000 (assume all non-V8s are imported). FYI: HSV's Clayton assembly shop has an ultimate (two-shift) capacity of around 12,000 units per annum.
We'd blame this discrepancy on bad maths if the company wasn't making so much of the fact it will be export-focussed in the future.
Harding has said quite clearly that where Holden goes HSV will follow. Our information is that in fact HSV may lead its parent into some markets.
The VE is set to head to the Middle East, Brazil and Argentina and South Africa. China's a given too. When it comes to the United Kingdom (and even the USA) could HSV's products be the main emphasis?
>> Sprint for drink
HSV's Phil Harding has offered auto inkys assembled at the launch of the E-Series range a jeroboam of Moet if they can break or better the factory's claimed 0-100km/h time of 4.96sec for the manual E-Series cars. HSV even handed out instructions on how best to do it on a handy-sized laminated card!
According to HSV, best performance times are attained by following these simple steps:
Using "Power Launch". Leave the ESC setting on, dial-up 3500rpm, dump the clutch, pay attention to the upshift alert and shift fast to avoid tagging the rev limiter. Don't slip clutch. (And yes, HSV did say "dump".)
OR
Using "Driver Control". According to HSV, you might beat 'Power Launch' but it takes "much practice". Turn ESC off, simmer at 2500rpm, dump the clutch and modulate wheelspin with throttle, shift fast to avoid tagging the rev limiter, don't slip clutch.
Hmmm, we'll let you know how we go...
>> Déjà VE-vu
Those mature enough to have waited for Holden's new HK Kingswood in 1968 might experience a sense of déjà vu when visiting a Holden showroom to view the new VE. Like the HK compared to the HR, the VE offers squarer, more substantial lines over the previous VZ on a longer wheelbase and wider track with long bonnet and short tail proportions.
As HK buyers had to adjust to the Special being called a Kingswood for the first time since the FJ arrived 15 years earlier, VE Commodore buyers must adjust to a new Omega entry level. Just as the earlier HR engines had to cope with the extra weight and size of the big new HK Kingswood, so does the VE Omega make do with a mildly tweaked version of the base VZ engine.
Even in 1968, the HK Kingswood was sold with a three-speed manual minus synchromesh on first, the equivalent of the Omega's four-speed automatic today. Buyers had to pay extra to get a heater-demister in their 1968 Kingswood, the equivalent to paying extra for air-conditioning in today's Omega.
The HK Kingswood introduced unprecedented levels of safety for a Holden with lap-sash seat belts, collapsible steering column, recessed or smooth-edged controls and door hardware, dual circuit brakes and exterior mirror all standard on release. The VE Commodore's front and rear safety structure and ESP on all levels are also unprecedented on a Holden.
Just as the HK Premier introduced different front and rear styling details so does the VE Calais. Although the HK Premier cabin added extra luxury, the overall impact was limited by the slab-like dash design inherited from base HK levels as in the VE Calais.
Although keen HK buyers could order a high output 186S engine, there was a yawning gap to the optional Chevrolet 307 V8 and the Monaro's GTS 327 above it. By going to an SV6 or Calais, today's VE buyer can order a high output version of the 3.6-litre V6 with an identical gap to the 6-litre V8.
The lesson? Holden quickly responded by offering the HT facelift with more features standard, a friendlier dash design, new transmissions, a new compact V8 with an in between 4.2-litre capacity and a styling freshen-up that added more detail.
As the HK Premiers and Monaros become increasingly sought-after as collector's items, this would suggest that the VE is best enjoyed as an SV6, SS, SS V and Calais V. Is it time again for Holden to offer a compact and frugal, small-capacity V8 in VE as well as the diesel option, on which it surely must be pulling out all stops?
>> Mixed messages
It seems our two favourite German brands are having another minor identity crisis. Well, at least their advertising copy writers...
BMW has claimed 'sheer driving pleasure' as an attribute for years now, though Mercedes-Benz appears to have more recently adopted the sentiment.
Evidence the latest press release for the muscular 63 AMG addition to the CLK range of coupes and cabrios:
"Sheer Driving Pleasure For The CLK-Class Range
Melbourne- The successful CLK-Class model range will soon serve up more sports car driving pleasure with the introduction of the new V8 CLK 500 and range topping CLK 63 AMG, boasting 285kW and 354kW respectively."
When asked to comment a BMW source familiar with the situation, speaking on condition of anonymity, said that while he "understood Mercedes-Benz was serious about recycling its vehicles, recycling slogans of rival car makers marked a new approach for the once great brand."
>> Get lost
Finally, purchasers of Honda's new luxury Legend range-topper might be best advised not to hold off on the purchase of the latest UBD or Melways.
It seems that the mapping information required to initiate the onboard navigation system for the car may still be some time off. Indeed, rumours circulating this week suggested that the software might not be available for as long as 18 months.
Honda press head Mark Higgins has assured CarPoint that this period is "an absolute worse case scenario".
According to Higgins, Honda is working with the supplier (Alpine) to ensure that the mapping information is made available to owners as soon as possible. When quizzed on when the likely delivery would take place he commented that he wasn't across the latest update but that he would confirm details as soon as possible.
>> A Ford in need...
Bill Ford Jr is reportedly talking to Nissan-Renault's Carlos Ghosn about potential partnership plans if proposals with GM fall through.
According to Detroit News, Ford Jr called Ghosn this week to say he is interested in talking if the Nissan-Renault CEO's proposed tie-up with General Motors Corporation fails to materialize. The GM-Nissan-Renault discussions were initiated by GM investor Kirk Kerkorian, who first proposed an alliance between the three automakers in June. Discussions are expected to continue until at least October.
Ford's outreach to Ghosn comes after Ford's turnaround plan, involving the retrenchment of thousands of workers and reduction in employee benefits, continues to falter. Ford North America posted a second-quarter loss of US$254 million for 2006, announced one of the largest vehicle recalls ever and said it would slash fourth-quarter production by 21 per cent -- its biggest production cut in decades. There's also talk the company will offload some of its assets and affiliate brands.
"There are a lot of players out there gaming these things out, and we are, too," said Ford Jr. "If we find someone with common interest, and it's good for all of us, we would look at that."