Aussies say RHD Camaro a must!

Stand up and take a bow (or should that be a bow tie?) Australia -- you've voted with your keyboards and the results are already in... And if they're anything to go by, GM will miss a substantial opportunity if it doesn't build a right-hand-drive Camaro to sell Down Under.

Following GM's local unveil of the new US-market Camaro earlier this week, the Carsales Network responded to local insiders' challenge to gauge the 'mood of the meeting' on the local potential of the two-door coupe. We asked you to provide feedback via our story 'RHD Camaro decision next month' (more here) and in a show of true petrol hedonism your response was unequivocal...

Fuel might be at or near record prices but you still you want the Camaro to come Down Under. And soon...

Rarely have we seen a response so strong to an issue. And rarely have we seen as one-sided an argument. While the occasional respondent dismissed the new Chev sporty as out of time -- and a couple of readers called for 'Monaro, not Camaro' -- the overwhelming message to GM was build it and they will come.

Rest assured we'll pass a cross-section of your emails (like those below) on to the burghers at GM headquarters. In the meantime, keep the responses coming -- for and against.

Camaro Comments (more here)
Holden is lacking a hero type vehicle like the Monaro. My Monaro is nearing replacement time and Holden has nothing similar to offer buyers. 
A Camaro SS marketed at the low $60K range would be perfect.
Raffi Sheohmelian

I wanted to buy a Monaro but couldn't afford one at the time.  Now that I am a few years older I can afford one but they are no longer sold!  The Camaro looks great and I would love to be able to buy one in Australia.  I would likely purchase the cheapest V8 Automatic variant available.
Bill Lewis

I just want a Camaro. There is nothing like it on the roads here and it shows how good the platform underpinning the Holden Commodore is.
Eddie Attard

Bring it only if there's not going to be a production Coupe 60. Give me Coupe 60 over Camaro any day!
Don't count sales at the death of the Holden Monaro as an indicator of the likelihood to take up a new one. Monaro's styling dated quickly. Plan TTDIV6 and V8 versions and watch the sales!
Steve Thompson

The Holden Monaro was too soft looking, the Camaro is unique and exciting. Give us the direct injected 6 and don't try too gouge us with the price and they will sell.
Peter Bailey

I love Camaros and if brought to Australia, I would definitely be ordering a 6.2-litre LS3 model. I have been tempted to go and buy a HSV GTS, but I am waiting with anticipation.
I am 25 years old by the way.
Johnny

As a car enthusiast with somewhat limited funds, I would aspire to own this car -- as I am sure, would many other sub-30-yr-old men like me. I might even wander into a dealership with a hopeful glimmer in my eye; and though I may eventually not be able to justify $50K+ for the jaw-dropping Camaro, I would likely be in a very receptive mind for the next best thing; a $40K Commodore SV6 with the same DFI 3.6L V6 as the base Camaro.
So even if people like me don't eventually buy a Camaro off the dealership floor, there are the benefits of the halo-effect and increased dealership traffic that will flow on to Chevy's sister-brand Holden. I say sell it here, GM -- sell it here, and the people will think all the more fondly of you for it.
Mark Barwell

Build it! I will buy one for me and one for my wife. Our kids are older and we want sporty type cars. I have two hotrods already.
Ian Hearne

I think you need to consider that baby boomers (many with million dollar houses) are getting to the age where they wish to revive their childhoods and with kids now grown up, there will be a higher demand for two-door sporty cars. Many people have denied themselves this pleasure in the past due to having three or more kids. Give me one for $50,000 and I will give a deposit today. My wife wants one at any price.
I have been waiting for a classy two-door and refrained from buying the last Monaro as a future VE two-door (even a convertible) was mooted in magazines. So think before you drop this car and lose business, and force people like me to try and import one or whatever.
Fuel cost is not an issue to those with reasonable wealth and the Camaro seems to be reasonably efficient. It is a real work of art. With Australian design contribution you have an added drawcard.
Peter Hanrahan

I would definitely consider it. We both love the Chevy brand and already own a 2004 dual cab Silverado. We have two children but are not put off by any lack of space as they are seldom likely to ever see the inside of it anyway (call us selfish if you like). This is an awesome looking car, the best I have seen in a long time and no doubt due to its Australian design input, a very capable one too. Only thing wrong with it is how long we'd have to wait to get one. Selling more than 4000 of these things a year should be a snap.
Paul Barrass

I will be ready to purchase one in 2010, I will be looking at the V8 Auto. A rough price would be nice. I own a VESSV (my wife drives it for the safety, my car on the weekends!). I couldn’t ask for a better built, well priced vehicle that didn’t come out of Germany! Holden have outdone themselves and I can’t wait to see the Camaro in our dealerships.
Matt Schwabe

If GM offers a DI V6 Camaro manual here, and the price is closer to 50 than 60 grand, I will put a deposit down the day after the announcement. If they only do the V8, I would definitely have to wait and see what it was like first. Without a manual gearbox, I would have no interest at all.
Bones

Come on guys bring the Camaro to Aus! I'm 41, married with kids and currently drive a 99 STi, pay through the tooth for 98 octane for a car that does approx. 16L/100km and I'm still surviving! I want a Ford Mustang but they are too expensive at $173K for a Saleen, the Camaro is the perfect competitor for that car. Forget the petrol pricing (US have just found us loads more!) I want another Coupe as unique as the STi which looks hot and has the performance to match. Forget the Ipod -- I want my Camaro!
Rich

Holden should offer a RHD V6 Camaro and HSV should offer the V8 variety. I was standing on the Esplanade St Kilda in the last week when a red Camaro went scooting past me. As it approached it certainly caught my eye, and as it past I realised it was the new Camaro (with the "left hand drive" lettering on the back bumper). When you think about it, the guys that I know who purchased Monaro’s were all family guys -- but it wasn't the Family Truckster. The wife has Family truckster. You could fit bums on seats in your Monaro if you had to, but this type of car is for Business people, and single people who want to show individuality, and the car has a good level of performance. Look at what the options are right now; Ford: nothing unique; Holden: nothing; Japanese: everything old hat including RX-8, 350Z: BMW: I think they get a good chop of the two-door market with 330, 335, M3 -- good, better and brilliant performance. Mercedes: more the mature market generally, and not for the "masses". So when you look at it there is probably a stronger market to sell these exceptionally good looking cars into with strong beefy motors (even in V6 configuration) and fill a niche. These cars have a unique body, and fabulous stance that pictures do not do justice to, also, it’s not a "two-door Commodore". The worst outcome would to overprice an entry level model. To offer a basic model with a "entry price" close to Subaru WRX/Lancer Ralliart sports car prices. It gives a stylish option and they impress. Bring on Camaro’s!!!
Brett Turner

Please!!!!! Make it for Oz
David Holmes

Good luck to you Mr Stefanyshyn for reviving the Camaro.
I would not waste the resources for a RHD version for the Camaro, if it were I making this decision.
Great memories are not a reason to produce this vehicle in RHD. The typical driver that can relate to the memories of the Camaro's peak period will not commit to a purchase. These customers are driving a Mercedes C-Class or a BMW 3 Series or a European SUV. If they aren't, they are tearing up money in a Toyota Land cruiser or Prado and cannot afford to even get out of these vehicles.
Secondly, a comparison cannot be held with the Monaro. Most, if not all Australians can identify with a Monaro at some point of their life. Only a few can identify with the Camaro.
Finally, the macroeconomic indicators in the economy are against the market. Those with fond memories of this vehicle have superannuation that has lost value or mortgage repayments that have increased significantly. A thought of purchasing a vehicle like this has long gone.
George Fermanis

There is a gap in the Aussie muscle car market, two door limited numbers, cars that have been left by the Monaro and never been attempted by Ford. It would be an alternative to BMW 3 Series Coupes and Mercedes C class. I personally after seeing the concept and also the appearance in Transformers would buy a V8 version. I missed the market for the Monaro and second hand one is not an option so a new Camaro would be an exciting prospect. A V8 at around $65K I think you would struggle to take orders quick enough most people in that market sector are not as concerned about fuel as much as a reward for hard work put me on the list for one, just look at the H3 Hummer they still have a wait on these.
Edward Smith

I know that at the moment everyone is worried about the whole fuel crisis. However ever since I heard about the Camaro going into production I have done nothing but sit wait and listen to anything I could my hands on with information about this vehicle. Each day I search to see if I can find anymore new material. I am nearly 21, a uni student and I have held back selling my current car because I have tried saving for years and all I want to buy is one of these. I am willing to work for years just so I can end up using all my money just to own one.
There are some true people out there that would die for one, me being one of them. I’m not worried about petrol and neither are some other people. Its a fact of life petrol will keep going up, it just means we have to cut down on other luxuries in life; don’t smoke, don’t drink, don’t buy that little extra something. Times change and we have to compensate. I have done this my whole life to own something I am proud of and the Camaro is exactly that. So whatever it takes I'm sure there are people everywhere that will follow and love to own one of these masterpieces.
It is a dream come true knowing it was being made, now hoping for it to come here to Australia and if I ever have a privilege of owning one I would be the happiest person alive.
Jason McLean

I bought the 2003 Monaro in Black, an auto. Then when the 2005 model was released I couldn't resist and up dated it for the stunning new look in a red auto. It did help that the dealer (Booran Holden Cheltenham) put stunning alloys and stripes down the side. I just couldn't resist it and still love the car today.
Seeing the Camaro brings back the craving for a new car and a General Motors worthy successor. An Australian design theme is a big plus, making it more desirable. The price at around $50,000 is also attractive. A V8 in red with double stripes over the top would be my dream car -- auto of course. Where do I sign?!
Please give me the opportunity to buy one.
Peter Foley

I'm in the UK so whilst the article itself isn't about my home land it's the very key. I know GM are showing the Camaro at the London Motor Show and I will register my interest and I really hope others do too -- but I think I'd understand if, like Chrysler, GM cannot see a business case for a RHD car.
Dan Willis

How about closing down HSV and the rubbish they produce and bring in the Camaro to offer us a real muscle car alternative?
BWBoniface

I have/had high hopes for the Camaro in Australia....
But starting at $50,000? For the V6? How does that work when its starts at US$22,000 in USA?
The Aussie dollar and US dollar are almost equal, and I understand it’s going to cost more, naturally, regarding tariffs and all that, but why does it have to cost more than twice as much over here?
I personally was expecting maybe $40,000 for the V6, and 55 -- 60 grand for the SS.
IMO, they'd sell quite easy. Anything more is a bit iffy, and way too niche.
Daniel Biancardi

Please bring it down -- if you do I’m in. Where to I place a deposit?
Jeremy

I just want a Camaro. There is nothing like it on the roads here and it shows how good the platform underpinning the Commodore is.
Eddie Attard

I currently own a Holden Commodore SS-V and am looking to trade in for a Club sport but I guarantee if this is going to be released I know what I’ll be holding out for; put me down for first on the buying list of that monster V8 6.2l. Come on how could you not want to release that car for us? Even if you ran off 4000 in total for Australia, just give us something. I mean honestly how can you make and test drive a car in our market then build it overseas and not even give us a taste of it?
Keeping in mind I’m only 20 there’s plenty of potential down the line for me to upgrade to a newer model in a few years, as I’m looking to do now as it is. After having seen it in ‘Transformers’ being played out as the character ‘Bumble bee’ how could you not want to own that car? It is sex on wheels. Burnt orange with black stripes or black with white stripes all the way; bring it on I say!
George

The Camaro would sell in Australia as its look would set it apart. Commodore and Falcon look very simular and don’t stand out from the crowd.
Let me put it this way, I'll buy one...
Lee Miller

Please don't drop another gas-guzzler in Australia. We need intelligent design; design for the head, not so much the heart and definitely not the balls. I love cars and I love powerful cars, but there's a limit and we've passed it. Let's have cars that make your ears pop without the consumption, please.
Stephen Esdaile

I personally think that it should be aimed at a much younger market than the VE commodore, think new BMW 1 Series coupe.
Along with this, marketing it as being sporty and exclusive would do great good for the sales.
By no means am I a Holden/GM fan either, I am a Ford fan and generally dislike Holden and GM, but seeing the Camaro in the movie Transformers has given me a real soft spot for it. Talking with others my age (early 20's) has found that this is the same among others, there is not one person that I know who says they would not love to have the Camaro after seeing that movie. With a new Transformers movie in the works with the same Camaro, if anything, the car should be built in RHD just to get them out on the roads here so that the kids who see this movie get a chance to see them in real life as brand-building for GM and Chevrolet in Australia.
Having a car like the Camaro in Australia would do amazing things for the Chevrolet image and opens up the market for new Chevrolet models as the brand will now be recognised.
The market could be opened up for the new high-end corvettes (ZR1 for example) and new hybrid vehicles that may be 'in the works'.
The GM sponsorship of the transformers movie has done amazing things for the Camaro's image and many young people finishing university or having worked for a few years looking for a 'cool new car' could be in the market for the both the V8 and V6 Camaro.
Please let me know your decision also!
Adrian P

Put the money into a Torana Sedan instead!
You remember the formula -- , use the bits from the larger car (VE) in a scaled down RWD sedan but position it primarily as a sports luxury RWD inspirational vehicle with the sting of the direct injection V6 to differentiate it from the three quality mid-sizers stealing so much market share (Mazda 6,Honda Euro and Subaru Liberty). Of course a V8, ideally in a smaller s1ze than the socially unacceptable 6 litres, gives you another unique niche vehicle; call it an M3 for the working man. Heck, let history repeat and bang in a 4 pot version to get some sales volume and keep the production line humming while large car sales are weak.
At $25000 in the US these Mustang and Camaro Coupes have appeal but at $50000 -you are kidding. Anyone that keen to get one can do a private import and get a local RHD conversion.
Bob Jay

Please bring it to Australia I would buy one and I know many people will too.
Robert Fusco

Holden should do what ever they can to bring the Camaro to Australia. Ever since I saw the Camaro in the movie Transformers I really like it and that is coming from a Ford supporter, so Holden I think it will do good here.
Darren Mcgilton

Please, please, bring it here, but don’t kill it on price.
Just over $50k would be ok maybe for V6, and under $60k for V8 versions.
Unfortunately, I fear though it might be kept artificially high so as not to steal Commodore SS sales.
I had a 90 Camaro a few years ago, and would love a new one.
Ross Francis

It looks great in its retro styling and would be a winner with the Camaro converts. I have just sold a 93 Camaro and also own a 67 model. I presently drive a 6 litre Caprice and do not see why this vehicle will not sell with Holden's quality control in place. An Australian build Camaro would be better finished than an American counterpart. Just do it, this vehicle has been seen in photos for years, I saw the vehicle at SEMA last year. Stop talking about it.
David Osborne

If Holden is honest about the Camaro it should be sold under the Premier Automotive Group as a Chevy and not a bastardised Monaro. Holden also has an uncanny ability to get media air play on vehicles that never actually make it into production (just look as some of those motor show concept cars!) If they are serious they would have announced it for local launch the same time Stefanyshyn was here! An announcement in two months? That's two bites of the cherry Holden. Stop jerkin' our chains! The Camaro may also be engineered by Holden underneath but if past US examples are any guide the interior quality and build quality will probably be typical of many low-rent US vehicles. Look at Jeep and Chrysler. The Camaro may turn out the same. Don't waste the Monaro name Holden!
Anton

I've been hanging out for a new Camaro since the display of the first concept for it, and its subsequent appearance in the Transformers pretty much sealed the deal for me.
I currently own a 2004 Monaro and as soon as they announce RHD production (if they do) for the Camaro I'm down to the nearest dealer to order one. Would be an absolute shame if they weren't available in RHD as I'd hate to see them jump up to the price range of the new Mustangs which seem to turn out to around $100,000 for one once landed, converted to RHD, and all compliance.
David Sojevic

Mr Stefanyshyn,
My name is John. I live in Perth, 34 male, always love performance cars from Holden and GM. I’d love to be the first in Perth to buy 6.2V8 Camaro in Bumblebee colours. I have been following this car for few years now, and I almost made a mistake in buying HSV VE Clubsports this week (rush of blood) The new Camaro brings back the real muscle car look and performance not like sorry CV8 and CV6.
If you can help me in my mission in buy the new Camaro please email me some info e.g. who do I order through Holden or import it from GM? Any info will be great.
John Bonella

I would definitely consider the V6 SI-DI version of the Camaro if the price was right around the 50ish K mark.
It would a much more desirable and muscular alternative to the 350Z and RX-8 coupe which currently have the market to themselves.
Adam

I am 58 years old and I'm an avid Camaro fan, I currently have a 3rd generation model IROC. In the past I have owned a 69 model big block powered Z/28 (LS7).
Camaro will sell well as long as the bean counters use it as a cash cow; that will put many loyal supporters off.
Dennis Rees

I would rather have a modern looking Monaro then this wanky looking throw back!
Frank Grant

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