Boot-scootin' Rodeo

Holden has lost its light commercial vehicle nameplate, Rodeo, following Isuzu and GM's divorce.

GM sold its global interests in Isuzu a couple of years ago, including the former I-GM truck joint venture here in Australia -- now owned entirely by Isuzu. Once GM and Isuzu had split, the clock was ticking on Holden's ability to continue to use the Isuzu-owned Rodeo name Down Under.

Holden is staying tight-lipped on how it will tackle the name change. According to John Lindsay, Holden's National Manager - Media Relations, the company will remain in the pick-up/cab chassis VFACTS segment.

"We're still selling Rodeo and we will continue to be a player in the segment," he said.

"Our only comment at the moment is that this is an important segment to us and it's not one we intend to be absent from."

Lindsay would not comment on how or when Holden would replace the Rodeo.

In the USA, General Motors markets both the GMC Canyon and Chevrolet Colorado. Loosely based on the Rodeo platform, these vehicles are slightly larger than the Thai-built Rodeo sold currently. It's not known whether GM's agreement with Isuzu would allow Holden to substitute these models or indeed nameplates Down Under.

Ironically, the Canyon and Colorado's chassis underpins the Hummer H3, recently introduced to Australia.

If you think all that's confusing, it is now likely that the Rodeo, probably renamed D-Max, will be marketed in Australia by Fuso Trucks, the former heavy truck division of Mitsubishi, now owned by Daimler AG.

Mitsubishi has a share in Isuzu now and may well have the necessary infrastructure in place to import and sell the D-Max and any other Isuzu-sourced light commercials as well.

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