Four-millionth Holden export engine powers new Aero SAAB

Holden has celebrated the export of its four-millionth engine. The engine a 2.8-litre turbocharged version of the company's new Global V6 is destined for Sweden where it will power a flagship Aero version of SAAB's 9-3.

The occasion was marked by a ceremony at Holden Engine Operations, Port Melbourne, attended by Victorian Minister for Manufacturing and Export, Andre Haermeyer, as well as Holden chief Denny Mooney and other personnel. Mr Haermeyer helped to package the Global V6 engine for its journey overseas.

Holden has produced a range of four-cylinder and six-cylinder engines for export at Port Melbourne since 1981, and currently holds contracts to Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia and North America.

GM Holden Chairman and Managing Director, Denny Mooney, said engine manufacturing for export and domestic markets was an important part of Holden’s operations and complemented the company’s vehicle exports.

“The fact that we have built four million engines for other markets around the world highlights how serious GM is about manufacturing in Australia. This is a significant contribution to our global operations and has involved many collaborations worldwide,” he said.

The export engine celebration came in the same week, GM affiliate SAAB official released the new 9-3 Aero range Down Under. The Holden-built turbo V6 Turbo will power the 9-3 Aero range, including Sport Sedan, Convertible and the SportCombi 9wagon) which arrives in Australia in first quarter 2006.

Pricing kicks off at $69,900 for the 9-3 Aero Sport Sedan $69,900 (manual, auto $72,400) while the Convertible vesrion is $89,900 (manual, auto $92,400). Pricing for the SportCombi will be announced closer to the car's local release.

Look out for CarPoint's launch review of the Aero 9-3 tomorrow...