Redline a model not brand

Redline is a model not a brand. The nameplate attached to Holden's Commodore SS V and Calais V is a one-off, but that doesn't shut the door on warmer, smaller Holdens. Indeed, that's the line from senior Holden execs, including the company's Director of Marketing Phillip Brook.

"Redline is essentially a name we've given to the option pack we are offering on Commodore SS V," Brook told the Carsales Network. "But it's an interesting question -- whether we'd apply the same badge to sports versions of smaller models…"

According to Brook and Holden boss Mike Devereux, the door is open to sports versions of Holden's set-for-renewal light and small car ranges. With local production of Holden's Cruze small car and a wider range of up to date engines coming on stream across the GM world, opportunity knocks.

In the meantime Devereux has hinted at the next generation Barina as a more accomplished vehicle. At this week's Barina Spark light car launch, he described the next generation Barina -- due in a year in Summer 2011 -- as a "[Volkswagen] GTI style package".

He also stated he believed that sportier versions of Holdens other than Commodore would play an important role in the company's product portfolio... Eventually...

Meantime Redline is not intended to cut Holden offshoot HSV's lunch, say the Holden execs. Nor, however, is it the full extent of the sort of performance add-ons Holden sees as appropriate for the main brand.

Though Devereux confirmed HSV would retain an overall capacity and performance advantage, he says he sees significant scope in increasing 'native' Commodore models' performance offering.

"For sure HSV needs room to breathe, but styling and other equipment aspects set the [HSV models] apart from Holdens. We have different buyers but they too are looking for performance," Devereux told the Carsales Network.

Executive Director for Sales Marketing and After Service John Elsworths agrees.

"HSV has 60 dealers, Holden has 260... Our dealers are out there looking for different customers with Redline," he stated.

Read the latest Carsales Network news and reviews on your mobile, iPhone or PDA at carsales' mobile site...