Holden Releases Pricing For 2006 Commodore, WM Statesman and Caprice

[Darren]

New Omega model and V-Series headline value-packed VE lineup Commodore V special model announced for private buyers

Holden today released pricing for the all-new 2006 series of Holden Commodore, highlighting several significant reductions compared with equivalent models in the previous generation.

Prices were also announced for the upcoming WM Statesman and Caprice, with Caprice moving under the $70,000-mark and the V8 flagship version priced at less than the previous V6 model.

Holden released the information after briefing almost 300 Holden dealers at a national event in Queensland today.

The VE and WM pricing schedule reflects the revised model lineup for the all-new Commodore and represents outstanding value in every model. They include the new Omega model and flagship VSeries models, plans for which were announced at Holden’s VE reveal event on Sunday.

Buyers are now able to purchase SS performance or Calais luxury for $6800 and $8400 less respectively than their VZ equivalents.

Buyers are now able to purchase SS performance or Calais luxury for $6800 and $8400 less respectively than their VZ equivalents.

Pricing for the new Berlina has been rolled back $3900 to a recommended retail price of $39,990 despite offering more prestige, technology and value.

Holden also announced plans for a special model for private buyers, the Commodore V-Series, to be offered from September to celebrate the release of the fourth generation Commodore family.

Holden’s Executive Director of Sales, Marketing and Aftersales, Alan Batey, said Holden had designed a model structure which offered compelling choice at every level of purchase.

Batey said the pricing left no doubt about Holden’s intent in Australia.

“Commodore has always represented exceptional value for money and Holden has added even more value with the all-new models,” Mr Batey said.

“Almost 40 passenger car brands are competing for market share and we need to consider more competitors than ever before in setting our pricing structure.

“Our model lineup enables us to make SS and Calais more accessible to buyers, while allowing room for differentiation with the new V-Series variants.”

Source - Holden Media Web Site

[Darren]

Commodore V-Series special model

Mr Batey said the Commodore V-Series was Holden’s gesture to celebrate the first all-new Commodore in nine years.

He said Holden had defined the practice of regular special edition releases and Commodore VSeries was the best possible way to mark the company’s biggest milestone for many years.

“Special edition models have long been a part of our plan. Commodore V-Series is designed for private buyers to celebrate the arrival of VE and recognise Commodore’s compelling value,” Mr Batey said.

“The Commodore V-Series will be on sale for the rest of this year and we expect there will be strong demand.”

Based on the Omega model, the Commodore V-Series includes air conditioning, 17-inch alloys, rear spoiler, body color mirrors and door handles. The Commodore V-Series is for sale to private buyers only.


Fleet consultation

Mr Batey said Holden had already consulted widely with major fleet buyers and was confident its pricing would also exceed expectations for fleet and user-chooser markets.

“The consultation process has been extremely valuable,” he said.

“We have put together a package which continues to represent strong value for fleets with specification level and key price points meeting the needs of diverse fleet policies.

“The pricing and model repositioning strategy will support long term value in these vehicles and ultimately maintain a strong residual value position over its competitors.”

Mr Batey said corporate buyers had shown particular interest in key safety features, including the standard provision of Electronic Stability Program (ESP®) and the availability of side impact and
curtain airbags in all models.

“We have put in what is important to our biggest customers in each model,” he said.

The 2006 Holden Commodore range will go on sale across Australia in August 2006. The Commodore V-Series special model will go on sale in September.

A full list of features for the WM Statesman and Caprice will be released closer to the start of sales in September 2006.


2006 VE Commodore Range Features - Hightlights

Holden’s Executive Director of Sales, Marketing and Aftersales, Alan Batey, said the 2006 VE Commodore range established a clear identity for each model.

“Each car has a stand-alone position in the market, a unique set of features over the model below and logical price gaps around its position,” Batey said.

“Holden buyers know they can buy a VE Commodore with advanced safety and technology built into every car, along with Euro-style looks and a major focus on exterior and interior quality.

“They also have defined choices about where in the range they wish to purchase and whether they are seeking prestige or performance.” Key features for each model are as follows -


Omega

“Omega is an extremely well packaged, value for money entry level car for our new range. Omega is high on standard safety with passive and active features thanks to Electronic Stability Program
and the structural rigidity and crashworthiness built into every VE Commodore. It comes with the capability to build in even more safety with an optional pack of side impact and curtain airbags and
active head restraints,” Batey said.

“Omega is also high on comfort which provides significant incentive for fleet, lease and private buyers alike. The replacement of two models with one has created a great first step into the allnew
Commodore range.” Standard features on Omega include -

• 3.6L V6, peak power 180kW, peak torque 330Nm, four-speed automatic
• Electronic Stability Program, Electronic Brake Assist, Electronic Brakeforce Distribution
• 16-inch steel wheels
• Dual stage front airbags; side and curtain impact airbags optional with active head restraints
• Cruise control
• Single disc CD player with MP3 compatibility
• Four-way power drivers seat
• Multi-function display with trip computer – five-inch screen
• Power windows front and rear

Berlina

“Berlina is a more significant step up in the VE range despite coming down significantly in price compared with the previous car. The realignment has allowed us to give Berlina greater
personality with far greater standard specification. We can see great potential for this car in corporate and lease fleets as well as driveways around the country,” Batey said.

Berlina has all Omega standard features in addition to -

• Optional 6.0L V8, peak power 270kW, peak torque 530Nm, six-speed automatic
• 17-inch alloy wheels
• Additional cluster displays
• Six-inch multi-function display screen
• Side impact airbags; curtain airbags optional with leather trim seats
• Rear Park Assist
• Bluetooth connectivity
• Six-disc in-dash CD player, MP3 compatible
• Leather wrap steering wheel
• Dual zone climate control

SV6

“The Holden model which created such a positive impact with its introduction in the VZ range in 2004 has stepped up another gear with the all-new Commodore,” Batey said.

“The High Output Alloytec V6 engine and choice of two highly regarded transmissions has equal appeal to retail and corporate customers. It rides on 18-inch alloy wheels and features dual
exhausts, sport suspension and rear spoiler.

“SV6 really looks the part and has the V6 performance to compete with anything in the market. We have delivered one of Holden’s most impressive six-cylinder sports models in recent years.”

• 3.6L V6, peak power 195kW, peak torque 340Nm, six-speed manual or optional five-speed automatic with Active Select
• 18-inch alloy wheels
• Dual stage front airbags, side impact airbags; curtain airbags optional with leather trim seats
• Sports suspension
• Sports fascia, body kit and rear spoiler
• Front fog lamps
• Body color mirrors and door handles
• Dual exhaust with chrome tips
• Leather wrap steering wheel
• Bluetooth connectivity
• Power windows

SS

“There is no question in our minds that the Holden SS is the king of the Australian sports sedans. The new price position of this car is going to cause a real stir in the market,” Batey said.

“It has 270 kilowatts of peak power and six-speed automatic and manual transmissions which are shared with the Chevrolet Corvette. We have rolled back the price of this car almost $7000 and
made quality performance more affordable and value-packed than ever.”

• 6.0L V8, peak power 270kW, peak torque 530Nm, six-speed manual with optional six-speed automatic with Active Select
• Quad exhaust with chrome tips
• 18-inch alloy wheels
• Dual stage front airbags, side impact airbags; curtain airbags optional with leather trim seats
• Sports fascia, body kit and larger rear spoiler
• Sport suspension
• Sports seats
• Unique SS seat trim and logo
• Six-disc in-dash CD player with MP3 compatibility
• Leather wrap steering wheel

SS V

“SS V is Holden’s king of the jungle, the new hero of our performance range. It also delivers front, side and curtain airbags, multi-function color LCD screen, premium stereo system and the ability to choose color-coded interiors,” Batey said.

“This is a powerful example of how the V Series concept can be applied. It takes what is already stunning value and shifts it to new heights.”

SS V has all SS features in addition to –

• Projector headlamps
• 19-inch alloy wheels
• 6.5-inch multi-function display
• Curtain airbags
• Dual zone climate control
• 230 watt audio system with sub-woofer
• Color coded instrument cluster
• Sports gauges
• Sports profile leather wrap steering wheel
• Leather seat trim
• Alloy pedals

Calais

“Calais continues to target luxury car buyers but makes it easier than ever to become a Calais owner with prices more than $8000 below the previous model. VE Calais has sports suspension,
front, side and curtain airbags, color information display and superb European design themes. It’s a truly stunning car which leaves behind other locally built prestige vehicles for value,” Batey said.

• 3.6L V6, peak power 195kW, peak torque 340Nm, five-speed automatic; 6.0L V8, peak power 270kW, peak torque 530Nm, six-speed automatic
• Sport suspension
• Projector headlamps
• Chrome bonnet header
• Dual exhaust with chrome tips
• Curtain air bags
• Six-way power driver’s seat and passenger seat with leather bolsters
• 6.5-inch full color multi-function display
• Leather grip on gear shift
• Rear seat centre armrest

Calais V

“There is no question that Calais V is the pinnacle of the VE range, a car designed expressly to attract people who had previously driven European brands,” Batey said.

“We believe it is the classiest Calais we have ever delivered. It offers 18-inch alloy wheels, luxurious leather trim seats and premium stereo system. It has useful technology such as rainsensing
wipers and a first for an Australian-built vehicle in zoned front and rear park assist.”

Calais V has all Calais features in addition to -

• Zoned front and rear park assist
• Rain sensing wipers
• External mirror puddle lamps
• 18-inch alloy wheels
• Leather seat trim
• Single screen roof-mounted DVD
• 230-watt audio system with sub-woofer
• Priority seat and mirror memory
• Eight-way power front seats
• Sliding centre armrest

Pricing, Accessories and Featured are attached.

[KingDiamond]

Oh sounds sooo good.

270kW SS commodores.... Jeebus christ.

[davey g-force]

Oh sounds sooo good.

270kW SS commodores.... Jeebus christ.

Ooooh yeah, and one of them's got my name written on it. Actually, since it's $7,000 cheaper, I may as well get the SSV with the leftover change...

...just have to wait about 2 years...

[blackahcdx]

Great prices!!!

[Stretchomatic]

i wonder how good the new sound systems are...they seem pretty chuffed about having sub-woofers in the upper range vehicles.

[grooVY]

top work darren. very interesting move by holden, the competition will be shaking in their boots when they see this

[davey g-force]

i wonder how good the new sound systems are...they seem pretty chuffed about having sub-woofers in the upper range vehicles.

LOL, as long as they've got RCA pre-outs this time, that'll be a start...

[1991_Vn2nV]

11 speaker sound system... I only got 8

[blackahcdx]

i cant believe only the two calais and the SSV get the flick key

[bluerod99]

Holden must be using a space saver spare wheel as standard.

[davey g-force]

Holden must be using a space saver spare wheel as standard.

What makes you say that?

[vy_storm]

What makes you say that?

If its an option to upgrade to a full size then it must be standard......

[bluerod99]

It's a bit rough having to pay extra for a full size spare wheel.

[davey g-force]

If its an option to upgrade to a full size then it must be standard......

Aaah ok. I just read the specs.

Never thought I'd see the day when Commodores had space savers...

[vy_storm]

Makes you wonder though, if a full size will fit, why bother with the space saver. Should really be named "cost saver".

[ChrisJ]

I wonder why Holden don't release their pricing with full size spare included, then offer a discount for those customers who want the space saver instead.

[bluerod99]

I wonder why Holden don't release their pricing with full size spare included, then offer a discount for those customers who want the space saver instead.

Nobody would want the space saver.

[commod8]

thanx for that darren, well done. i can't belive the prices have dropped, especially after reading somewhere that (pretty sure it was Motor or Wheels Magazine) the prices of every single model would go up slightly, but it would be "worth the extra" because all VE/WM models would be jam packed with goodies, and overall, be a sensational car.

[sting ls2]

Good pricing by Holden on SS+SS-V and SV6A5 ONLY $1OOO more.
Ford and Toyata would be packing darkies.

[Scotty_Doesn't_Know]

Space saver tyres would be a factor they decided on so they could quote the new fuel economy figures. Everything that could be stripped would be in order to take as much wieght out as possible...

Personally, I'll have both - space saver for around town when you can basically get a tyre fixed the next day and can't do more than 80kph anyhow. And a full size in the garage for when I hit the highway. Smart move by Holden I say. Save fuel by less weight is always a god thing

[Scotty_Doesn't_Know]

i cant believe only the two calais and the SSV get the flick key

Where did you see that?

[davey g-force]

Where did you see that?

It's on the specs that Darren posted up somewhere (can't seem to find it now! )

Only the SSV, Calais and Calais V get the flick key...

[Scotty_Doesn't_Know]

Only the SSV, Calais and Calais V get the flick key...

Well since I am having trouble deciding between the SSV and Calais V, I don't really care too much

I think the deciding factor will be that I can't get a manual Calais V. Since the fleet discount through my company gets me an SSV for sub $40k I'll take one without the colour coded dash thanks!

[davey g-force]

Since the fleet discount through my company gets me an SSV for sub $40k I'll take one without the colour coded dash thanks!

Where do you work? Any jobs going?

I know what you mean about that colour coded dash (and seats too). It looks pretty sexy on a promo car, but a bit much for me I think...