The Pontiac G8 sells for around 29-32k, according to engine size. When the VE was first announced as the new Pontiac, the exchange rate was around 85US cents to our dollar, which partly explained the reason that the car appeared to be much cheaper in the US than Oz. Our exchange rate is now around 96US cents to the Aussie buck, almost line ball. So... Will the G8 rise in price to near parity with the VE models that most closely resembe the Pontiacs, or will the prices remain as they have been advertised. And if this happens, how come - are we getting screwed with the Australian prices? If economies of scale come into the equation, the fact that Holden can sell an additional 40,000 VE's as Pontiacs, should mean that the unit cost of production is lower, which SHOULD flow through to Aussie prices, but hasn't. So, why?
Ive found 16 for sale on US Ebay. Range from 28k to 31k. That may be for the 6 & 8 versions. Did not take notice. Ebay.com - Search 2008 G8.
Simple, Holden want to make a bigger profit in Oz where the car already has a huge following. The profit margin on the G8 would have to be much smaller but if they can make a following for the car they make the next commodore export a much easier prospect. That and the fact commodore sales are still strong enough to warrant the current prices, If sales drop off then we might see a drop off in prices but thats just common sense on holdens case really.
The GTO was a huge success. G8 will too. It's as good as anything else on offer in the states in so far as HP/finish/price. Has a yank engine too boot. AND it dont look too bad either. Sales will be good I predict.:thumbsup:
Not quite. The GTO never reached the level of sales originally anticipated and whilst its performance and equipment levels were highly regarded in the States, the overall appearance was described as bland and nondescript. Bloody Yanks, got no taste at all.
The original 20 thousand (2004 estimate) was 4 and a bit k short - but the car was still a hit and now it's regaded as a great base car to build something on. Give it some more time.:thumbsup:
Holden is making very little to no money on the G8's. They're trying to break into a lucrative market here, so I fail to see the problem with it being cheaper in the US. The G8 fulfills the requirements at the Elizabeth plant, so without it we'd probably have seen more job losses as the Commodore is at a 14 year sales low.
would probably be cheaper to buy a Pontiac G8 and bring it over to oz. problem is you won't be able to register it
Why's that, you can register an LHD car in Australia, so long as you have a permit. Saw one a few days ago actually, I think it was an old Dodge, but it was definitely LHD...sexy as.
...Nissan GTR is being sold here for like $250,000 imported from Japan before Nissan gets them here. But you'd have to have it changed over to LHD, there are certain requirements to having a LHD vehicle permit in Australia which I don't think the G8 would qualify for.
