Holden Ute Not Coming Due To High Tarrifs

I think I prefer the Holden nose.

But then it is about more than you!

What one would sell better to the American public.

To be honest both would be low volume but it is something to consider as I don't want to see this car after 3 years tank at 3500 units. Few cars outside the Miata can do that and survive.

By this justification, GM shouldn't build the CTS-V...Mazda sells about 4 Miatas for every CTS-V GM sells...

Come on you know better than this. Add to it the number of V6 CTS they also sell over the CTSV. Also the higher the price point allows the lower the volume can be.

Thinking about it a bit more, the timing was just about right for any of these that were here to have been Pontiac VINned. They were likely destined for the CTF fleet and for duty as press cars. So they just might be fully legal to own and drive.

Not that I have any shot - but it is interesting to think about.

Keep in mind many press cars are hand assembled and they are often without vins. At least most of the ones I have seen or fooled with have has no vin or had it removed. One buddy of mine had a Vette with a vin plate but no number on it. Also a window sticker that said not to be sold. He was a plant manager and had connections so he did buy it. He figured he could sell it to a collector which he did do.

On the other hand it could have a number too and that would make it easy if you could get in front of the line.

The cars that go to auction are not always that high of priced. I have seen some go pretty cheap. Some of the FIero prototypes including a 88 GT convertible with a Vin sold for $17,000. The IMSA GTU racer complete went for under $30K. I have even seen some of the special Vettes go for less than a new one with vins. While they may not be the best specail edition to own they did make a good buy if you wanted a new vette.

At this point, I think I'd settle for simply knowing more of the story.

I have no real hope of ever getting my hands on one of the G8STs.

First thing I'd like to know is how many still exist.

I'm still jealous of Z that he got to sit behind the wheel of the showcar.

A member of gminsidenews contacted the Australian Department of Trade and they confirmed the ute would be tarrif free because of the FTA. Holden have said that haven't looked at exporting the ute to the U.S. yet. GM have trade marked el camino and nomad this year so maybe you might get the ute and sportwagon.

Haha I remember that day well. It was center stage at the Pontiac presser, flanked by the G8 GXP and Solstice targa. All threee were pretty mobbed the whole day. In contrast, the G6 GXP (also introduced that year) was tucked away in the corner and there were crickets chirping at that display. What the G8 ST could have done was take the car-with-an-open-bed bodystyle out of he shadows of the El Camino's heritage and help a new generation of buyers see it for what it is; something that can be fun, efficient, and useful all at the same time. I know not everyone that's responded in this thread is particularly fond of the Ute, but hey, if the Acura ZDX, Accord Crosstour, Hyundai Sonata, and 5 series GT can attract enough people crazy enough to take them home, then there's no reason to think the Ute can't do the same.

Three of the best Pontiacs in decades arrayed around you - I doubt you'll forget that day anytime soon!

Don't forget, I got to see it in person at that year's NYIAS

UPDATE: I can't believe that was four years ago (2008) show... here are the pics I took:

And while we're on the car-based pickup subject, this was parked not that far away from the G8 ST:

So much $h! has hit the fan since then...

2008 was the second to last really enjoyable NYIAS for me (2009 being the last because of Pontiac's last year). GM went from a big part of the show floor to just a little area for 2010 (with the loss of Pontiac, Saturn & Hummer). 2011 GM moved to the new pavillion building that gave it the old "Motorama" show feel, but it took GM away from the rest of the show (if you had no interest in GM vehicles, you wouldn't likely walk over to their area). Toyota was quick to claim the space Chevy use to occupy at the show, which pisses me off to no end. 2011's highlight for me, besides the dedicated show area, was the Sierra All Terrain HD Concept, but other than that it was just a glimmer of the past shows. This year was better, but nothing compares to the '95-'09 shows I attended and likely never will again.

One of my favorite pictures of that 2008 show. Seeing all three of the same stage together, illuminated like that, seemed very symbolic. Pontiac's future was supposed to be bright with these three vehicles lighting the way, while mistakes like the G6 GXP, G5, and G3 would eventually be swept under the rug and forgotten.

Alas it was not to be.

GM has the opportunity here to bring 66% of this picture to reality, albeit under Chevrolet. Don't screw this up GM. Not everyone wants a CUV.

Anyone seen the latest Chis Doane photo's from Milford? They are of the new SS with a G8 body on the car.

Now I am not saying that the ST on Woodward was a prototype but it is something to consider if we see any more G8 or Holdens show up testing. The VF has many changes but the old body can still fit on the new car. It is real easy to hide in plain sight.

One of my favorite pictures of that 2008 show. Seeing all three of the same stage together, illuminated like that, seemed very symbolic. Pontiac's future was supposed to be bright with these three vehicles lighting the way, while mistakes like the G6 GXP, G5, and G3 would eventually be swept under the rug and forgotten.

Alas it was not to be.

GM has the opportunity here to bring 66% of this picture to reality, albeit under Chevrolet. Don't screw this up GM. Not everyone wants a CUV.

I remember being happy and optimistic...

2008 was the second to last really enjoyable NYIAS for me (2009 being the last because of Pontiac's last year).

I know just how you feel. I haven't gone since NYIAS 2008, as little really gets me interested.

Before 2009, I used to stop in at GM dealerships all the time to see what deals and models where actually on the floor. Since them I've only been to a dealership (not counting parts runs) once to check out the Camaros... and was so unimpressed that I haven't been back since. Of course, even after I told the salesman that I wasn't interested in it, he still insisted on working a trade... in which he offered me $250 for my '99 Bonneville, which I didn't really want to trade. Like that's going to get me signing up for a $30K car I can only drive while reclined.