What is the Australian Chevy?
The Australian Chevy, also known as the Holden Commodore, is a unique automotive hybrid that blends American and Australian design and engineering. This iconic car has a rich history and a loyal following in Australia, where it has been a staple on the roads for decades.
Origins of the Australian Chevy
The story of the Australian Chevy begins in the 1940s, when General Motors (GM) established its Australian subsidiary, Holden, to produce and sell vehicles tailored to the local market. In the 1950s, Holden introduced the FX, the first car designed and built in Australia, which became an instant success. This laid the foundation for the development of the Holden Commodore, which would later be known as the Australian Chevy.
The Holden Commodore: An Australian Icon
The Holden Commodore, first introduced in 1978, was designed to be a larger, more powerful car than its predecessors. It combined the size and power of American muscle cars with the handling and fuel efficiency of smaller, more nimble vehicles. This unique blend of features made the Commodore a popular choice among Australian drivers, and it quickly became an icon of the country's automotive culture.
The Australian Chevy's Unique Features
The Australian Chevy, or Holden Commodore, has several distinctive features that set it apart from its American counterparts:
- Rear-wheel drive: Unlike many modern cars, the Commodore has a rear-wheel drive layout, which provides better handling and performance.
- Powerful engines: The Commodore has been available with a range of powerful engines, including V6 and V8 options, giving it the muscle of an American muscle car.
- Unique styling: The Commodore's design has evolved over the years, but it has always maintained a distinctive Australian flair, with features like a large, bold grille and a spacious, comfortable interior.
These features, combined with the car's long history and cultural significance in Australia, have made the Australian Chevy a beloved and iconic vehicle in the country.
The End of an Era
In 2017, Holden announced that it would cease production of the Commodore, marking the end of an era for the Australian Chevy. However, the car's legacy lives on, and it remains a beloved and iconic part of Australia's automotive history.
Are a Holden and Chevy SS the same?
The 2013 to 2017 Holden Commodore was an executive car produced by the GM Australia marque Holden. This model year range was the last generation of the Commodore and was imported to the USA under the nameplate of the Chevy SS. Previously, the Commodore was briefly imported to the USA under the Pontiac G8 nameplate.
What is the common car in Australia?
Top 100 most popular cars in Australia in 2024: best-selling vehicles
| Sales Position | Vehicle | Vehicle Type |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ford Ranger | Ute |
| 2 | Toyota RAV4 | Midsize SUV |
| 3 | Toyota Hilux | Ute |
| 4 | Isuzu D-Max | Ute |
What are commodores called in America?
Chevrolet SS
From 2014 to 2017, the VF Commodore was sold in the United States as the Chevrolet SS and the sport version from HSV sold in the United Kingdom as the Vauxhall VXR8.
Are there chevys in Australia?
Power, performance, and passion signify Chevrolet's range in Australia. Whether its the built-for-work Silverado HD, perhaps something more work-and-play like the Silverado 1500, or the unabashed performance icon in the Corvette, Chevrolet's heart beats strong and proud.
What is the Chevy equivalent to the Holden Commodore?
Chevrolet SS
Australian export models
From 2014 to 2017, the VF Commodore was sold in the United States as the Chevrolet SS and the sport version from HSV sold in the United Kingdom as the Vauxhall VXR8.
What is the Australian version of Chevy?
Holden
| Trade name | Holden |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1856 (as J. A. Holden & Co) in Adelaide, Australia |
| Founders | James Alexander Holden (original firm) Sir Edward Holden |
| Defunct | 1 January 2021 |
| Fate | Holden marque phased out; replaced by GM Specialty Vehicles |
What is the Chevy SS in Australia?
Holden Commodore SS
Are Holden and Chevy the same?
Holden cars and dealerships could be rebadged as Chevrolet once General Motors shuts its Australian manufacturing operations in 2017. Holden has secretly been fighting to protect the Australian icon from extinction for the past decade, say company insiders.
Does Holden use Chevy engines?
The new engines were initially intended to be offered as part of the 1968 Holden HK range, but production issues caused the project to run behind schedule and consequently 307ci Chevrolet engines imported from Canada were used instead.
What did Chevy SS stand for?
Super Sport
Super Sport, or SS, is the signature performance option package offered by the Chevrolet division of General Motors on a limited number of its vehicles. All SS models come with distinctive "SS" markings on their exterior. The SS package was first made available for the 1961 Impala.
