Holden has announced that its next-generation large car will still be called a Commodore when it arrives in 2018.

ACCORDING TO THE AUSTRALIAN car maker, “direct customer feedback has driven Holden’s decision to retain the esteemed Commodore nameplate for the next-generation large car to be imported from GM’s global operations from 2018”.

“The next-generation large car we have selected from GM’s global portfolio is worthy of the iconic Commodore nameplate,” said Peter Keley, Holden Executive Director of Sales.

“When it arrives in 2018, our new large car will honour Commodore’s heritage and support a long and successful future for Holden in Australia and New Zealand. Holden and Commodore aren’t going anywhere, they will remain pillars of Australian motoring for many years to come.

“Customers have confirmed that retaining the Commodore nameplate is the right decision for Holden.

“Through the process of selecting the vehicle, we put to customers a number of possible criteria to better understand what they felt was important for the car to be competitive in the Australian market. And, of course, whether it deserved the Commodore nameplate.

“Ultimately, the overwhelming response from customers was that Holden should continue the Commodore nameplate into the future with our next-generation large car.”

According to Keley, Holden hosted 17 customer research sessions with both Commodore owners and non-owners, with the majority suggesting that retention of the Commodore nameplate was the right idea.

“We know the decision to retain or retire the Commodore nameplate will stir passionate responses among Holden fans and customers. That’s why we’ll ensure the next-generation car drives like a Commodore should,” Mr Keley said.

“The vehicle will be tuned and honed by Holden engineers and technicians at our world-class Lang Lang Proving Ground in Victoria, ensuring it performs in Australian conditions and to Australian expectations. Right now, our Vehicle Performance team is helping shape the next-generation Commodore for Australian customers.”