The South Australia Police is trialling the all-new Holden Commodore RS V6 AWD for general and highway patrol duties.

SOUTH AUSTRALIA POLICE has announced the Holden Commodore RS V6 AWD will take over both general and highway patrol duties, joining the police fleet this week – although South Australia Police are calling it a trial.

In a statement Holden said, “SA Police have run an exhaustive comparison of vehicles from every manufacturer and we’re proud our latest Commodore has once again proven its credentials when it comes to vehicle safety, specifications, durability, dynamics, performance and importantly manufacturer and servicing support,” Holden’s Director of Sales, Peter Keley, said.

“Holden’s Australian engineers have worked collaboratively with SA Police to ensure this vehicle meets the leading safety and performance requirements needed for modern policing and importantly to ensure it is the safest vehicle possible to protect their frontline officers.”

According to South Australia Police the new Commodore is being “trialled” before being officially announced to the fleet. It has been selected in several different colours which denote the role the vehicle will play. Silver coloured Commodores will be trialled for general traffic duties; white Commodores will be trialled for general duties. The black Commodores will be trialled across the state as special traffic fleets.

Launching the trial of the new ZB Commodore and the police markings – Assistant Commissioner Governance and Capability Service Peter Harvey said: “SAPOL has now identified two motor vehicles which we are trialling for a range of duties including frontline operational response. The trialling of the Kia Sorrento continues and today we have added the new imported Holden ZB Commodore to that.

“The trial of both types of vehicles is important as SAPOL continues to grow and expands its overall fleet to provide the best possible fit for purpose vehicles.

“The new police markings have a greater visibility to motorists, especially at night, due to the high visibility stripes,” Assistant Commissioner Harvey said.

Assistant Commissioner Harvey further commented: “In selecting and trialling the new Holden ZB Commodore safety is a key issue. This ZB Commodore has more active safety features than the previous VF Commodore.  With that – it should be of great appeal to our frontline officers.”

“Some of the features include all wheel drive; lane departure warning; and frontal collision warning amongst an array of other features. We have also made some modifications to upgrade to a larger battery and alternator to facilitate our electronics and technology in the vehicles.”

Question: Do you think South Australia Police is rubbing salt in the wound given all the ex-Adelaide Holden workers that no longer have a job building Commodores.