Do you want the Chevrolet Camaro in Australia?

[Excellent]

http://www.carsguide.com.au/site/news-and-reviews/story/camaro_not_a_lost_cause/

Carsguide will mount a campaign if enough readers get behind the car, and we're happy to pass the push to GM Holden's new chairman, Alan Batey.
Write to Batey, give him your thoughts, and we'll pass the messages to the top man at the red lion.

Email to: karla.pincott@carsguide.com.au

[VW Golf R32]

Holden and GM don't have enough money do do a RHD version of a niche model. Unfortunately it ain't gonna happen folks.

[calais190]

I'd rather a new monaro...

[fatbob]

Yeah I'll do the carguide thing for a camaro - doubt it will work, but hell, nothing to lose - in fact, prolly could of done it in time I typed this.

[zeeute]

If only...

[Toddler78]

yep send it in alnog with your $5000 non refundable deposit to show your genuine interest. :rofl:
this wont do squat, look at howw many dreamers said theyd by the HSV 427 if they made it and what they struggled to sell hundred odd.
the execs at holden would put this in the same pile as the faxed specials they get from dell every month like every other business.

[chevypower]

Holden will probably take a couple of years to think about. Then announce that they will release it a year after that, and a year later, announce that the price will be higher than they initially expected. Then six months later say "it will be in V6 automatic only". Then canceling the program all together because nobody was interested. After that all the excitement will have worn off, and anyone who might have bought a Camaro will probably just buy a Commodore. Perhaps this is what they are hoping?

[gmh308]

Considering they have the Camaro in Japan, and GM is obviously spending big bucks to get the convertible on the road, the $35m (up from $30m) to RHD the Camaro for its RHD markets seems rather trivial. Even at 10,000 cars across RHD markets thats only 3k per car. Double that for margin and 6k-10k more asking it is.

[calais v]

Got one ! A 1969 Coupe with big block. The real thing looks better than the new clone :rofl:

[gmh308]

Yes on that too, but a 68. Gen 1's and the Gen 5's both are great looking cars.

[Ghia351]

Considering they have the Camaro in Japan, and GM is obviously spending big bucks to get the convertible on the road, the $35m (up from $30m) to RHD the Camaro for its RHD markets seems rather trivial. Even at 10,000 cars across RHD markets thats only 3k per car. Double that for margin and 6k-10k more asking it is.I might be wrong however I believe you don't have to convert to RHD in Japan anymore for new niche market imports .

[calais v]

Yes on that too, but a 68. Gen 1's and the Gen 5's both are great looking cars.

Yeah love the first gen, yours a Coupe or Vert ?
Mine has a ZZ502 with a TKO600 5 speed. Just spent 3 years restoration :goodjob: and just love cruising in it :bow:

[gmh308]

Yeah love the first gen, yours a Coupe or Vert ?
Mine has a ZZ502 with a TKO600 5 speed. Just spent 3 years restoration :goodjob: and just love cruising in it :bow:

LSX coupe. Drive it a lot. People love it. Me too!


I might be wrong however I believe you don't have to convert to RHD in Japan anymore for new niche market imports .

You are absolutely right. They are LHD's. LHD's going to Europe too. Japan sold out their 120 allocation in the blink of an eye. Camaros going to same markets GM ships Corvettes to. Lucky devils!

[SCiFiRE]

I'd love it... and I'd buy one IF the price was reasonable (say, something similar to the monaro was)... But that'd never happen. I can't help but think at 320kw They'd have to slot it in or above HSV territory, and I just can't afford to go there.

[patto]

gee, no wonder things don't happen in this country if some of the negative wowsers on here are anything to go by

I've sent my email and it didn't cost me anything

[Excellent]

gee, no wonder things don't happen in this country if some of the negative wowsers on here are anything to go by

I've sent my email and it didn't cost me anything

The best post in the thread so far (unfortunately).

Firstly, the response matters. If not for public response, Monaro would never have been conceived.

Second, Camaro is RHD compatible so the $35M to build is not an issue. HSV's budget for new vehicle releases is bigger.

Lastly, GM decides whether it wants to build more Camaros for RHD markets, not Carsguide. But Carsguide is an important medium for gauging public reaction, as is this forum.

And we turn full circle on the topic..........

[super coach]

Last time I checked this was still Australia and not USA. Give us an Australian muscle car ledgend back the MONARO and then I will buy, hopefully others as well. Here to support local Aussies in jobs, if I wanted a CAMARO I would move to USA. Monaro Hands down.

[Ghia351]

Second, Camaro is RHD compatible so the $35M to build is not an issue. HSV's budget for new vehicle releases is bigger.I think you missed the actual reference, it's not $35Mill for engineering a RHD model, it's for the production setup such as getting parts made from suppliers, altering the line to handle the build, parts supply and set up with dealers.


But Camaro chief Gene Stefanyshyn, who drove the project on both sides of the Pacific, is keen to get the car into Australia and says it is not a lost cause. "All the basic engineering is done. It would cost about $35 million to do the production engineering," says Stefanyshyn, the global vehicle line executive at GM in charged of global rear-wheel drive vehicles.

He is talking about the cost of converting the plans into parts for the production line but, sadly, the spend would not stop there. It would also take millions on shipping, spare parts and a local dealer network to really get the Camaro going. "They are like children. You have to feed them and clothe them and send them to school," Stefanyshyn says.

There's some GMH engineers living near me and I see the Camaro's they bring home quite often. It's bigger in the flesh then I expected.

[Dav0]

I'm a sucker for them new camaro's, i want one!

[_MetalliX_]

I have been delaying buying a new car in the hope that the Camaro will be sold in Australia. I absolutely love it and they just have such an awesome road presence. But knowing the greedy pen pushers at Holden I'd say they will try to squeeze every penny from potential buyers and price it into oblivion.

I'll have Cyber Metallic Grey with the RS Package thanks...

[nang3]

yeh bring them to Oz if they release them at a reasonable price.. not $150k FFS!

[OOL51]

We have the latest model at work getting converted now :). I'd say it will be a regular thing for them to convert I'll try and get a few pics when I'm back after my holidays

[V-Car]

We have the latest model at work getting converted now :). I'd say it will be a regular thing for them to convert I'll try and get a few pics when I'm back after my holidays

But a factory RHD one would cost about half what Performax will rip for one, and be far better built and integrated than a cobbled up converted one also!

This country is a fools paradise. :headbang:
We are one of the very few who dont allow LHD registration unless the vehicle is years old. :soap:
Its not an issue for any enlightened society like Europe or Japan.

[Pickles]

It ain't gonna happen, simply because, in Holden's own words, "there is no economic case for this car".
Holden were hard pressed to sell the last of the Monaros, & there were still new GTOs for sale over one year after production finished.
There is simply not the market in Aus for a big V8 coupe....the last Monaros were around $60k, & an imported Camaro would be much dearer than that.
Whilst I like the look of the camaro, in the flesh I don't think it's all that flash.
I've sat in a couple, & found forward visibility to be poor...high dashboard & low roofline....sort of like looking through a slit. & getting in & out is more awkward than a CV8, & the back seat is only good enough for small children...so it's really only a two seater.
Having said all of that, I guess I'd love to see an LS9 powered Camaro....but again, it just boils down to the same thing....it's not economically viable.
Cheers, Pickles.

[KuRT12]

How much would it retail for directly from GM? seeming as its only 33k US?? or so.


It would kill HSV/Commodore sales :S

[PaulM]

There are already tonnes around (http://www.pavle.com.au/89/2010-chevrolet-camaro-ss-convertible-production-ready-spy-photos/ ), I don't know why they can't just engineer a RHD version and sell them in markets like Australia.

I know I'd buy one for sure!

[V-Car]

Japan sold out their 120 allocation in the blink of an eye.

Exactly, and there they are priced the equivalent of A$55k to A$65k.
There is no way the Commodore car company here would allow them to be sold so cheap to undercut SSV and HSV sales.
Locally converted Camaro's at $150k make an HSV look like very good value. ;)

[genIIIss2002]

I say why not, more choice for us the buyers, and we all know it looks great.

[PRO364]

http://www.camaroaustralia.com.au

It ain't that hard folks!:)

[fatbob]

And for anyone who says "don't buy usa, buy australian" - lets hope the rest of the world doesn't adopt that - cos if they do, we screwed all round - we a real real real small market. Think quite a few of the monaro's were sold overseas - badged as vxr or gto.

I'd buy a camaro 2moro - love the look of them. Muscle cars are great !!!!!!!

[Parish VX]

Its not gonna happen guys. Would rather have the Challenger anyways. Can get one of those for $170,000 aud.

[OOL51]

But a factory RHD one would cost about half what Performax will rip for one, and be far better built and integrated than a cobbled up converted one also!


The mustangs start at around 110K for the GTs I think, would imagine that the Camaro would roughly be the same

[Hamico]

http://www.camaroaustralia.com.au

It ain't that hard folks!:)

The prices from American Vehicle Sales at Rowville are better than expected...

Prices for each model...

V6 models starting at $99,000 inc GST
V8 models starting at $109,500 inc GST
SS models starting at $123,000 inc GST

.

[V-Car]

The mustangs start at around 110K for the GTs I think, would imagine that the Camaro would roughly be the same

Not what the boss of Performax says.


Performax boss Nick Vandenberg says the converted, ADR approved and road registrable Camaro will go on sale from around $130-150,000.

http://www.caradvice.com.au/38953/chevrolet-camaro-on-sale-in-australia/


The prices from American Vehicle Sales at Rowville are better than expected...

Prices for each model...

V6 models starting at $99,000 inc GST
V8 models starting at $109,500 inc GST
SS models starting at $123,000 inc GST

.

Nothing like a bit of competition...Performax may have to sharpen their pencil me thinks! :rofl:

[Super Snake]

I hope they do sell here in Australia. I would definately buy one.
$80k for a SS would be my budget. I just love 2 door V8s.
I want an updated car, and the Comaro would be the one for me.
So, I will write back.

[nang3]

how the fark can the SS model be worth $123k ???
OK yes it looks nice but the Camaro 2SS on Chevs website comes in at a shade under US$35k..
mechanically theres nothing special about it compared to the LS3 HSV's that i can see and it seems to run mid 13's so its not a total rocketship??
throw say $20k for the conversion costs per unit inc spares and we're still only looking at $60k's over here
surely for $123k it should be off its tits with a blower or something??

good old aussie motoring industry, reaming enthusiasts since 1905!

[Pickles]

how the fark can the SS model be worth $123k ???
OK yes it looks nice but the Camaro 2SS on Chevs website comes in at a shade under US$35k..
mechanically theres nothing special about it compared to the LS3 HSV's that i can see and it seems to run mid 13's so its not a total rocketship??
throw say $20k for the conversion costs per unit inc spares and we're still only looking at $60k's over here
surely for $123k it should be off its tits with a blower or something??

good old aussie motoring industry, reaming enthusiasts since 1905!

Ha ha ha.....love your last line!
But seriously, I think you're a bit "light on" with your $20K conversion costs, then there's freight, good old Aussie "duty"/import duty etc, freight, ADRs etc etc, so it all adds up.
I couldn't see one selling here in reasonable spec for less than $100K, which is why I've said they won't come here.....simply because....there's not enough buyers to make it viable.
Cheers, Pickles.

[gmh308]

how the fark can the SS model be worth $123k ???
OK yes it looks nice but the Camaro 2SS on Chevs website comes in at a shade under US$35k..
mechanically theres nothing special about it compared to the LS3 HSV's that i can see and it seems to run mid 13's so its not a total rocketship??
throw say $20k for the conversion costs per unit inc spares and we're still only looking at $60k's over here
surely for $123k it should be off its tits with a blower or something??

good old aussie motoring industry, reaming enthusiasts since 1905!

$20k for conversion costs? Mate you forgot about ADR's/compliance and engineering to meet '09 requirements. This isnt a 57 Chevy.

The costs arent industry costs, they are costs required to follow government process/laws. Worse luck.

[aaron__aus]

Ah, would be nice... but would rather have the coupe 60.

[Rub]

there should be an HSV Camaro released.... more of a niche market for it..

[nang3]

$20k for conversion costs? Mate you forgot about ADR's/compliance and engineering to meet '09 requirements. This isnt a 57 Chevy.

The costs arent industry costs, they are costs required to follow government process/laws. Worse luck.

surely the ADR's arent vastly stricter than the US regulations?? although your right, most of the cost is just adhering to the govt regs while they stitch us up.. not the actual cost of producing an ADR approved part.

I wonder how much per unit it would cost for GM to produce a RHD version taking into account economies of scale etc not including the aussie govts ass raping in the form of import duty/quotas/tarriffs etc..

if only they would recognise it as a holden product and therefore doesnt need protection from the scary efficient foreign manufacturers!

[Podge]

would i like the camaro in Australia? sure

would i buy one? no

[Pickles]

would i like the camaro in Australia? sure

would i buy one? no
There would be a lot of people in that category...including me.
Cheers, Pickles.

[fatbob]

Just quick note on dodge challenger - awesome looking car for sure - however I've read some fairly bad reviews on it - splashy handling, junky interior, not that quick etc etc.....

[Bravotwozero]

Holden and GM don't have enough money do do a RHD version of a niche model. Unfortunately it ain't gonna happen folks.

And with that mindset it definitely won't.

[Pickles]

And with that mindset it definitely won't.

It's not a "mindset"....it's fact....there simply aren't enough GENUINE BUYERS to make it viable......as was evidenced with the last of the Monaros/GTOs....which were selling around $60K cheaper than this car would.
Cheers, Pickles.

[OOL51]

Not what the boss of Performax says.



http://www.caradvice.com.au/38953/chevrolet-camaro-on-sale-in-australia/


Fair enough, didn't ask/wasn't told what the retail price was to be last week and have been on hols this week.

[leadfoot]

if they could sell them in oz for under $40000 i would buy one for my next car,:goodjob:but $60000 or even $100000 no chance couldn't even buy a second hand one till they were 10 years old:flipoff:

[Wyrms]

If they go into production, 100% it's my next car. I love 'em.

[nang3]

It's not a "mindset"....it's fact....there simply aren't enough GENUINE BUYERS to make it viable......as was evidenced with the last of the Monaros/GTOs....which were selling around $60K cheaper than this car would.
Cheers, Pickles.

$60k for the SS and i'd sign today, but ****ed if im gonna pay $100k+ when i could get an F6 + tune or R8 + blower that would eat it and save $35k+

[cynick]

Instead of lobbying a company for a single vehicle into Australia, why not lobby the federal government to allow left hand drive vehicles to be imported into Australia (even if it is in limited numbers).
Or target the opposition. They don't have any good policies at the moment, but they'd get my vote on this single issue, as once the law is passed it would be difficult to reverse.
Send your email to karla.pincott@carsguide.com.au with that proposal!

[chevypower]

Instead of lobbying a company for a single vehicle into Australia, why not lobby the federal government to allow left hand drive vehicles to be imported into Australia (even if it is in limited numbers).
Or target the opposition. They don't have any good policies at the moment, but they'd get my vote on this single issue, as once the law is passed it would be difficult to reverse.
Send your email to karla.pincott@carsguide.com.au with that proposal!

That would be cool, then I could get my father to get an F350 sent over from here to replace his Caprice as a towing vehicle, and a Camaro to replace their Volvo C70.

[gmh308]

Instead of lobbying a company for a single vehicle into Australia, why not lobby the federal government to allow left hand drive vehicles to be imported into Australia (even if it is in limited numbers).
Or target the opposition. They don't have any good policies at the moment, but they'd get my vote on this single issue, as once the law is passed it would be difficult to reverse.
Send your email to karla.pincott@carsguide.com.au with that proposal!

Admire the idea. Nothing quite like political clout to steer pollies in a direction that they feel will enable them to keep their job and long lunch allowance. :)

But...the industry in Oz would never let this happen. Importing late model LHD cars would "in theory" make the local industry less viable as we pay higher prices here to keep it afloat with smallish volumes.

Also LHD's take a lot more care to drive on single lane roads. The safety lobby would nail it on that. Sadly. :(

[SharkBiscuit]

I know I shouldn't like this but it's strangley compelling. Trans Cam perhaps?

http://failblog.files.wordpress.com/2009/09/128969014074000654.jpg

[VYBerlinaV8]

There's a hell of a lot more to working out costs than just multiplying the US cost by by exchange rate.

I agree with Pickles on this - there are plenty of talkers but not many buyers. The problem, as I see it, is that a lot of the guys who genuinely have that kind of coin to spend on a car don't necessarily like that kind of car.

Sure, it looks great, but it is really THAT much different mechanically from a commodore?

That's the question a lot of potential buyers would be asking themselves.

[fatbob]

anyways - the camaro has that sort of feeling when you look at it - the latest hsv series certainly doesn't ( for me anyways )
it looks like a classic - I like it much
the hsv's of today don't really look like classics - they might be great cars to drive, but they don't give me a woody

[heavychevy]

exactly fat bob, that feeling of.. 'Camaro, yep i'll put the finances on hold' cause ' I want one '. HSV at the moment ' I dont want one '

[Red CV8 R]

I would love a new V8 coupe but the Camaro doesnt do it for me. I wouldnt buy one. I much prefer the coupe 60.

I think the old Monaro will have to last me a bit longer :)

[nang3]

There's a hell of a lot more to working out costs than just multiplying the US cost by by exchange rate.

I agree with Pickles on this - there are plenty of talkers but not many buyers. The problem, as I see it, is that a lot of the guys who genuinely have that kind of coin to spend on a car don't necessarily like that kind of car.

Sure, it looks great, but it is really THAT much different mechanically from a commodore?

That's the question a lot of potential buyers would be asking themselves.

Exactly !!! it may look farken horn but underneath what sets it apart from a local SS or HSV??? theres nothing i can see that makes it worth 70 odd k more

[Excellent]

Considering HSV's recent effort with E2, do we even need HSV any more? [sarcasm]

A Camaro would have to be more appealing than a GTS, surely?

[nang3]

^^ maybe, although i'd like to see them both in the flesh (and at the same $$ haha dreamin) as pics sometimes just dont do the car justice...

[swan23]

yeh def need one in oz, on the chevy website for the states the price range if u convert it without including shippin it over here its a bit cheaper than a ve clubby, but arent the camaro's built in australia anyways?

[nang3]

^^ + RHD conversion + ADR costs etc... plus of course the govt in their infinite wisdom will seek to apply tariffs, import duty and tax the **** out of it so the local cars look good value in comparison.

[V-Car]

Im not so sure that a Low Volume Importer/Manufacturer (less than 100 vehicles) like Performax etc. has to fully comply with ADR certification, so that cost wouldnt be very much spread over multiple vehicles.


The Low Volume Scheme for new vehicles allows for the supply to the market of up to 25 or 100 vehicles per year per vehicle category. The Scheme provides a major concession in that it allows alternative forms of evidence to be submitted against some of the ADRs. In the main this applies to ADRs where destructive or expensive testing is required.

http://www.infrastructure.gov.au/roads/motor/standards/str_lowvol.aspx

Therefore, for someone like Performax to bring in a Camaro for conversion, the costs might be alot lower than you think.

Retail of top model Camaro SS in US is about $34k.
Thats around $40k Australian.
+ $2k shipping
+ 10% import duty on $42k = $4200.
Total $46,200
+ 10% gst = $4620
Total $50,820
Now even if basic certification cost at the most $5k, the car would be landed here all costs paid for about $55k.

If Performax have said they will charge $130 to $150k for one, thats a hell of alot of profit as conversion would only cost them about $20k max.

If the Camaro was built RHD in Canada, Holden would get mates rates from GM, and it would be landed here for probably less than $50k ready to go into the showroom.
Now what would you buy?

[gmh308]

Im not so sure that a Low Volume Importer/Manufacturer (less than 100 vehicles) like Performax etc. has to fully comply with ADR certification, so that cost wouldnt be very much spread over multiple vehicles.

Therefore, for someone like Performax to bring in a Camaro for conversion, the costs might be alot lower than you think.

Retail of top model Camaro SS in US is about $34k.
Thats around $40k Australian.
+ $2k shipping
+ 10% import duty on $42k = $4200.
Total $46,200
+ 10% gst = $4620
Total $50,820
Now even if basic certification cost at the most $5k, the car would be landed here all costs paid for about $55k.

If Performax have said they will charge $130 to $150k for one, thats a hell of alot of profit as conversion would only cost them about $20k max.

If the Camaro was built RHD in Canada, Holden would get mates rates from GM, and it would be landed here for probably less than $50k ready to go into the showroom.
Now what would you buy?

Mate please let me know where you can get cars shipped from the US for $2k landed and cleared. Will get in line for a deal like that. Especially where only 2 per container will fit.

And if you can get a conversion on a late model car done for $20k interested in that too.

I would guess Performax's cost would be around $100k per car on the first ones, and 20-30% gross profit is not unreasonable for a specialist/niche business.

[fatbob]

so we got 50k in one corner
100k in the other
so prolly 75k is accurate :)

[Xjas]

Love to see it out here, buy one? yes but only for a reasonable price.
I'd pay a bit of a premium for one, just as monaro buyers did but over 120k for a car thats base on the same zeta platform as a VE? it looks better than a VE but not that much better....although if GM were to bring the car in all the ADR stuff shouldn't be as expensive as we think because the VE shares most of the underpinnings (just different wheelbase I think) so they would already know some aspects of the car will pass.
Performax has a right to make a profit but $140000 (as they estimated to me) for a Camaro SS is just too much although those who can afford it will pay I suppose, not saying there ripping people off, just I cant see that much value in the car.
Would I buy one? yes I would for 60-80K
Will GM bring them to Aus? unfortunately I doubt it but remain hopeful.

[V-Car]

According to Mellors GoAuto e-news today, the Camaro will be released here this month!
Someone fukt up there. :lmao:

http://www.members.iinet.net.au/~reccie/GoAutoNews.jpg

http://www.goautomedia.com/mellor/mellorweb.nsf/weben/goauto%20e-news