Holden's AWD has Hanenberger hitched
BY BRUCE NEWTON | 18th Dec 2002
A bullish Mr Hanenberger told GoAuto exclusively that the cross-over due to go into production in the second half of 2003 would look dramatically different to the standard Commodore wagon.
He also talked up the off-road capabilities of the wagon that he confirmed would use "advanced permanent AWD with electronic traction and torque management systems".
If Mr Hanenberger's confidence is backed up by the production vehicle, Ford Australia may have reason for concern. It has always believed its own cross-over, codenamed E265, which debuts early in 2004, is a far more complete and convincing execution than Holden's AWD wagon.
Ford Australia's attitude was summed up bypresident Geoff Polites when he announced E265 was a goer late last year:"I only know what Holden is doing from what I read in the papers and, assuming that's right, they're spending either $100m or $150 million," he said.
"So then you have to put that into perspective because we are saying $500 million.
"I don't think they are three or four or five times more efficient than we are, so therefore we are doing something that is three or four or five times bigger than what they are doing.
"So, quite clearly we are doing something different, although that's just reading what the numbers say."But Mr Hanenberger believes Ford and the rest of us are in for a shock when the wagon breaks cover.
"It will be a very outstanding difference," Mr Hanenberger said. "I would be very amazed if you were not amazed because no-one expected it this way, it turns out so well.
"I would be disappointed if you would say it looks like a Commodore wagon."He said the wagon had already earned the thumbs-up from GM product czar Bob Lutz, who drove it recently.
"We couldn't get him out of that bloody car. It was unbelievable. It's good. It's really good," Mr Hanenberger said.
He revealed the all-wheel drive range - which will include the Cross8 crew cab utility - has been subject to extensive outback testing by Holden engineers, with strong results.
"This car drives exactly like a station wagon or sedan but it has unbelievable ground clearance so you can go into terrain which was unthinkable. It's powerful and it's a very smooth four-wheel driving system," he said.
Mr Hanenberger estimates initial annual sales of around 5000-8000 for the AWD range, which will initially be limited to a V8 drivetrain, certainly mated to a four-speed automatic and with the increasing possibility of a manual gearbox option as well.
But six-cylinder versions of the AWDs will have to wait for the HFV6 to come on line in 2004, as will left-hand drive export production, although the latter is a decision Mr Hanenberger is already ruing.
"It's a pity we didn't have the money to immediately design it for left-hand drive, because we just couldn't afford it - but we should have done it," he said.
Stepping stone to global vision
MR Hanenberger plans to launch Holden as an international brand in 2005 if it reaches 250,000 annual sales - a stepping stone to his vision for the company to be selling 400,000 cars per annum in 10 years.Mr Hanenberger cites BMW as an example of how quickly dramatic growth can be achieved.
"Where do you think BMW was in 1989? They were selling 240,000 units. Now they are at one million," he said.
"In 10 years my vision is 400,000 cars."Mr Hanenberger said the possible free trade agreement between Australia and North America was a key facet in achieving such a goal. Currently, the 25 per cent "chicken tax" works against Holden exporting the likes of the Commodore utility and forthcoming all-wheel drive range to the US.
"But we have the unbelievable advantage of having a globalbusiness established out of Australia, into America - with an Australian base under free trade.
"It becomes so powerful the things we are doing here because nobody else has the cars (within GM)."