Vic Police selects Holden Colorado as new ‘divvy van’

THE long-standing partnership between Holden and Victoria Police is set to continue in the Australian post-car manufacturing era, with confirmation this week that 290 Colorado pick-ups will be employed as divisional vans.

Custom designed for Victoria Police, Holden will supply 250 space-cab Colorado 4x2s and 40 dual-cab Colorado 4x4s, with the latter to be used by regional forces that require off-road driving capabilities.

Gradually rolling out over a two-year period from this month onwards, the transition to the new divisional – or ‘divvy’ – vans will ramp up when the four-door vehicles start hitting roads around the middle of this year.

According to Holden executive director of sales Michael Filazzola, the Colorados have been modified to meet local requirements, with officer safety a key focus.

“Holden’s Australian engineers have worked collaboratively with Victoria Police to create a vehicle that is not only designed specifically for Australian conditions but is the safest vehicle possible to protect their frontline members,” he said.

“The Holden Colorado offers Victoria Police the leading safety and performance attributes needed for modern policing.”

The Colorado was awarded a five-star safety rating from the Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP) in August 2016.

It is not available with active safety features, such as autonomous emergency braking (AEB), that are required for the maximum rating under new standards for vehicles launching this year.

The pick-up features six airbags in the passenger compartment, electronic stability and traction control systems, and anti-skid brakes feature on every example.

An important upgrade to the police-spec Colorado is increased ground clearance for improved visibility, providing officers with a better vantage point when they patrol the streets.

The signature self-contained rear pod has had a major facelift, offering secure seating for two, a 360-degree camera for monitoring and recording offenders, and air-conditioning for the first time.

Additionally, Colorado 4x4s pick up bullbars and winches that are necessary for off-road work.

Motivated by an unchanged 2.8-litre VM Motori turbocharged four-cylinder diesel engine, the pick-up produces 147kW of power at 3600rpm and 500Nm of torque from 2000 to 2200rpm when paired to a six-speed automatic transmission.

Mr Filazzola added that the new contract was a success for Holden, helping to carry on its storied relationship with Victoria Police.

“This announcement continues Holden’s long association with Victoria Police, which began over 70 years ago, and we are honoured to be able to continue this partnership,” he said.

“We’re excited to see the new ‘divvy vans’ out on the road, and we’re sure Victorian police officers will enjoy driving them.”

Holden previously supplied Victoria Police with a modified variant of the locally built Commodore ute for divisional van duties, but a replacement needed to be determined after its manufacturing facility in Elizabeth, South Australia closed in October last year.

As previously reported, the imported ZB Commodore – a rebadged but locally tuned version of the Opel Insignia – is being considered for police duties in various states and territories, but an official decision is yet to be reached.

Victoria Police has already announced that up to 80 diesel-powered BMW 530d sedans are joining its highway patrol fleet this year, while the Chrysler 300 SRT Core will join NSW Police’s pursuit team.