Holden slashes dual-fuel Commodore price

HOLDEN has tackled the issue of large car running costs by slashing $1500 from the price of its dual-fuel LPG-powered Commodores.

The premium for dual-fuel on Alloytec V6-engined Omega, Berlina and 60th Anniversary Commodore sedans has been reduced from $3900 to $2400 and applies immediately.

Private Commodore buyers also benefit from the federal government’s $2000 rebate for LPG conversions because the LPG fitment is done by Holden Special Vehicles at a special site alongside Holden’s Elizabeth plant north of Adelaide (whereas Ford’s dedicated Falcon system is fitted on-line at Broadmeadows and is therefore unfairly not eligible for the rebate).

With the government rebate, Commodore buyers will pay just $400 more a dual-fuel model and Holden says that will be recouped in just four months by the average (20,000km a year) owner at current fuel prices of around $0.63 per litre for LPG and $1.45 for petrol.

Holden points out that the price advantage is even better in Western Australia, where the government offers a further $1000 subsidy under its LPG Vehicle Scheme.

Buyers of the dual-fuel VE Omega Ute (which only comes with an automatic transmission) also benefit from Holden’s reduced pricing, with the previous $4900 premium dropping to $3400.

Load-carrying capacity is restricted with the Holden conversion as HSV installs a 73-litre LPG tank under the parcel shelf in the boot of the sedan while the ute tank is located in the cargo tray, but they benefit from having the ability to run on either LPG or petrol and the extra tank provides additional range.

It uses a sequential vapour gas injection system and automatically switches to petrol use when the LPG tank runs low. The two fillers are combined under the existing filler cap and there is a separate LPG fuel level gauge inside the vehicle.

Holden specifies the same service intervals as regular petrol-powered Commodores and claims there is “little difference” in the service costs. An LPG vapour filter requires replacement every 15,000km and a liquid filter every 120,000km.

GM Holden chairman and managing director Mark Reuss said the lower price means that dual-fuel Commodore buyers will be able to run their cars for about the same as popular small cars.

“Holden has always been committed to providing vehicles that enable Australian families to enjoy spacious, safe and comfortable motoring at a price within their reach,” said Mr Reuss.

“As rising petrol prices continue to put pressure on all motorists, LPG offers an affordable solution that is already widely available (and) gives motorists access to large car benefits at small car fuel costs.

“With this further incentive from Holden, and continuing support from the federal government through its LPG rebate scheme, Australians now have another cost-effective option available to them when choosing their next family or business vehicle.”

Read more:

Holden focusses on LPG