Holden Commodore Coming to U.S. as Pontiac in 2007

MELBOURNE, Australia — According to an Australian automotive Web site, a Holden Commodore badged as a Pontiac will be unveiled at the 2007 Chicago auto show.

The new car is reportedly intended to go on sale in the United States later that same year.

The Web site quotes General Motors product chief Bob Lutz speaking at the Paris auto show.

"Come to the Chicago auto show and all will be revealed," he is reported to have said after praising Holden and the new Commodore for being one of "the best vehicles GM has produced."

Speculation has been rife in Australia about Commodores being built in other markets, but nothing has been confirmed to date. GM Holden refused to comment on the report, instead referring any queries to "Mr. Lutz at General Motors Corporation."

However, Lutz's comments appear to confirm rumors that the Commodore could be built in markets such as the U.S., adding a large, rear-wheel-drive car to help revive General Motors' aging vehicle lineup.

If a Pontiac "Commodore" does go on sale in the States next year, it will not be the first time a Pontiac has been spawned from a Holden. Three years ago, Holden exported Monaros to the States as Pontiac GTOs.

© Source: original article on insideline