The shipment of Chevrolet Omegas from Holden’s manufacturing plant in Elizabeth marks its tenth year of Holden exports to Brazil and begins a new chapter in Holden’s export history.

The company has successfully positioned itself as a global manufacturer of niche products. From next year, cars built by Holden will be sold around the globe by five different brands.

GM Holden Chairman and Managing Director, Chris Gubbey, says Holden was able to invest $1 billion in the VE Commodore programme thanks to ongoing export opportunities.

Mr Gubbey said both VE and WM Statesman and Caprice were developed as global cars, with their striking design, performance and refinement making them highly desirable products around the world.

“VE and WM are generating a great response from our global GM partners, so much so that we expect to export 50 per cent of the vehicles we make by the end of next year,” he said.

“At the end of 2007, our vehicle manufacturing operation will run at maximum capacity, thanks to the strength of our export programmes.”

Brazil’s media have already praised the Chevrolet Omega, following a media preview in July, where it was described as fresh, young and luxurious.

GM Holden Export Manager, Kristian Aquilina, says Chevrolet expects it will be equally well received when it goes on sale.

Mr Aquilina says the E24 capable Omega is sold as Chevrolet’s flagship model, where its understated luxury is highly valued by Brazilian customers.

“The Omega’s position as the top model in Chevrolet’s line-up confirms Holden’s ability to produce a world class product,” he said.

“The Brazil programme is further recognition of our capability here.”

GM Holden has a long-term export relationship with Brazil. Since 1998, Holden has exported more than 9,000 vehicles to Brazil.

GM Holden began its export programme in 1954 and exported 46,074 Holden vehicles around the world last year.

GM Holden export markets in 2007