After its launch in September last year, Caprice sold 1,090 units in 2006 - the best yearly sales figure for the nameplate since its debut in 1974.

WM Caprice sold 167 units in September, 165 in October, 239 in November and 254 in December.

The best previous yearly Caprice result was 1,061 units in 2003 with the WK series.

GM Holden Large Car Marketing Manager Philip Brook said WM Caprice’s styling, performance and value for money all contributed to the car cementing itself among Australia’s most popular luxury vehicles.

Mr Brook said Caprice also had world class appeal, with strong export orders to the Middle East. Badged as a Chevrolet, it took out the Best Luxury Car Award at the 2006 Autocar Middle East Awards last month.

“Holden’s clean sheet approach to building the WM Caprice and Statesman models ensured they really had personalities of their own. Caprice, in particular, has clearly found a sweet spot in the market,” Mr Brook said.

“Caprice made up around 20 per cent of domestic sales with the previous model. It’s now up above 50 per cent and climbing."

“This is a world class luxury car with world class appeal.”