54 replies to this topic

[LXM21]

Quite simply, the UC was in the showroom along side the VB commodore, but with the investment in the new commodore, it was no surprise which way sales (& promotion) was going to go. It was always going to be hard to twist the buyers arm about a model that goes back to 1974, or purchase, a supposedly completely new model.

[Heath]

You mean back-seat space I take it? Bootspace was pretty good considering the LH-UC model's body size, but I can't imagine it being very popular on long trips with the family.

Having said that, I've been in the back seat of loads of LH/LXs with roll cages and I can't complain too much... and I'm not that much of a little boy may I add; I still see exactly where you are coming from though.

[surfmaster]

At the time Holden was selling the UC Torana, VB Commodore, HZ Holden and the Gemini. Too many models that were competing into each others markets. One or more had to go, bye bye UC & HZ and eventually the Gemini. The Commodore becaem Holdens only main weapon against the dreaded blue oval. Holden nearly lost out when the larger cars kept on selling (XD, XE, XF) then the EAs came along.

Don't forget that the VB, UC & HZ had very similiar engines (V8's notwithstanding)

Holden was struggling along under crippling warranty claims in the 70's as well, something had to give...........................

[Heath]

Holden was struggling along under crippling warranty claims in the 70's as well, something had to give...........................

Sorry, I'm not following here. Would anyone be able to go into a bit more detail about what he means by that? Were several models conking out soon after production or something?

[FastEHHolden]

What it was is that Chopper broke them all when he was test driving them.

[surfmaster]

Holden was struggling along under crippling warranty claims in the 70's as well, something had to give...........................

Sorry, I'm not following here. Would anyone be able to go into a bit more detail about what he means by that? Were several models conking out soon after production or something?

Sorry Heath, didnt see your post for a little bit.

When GMH had the Torana, HZ & VB & Gemini selling all at once they were also carrying a huge debt, (memory says somewhere about 200 million), they were also paying out exorbitant amounts in warranty claims across the entire range owing to poor control, poor diagnosis and a lassez faire approach to managing claims. Holden very nearly went under (gasp, shock, horror), they cut models (UC & HZ) and reduced costs.

These were the times when the Trimatic transmissions were dropping their clutch facings into the auto sump because of cheap parts - the cost to overhaul tens of thousands of them was not cheap. They came up with a fix of a bigger auto filter instead of an overhaul to reduce warranty claims. Tighter control of warranty claims and better quality control improved the situation.

The late 70's working for the General were interesting times

[surfmaster]

About 83/84 they nearly hit the wall. If GM ( USA ) didn't bail them out to the tune of around $700 MIL*, they wouldn't be here today.



*
It was 20 years ago so if the figures wrong, bad luck.

I suspect you would be close Chopper, the "new smaller" commodore was struggling against the full size family falcon. Holden made some unfortunate decisions in the 70's that impacted well into the eighties, it takes years to design, build and market a car, which means the manufacturer is locked into the decision making process of years ago.

I seem to recall that GMH (and now Holden) have been bailed out a few times.

Edited by surfmaster, 07 March 2006 - 11:09 PM.

[Pop's-SS]

Heath said

You mean back-seat space

I say

Even the back seat of my mini......... Mmmmmm, better not go there

Regards ............................ Barry

[enderwigginau]

The LJ was the first World Platform, as is evidenced by the LJ Torana Wagons badged as Chevs in Korea.

And very little money was put into the development of the VB as it came straight out of the Euro market, and weren't some tourists shocked to see SS badges on their family car in years to come......

Grant..

[Heath]

Surfmaster, thanks for the info mate, I had no idea about any of that.

Edited by Heath, 08 March 2006 - 04:03 PM.

[rodomo]

Not to mention rear main seal warranty claims.

RACV MAN