Holden to give Commodore a green makeover

AUSTRALIA'S enduring Holden Commodore will get a green makeover thanks a $40 million taxpayer grant.

Holden Commodore VE Series II SSV Sedan

AUSTRALIA'S enduring Holden Commodore will get a green makeover thanks a $40 million taxpayer grant.

The new model will include a superior aerodynamic build and the use of lighter aluminium body panels to reduce the overall weight of the vehicle.

Innovation Minister, Senator Kim Carr, said the changes, funded by a $39.8 million grant, would reduce fuel consumption by at least seven per cent and cut average carbon emissions by about 9000 tonnes a year across the Commodore fleet.

The $39.8m grant was approved through the government's now closed Green Car Innovation Fund, which ceased to accept applications as of January 27 this year.

Mr Carr said production of the new model would create new employment opportunities and help the automotive industry shift to a more environmentally sustainable future.

"Production of the new Commodore will contribute $1.13 billion in wages to the Australian economy over the life of this project and inject $420m into the local components industry each year," Mr Carr said.

"These innovations will help Holden and Australia's automotive manufacturing industry respond to environmental and consumer needs."