Fans of big-capacity, rear-wheel drive cars… brace yourselves! CAR has learned that Chevrolet’s Australian-sourced Lumina saloon and Ute pick-ups will no longer be imported to South Africa. However, existing orders will be fulfilled and GMSA should have enough stock until the final quarter of this year.
The decision follows an upmarket repositioning of the Lumina SSV in Australia, adding more luxury features, but at a significant price increase that would see the vehicle compete against premium-badged vehicles in South Africa. Furthermore, the Rand has weakened considerably against the Australian Dollar since 2012.
This move leaves the Trailblazer as Chevrolet’s local flagship, but rumours persist that a saloon model larger than the Cruze remains in GMSA’s sights. Most recently the hotly tipped favourite for local introduction has been the Malibu.
