Holden Cruze hatch launched

 The new Holden Cruze hatch launched today, 8 November, waving the Australian flag.

The company says: “After winning the right to lead the design of this global vehicle, the team at Holden’s Design Studio in Port Melbourne set about creating a stylish sporty hatch that would appeal to customers around the world.”

Holden Design Manager Martin Love said the team combined European design sensibilities with an injection of Holden DNA to produce a car that was both stylish and practical to offer broad appeal.

“To have been involved in the development of such an important vehicle that will be sold around the world is one of the highlights not only of my design career, but of the entire team that worked on this project,” Mr Love said.

The company says that the Holden design studio is an important part of General Motors’ global design network and is one of only three GM facilities with the capability to design and build concepts and show cars for international exhibitions and motor shows.

Mr Love said General Motors' management recognised the strength of the Holden studio following the success of its designs for cars including the VE Commodore, Monaro and Chevrolet Camaro.

The launch follows last week’s news that the design of the Holden Commodore may be placed overseas.