VE makeover delivers the star-spangled banner

HOLDEN will this week confirm recent GoAuto reports that it has secured a deal with General Motors to export its VE Commodore to the United States when the 2008 Pontiac G8 is unveiled at the Chicago auto show.

GM said in a statement last week that the "G8 sedan represents Pontiac’s continuing commitment to rear-wheel drive performance" and that it would add to the G6 GXP and Torrent TXP models introduced at the Detroit auto show last month.

Holden is holding a press conference on Thursday morning to coincide with the unveiling, and will make "a major export announcement ... (that) marks a significant milestone in Holden’s export history".

In attendance will be Federal industry minister Ian Macfarlane, South Australian deputy premier Kevin Foley and Victorian industry minister Theo Theophanous.