How low can Holden go?

HOLDEN has revealed that the next-generation Daewoo Matiz light car is under consideration to be sold in Australia as part of its expanding stable of South Korean-built cars.

The company decided not to import the current Matiz hatch, which is positioned below the Barina in many markets where General Motors sells the Daewoo micro under the Chevrolet brand.

However, the forthcoming light cars previewed by the Chevrolet Beat, Groove and Trax concepts at the recent New York Auto Show have prompted a change of heart.

GM Holden marketing director John Elsworth told GoAuto recently that the company was looking at the Matiz replacement, although he insisted it was not a priority.

Left: Daewoo Matiz.

"I would never say never, based on our desire and global car industry desire to get cars cheaper in terms of production, and sometimes that means you can pass it on to consumers," Mr Elsworth said.

"The cost of producing cars is coming down and the transaction prices are coming down. All we have said in the past is that light-car segment prices have come down to the point where cars are pretty cheap these days. How low can you go?"