Australia’s once-proud car industry is dealt another blow

The Holden Commodore SS squad patrol car used by NSW police will soon be a thing of the past, a reminder of the sad state of affairs for Australia’s car industry.

With local production ceasing by the end of the year, for both Holden and Toyota vehicle, the search for the new fleet has been forced to head to international solutions, and ones that comply with the high specifications.

The current fleet of 580 vehicles for NSW includes both Ford Falcons and Holden Commodores, all locally built to their requirements.

So what are the options?

NSW Police are currently trialling a Chrysler 300 SRT, and CarsGuide reported earlier this year that discussions were at an advanced stage for a government contract. While the car is in use at the moment as a community engagement car, at sporting events, car shows and police displays, there is real potential the high performing V8 will be the best option. The Drive said it was the most powerful car to go into the NSW police force to date.

There were reports last year that Ford Mustang was the best outsider, although that has scored poorly on crash tests. The Toyota Aurion V6 did not pass the brakes test. Others tested include the Subaru WRX. 

Here’s what patrols are using in other states:

• Tasmania: Subaru Liberty
• NT: Subaru WRX
• Victoria: Trialing at Mercedes GLE63 AMG SUV
• Queensland: They are replacing their fleet of Commodores and Falcons with the four-cylinder Hyundai Sonatas. 

According to CarsGuide, before police can consider any car for use, it has to pass a basic ratings test that assigns it into one of three categories. The ratings are based on fundamental specs like power, weight, performance, handling and basic specifications. Gold level cars are the only ones that can be considered for use as highway patrol vehicles, while vehicles in the silver category can be used for what’s colloquially known as GD (general duty). This includes regular patrol cars, detective’s vehicles, 4x4s and general policing vehicles.

How do you feel about the end of the Commodore?