GM Committed To Right-Hand-Drive Corvette C8 Following Death Of Holden

When GM announced plans to phase out Holden, President Mark Reuss noted the “challenges of the investments needed for the highly fragmented right-hand-drive market.”

This caused a number of people to question whether or not the company was abandoning right-hand-drive models and if the move would impact the previously announced RHD Corvette C8.

We reached out to GM for more information and the good news is that the right-hand drive 2020 / 2021 Corvette C8 is unaffected. As Chevrolet’s Communications Director, Kelly Cusinato, told CarScoops, “GM sells vehicles in other select RHD markets and will therefore still develop the car with LHD and RHD options for applicable markets.”

Also Read: 2020 Corvette C8 Is America’s Mid-Engine Sports Car For The Masses

Her message was echoed by Kevin Kelly, Senior Manager of Chevrolet Car and Crossover Communications, who noted to CarScoops that the automaker has previously said the Corvette will be offered in Japan next year. He added that “plan remains in place” and so does their intention to sell the Corvette in the United Kingdom.

While international fans can breathe a sigh of relief, the news shouldn’t come as much of a surprise as the Corvette will essentially serve as a global ambassador for GM. During yesterday’s Holden announcement, GM International Operations Senior Vice President Julian Blissett said “In markets where we don’t have significant scale, such as Japan, Russia and Europe, we are pursuing a niche presence by selling profitable, high-end imported vehicles – supported by a lean GM structure.” While Blissett didn’t specifically mention the Corvette, it certainly fits that description.

As for Holden, the brand will be “retired” and sales, design and engineering operations in Australia and New Zealand will cease by 2021. While the company will be going away, Holden won’t disappear overnight. The brand will continue to honor warranties, and provide servicing and spare parts for at least ten years. They also be tasked with handling any recalls or safety-related issues that arise in the future.