Holden's Cruze sedan quarantined

Showroom-bound examples of a popular Holden described by its maker as a 'no-excuses' car have been quarantined while a potential fuel leak is investigated.

Holden New Zealand has suspended deliveries of the 1.8-litre petrol version of the Cruze sedan over concerns about a suspected fuel hose fault.

At this time, only 2010 model year editions are implicated. The majority of the 918 examples already in customer hands were sold last year, and Holden said if a recall was required it would advise customers.

It has also sold 776 diesel versions since launch last July, but those were not affected.

The action regarding the 2010 model year cars came into effect on March 3, but appeared to have been kept low-key, as media scrutiny was tarnishing Toyota's image.

Holden has required the cars be withdrawn from delivery holding yards. Dealer stocks have been withheld pending the outcome of the company's investigation.

Contacted today, Holden New Zealand corporate affairs manager Chantelle Urquhart was unable to provide information on how many cars were caught in the scare.

She was also unable to say how long before a fix might be found.

Australian media reports that replacement parts were being supplied from the GM-DAT (nee Daewoo) manufacturing plant in South Korea.

She said the action affected 'a certain range' of Cruze sedans, but could not be more specific.

It was not clear whether any cars were already in the marketplace but Holden said it would notify customers if further action was required.

"Holden has launched this programme to investigate a potential condition where the fuel hose may become detached causing a fuel leak on a specific range of MY10 (petrol engine only) Cruze.

"We are currently determining the root cause and an appropriate fix with this initial action.

"No further action is required at this time on any MY10 petrol Cruzes that have already been delivered to a customer. Safety is our number one priority so if further action is required we will of course notify customers as soon as possible."

The action will be a major embarrassment for Holden. Cruze is a key vehicle for the brand, in part because sales of its primary product, the Commodore, were starting to fall away.

Cruze presently sources from South Korea, but from next year it will be built in Holden's plant in Adelaide, with the sedan being joined by an Australian-designed hatchback.

Even Holden Special Vehicles, best known for its monster Commodores, has expressed interest in developing a performance version.

The Cruze was launched with a fanfare of publicity and bravura last year. Holden has a poor small car history and the new model, a global effort, was represented as a big step forward.

Cruze was memorably described by Holden's boss at that time, American Mark Reuss, as "our no excuses car".

- NZPA