Daewoo enters as the slow-selling Vectra exits

Holden is expected to drop the European-built Vectra from its line-up in New Zealand and Australia in anticipation of introducing a new range of Daewoo vehicles.

Holden New Zealand publicity affairs executive Brodie McClellan wouldn't be drawn on the planned exit of the mid-range model, but it is understood that after Holden runs out of the Vectra models it now has it will not pick up the heavily restyled facelift, photos of which were published in Europe this week.

It will, however, continue to bring in Vectra's sibling, the small-medium Astra hatchback.

The range of a possible three or four Daewoo vehicles for New Zealand is expected to include a model badged Viva, after the Vauxhall of many years ago.

Holden parent General Motors bought ailing Korean carmaker Daewoo in 2003 and rebadged export models for the Northern Hemisphere as Chevrolets. The same models will wear the Holden moniker in this part of the world.

Vectra has been a slow seller on both sides of the ditch since it appeared in the 1990s.

Holden pushed up the price of the four-cylinder and six-cylinder models in 2003 in a bid to align the nameplate with European competitors.

In effect, this was asking buyers to imagine the Vectra wearing a Mercedes-Benz, BMW or Audi badge rather than a Holden lion.

But in doing so it positioned it against its best-selling Commodore range.

Holden is expected to confirm the line-up of Daewoo-sourced models within the next couple of weeks.