When the Holden VE Commodore and WM Statesman were released

Commodore Home

VE Commodore

Cost of a new VE

• VE Commodore sedan: approximately $40,000–$42,000
• WM Statesman luxury model: approximately $75,000–$80,000
• The VE featured a completely redesigned platform with stronger chassis, improved ride and handling, updated suspension, modern styling, and advanced safety features including side airbags and stability control
• The VE Commodore would go on to become the highest selling Holden model every produced. It was believed that General Motors Holden had spent upward of $1 billion in research and development of the VE platform.
• The WM Statesman offered executive luxury with premium leather interiors, advanced electronics, climate control, and comfort-focused technology
• Both models targeted Australian families and executives seeking modern, stylish, safe, and reliable vehicles

Average wage

• Average weekly wage: about $900–$920
• Average annual wage: roughly $46,800–$47,840

Average house price

• Around $400,000

Price of petrol

• About $1.30 per litre

Prime Minister

• John Howard (Liberal Party)

Population of Australia

• About 20.5 million people

Top-grossing movie

• Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest, The Da Vinci Code

Top song

• Hips Don’t Lie by Shakira topped Australian charts

Significant world event

• Global economic growth, oil price fluctuations, and early signs of the 2008 financial concerns
• Advances in technology, mobile phones, and the internet shaped lifestyles

Popular TV / radio in Australia

• Home and Away, Neighbours, Rove Live, A Current Affair
• FM radio and music television dominated youth culture and pop trends

Significant Australian news story

• Economic growth, suburban expansion, and technology adoption dominated headlines
• The VE Commodore and WM Statesman reflected mid-2000s Australian demand for modern, safe, comfortable, and technologically advanced family and executive cars

Interesting comparisons

• The VE Commodore cost roughly 0.87–0.9 years’ average wages, while the WM Statesman cost 1.65–1.7 years’ wages
• The average house cost about 8.7–8.8 years’ wages
• Filling a ~60L tank cost roughly $78 AUD
• A week’s wages could buy roughly 690–700 litres of petrol