GM made the decision to discontinue Australian manufacturing of the Holden Commodore due to falling sales and losses.

Holden completed over 100,000 km of testing from 2012 to 2017, with engineers bracing the cars to withstand local roads and make it feel similar to previous Commodore generations.

Originally, the ZB ANCAP rating was awarded based on the Euro NCAP test of a 1.6 litre model which was not sold in Australia.

The LT was the new entry level Commodore, replacing the previous generation's Evoke model, which was also $3,935 cheaper than the predecessor's drive away price.

It came with 17" alloy wheels, Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Lane Keep Assist, a 7" MyLink system with Apple CarPlay & Android Auto and Passive Entry & Push Button Start as standard.

The RS–V was the mid-range performance model, and while it was similar to the RS, it included more features such as an upgraded 8" MyLink system incorporating satellite navigation, wireless phone charging, Hi Per Strut Suspension, leather seats, different alloy wheels, larger exhaust tips and the Twinster AWD system.

It featured 20" alloy wheels with Michelin Pilot Super Sport tyres, Opel's IntelliLux Matrix LED headlights, front Brembo brakes, unique VXR and Competitive drive modes (the latter allowing for slightly faster acceleration), a large rear spoiler, VXR-branded sport seats which were heated, cooled and massaging, and a 360 degree camera.

It was only available as a liftback with the V6 powertrain and AWD, and was the only model available with Holden's FlexRide adaptive suspension, as well as alloy pedals and a jet black headliner.

[11][12] The ZB Commodore proved to be an instant success, prompting Ford to controversially push for upgrades for its ageing FGX Falcon which was in its final year of competition.

The ZB failed in its championship success due to the upgraded DJR Team Penske FGX Falcon of Scott McLaughlin triumphing in 2018 before dominating in the Mustang GT from 2019 to 2020.

The ZB holds the record of 87 victories and being the Commodore that delivered Holden's final Bathurst, championship and race win.

[13] When the decision was made to cease vehicle production in Australia and source the ZB Commodore from Europe, Opel was still a subsidiary of GM.