MY12 Holden Barina - A Rate You Can't Pass By

Now at a rate that you can't pass by! http://www.holden.com.au/latestoffers/barina/barina-finance-offer With iPod connectivity®, Bluetooth®, cruise control & a 5 star ANCAP safety rating....you can expect everything from Holden Barina. Hurry into your participating Holden Dealer today. Must end soon!

Holden Commodore SV6 Z-Series

For more information see: http://www.holden.com.au/latestoffers/commodore/holden-commodore-sv6-zseries or see your nearest participating Holden Dealer. Category:

Holden at the 2012 Sydney Motor Show

Video from media preview day at the 2012 Sydney Motor Show where we handed over the keys to the Volt to our first Australian customer - the US Ambassador to Australia, Jeffrey Bleich. On show this year for the first time are the Holden Colorado 7, Holden Malibu, Cruze Sportwagon and production Holden Volt. Also previewed is the Barina CDX featuring Holden's brand new premium infotainment system - MyLink which will be the first car system in Australia to support Pandora Internet Radio in the first quarter of 2013. This video features shots of the stand, interview with Holden MD, Mike Devereux and an overview of some of the great MyLink features. http://www.holden.com.au

Holden Volt Brought to Life with Augmented Reality

Holden is using augmented reality technology for the first time to support the launch of the all-new Holden Volt long range electric car. Reflecting the innovative features in Holden Volt, Holden has created a dedicated iOS app that uses augmented reality to engage users as they browse the Holden Volt brochure. By pointing an iOS camera-equipped device at the brochure wherever a Volt icon appears, content is brought to life allowing the user to see deep inside the innovation that puts the Volt in a class of its own. Users can try out colours, watch electricity flow around the car, access video content and see the Volt in motion. Holden Director of Marketing, Simon Carr said augmented reality would create new ways of sharing digital content for car buyers. “This new technology allows us to integrate our digital content with our brochure. We know that Volt users are likely to be avid users of the web and smart devices but we also know that car buyers still like to have a brochure to refer to while making their purchasing decision. “By offering the app on iOS devices, users can direct their device at the brochure wherever they see a Volt icon and can easily access dynamic, informative content.” Visitors to the Australian International Motor Show will be able to experience the augmented reality for themselves as iPads® will deployed at the Volt display to showcase the new technology. The Holden Volt AR app can be downloaded from the Apple iTunes store and the accompanying brochure can be requested from a specialist Volt dealer or via the Holden Volt website. About Volt The Holden Volt goes on sale in Australia in November. A game-changing electric vehicle (EV) with extended-range capability it can recharge in less than six hours via a regular household outlet (10A charge), costing as little as $2.50 for a full charge. It has an electric range of up to 87km and with its petrol generator, has a combined range of more than 600km. To view video of how Volt works visit: http://holdenhq.com.au/holden-volt-how-it-works/

Bathurst 1000 2012

Watching Holden cross the winners line at Bathurst.

Driving the Holden Volt - Part 2

Driving the Holden Volt - Part 2

Beecham Holden Caboolture - Volt Driving in Test Drive Part 1

Beecham Holden Caboolture - Volt - Driving the Holden Volt in Test Drive

Beecham Holden Caboolture - Volt Regenerative Braking explained

Beecham Holden Caboolture - Volt Regenerative Braking explained in Test Drive

Beecham Holden Caboolture - Volt Power Modes

Beecham Holden Caboolture - Volt Power Modes explained in Test Drive

Beecham Holden Caboolture - Now with Holden Volt!

Celebrating our 25 year old family dealership, from the early days to the latest innovation - the amazingly clever Holden Volt.

Holden Volt Technology Workshop - September 2012

 Holden hosted a technology workshop for tech media, bloggers and auto journalists.

The event showcased Volt's innovative technology and gave guests a view into GM's developments in the area of infotainment and active safety.

With special thanks to GM's Kristen Siemen, Executive Director, Electrical Systems and Kathy McMahon, Senior Management, Infotainment Program Management and Holden's Paul Gibson, Director, Electrical Engineering for participating in our event.

Holden Releases Special Edition Z-Series Range

Holden has announced details of a Special Edition “Z-Series” range that combines luxury and sport features with exceptional value for money.

The exciting “Z-Series” range is available on comfort and sports models across all VE body styles and is packed full of features, value and excitement. Holden’s Executive Director of Sales, Marketing and Aftersales, John Elsworth, described the new range as one of Holden’s best special editions ever.

“Whether you are looking for exceptional value, more comfort and luxury or real sports performance, there’s something for everyone with this new Z-Series range”, Elsworth said. “Never before have we put together such an exciting range that not only looks fantastic but is so feature-packed making it outstanding value.

“For anyone in the market for a large sedan, family Sportwagon or a great Aussie ute, there’s really never been a better time to buy a Holden.”

Vehicle line-up and specification are detailed below. 

Commodore Z-Series (sedan and Sportwagon):
• 18 inch alloy wheels – 4
• Front fog lamps with chrome surrounds on front fog lamps
• Rear park assist
• Rear view camera
• Leather appointed seats
• Leather wrap steering wheel
• Chrome highlights in instrument cluster
• Black bezel headlamps
• ‘Z-Series’ carpet mats
• Lip spoiler (sedan only)
• Cargo blind (wagon only)
• Chrome door frame opening (sedan only)
• ‘Z-Series’ and ‘Commodore’ badges

SV6 and SS Z-Series (sedan and Sportwagon):
• 19 inch alloy wheels – 4 (LPG SV6 variants maintain current 18 inch alloy wheels - 4)
• Rear view camera
• Rear park assist
• Leather bolstered seats
• ‘Z-Series’ carpet mats
• ‘Z-Series’ badges
• Chrome door frame opening (sedan only)

SV6 and SS Z-Series (Ute):
• 19 inch alloy wheels – 4 (LPG SV6 variant maintains current 18 inch alloy wheels - 4)
• Leather bolstered seats
• ‘Z-Series’ carpet mats
• ‘Z-Series’ badges

SSV Z-Series (sedan, Sportwagon and ute): 
• 19 inch forged alloy wheels (4)
• Front Brembo® brakes
• FE3 sports suspension
• Sunroof (sedan only)
• ‘Z-Series’ carpet mats
• ‘Z-Series’ badges

Z-Series Pricing

The recommended retail price of the ‘Z-Series’ range will be:
Comfort Range:
• Commodore Z-Series Sedan (petrol) $37,990
• Commodore Z-Series Sedan (LPG) $40,490
• Commodore Z-Series Sportwagon (petrol) $39,990
• Commodore Z-Series Sportwagon (LPG) $42,490

Sports Range:
 • Commodore SV6 Z-Series Sedan (petrol) Man / Auto $42,790 / $43,790
• Commodore SV6 Z-Series Sedan (LPG) Auto $46,290
• Commodore SV6 Z-Series Sportwagon (petrol) Auto $45,790
• Commodore SV6 Z-Series Sportwagon (LPG) Auto $48,290
• Commodore SV6 Z-Series Utility (petrol) Man / Auto $38,490 / $39,490
• Commodore SV6 Z-Series Utility (LPG) Auto $41,990
• Commodore SS Z-Series Sedan (petrol) Man / Auto $47,790 / $49,790
• Commodore SS Z-Series Sportwagon (petrol) Man / Auto $49,790 / $51,790
• Commodore SS Z-Series Utility (petrol) Man / Auto $42,490 / $44,490
• Commodore SSV Z-Series Sedan (petrol) Man / Auto $55,290 / $57,290
• Commodore SSV Z-Series Sportwagon (petrol) Man / Auto $57,290 / $59,290
• Commodore SSV Z-Series Utility (petrol) Man / Auto $47,490 / $49,490

Coinciding with the new packs, Holden will introduce a new colour to the VE and WM range.

Inspired by the Holden Efijy showcar, Alchemy is a new luxurious deep purple hue that will give Commodore stand-out style on the road. This colour replaces Mirage Glow.

For images and more information on Holden, visit: www.media.holden.com.au or www.autonews.net.au

Holden Barina - Expect Everything TV commercial

With iPod connectivity®, Bluetooth®, cruise control & a 5 star ANCAP safety rating....you can expect everything from Holden Barina http://www.holden.com.au/barina

All new Holden Volt - The No Compromise Electric Car

Today we are showcasing the all-new Holden Volt to motoring media in Sydney, ahead of its arrival in dealerships later this year.

The launch of the highly-anticipated Volt will lead us into the home stretch for 2012, after many significant and exciting product and corporate announcements this year.

Volt is an important vehicle for Holden. It represents ground-breaking technology, with its extended-range capabilities meaning it’s electric when you want it, petrol when you need it.
The Holden Volt will offer some of the most advanced technologies in Australia and has won a long list of awards and fans around the world.

I recently took a Volt to my son’s football match and I literally had people all around the car, with many requesting a quick spin around the block. They were blown away.  When I asked one of the parents if he would buy one, he answered, “in a heartbeat.”

Holden is continuing to change. You may have seen our new advertising campaign which represents a new direction for Holden, and there’s no better way to indicate change than with a new kind of flagship vehicle.

Here at Holden we’re extremely excited about the arrival of this car, which we know will be a game changer for us.

I’m looking forward to hearing what you think about the Volt so please leave us a comment or question below.

Mike Devereux
Holden Chairman and Managing Director

No recall in Australia on Chinese cars built with asbestos parts

THERE will be no recall of the nearly 24,000 Chinese-made cars sold in Australia with asbestos parts.


Despite an official recall, the asbestos gaskets fitted to the Great Wall and Chery vehicles will stay in place until they need routine servicing or if the owner demands their removal.

The decision comes as the importer of Great Wall and Chery, Ateco Automotive, admits the use of asbestos ‑ which was outlawed in cars in 2004 – has damaged the budget brands.

“I wouldn't think it would be helpful,” Ateco spokesman, Daniel Cotterill, said.

Ateco forced a production shutdown in China when it discovered the use of the asbestos gaskets during an Australian audit, despite earlier written guarantees from the Chinese brands that the cars complied with Australian standards.

. The brands have since found an alternative, asbestos-free, supplier of the gaskets and production has resumed to keep pace with Australian deliveries.

“Everything we import now from China is free of asbestos. We have checked the cars and they comply,'' Cotterill says.

“The Chinese are well aware of the gravity of the situation. They had to establish their own internal audit of their suppliers to find out how this happened.”

'But the cars already with owners will not be touched, despite a recall campaign that will include fitting a warning sticker.

Instead, owners will be advised by letter of the problem and sent a copy of a risk assessment commission by Ateco from consultants in occupational health and safety, Hibbs and Associates.

It concludes there are “negligible” asbestos risks to either owners or mechanics working on the car.

“Even if carried out in an uncontrolled way, handling and removing these gaskets constitutes a very low asbestos related health risk,” the report said.

Ateco said it had approval from the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission for its recall program, even though it does not include a compulsory change of parts.

“The intention is to replace the gaskets only if, and when, necessary. The key thing is to make sure that anyone who replaces one is aware of the situation,” Cotterill said.

More than 6000 Chinese vehicles of all types have sold in Australian this year aimed at the budget end of the new car market.

More...http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/national/no-recall-in-australia-on-chinese-cars-built-with-asbestos-parts/story-fndo48ca-1226451218317

0.5% FINANCE AVAILABLE AT HOLDEN DEALERS

STOP PRESS!! Holden has announced that for the first time ever customers can take advantage of an

incredibly low 0.5 per cent per annum comparison rate on a term of up to 36 months, with no

deposit, on a range of Holden vehicles*.

This national one week finance campaign sees Holden partner separately with three finance

providers, Esanda, St George Finance Limited and Capital Finance Australia Limited, to

bring car buyers the lowest finance ever offered through Holden dealers.

Holden Executive Director of Sales, Marketing and Aftersales, John Elsworth, said

consumers were the big winner in today’s competitive marketplace as there had never been

a better time to buy a Holden.

“Holden is known for its great deals but for anyone in the market for a new car this is one

definitely not to be missed,” Elsworth said

“This year we have already introduced capped priced servicing and now, through our finance

providers, a great 0.5 per cent comparison rate that makes it even easier to get behind the

wheel of a brand new Holden.

“Whether it’s a Barina, a locally-made Cruze SRi or Commodore, our Captiva SUV or tough

all-new Colorado 4x4, there’s a Holden to suit every new car buyer.”

The exciting one week sale event starts on Thursday 9 August and will run until close of

business Wednesday 15th August at participating dealers.

Details, terms and conditions can be viewed at www.holden.com.au/latestoffers from

Thursday 9 August.

For more information on Holden, visit: www.media.holden.com.au or www.autonews.net.au

Holden Barina Tops NRMA Insurance Crash Test Program

The Holden Barina has topped an NRMA Insurance crash test program that looks at low speed collision repair costs.

Nine of the top selling small vehicles in Australia were put to the test to encourage consumers to consider repair costs when looking for a new car due to the impact it can have on their insurance premium.

The Holden Barina was heralded the best performer by a significant lead with a repair cost for a front and rear collision of $2,574 or 14.3 per cent of its new purchase price*.

Barina outperformed its competitors with the second place vehicle costing 35.6 per cent of its new purchase price while the worst performer cost over 70 per cent of its new purchase price to repair.
Robert McDonald, Head of Research NRMA Insurance said the low speed crash test program was designed to urge car manufacturers to make improvements to bumper bar design to help keep the cost of collision repairs affordable.

“Because of its effective bumper design, Barina did not suffer structural damage and the damage was isolated to the bumper components,” Mr McDonald said.

“It is possible to have effective bumpers on small cars that protect the more expensive parts like headlights and the radiator.”

With a long list of safety features, the all-new Barina hatch and sedan have also been awarded a maximum five-star safety rating from the Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP).
Steve Curtis, Holden Manager Vehicle Structure & Safety Integration, said the NRMA Insurance result proved that safety and affordability didn’t have to be mutually exclusive.

“These results reflect the commitment Holden has made to make the Barina not only one of the most affordable small cars on the road but also one of the safest.”

For more information on this test, visit: http://tinyurl.com/bumpertests

Drive.com.au have researched the impact of the repair costs on driver insurance. Here’s the link to the article – Written Off in a 10km/h crash which also features video footage from the crash tests.
* Purchase price based on Recommended Retail Price (including GST) as quoted from Glass’s Guide July 2012 publication. More:

Holden Malibu One Step Closer

Holden Malibu Engineering Vehicle at Holden HQ

We’re one step closer to launching our much anticipated new mid-sized sedan, Holden Malibu with the arrival of a number of engineering vehicles in to Australia. The early production Holden Malibu cars are in town to continue months of rigorous local and global development and validation work ahead of next year’s launch. Holden engineers are responsible for determining a unique vehicle dynamics package including suspension tuning for local customers, and transmission calibrations for the local and global market. The work is being carried out through extensive evaluation testing at our proving ground in Lang Lang, Victoria and numerous verification drives on Victorian public roads. Holden Director of Integration and Safety, Ian Butler said it was great for Holden engineers to get their hands on these vehicles so they could continue to tailor the vehicle to Australian customers’ tastes. “Our engineers have paid close attention to the vehicle’s driving dynamics, ride and handling, suspension and comfort so Malibu will be sure to meet the discerning needs of drivers in this competitive segment,” Mr Butler said. “This is a fantastic global car but of course we want to make sure that it goes on sale with plenty of Holden input to ensure it suits Australia’s unique and varied road conditions.” More:

Long Range Electric Holden Volt - 2012 TVC (Electricity)

You can do amazing things with electricity. The long range electric Holden Volt. The first car of its kind in Australia is coming.

Explore Volt: http://www.holden.com.au/volt

Holden Grand Masters 2011

BEECHAM HOLDEN APPOINTED AS HOLDEN VOLT DEALER

 Holden has announced that Beecham Holden, Caboolture has been appointed as one of 49 dealers that will sell and service the Volt long range electric car when it goes on sale in Australia later this year.

Holden Executive Director – Sales, Marketing and Aftersales, John Elsworth said Beecham Holden had committed to achieve environmental accreditation and invest in new tooling and infrastructure to support Volt servicing requirements.

“Many Holden dealers already have a strong environmental focus but each Volt dealer will also be required to achieve at least level 2 Green Stamp Plus Accreditation through the VACC Green Stamp program. said Mr Elsworth.

“Accreditation assures customers that the dealership takes its environmental responsibility seriously.”

Dealerships that attain such accreditation must implement a minimum number of environmental management practices across their business. This could include recycling, efficient energy usage and reduction in the use and disposal of toxic chemicals.

“Each dealer will install a dedicated Volt charging station and invest in new tooling and training to ensure the highest standards of service for owners of Holden’s first electric car.”

Announcing the Volt dealers as part of the Holden network, John Elsworth also confirmed that the first orders had been placed by dealers who reported strong interest in Volt.

“We asked dealers to place their first orders last month and while it’s too early to confirm numbers, we are receiving anecdotal feedback that there’s strong interest.

“We would urge all interested customers to contact us if they want to secure one of the first Volts when they arrive in Australia.” says Chris Beecham.

Customers interested in more information on Holden Volt can register for more information at www.holden.com.au/volt or contact Rob Dawson directly on 54337016 at Beecham Holden, Caboolture. Volt pricing, specifications and launch timings will be announced before the end of July.

To join the conversation on Volt, visit the dedicated Volt section on the Holden HQ blog – www.holdenhq.com.au/charging-up-Volt

For more information on Holden and the Volt, visit: www.media.holden.com.au or www.autonews.net.au

Long Range Electric Holden Volt - 2012 TVC (Change)

http://www.holden.com.au/volt
Every now and then we do something that changes everything. The long range electric Holden Volt. The first car of its kind in Australia is coming.

BEECHAM HOLDEN HOLDEN SECURES GRAND MASTERS HONOUR

Beecham Holden, Caboolture, has been awarded top honours in Holden’s 2011 Grand Masters, an excellence program that recognises Australia’s best performing dealerships.

The annual Grand Masters is bestowed on just 32 dealerships each year, out of a total of 244 Holden dealerships Australia-wide. Grand Masters acknowledges Holden’s most outstanding dealerships judging them on sales excellence, customer satisfaction, service delivery, parts performance and astute business management.

Holden’s Chairman and Managing Director, Mike Devereux, said these awards were a well deserved recognition for the outstanding achievements of these dealerships. “Grand Masters is the ultimate dealer performance recognition program.

 The winners have consistently exceeded expectations, they go above and beyond in the name of sales excellence and customer satisfaction,” said Mr Devereux. “This award is not handed out lightly; it is an indication of the dealer’s commitment to an exceptional quality experience for each and every customer, on every occasion. I’m incredibly proud of these guys.”

Chris and Patty Beecham, the owners of Beecham Holden, said they are thrilled to receive this prestigious award.

 “We’re really proud to sell Holden vehicles and this honour is a reflection of the hard work done each and every day by the entire loyal team at Beecham Holden,” Chris said. “We pride ourselves on the principle that the customer always comes first in our dealership, and our commitment to customer satisfaction drives everything we do. We offer some of the best and most exciting new product on the market and we strive for our service and sales results to reflect this.

As our motto has always stated “Good Service is always in Fashion” “We’re also a local, family owned business that is proud to operate in and support our community for the last 25 years and we’re extremely proud of being acknowledged as a Grand Master.”

Genuine Holden Accessories - Behind the Scenes of Colorado

Genuine Holden Accessories unlike the alternatives are integrated into and designed in conjunction with this Tough Truck from the very start. Genuine Holden Accessories like the Colorado inspires confidence and are built with uncompromising quality. Why take the risk with anything other than Genuine Accessories?

Holden Thunder Ute TVC - No back seat drivers

Special release Holden Thunder Ute TVC as voted by our Holden Facebook community .....Breathtaking Performance: Every time you drive, everywhere you drive - that's what you can expect from the Special Edition Thunder Ute. Available on both the SV6 and SS Ute - you'll be inspired to drive like never before

All-New Colorado Behind The Scenes

http://www.HoldenHQ.com.au Holden Social Media team member, Sarah Prescott interviews Scott Doughty, Holden Vehicle Performance Manager behind the scenes in Queensland before the launch of the all-new Holden Colorado to the media.

Holden reveals 49 Volt dealers

Holden dealers in every state capital and major metropolitan centre except Darwin and Alice Springs will be able to sell and service the brand’s first electrified vehicle when the ground-breaking new Volt plug-in hybrid goes on sale in Australia within about six months.
Apart from announcing 49 Australian dealers for its upcoming “long-range electric car”, Holden today confirmed its dealers have already received an unspecified number of orders for the Volt and said it will announce the car’s all-important price, as well as specifications and launch timing, by the end of next month.
Latest indications are the Volt, which unlike the all-electric Mitsubishi i-MiEV and upcoming Nissan Leaf employs a 1.4-litre petrol engine engine to boost the driving range of its electric motor, will cost around $60,000 when it hits Australian showrooms around November.
Holden said dealers from Townsville to Bunbury will sell the Volt because its long-range capability means EV ownership is no longer restricted to city dwellers.
Holden Executive Director – Sales, Marketing and Aftersales, John Elsworth, said each dealer has committed to achieve environmental accreditation and invest in new technologies to support Volt servicing requirements.
“Many Holden dealers already have a strong environmental focus but Volt dealers will also be required to achieve at least a level 2 Green Stamp Plus Accreditation through the VACC Green Stamp program,” said Mr Elsworth. “Accreditation assures customers that the dealer takes its environmental responsibility seriously.”
Dealerships that attain such environmental accreditation must implement a minimum number of environmental management practices across their business, including recycling, efficient energy usage and reduced disposal of toxic chemicals.
Mr Elsworth also confirmed the first orders have been placed by Holden dealers, and each approved Volt dealer will be required to install a dedicated charging station and invest in new tooling and training.

“We asked dealers to place their first Volt orders last month and while it’s too early to confirm numbers, we are receiving anecdotal feedback that there’s strong interest.
“We would urge all customers to contact their dealer in the first instance if they want to secure one of the first Volts when they arrive in Australia.”
Holden commenced local testing of Volt last year, but recently announced the first right-hand drive versions of the Volt are now in Australia participating in the Victorian government’s electric vehicle trial.
General Motors also recently announced a battery upgrade to improve the driving range of the Volt, which it bills as the world’s first extended-range EV.
Minor changes to the chemistry of the battery – which now has a total storage capacity of 16kWh (up 15.6kWh) - extend the electric-only range of the Volt from 35 miles to 38 miles (56.3km to 61.2km), while total driving range including the use of the petrol engine increases by one mile to 380 miles (612km).
As a result, the 2013 Volt, which goes on sale in the US in August, will offer an official combined fuel consumption figure of about 2.4 litres per 100km – down from 2.5L/100km.
However, the upgrades also extend the time it takes to complete a full charge. The upgraded Volt will take four hours and 15 minutes to fully recharge from ‘empty’ via a standard 240-volt household power socket – 15 minutes longer than before.
As part of its pre-release campaign, Holden has established a dedicated Volt section on the Holden HQ blog and has invited Australians to register for more information .
Australian Volt dealers are as follows:
Victoria:
Bay City Holden - Frankston
Winter & Taylor - Geelong
Gary & Warren Smith - Oakleigh
Barry Bourke Holden - Berwick
Preston Motors - Essendon
Watson Holden - Bundoora
Barloworld Holden - Glen Waverley
Brighton Holden - Brighton
Booran Holden - Cheltenham
John Collins Holden - Mornington
Mantello Holden - Fawkner
Barry Bourke - Warragul
New South Wales:
Muirs Holden - Ashford
Paul Wakeling Holden - Campbelltown
Hunter Holden - Ryde
Northside Holden - Chatswood
Suttons City - Rosebery
Sutherland Holden - Sutherland
Castle Hill Holden - Castle Hill
Kelly Holden – Cardiff
Geoff King Holden - Coffs Harbour
Queensland:
Eagers Holden - Windsor
Zupps Mt Gravatt - Mt Gravatt
Surfers City Holden - Southport
Beecham Holden - Caboolture (woohoo!!!!)
Oldfield Holden - Capalaba
Motorama City Holden - Moorooka
Tony Ireland Holden - Townsville
Ross Gray Holden - Bundaberg
Sunco Holden - Marroochydore
South Australia:
Peter Page Holden - Elizabeth
City Holden - Adelaide
Hamilton Holden - Somerton Park
Metro Holden - Thebarton
Western Australia:
Brian Gardner Holden - Cannington
Phoenix Holden - Waneroo
City Motors - Perth
Melville Holden - Melville
Rockingham Holden - Rockingham
Shacks Holden - Fremantle
Bunbury Holden - Bunbury
ACT:
Commonwealth Motors - Phillip
Gerald Slaven Holden – Belconnen
Tasmania:
Motors Pty Ltd – Hobart

Huge congrats to the Dealers - More here.http://www.carsales.com.au/news/2012/small-passenger/holden/holden-reveals-49-volt-dealers-30751

Holden Volt Charging Up

Interview with Holden Performance Engineer, Dion Schulz about the work he is doing ahead of the launch of the Holden Volt in Australia later this year. Dion also shows us how simple it is to use the new Volt charging station at Holden's headquarters - 191 Salmon Street, Fishermans Bend.

Local singer 'saved' by Beecham Motors Service department.

Received a lovely letter of Thanks today, Trish we are so pleased we were able to help you. Keep singing! :)

Beecham Motors - Holden Grand Masters

At the end of June 2012, we will celebrate owning Beecham Motors dealership for 25 years, our Silver Anniversary in business. As it happens, we will also be celebrating becoming one of Holden’s Grand Masters 2011.

As Holden says: “It takes a very special Holden Dealer to be recognised for outstanding customer service and business excellence. The Holden Grand Masters program recognises the exceptional commitment and superior performance of our most outstanding Dealerships. 

Judged on sales excellence, customer satisfaction, service delivery, parts performance and astute business management, Grand Master winners exceed expectations, surpass their peers and drive our business further.”

When we attended the first Holden Group meetings, we were intimidated by the professional attitude and commanding performance of other Holden Dealers.

We’d whisper to each other with a nudge: ”He’s a Grand Master!” We would be in awe.

Well, today, that’s us.  Grand Masters.

We decided right from the start that our business would be based on honesty and good service, choosing a slogan that reflected those ideals; “Good service is always in fashion” and we’ve stuck by that.

We’ve literally been under customers cars at midnight Christmas Eve, so our customer could drive to their family, we’ve answered call outs on late rainy weekend nights, we’ve bent over backwards to help not only our customers but also our staff and their families. We are hard workers, not afraid to get out hands dirty. We are loyal, and honest, motivated and love our work, preferring to run our business the way we would like to be treated as a customer.

Our staff are professional and successful, earning huge reputations as some of Australia’s Best Sales men and women. We are so proud of their success. It doesn't end there either! Our mechanics are the best in the business, and our Service and Spare Parts are second to none. Thanks guys, you all rock.

Our Dealership building is new and gorgeous, a pleasure for both customers and staff to work in . Good coffee too!  :)

Twenty-five years ago we walked through the doors of a small Caboolture car yard, out 'in the sticks'; our precious first-born son Lockie only 6 months old in our arms. Over the years we've taught both him and little brother Charlie to ride their push-bikes around the old beloved 'Binny' dome.

Today they are outstanding young men, intelligent, caring and dedicated in their own passions, and this year our oldest son Lockie joined the Dealership and we couldn’t be more proud.

We've all come a long way baby!

Tomorrow we fly to Paris, to celebrate our own Silver Wedding anniversary (yay!) and also to celebrate with the other Grand Masters of Holden.

After 25 years of 12 hour days, 6 days a week, we will put on our high heels and Black Tie, and for a few days, immerse ourselves in a little French, culminating in several Awards Nights. We'll rub shoulders with other Holden Dealers who through sheer hard work, guts and effort, have become the elite of Holden - Grand Masters.

And when we go home, high heels draped over our shoulder, bow-tie undone, we’ll reflect on our journey and our love of our cars and Holden, and the respect we have for our customers and staff.

Thank you and au revoir.

It’s been a great adventure, see you all in two weeks!

 Chris and Patty Beecham

Holden Cruze. It's not just a small car, its Australia's small car.

Visit Holden for more information.
Holdens latest TVC for the Cruze sports range, available in hatch and sedan. Holden Cruze. It's not just a small car, its Australia's small car.

Holden steps up Colorado tease

GM HOLDEN has rolled out details of its upcoming new-generation, all-diesel Colorado ute range, as stocks of its run-out model dwindle ahead of the later-than-hoped arrival of the 2012 range from General Motors’ Thai factory around mid-year.

The new Colorado – in three body styles and the choice of two diesel engines – is running several months late for Australia, mainly due to delays caused by last year’s devastating floods in Thailand, but also because of high customer demand in Asian markets where the Brazilian-designed vehicle went on sale last year.

Rather than let rivals such as Toyota, Ford, Nissan and Mitsubishi get a free kick, Holden today released range details on a new web mini-site, and will arrange for prospective customers to get a look at the new range in a traveling road show at Holden dealerships over the next few months.

Buyers who tick the box for the new six-speed automatic transmission will get the full 470Nm of torque – achieved at 2000rpm.

The new entry-level engine is the 2.5-litre turbo-diesel that turns out 110kW of power at the same 3800rpm, and 350Nm of torque - also at 2000rpm. This engine will be available only in selected models and only with the five-speed manual gearbox.

Holden’s new premium diesel out-points the market-leading Toyota HiLux’s 126kW/343Nm 3.0-litre diesel, as well as Nissan’s volume-selling 2.5-litre diesel, in its 106kW/356Nm and 126kW/403Nm states of tune.

Holden is claiming bragging rights in braked towing capacity, with a whopping 3.5-tonne limit in Colorados fitted with the larger 2.8-litre engine (3.0 tonnes with the 2.5-litre) – more than half a tonne better than its nearest rival.

All Colorado body styles will sit on the same 3096mm wheelbase – 104mm shorter than the Navara but 10mm longer than the HiLux – while overall length (at 5347mm for the Colorado space-cab and crew-cab) is about 80mm longer than HiLux and about 50mm longer than Navara.

Ground clearance is a high-riding 289mm.

Side curtain airbags are included on the list of standard safety features, along with electronic stability, opening the path to a potential five-star safety rating to match newcomers such as the VW Amarok, Ranger and the related Mazda BT-50.

Bluetooth, air-conditioning, power windows, auxiliary plug and USB port, two auxiliary power outlets and an iPod-compatible audio system also will be standard.

Holden executive director for sales, marketing and aftersales, John Elsworth, said Holden had been working hard to finalise the local range ahead of the Colorado’s official launch since the show car was revealed at the Australian International Motor Show in Melbourne last July.

“The new Colorado is a new era for Holden LCVs and will play a vital role in our product renaissance,” he said.

“We’re so excited about its performance as a tough, daily workhorse and active recreational vehicle that we wanted to preview the range as soon as possible.

“This is the most impressive light truck ever designed by General Motors, and we expect it to be a serious challenger in the competitive Australian light commercial market.

“Our diesel-only powertrain strategy means we’ll offer two very competitive, responsive engines that boast impressive towing capacity of up to 3.5-tonne, which we know our customers will love.”

Mr Elsworth said customers would have the chance to inspect the new range at Holden dealerships from April, with a number of Colorados touring the country in a pre-launch roadshow.

Holden’s current Thai-built one-tonner was originally known as the Rodeo and based on Isuzu mechanicals.

All new Colorado - Coming Soon in 2012

The all-new Colorado is set to change the way you think of mid-size trucks. Re-invented from the ground up, Colorado is designed to be distinctive at first glance. New powerful diesel powertrains deliver outstanding towing capacity and impressive performance. Here are the reasons why this truck will make its presence felt when it arrives at Holden Dealerships in 2012.

With its dual-cockpit design, flowing instrument panel and integrated center stack, the all-new Colorado combines car-like characteristics with the boldness expected in a mid-size truck.

More information here.

Happy Australia Day 2012

Australia Day's a time when we are reminded of the things that make us proud to be Australian. And, here at Holden, we're proud to be making the kind of cars Australians want to drive, and making them right here in Australia.

Like the new Cruze Hatch, and soon, a new purpose-built LPG Commodore.We're also working on the new Holden Volt, a car that will change the way we look at electric cars forever.

Holden's part of Australia, with a proud history, and an exciting future.
And on a day like Australia Day, that's something we celebrate.

Become a fan on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/holdenaustralia

Holden's 4 day Sale 2012 - Part 2

Holden's 4 day Sale 2012.  Wow! Dealership looks amazing! 5 year Warranty and 5 year Roadside Assist on all 2011 Holden Stock. But hurry!

Holden's 4 day Sale 2012

Wow! 5 year Warranty and 5 year Roadside Assist on all 2011 Holden Stock. But hurry!