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.