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.”

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 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!

HOLDEN’S FIVE STAR LINE-UP GAINS ANOTHER MEMBER

Holden’s Series II Captiva 7 SX diesel has secured a maximum five-star safety rating from the
Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP).

Launched in February 2011, the Holden Series II Captiva range was enhanced with the
introduction of six airbags – driver, front passenger, front side and curtain airbags - as standard on
all models, an electric park brake and Hill Start Assist technology to prevent “roll-away” on inclines.

These features were added to Captiva’s already impressive array of active and passive safety
technology including Electronic Stability Control system incorporating anti-lock braking, electronic
brakeforce distribution, brake assist, traction control and active rollover protection.

All Captiva models are also fitted with a descent control system which maintains a slow speed for
navigating steep downhill gradients.

Holden’s Vehicle Structure & Safety Integration Manager, Steve Curtis said it was great to receive
a local endorsement for this globally successful car.

"We’ve been very confident in the Captiva’s safety credentials, particularly after the Chevrolet
Captiva range was awarded a top five star rating from EuroNCAP in October,” Mr Curtis said.
“But it’s great to know that yet another Holden has earned the highest Australian safety rating."
Captiva 7 SX diesel joins the Commodore, Cruze and Barina range which have all been awarded
the maximum five star safety rating from ANCAP.

Staff Xmas Party 2011

We've taken all of our staff and their families away for a Christmas weekend for the past 22 years. Her's some pics from this years get-together.

Our son Charlie with his friend Michelle

Our older son Lockie with Valerie.  We welcome Lockie joining our Dealership.

Dealer Principal Chris and Patty Beecham

Merry Christmas from our staff and families, to yours.

The 2011 all-new Holden Barina

The 2011 all-new Holden Barina hatch goes on sale in Australia in November. Barina has been a well known name in Australia since the introduction of the first model Barina, back in 1985.

Standard features on the all-new Barina include Bluetooth and Bluetooth audio streaming, USB input and iPod connectivity, steering wheel controls and cruise control.

It has also received a five-star safety rating from the Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP)

Find out more: http://www.holden.com.au/vehicles/barina

WIN! WIN! WIN a new Spark!

Buy any new car and take delivery before 31st December 2011 go in chance to win a Holden CDX Spark valued at $17285 - call in today and let's chat.

Holden Scramble Team Photo 2011

Click the image for a larger photograph of our wonderful golf teams.

Beecham Holden - Holden Scramble 2011 - The Game!

Beecham Holden Caboolture are proud to sponsor this Holden Scramble event. The winners on the day were Zac Chipperfield, Ron Chipperfield, Lulu Drew and Peter Quirk who shot 12 under par.

Thanks to all the team at Pacific Harbour Golf & Country Club, Bribie Island.

Beecham Holden - Holden Scramble 2011

The Holden Scramble was held at Pacific Harbour Golf & Country Club.

The winners on the day were Zac Chipperfield, Ron Chipperfield, Lulu Drew and Peter Quirk who shot 12 under par.

Thanks to all the team at Pacific Harbour Golf & Country Club, Bribie Island.

Holden Scramble 2011 - Team Photos

Thanks to all the team at Beecham Holden and Pacific Harbour Golf  and Country Club, Bribie Island.

Our Beecham Holden team - welcome!

2010 Winners, great to see you back again

Thanks Pacific Harbour Golf  and Country Club