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

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 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.

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

2012 Holden Malibu on sale in Australia late next year

The all-new 2012 Holden Malibu mid-sized sedan has been previewed in the form of the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu at both the 2011 New York International Auto Show and Auto Shanghai 2011.

Holden executive director of sales, marketing and aftersales, John Elsworth, today confirmed the Holden Malibu would go on sale in Australia “late next year”, filling the gap between the locally manufactured Cruze and Commodore.

General Motors says the Malibu will be powered by a range of “fuel efficient and powerful” four-cylinder engines.

Among those will be a brand new 2.5-litre direct injection petrol unit with 141kW of power and 245Nm of torque. The engine will be mated to a six-speed automatic transmission that has been tuned to enhance powertrain efficiency.

GM engineers say they benchmarked the Malibu’s ride and handling against more expensive sports cars in their attempt to make it smooth, precise and dynamic on country roads and freeways all around the world.

It will feature MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear suspension, as well as ventilated front disc brakes with dual piston aluminium calipers, which GM says should make it the segment leader in stopping distance.

Chassis control safety technology includes ABS, traction control, ESC, EBD, brake assist, corner brake control, hydraulic brake fade assist and drag torque control.

Other standard safety features in North America will include dual front, side, knee and roof rail airbags with rollover protection. Optional features include second-row side airbags (taking the maximum number to 10), lane departure warning with forward collision alert and a rear-view camera.

US customers will have four interior colours to choose from, while the insert materials on the centre console, doors and steering wheel can also be personalised in either chrome, metal or wood. Soft-touch surfaces and ice blue ambient lighting promise to create a high quality cabin feel.

The seven-inch colour touchscreen will incorporate Bluetooth wireless audio streaming as well as a range of other functions controlled by the MyLink infotainment system. Behind the screen is a 15cm bin to store phones and other wireless devices.

The new Malibu has a wider stance than the outgoing model, sporting broader shoulders and a shorter wheelbase for a significantly more aggressive appearance. LED taillights and alloy wheels ranging from 17 to 19 inches add to the Camaro-inspired exterior package.

Production of the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu will begin early next year. More details of the 2012 Holden Malibu will be revealed closer to the vehicle’s launch.

Welcome back Martitia!

We are so happy to welcome back Martitia to our Beecham Motors family. Martitia was previously Holden's number 2 Saleperson in Queensland; she is passionate about her cars, and is ready, willing and happy to help you decide which car is right for you.

Call her now on 54 951477 and have a chat today. Welcome back Marty!

Beecham Holden Staff Reward Go-Karting

Holden rewarded our Dealership for Best POS, and we in turn rewarded our staff with an afternoon Go-karting!

28 February 2011 Cruze Launch Ceremony

The Hon Julia Gillard MP, Prime Minister of Australia joined Holden employees today to launch new Series II Cruze, the only Australian made small car.

Radio interview with Blackwell Holden, Christchurch - CTV Building like Ground Zero

Radio interview with Blackwell Holden
Ross and John from 3AW Radio cross to a man in Christchurch who watched the CTV building come down two days after the killer earthquake struck the New Zealand city.

Listen to the interview while seeing images of the tragic site.

Steel to Road - Building Holden Commodore (Part 3 Holden Engine Operations)

Steel to Road - Building Holden Commodore (Part 1)

Holden 4-Day Sale - On now!

Merry Christmas from our Staff & Happy New Year

Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, and safe jounrey on your holiday travels.  Be safe!

Happy customers

Beecham Motors - Google Search

Ferrari recalls exploding 458 Italia sports car

Italian carmaker Ferrari announced overnight it had recalled all versions of its model 458 Italia sports car produced before July 2010 after four of them caught fire.

"Our dealers are going to call clients and tell them to bring back their cars so that the necessary modifications can be carried out," a spokesman told AFP.

The recall involves 1248 vehicles worldwide, the official said.

Ferrari last week opened an enquiry after four of its vehicles caught fire spontaneously in California, China, France and Switzerland.

The investigation had shown problems with the mounting, adhesive, heat shields and wheel arch assembly, the spokesman said.

"High outside temperatures and intensive use of the vehicle cause a distortion and the vehicle catches fire," he said, adding that the modification will include replacing the heat shields.

Should have bought a Holden! :)

Top Gear's The Stig is finally unveiled

Top Gear's The Stig is finally unveiled  - Courier Mail article

The BBC has been refused a court injunction preventing the revealing of The Stig's identity.

English stuntman and motor racing driver Ben Collins - who raced at Bathurst last year for the first time - has been Top Gear's The Stig. Source: The Daily Telegraph

BRITAIN'S High Court has refused to grant a temporary injunction preventing the revelation of the identity of Top Gear's The Stig as Ben Collins.

The BBC had taken legal action to block HarperCollins' publication of the 35-year-old's autobiography which would unmask the mystery racing driver.

It claimed he is bound by a confidentiality agreement and that revealing who he is would spoil viewers' enjoyment of the popular BBC-produced program.

The driver's identity has long been a closely guarded show secret, spawning T-shirts emblazoned with slogans such as 'My Dad is The Stig'.

Only executives and Top Gear presenters Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May were said to know the identity of The Stig, famous for racing cars on the show wearing white overalls and a blacked-out visor.

However, many viewers may already have had a good idea about who he was after a company owned by Mr Collins, a stuntman from Bristol, published accounts listing ``driving services provided for the BBC, mainly in the Top Gear program''.

After more than a day of legal submissions in private before Mr Justice Morgan in London, lawyers for HarperCollins emerged today to say the case had concluded in their favor.

Solicitor Robin Shaw said: "The judge has said he is not going to grant an injunction in this case."

Mr Collins was in court for part of today's hearing.

A spokesman for the BBC said today's judgment did not prevent it from pursuing the matter to a full trial of the issues.

Several racing drivers have been linked to the role, including former Formula One world champions Damon Hill and Michael Schumacher and - most recently - Mr Collins, who was a stunt double for James Bond.

The current Stig is the second in the role. The first Stig, Perry McCarthy, was dropped in 2003 after his identity was uncovered.

HarperCollins communications director Siobhan Kenny said later: "This is a victory for freedom of speech."

"Ben Collins has a great story to tell about his seven years as The Stig which will appeal to a wide audience beyond the world of motoring enthusiasts. The book will be published on September 16."

See more about this story at the Daily Mail Online.

Saving Jamie Dunn's car - the movie!

Create your own video slideshow at animoto.com.

We're here!

Well it's taken a while, mainly because we are always so busy doing everything else, but we finally have a blog up and running.

Chris and Patty Beecham

We'll take you behind the scenes, (and naturally to try tempt you with cars, lol) and hope you enjoy the journey with us.  Enjoy, feedback welcome and appreciated.

Follow us on Twitter @BeechamMotors and Facebook  http://www.facebook.com/Beecham.Motors

Chris Beecham