Holden's 4-Day Sale 2011

Holden Special - SSV Sportwagon Redline

Australia has three kinds of car fans, Holden, Ford and the rest.

When we were given the chance to get behind the wheel of the latest range of Holden's we jumped at the chance.

It had been a while for some of us since we were last acquainted with Holden's offering and this was a good opportunity to see what the current line up of cars had to offer.

The making of.....Holden Thunder Ute TV commercial

Ever wondered what goes into shooting a Holden TV ad?

We asked the team behind the Holden Thunder Ute TV commercial to give us a look behind the scenes..

The commercial was filmed on location at Avalon Airport, Victoria

3 hours footage was filmed in total -- 2 of the car and 1 of the bull

A team of 40 people took part in the shoot, including actors, film crew, locations team, wardrobe, Holden reps and more.....and we filmed not 1, but 2 angry bulls!

Then the team spent 6 days in post production, to get the finished ad.

www.holden.com.au/vehicles/ute/thunder

Na,na,na,na,na....

2011 VE Series II Thunder Ute.

HOLDEN UTE WITH SPECIAL EDITION

Beecham Holden Caboolture is celebrating the 60th anniversary of the Holden Ute with the return of the special edition Thunder nameplate to the VE Series II line-up.

The special edition Thunder Ute arrives at Beecham’s showroom this month, 60 years after Holden’s original 1951 Ute hit the market, and will deliver a tough-looking package with an impressive $3000 of extra value.

Dealer Principal, Chris Beecham, said the Ute had come a long way in 60 years.

“Over 60 years of production, the Holden Ute has changed from a pure workhorse to a practical two-door sports machine,” Mr Beecham said.

"Beecham Holden sold its first Ute 24 years ago, and with its bold, tough looks and sporty credentials it is as popular today as it’s ever been.

“But today we're seeing more and more people in Caboolture buy a Ute for recreational purposes instead of work, going to show how much the Ute has evolved.

"Buyers are attracted to its sports styling and performance combined with its versatility, durability and most importantly, its affordability.

"So what better way to celebrate 60 years of this iconic vehicle than with the ultimate Ute, the Thunder Ute?”

Each Thunder Ute model receives striking charcoal-finished 19-inch alloy wheels, satellite navigation, leather seat bolsters and Thunder badges.

The Thunder Ute will be available with Holden’s powerful Gen IV V8 (SS model) and for the first time Holden’s high-performing 3.6-litre SIDI V6 (SV6 model). Both come standard with a six-speed manual transmission and optional six-speed automatic.

The Thunder Ute can be purchased for the drive away price of $34,990 (SV6 manual) and $39,900 (SS manual) including prestige paint.

Happy 24th Wedding anniversary Chris & Patty

Funny Marriage Quotes


"I was married by a judge. I should have asked for a jury."
-Groucho Marx

“The best way to remember your wife's birthday is to forget it once.” -H.V. Prochnow

“I have learned that only two things are necessary to keep one's wife happy. First, let her think she's having her own way. And second, let her have it.” -Lyndon B. Johnson

"A man's wife has more power over him than the state has."
-Ralph Waldo Emerson

“My husband and I divorced over religious differences. He thought he was God, and I didn't.” -Unknown

“My wife and I were happy for twenty years. Then we met.”
-Rodney Dangerfield

“Getting married is a lot like getting into a tub of hot water. After you get used to it, it ain't so hot.” -Minnie Pearl

"Behind every great man there is a surprised woman."
-Maryon Pearson

“They say love is blind...and marriage is an institution. Well, I'm not ready for an institution for the blind just yet.” -Mae West

"A man is incomplete until he is married. After that, he is finished."
-Zsa Zsa Gabor

"I haven't spoken to my wife in years. I didn't want to interrupt her." -Rodney Dangerfield

“No married man is genuinely happy if he has to drink worse whisky than he used to drink when he was single.” -H.L. Mencken

“A wedding is just like a funeral except that you get to smell your own flowers.” -Grace Hansen

“Why does a woman work ten years to change a man's habits and then complain that he's not the man she married?” -Barbra Streisand

"Marriage has no guarantees. If that's what you're looking for, go live with a car battery." -Erma Bombeck

“I came from a big family. As a matter of fact, I never got to sleep alone until I was married.” -Lewis Grizzard

Holden Factory in Elizabeth

Over Easter we took the opportunity to visit the Holden factory at Elizabeth. It was terrific to see in the flesh, our beloved car manufacturing plant in Australia.

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.

Mike Devereux Easter Safety Pledge

Watch Mike Devereux, Chairman and Managing Director GM Holden, make his pledge to drive safely this Easter. Make your own pledge today on Facebook or Twitter.

Targa Tasmania 2011 Sheffield - 8 cars went off on this stage

As an ex-rally navigator and driver, I love this clip! It looks easy. NOT!

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!