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