GM Holden is taking the covers off its soon to be released, new light commercial vehicle, the Holden Colorado.

This new powerful light truck promises to deliver high levels of performance and load carrying capability, all with the car-like interior comfort and value for money that Holden is renowned for.

A three tonne braked towing capability** on Turbo Diesel 4×4 variants adds to the Colorado’s rugged appeal.

The Holden Colorado will bring an extensive LCV range to the market, offering consumers a wide choice of body styles, powertrains and specifications to suit all work and recreational applications, catering for both fleet and private customers.

With muscular wheel arches, powerful front end and aggressive side profile, the Colorado’s exterior styling reflects its hardworking credentials.

A new sports variant, the LT-R, will combine a number of sports features to create the toughest Colorado yet. Available in 4×2 or 4×4 variants, featuring sports bars, soft tonneau cover, side steps, front fog lamps, 16 inch alloy wheels and sports interior trim. The LT-R 4×4 also adds Bluetooth® capability for compatible phones and Rear Park Assist.

With a high level of specification, including driver and passenger airbags on the entire range and ABS with EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution) standard on LT-R and all LX 4×4 variants, the Holden Colorado line-up offers an impressive array of features.

Three engines are available, including a 3.0 litre four-cylinder common rail turbo diesel, which delivers peak torque of 360Nm at 1800rpm and peak power of 120kW at 3600rpm^ (manual transmission). Also available is a 3.6 litre Alloytec V6 petrol engine and a spirited 2.4 litre four-cylinder petrol engine.

GM Holden Marketing Manager, Teresa Basile, said the Holden Colorado is a tough new entry into the LCV market, with the durability, power and features to cover dual purposes of work and recreation.

“The Colorado is built tough with up to three tonnes of towing capability. With over 30 combinations of model, powertrain, cabin, ride height and body style, there’s a Colorado to tackle any job,” Ms Basile said.

“ Colorado is also well equipped, with driver and passenger airbags standard across the range, and ABS with EBD fitted to LT-R and all LX 4×4 variants.

“The Colorado LT-R is the hero of the new range with a long list of features, including sports bars, soft tonneau, side steps and sports interior trim, to appeal to customers looking for the best truck for work and recreation.”

Holden Colorado LCV Replace Rodeo

GM Holden today confirmed a timeframe for ending production of its Family II, four cylinder cast iron engine at Fisherman’s Bend, Melbourne.

GM Holden will continue to build the Family II engine, which has been in continuous production for 27 years, into the final quarter of 2009. The Family II facility, which includes the foundry, will then cease operations. There are 531 people directly employed in Family II production.

Production at the advanced $400 million Global V6 engine facility in Port Melbourne, and at Holden’s vehicle operations in South Australia, will not be impacted by this decision. At the same time, GM Holden also plans to expand its Global V6 engine family by adding a range of fuel-saving and alternative fuel technologies to increase domestic and export sales.

The Family II engine was first produced at Fisherman’s Bend in 1981 and more than four million engines have since been manufactured there. From 2000 onwards, all Family II engines produced by GM Holden have been for export. The engine is currently exported to China, Thailand and Korea.

GM Holden Chairman and Managing Director, Mark Reuss, said today: “Every product has a lifespan and Family II is an older cast iron engine which has been around now for 27 years. It has served GM well but is now coming to the end of a very long and successful life.

“With reducing customer demand, recent years have seen the Family II plant running at less than 50 per cent capacity.

“Our remaining markets for this engine are all overseas and our export customers have advised us that with newer and more technologically advanced four cylinder engines available within GM, they do not require production from GM Holden beyond the end of 2009.

“Whilst that means we still have orders for the engine for the next 18 months, we had always promised to give our employees as much notice as we could once a decision had been made to end Family II production.

“Going forward, we will be focusing our business efforts on developing new domestic and export opportunities around our advanced Global V6 engine plant particularly in the areas of alternative fuels and fuel-saving technologies.”

GM Holden’s Executive Director of Manufacturing, Rod Keane, said: “Our employees have been aware for some time that this product was reaching the end of its technological life. Even so, this is an extremely difficult announcement to make today as people and their families will be affected.

“Our people have been assured we will be doing everything we can for them to minimise the impact and we’ll investigate every redeployment possibility.

“We have exciting plans for our Global V6 plant and one of our aims will be to grow this part of our business to absorb some of those who might be impacted by this decision.”

GM Holden employs more than 6,500 people of which 3,100 are based in Victoria. The majority of those work in Port Melbourne which is home to GM Holden’s engine operations, design and engineering centres and head office.

History of Family II production in Port Melbourne

The first shipments of Family II four cylinder engines, manufactured at Fisherman’s Bend, were sent to the United Kingdom in 1981.

By 1983, markets also included West Germany, South Africa and New Zealand. Exports to South Korea commenced in 1987 and the one millionth export engine milestone was reached in 1988.

By the time the two millionth export engine was produced in 1994, the facility was servicing a customer base that included South Korea, Taiwan, Indonesia, Germany, India, Egypt, South Africa and the UK.

The three millionth Family II engine was shipped out in 1999, by which time Holden engine and component exports had generated more than $3 billion in export revenue.

In 2003, Holden began exporting advanced Global V6 engines built in our new $400 million engine plant at Fisherman’s Bend.

Recently, Holden invested a further $40 million in expanding production capacity at the V6 plant.

The facility currently exports Global V6 engines to GM and external customers in countries as diverse as China, Thailand, Korea, South Africa, Sweden, Austria, Italy and Germany.

In 2007, Holden’s Engine Operations at Fisherman’s Bend built over 136,000 Family II engines, all for export, and over 132,000 V6 engines of which 38% were for export.

GM Holden introduces the VE Calais V 60th Anniversary Special Edition, with a range of interior and exterior features including an electric sunroof and 19-inch alloy wheels.

“The Calais V 60th Anniversary Special Edition is another example of Holden’s commitment to value with levels of luxury and sophistication set to rival any vehicle in its segment,” said GM Holden’s Director of Marketing, Philip Brook.

“The Calais V 60th Anniversary Special Edition is the perfect vehicle for the individual or family
looking for something extra special, along with the drive capabilities, safety and performance of the award winning VE Commodore.”

In addition to the standard VE Calais V features, the VE Calais V 60th Anniversary Special Edition includes:

19-inch SuperSport Alloy wheels (four)
Onyx / Light Urban interior trim combination
Electric sunroof
Alloy faced pedals
Chrome surround exterior door handles
Silver highlights on leather steering wheel spokes
‘60th anniversary’ floor mats
‘60th anniversary’ rear badge

Available in three metallic colors including Karma (teal), Evoke (dark gray) and Phantom (black) the VE Calais V 60th Anniversary Special Edition is on sale now and priced at $56,790# (V6 automatic) and $61,790# (V8 automatic).

2008 Holden Astra 60th Anniversary
2008 Holden Captiva 60th Anniversary Edition Is Revealed

Australia’s biggest-selling European imported car in 2007, the Holden Astra, is now available in a turbocharged diesel wagon, bringing the number of diesel models in Holden’s line-up to four.

The feature-packed Astra CDTi Wagon boasts ESP® as standard and a 1.9 liter turbo diesel engine delivering exceptional performance and fuel economy.

The Euro 4 compliant Astra CDTi Wagon will be available in a six-speed automatic transmission and delivers outstanding fuel economy (ADR 81/01) of 7.1 litres/100 km.

GM Holden’s Director of Marketing Philip Brook said the Astra CDTi Wagon was another example of the fantastic choice offered by Holden’s Astra range.

“The Astra CDTi Wagon will appeal to customers in search of something a little roomier as well as a vehicle that offers outstanding performance, combined with great fuel economy and safety,” said Mr Brook.

Astra CDTi Wagon’s standard features include ESP® with traction control, ABS, EBD, BA driver, front passenger and front side impact airbags, full length curtain airbags, four 16-inch alloy wheels, fog lamps, cruise control, semi automatic climate control and trip computer.

The six-speed automatic SOHC Astra diesel engine produces 88 kilowatts of peak power at 3500rpm and 280Nm of peak torque at 2000rpm. An Active Select feature allows the driver to shift manually for a sharper driving feel.

On sale 1 June 2008, the Astra CDTi Wagon is priced at $32,490 # and is available in a range of colors including:

Casablanca White
Power Red
Star Silver Metallic*
Black Sapphire Metallic*
Pannacotta Metallic*
Metro Metallic*

Over 218,725 Astras have been sold in Australia to date, making Astra Holden’s second most popular nameplate behind Commodore, and Australia’s best-selling European import in 2007.

#Recommended Retail Price – Excludes dealer delivery and Government charges.
ESP® is a registered trademark of Daimler Chrysler AG
*Metallic paint an additional $360

2008 Holden Astra 60th Anniversary

As General Motors celebrates the 10 millionth Astra rolling off the production line in Bochum, Germany last week, GM Holden has extended its own 60th Anniversary celebrations to include a special edition Astra.

Available in hatch and wagon, the Astra 60th Anniversary Special Edition offers customers
exceptional value with the inclusion of ESP®, 15-inch alloy wheels, and exclusive 60th Anniversary badging. This adds to a range of standard features including four airbags, steering wheel audio controls and air-conditioning.

Over 228,679 Astras have been sold in Australia to date, making Astra Holden’s second most popular nameplate behind Commodore, and Australia’s best-selling European import in 2007.

GM Holden’s Director of Marketing Philip Brook said the Astra 60th Anniversary Special Edition was a great way to celebrate the success of one of Holden’s most popular models.

“Since its launch, the Astra family has continued to grow both in Australia and around the globe and the introduction of the Astra 60th Anniversary Special Edition offers customers even greater safety, choice, versatility, and value.” said Mr Brook.

The Astra 60th Anniversary Special Edition is available in a range of colors including:
-Casablanca White
-Power Red
-Star Silver Metallic
-Black Sapphire Metallic
-Pannacotta Metallic
-Metro Metallic

On sale 1 June 2008, prices for the Astra 60th Anniversary Special Edition are as follows:
-Astra 60th Anniversary Hatch (Manual) $20,990 drive away*
-Astra 60th Anniversary Hatch (Auto) $22,990 drive away*
-Astra 60th Anniversary Wagon (Auto) $25,790#

#Recommended Retail Price – Excludes dealer delivery and Government charges.
*Drive Away – Includes dealer delivery and Government charges.
ESP® is a registered trademark of Daimler Chrysler AG
Metallic paint an additional $360

GM Holden continues its anniversary celebrations by introducing the Captiva 60th Anniversary Special Edition including a rear view camera, adding even greater safety and value to an already impressive list of standard features.

GM Holden’s Director of Marketing, Philip Brook, said the special edition was a great way to celebrate the success of the recently introduced model.

”This Special Edition is a perfect example of Holden’s commitment to safety and value which will continue throughout this year. An already exceptional product has just got even better with the addition of a number of significant features including a rear view camera enhancing safety for both passengers and pedestrians,” said Mr Brook.

Based on the Captiva LX with standard features such as AWD, Electronic Stability Program (ESP®), curtain airbags and seven seats, the Captiva 60th Anniversary Special Edition includes the following features:

Rear view camera
18-inch sports alloy wheels (four)
Seven inch driver information display & in-dash DVD player
Leather gear shifter
New front fascia
Front passenger under-seat storage tray
Electrochromatic mirror
Silver premium painted skid plate & fog lamp inserts
Silver premium painted roof rails & door handles
New black bezel headlamps
New tail lamps
Special ‘60th anniversary’ rear badge

The Captiva 60th Anniversary Special Edition is on sale 1 May and is priced from $43,990 for the petrol variant and $44,990 for the diesel variant.

In its first full year of sales, Captiva was the third best selling model in the highly competitive Medium SUV segment in 2007. The introduction of a diesel variant in March last year proved popular with customers, accounting for more than half of Captiva sales in the last three months of the year.

Holden Special Vehicles today announced a running change to its award winning E-Series and WM Grange vehicles, with the new GM LS3 engine to be fitted across the range for cars on-sale from April.

The upgrade will see the ClubSport R8, GTS, Senator Signature, Maloo R8 and WM Grange s power output rise to 317kW.

Managing Director Scott Grant said the new engine was a welcome upgrade to the range of vehicles from Australia s luxury and performance car maker. We know our customers want the latest and greatest technology in their cars, Scott Grant said. The General Motors LS3 engine continues the HSV tradition of scouring the world for technological advancements to enhance the driving experience.

It is built by General Motors Powertrain in North America and is available in the current Chevrolet Corvette. It will also be the engine used in the new Pontiac GXP, to be built by Holden in Elizabeth from the end of 2008 and exported to the United States.
The HSV LS3 engine has a capacity of 6.2 litres, producing 317kW of power at 6000rpm and 550NM of torque at 4600 rpm, as fitted to the HSV range.

Despite the power output increase, the new engine will deliver a slight improvement in fuel economy for Maloo R8 and WM Grange, while the short wheel base models return figures of 14.5 litres per 100km, as opposed to 14.4ltr/100km for E-Series LS2, in automatic mode.
Production of the new LS3 range begins this month and is available in dealerships from April. Vauxhall s VXR8 and the CSV R8, sold in the United Kingdom and Middle East respectively, will also receive the LS3 engine in 2008. New Zealand launches the LS3 engine with a limited edition Murph pack themed ClubSport R8 and Maloo R8.

HSV have released a new colour palette to coincide with the engine upgrade and for the first time WM Grange and Senator Signature will be available in Red Hot . Automatic transmission coolers are standard across the upgraded range.

HSV will also introduce a new 20 inch wheel option across its fleet, including Grange, Senator Signature and ClubSport R8.

The wheel is a $2500 option for those customers and a no-cost option for GTS and Maloo R8 performance pack purchasers.

The running changes have also resulted in a new pricing schedule with average price increases of between 1.3% and 2.8%.

HSV LS3 pricing schedule
Model Price (AUD)
Maloo R8 $61,550
Maloo R8 (auto) $63,750
Maloo R8 PP $3,990
ClubSport R8 $64,550
ClubSport R8 (auto) $66,750
GTS $76,990
GTS (auto) $79,190
Senator Signature $79,190
Grange $84,690
New 20 inch wheel option $2,500

GM Holden has announced it will introduce a new light commercial vehicle later this year that will replace the long-running Rodeo.

The new Colorado range will feature many of the attributes that has made Rodeo so successful, including the choice of petrol or diesel engines, 4×4 or 4×2 models, and numerous body styles such as Single Cab, Space Cab and Crew Cab.

Current Rodeo owners will continue to be covered by GM Holden’s 3 year/100,000km warranty and Roadside Assistance for the first 12 months of ownership.
GM Holden Marketing Manager for LCV, Teresa Basile, said GM Holden is moving to a new exciting product with more details to follow in the coming months.

“The light commercial segment is a significant market for Holden and with this exciting new addition we will remain a major player with a highly competitive new entry,” she said.

“And Rodeo owners can rest assured that Holden remains committed to providing superior customer service and parts availability to the current range.”

The new Holden Colorado will be available from Holden dealers nationally later this year.

GM Holden today marked the diamond anniversary of its first all Australian car by unveiling a stunning two-door performance thoroughbred called Coupe 60.

Coupe 60 celebrates the six decades since GM Holden built the 48-215 at its Fishermans Bend plant in Port Melbourne, Victoria, and provides a glimpse of Holden’s future directions in design, engineering and emerging engine technologies.

Exemplifying sports luxury, Coupe 60 is a pillarless concept car that explores the limits of Holden’s current rear-wheel drive capabilities, combining racing looks and technology into a road going sportscar experience.

Its sophisticated appearance is delivered through simple and powerful design, highlighted by the pillarless construction and V8 supercar inspired cockpit layout and side-exiting chambered exhaust system with billet alloy tips.

Almost 60mm shorter than the VE sedan, and sitting on 21-inch centre-lock alloy wheels with unique design Kumho high performance semi-slick tyres, Coupe 60 captures all that’s exciting about the Holden DNA.

Other racing-derived enhancements include full flat under body, rear underbody air diffuser and functional rear deck-lid spoiler with unique designed LED tail lamps.

The interior also has several unique features. They include one piece carbon fiber bucket seats (featuring leather and suede pad design) and a sports-inspired flat bottomed steering wheel with integrated shift light display and LCD sports instrument cluster.

The high gloss carbon fiber carries through to doors and rear trim providing a contrast to the leather trimmed instrument panel and black suede trimmed pillars, headliners and parcel shelf.

Details and accents are picked out with a distinctive red high shine leather on the seats and dark gunmetal finish and satin chrome on the consoles and doors.

Front seats are adjustable fore and aft to allow easy access to the rear, with four-point race harness restraints for all seating positions.

Under the bonnet is just as forward looking, with a 6.0 litre V8 engine incorporating the latest technologies such as active fuel management and calibrated for E85 ethanol fuel.

Even the paint is a one-off. Called ‘Diamond Silver’ by Holden designers, it gives a liquid aluminium finish that almost slides off the bodywork.

GM Holden Chairman and Managing Director Mark Reuss said, “Coupe 60 is Holden’s 60th anniversary gift to its fans worldwide.

“It highlights Holden’s heritage of rear wheel drive performance whilst looking ahead to the potential offered by new technologies and materials.

“This is a vehicle I know our designers would dearly love to see go into production, but for the moment it has to remain a concept only,” he said.

Project Designer Manager, Peter Hughes, said, “We were looking to mark the diamond anniversary with a car that captured the Holden DNA and took the current VE range to an exciting next step.

“Even in the early stages of VE development, we knew there was a sensational coupe waiting to get out and the 60 th anniversary has given us the chance to explore that.

“With Coupe 60 we think we have designed a car that has the potential to write another chapter in the book of Holden icons.”

Coupe 60 – Specifications and Features (Coupe 60 overlaid on VE Sedan)

Main Features:
Pillarless coupe body;
Derived from flexible GRWD platform;
VE sedan wheelbase.

Powertrain:
6.0L V8 with Active Fuel Management, calibrated for E85 Ethanol fuel;
6-speed manual transmission (SS specification);
Engine oil cooler.

Exterior:
Unique ”Diamond Silver” paint colour;
Electrically dropping front & rear side windows;
Racing-derived aerodynamic down-force enhancements:

Rear under-body air diffuser;
Full flat under body;
Functional rear deck-lid spoiler;
21-inch centre-lock alloy wheels;
Unique design Kumho high-performance semi-slick tyres;
High-performance Brembo brake hardware with ducted air cooling for front callipers;
Side-exiting chambered exhaust system with billet alloy tips;
Unique design LED tail lamps;
Exterior mirrors with integral LED side markers.

Interior:
V8-Supercar inspired cockpit layout for enhanced driver visibility and spaciousness;
LCD sports instrument cluster located in a unique column-mounted binnacle;
One-piece carbon fiber bucket seats, featuring unique suede-pad design and distinctive red high shine leather accents;
Front seats are adjustable fore-aft and allow easy access to rear;
Four-point race harness restraints for all seating positions;
Unique sports-inspired flat-bottom steering wheel with integrated shift light display and suede grips;
Unique interior details including air vents, column switches, gear shift knob and pedals.

Interior trim.
Perforated leather trimmed instrument panel;
Black suede trimmed pillars, headliner and parcel shelf;
High gloss carbon fiber used as a structural material for seats, doors and rear trim provides contrast to leather and suede trim;
Details and accents are picked out with red high shine leather, a dark gunmetal finish and satin chrome.

In a unique motoring event, two of Holden’s most distinctive cars will take to the track in Adelaide’s eastern parklands during this week’s Clipsal 500 event. Holden’s Number 1 car, the first 48-215 will be joined by world renowned Holden concept car, the EFIJY, for a unique lap of the circuit on Sunday 24th February at 1.15pm. The track time will herald an exciting year of celebrations for GM Holden, which is marking the 60th anniversary of Australia’s own car – the Holden 48-215. On 29th November 1948, the first Australian mass produced car was born at GM Holden’s vehicle assembly plant in Fishermans Bend, Victoria. Today, Holden’s best selling car, the Commodore is assembled in Elizabeth, South Australia and continues the company’s best selling success, having been Australia’s favourite car for the past 12 years.
GM Holden’s incoming Chairman and Managing Director, Mark Reuss, will be behind the wheel of the 48-215 on its unique lap around the Clipsal circuit while GM Holden Chief Designer, Richard Ferlazzo will pilot the EFIJY.

Richard Ferlazzo says: “This is the first time the EFIJY has been driven in public in Australia so it is a huge thrill for me and where better to give it a first drive than at one of the greatest street circuits in the world?

“The 48-215 holds a special place in the hearts of many Australians and created the passion for the Holden brand that we know today. To partner Holden’s most iconic car in its birthday year is the chance of a lifetime.”

“I encourage all Holden fans, young and old to join us trackside to witness this unique event.”
A contemporary reincarnation of the 1953 Holden FJ sedan, the EFIJY concept car has been winning accolades around the world and recently returned from an international tour which included an appearance at the Woodward Cruise in the United States and headlining the Dubai Motor Show. Its creation was a boyhood dream come true for Richard.

“When making the EFIJY dream a reality, one thing that was front of mind was that EFIJY would be a fully functioning vehicle rather than just a show pony. While its design gives the impression of movement, it’s when it’s on the road that EFIJY really comes to life.”
The Holden Number 1 car and EFIJY will be trucked directly to Clipsal on Sunday 24th February to drive the circuit (weather permitting) and will depart immediately after the historic lap to be displayed at the National Motor Museum, Birdwood until Easter.

To support the EFJIY display Richard Ferlazzo will speak at the National Motor Museum on Monday 25th February – for more information, contact the Museum on 08 8568 4000.
About the Holden Number 1 car.

The Number 1 car was restored by GM Holden’s engineers for its 50th anniversary in 1998. The car was originally launched by Prime Minister Ben Chifley in November 1948 when he famously uttered the words “She’s a Beauty.”

With a 2.5 litre engine and three speed manual gearbox, over 120,000 of the 48-215 (commonly known as the FX) were sold during its lifetime. The 48-215 sedan had a launch price of $1466 and was later available as a business sedan and utility.

About EFIJY
EFIJY is a radical custom coupe shape boasting V8 Supercar power under the bonnet, Chevrolet Corvette underbody and state-of-the-art automotive technology throughout. The ‘Soprano Purple’ paintwork highlights its curvaceous 5.2-metre body, reinterpreting the classic design cues of the iconic 1953 FJ Holden.

The technology matches the larger-than-life design cues with a 480-kilowatt, supercharged six-litre V8 engine, air-adjustable shock absorbers, touch control LCD screen and fan-cooled LED headlamps.

A long-term dream for Chief Designer Richard Ferlazzo, the EFIJY concept was developed as a collaboration with suppliers which reduced impact on the company’s heavy work schedule and ensured the highest possible quality result for the showcar.

GM Holden in 2008
2008 is a diamond year for GM Holden which will be recognising a number of key anniversaries during the year. These include the 60th anniversary of Australia’s Own Car – the 48-215, the 50th anniversary of the founding of Holden Vehicle Operations, Elizabeth, 30 years of the Commodore nameplate, 40 years since the introduction of Monaro and the General Motors centennial.