!NEW! Strong Fourth Quarter Growth Delivers Holden Solid Sales Results in 2015

• Holden consolidates its position in the top three automotive companies in Australia
• Q4 2015 saw Holden sales grow by 12.9% compared to the same quarter last year – the second strongest growth performance amongst Australia’s 10 top selling car brands in Q4
• 24 new models launched by 2020; Holden to refresh or replace every vehicle in its range
• New model onslaught combines with the ongoing evolution of the Holden brand and a laser focus on customer experience to underpin Holden’s future success   

Holden achieved solid sales across 2015 to consolidate its position in the top three automotive companies in Australia. Today’s official Federal Chamber of Automotive Industry (FCAI) figures show Holden finished the year with 102,951 sales – translating to 8.9% percent market share for the year. This solid result was driven by strong SUV, pick-up and VF Commodore sales.

In calendar year 2015, Holden saw growth across a number of key models lines, including the Spark, Trax, Captiva and Colorado model lines.  

Holden Chairman and Managing Director, Mark Bernhard, said that while 2015 had been a challenging year for Holden, the Lion brand remains focused on building a building a bright long-term future through a focus on three key business pillars: brand, product and customer experience. 

“While we saw a slight decrease in overall sales compared to 2014, there are many positive trends and several key model lines performed strongly. Holden will continue to face challenges in 2016 and we have a lot of work to do, but our long-term strategy to modernize and evolve our brand, put the customer at the centre of everything we do and completely overhaul our vehicle range is beginning to pay dividends, step by step.

“Particularly encouraging was our sales performance across the final four months of 2015. From September, for four straight months, Holden increased its sales year on year. In fact during those four months we sold 3,755, or 16.3 per cent, more vehicles than in the corresponding 2014 period. This represents the second highest growth figures during this period of the Top 10 automotive brands in Australia. Holden finished 2015 with four straight months of year-on-year growth.

“After launching some fantastic new models in 2015, including the Astra hatch, Cascada convertible and Insignia sedan, Holden’s new product onslaught will continue this year. We are launching 24 new models by 2020, refreshing or replacing every single model in the Holden line-up. We are paying particular attention to the key growth market segments in Australia and will have an all-new world-class SUV line-up, an outstanding pick-up truck and industry-leading small cars. Holden is becoming much more than the Commodore car company.

“We will bring the right products from across GM’s global portfolio to give Australian customers the best line-up ever, including smart technology like Apple Car Play and Android Auto available in every Spark and Captiva model from 2016. And this is just the start, we will also launch the all-new, world-class Astra hatch later in 2016 and have a few very exciting surprises up our sleeve.”

!NEW! Holden Launches Insignia VXR Performance Sedan; Announces James Courtney as Vehicle Ambassador

• Sophisticated new performance sedan launched at New Zealand ice track
• V8 Supercar star, James Courtney, confirmed as Insignia VXR ambassador
• Holden Insignia VXR boasts All Wheel Drive (AWD) turbocharged performance with leading safety technology
• Marks the latest entrant in a product onslaught that will see Holden launch 24 major models over the next five years 

New Holden Insignia VXR

Holden’s European invasion continues, with the German-designed and built Insignia VXR performance sedan today launching at the snow-covered Southern Hemisphere Proving Ground in New Zealand. Packing all-wheel-drive and turbocharged performance, the Insignia marks fresh territory for Holden’s long-established performance credentials.

From one performance hero to another, V8 Supercar championship winner, James Courtney, also joined the launch, and was officially announced as the vehicle ambassador for the Insignia VXR sports sedan.  

The Holden Racing Team driver and 2010 V8 Supercar Series Championship winner put the Insignia to the test in the snow-covered conditions, demonstrating just what the Insignia is capable of in a series of extreme ice driving exercises.

Courtney said the Insignia VXR thrived at the Proving Ground’s challenging winter conditions which were a far cry from the heat of the previous V8 Supercar round in Darwin.

“Ice driving has been an awesome experience and I am really impressed with what the Insignia VXR is capable of doing” Courtney said.

“It’s an exciting and engaging drive experience with a great AWD system that provides fantastic traction and ensures all 239 kilowatts of power are delivered to the driven wheels.

“This a genuine performance mid-size sedan that combines power, an amazing amount of technology and stunning looks.”

Following the launch of Astra and Cascada, Insignia VXR is the next instalment in Holden’s future product onslaught which promises 24 new models and 36 powertrain combinations over the next five years; a third of which will be sourced from Europe. 

Designed, engineered and built in Russelsheim, Germany, Insignia VXR boasts a long list of technology features including a premium infotainment system, two eight-inch digital display screens, Adaptive Forward Lighting, Side Blind Spot Alert and FlexRide Suspension. 

New Holden Insignia VXR - Premium infotainment system, two eight-inch digital display screens

The vehicle also welcomes three sophisticated new technologies to Holden with the introduction of Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Change Alert and Auto Emergency Braking.

New Holden Insignia VXR - Interior with Recaro leather-appointed sports seats

The advanced technology exhibited by Insignia VXR features state-of-the-art adaptive AWD technology, an Australian made 2.8 litre turbocharged engine and FlexRide chassis control system, which combine to deliver 239kW of power and 435Nm of torque.

Holden’s Executive Directive of Sales, Peter Keley, said Insignia VXR represented the next step in Holden’s evolution with cutting edge technology and engaging performance, and James Courtney was the ideal ambassador.

“Holden is committed to leveraging GM’s global product portfolio to source the best cars for Australia and Insignia VXR is the perfect embodiment of that,” said Mr Keley.

“Insignia VXR combines engaging driving performance with a range of advanced safety features and an exciting infotainment system, blended together with world renowned European build quality.

“It’s great to have James Courtney on board as an ambassador for the car.  His expertise and experience gives Insignia VXR the credibility it deserves.”

Mr. Keley also said that Insignia VXR, along with Astra and Cascada, were clear proof points of Holden’s future strategy and delivered on Holden’s commitment to leveraging the best vehicles from GM’s global portfolio.

“Insignia VXR marks the second important chapter in Holden’s exciting new European product strategy,” said Mr Keley.

“Our new European sourced products ooze style and performance, both key attributes for Holden, and are indicative of the range of new products that will be launched in the near future.

“With a wider and more varied product range as well as the ongoing customer support provided through our lifetime Capped Price Servicing program, now is a great time to buy a Holden.”

Insignia VXR is on sale now and is backed by Holden’s lifetime Capped Price Service program.

PRODUCT DETAILS

Key Features:

• 2.8 litre V6 turbocharged engine with six-speed automatic transmission
• 20-inch alloy wheels
• Heated Recaro leather-appointed front sports seats
• Front and rear park assist
• Rear View Camera
• Dual-zone climate control
• Rain-sensing wipers
• Auto headlamps
• FlexRide Suspension (Adaptive Stability Technology)
• Satellite Navigation
• Adaptive Forward Lighting + (Bi-xenon headlamps with LED DRLs)
• Next Generation MyLink System (Touch Screen)
• New digital cluster with eight-inch display
• Passive Entry / Push Button Start
• Lane Departure Warning
• Adaptive Cruise Control
• Rear Cross Traffic Alert
• Side Blind Spot Alert
• Forward Collision Alert
• Auto Emergency Braking
• Lane Change Alert

Colour Range:

• Summit White
• Carbon Flash Black*
• Arden Blue*
• Silver Lake*

!NEW! European Hero Insignia VXR Introduces Three New Holden Firsts

• Holden welcomes first AWD turbocharged performance sedan to portfolio
• Insignia VXR introduces three Holden firsts - Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Change Alert and Auto Emergency Braking

Holden Insignia VXR

Holden’s first all-wheel-drive (AWD) turbocharged performance sedan will arrive in Australian dealerships next month, marking the second important instalment in Holden’s new European product onslaught.

Following the exciting launch of Astra and Cascada last month, Holden will welcome the top of the range, sporty Insignia VXR which boasts stunning design, sophisticated technology and European quality all in a true mid-sized performance car.

Built in Ruesselsheim, Germany, Insignia VXR features state-of-the-art AWD technology and sporty performance via a 2.8 litre V6 turbocharged engine which, when partnered with a six-speed automatic transmission, delivers 239kW of power and an impressive 435Nm of torque.

Powerful engine with 239 kW/325 hp and 435 Nm maximum torque

Peter Keley, Executive Director of Sales, said Insignia VXR was an exciting and fitting addition to the Holden range.

“Performance and great to drive have always been part of Holden’s DNA.  Add to this a German designed and engineered AWD performance sedan, loaded with equipment, and you have one very exciting vehicle,” Mr Keley said.

“The Holden Insignia VXR is visually stunning with great road presence, exceptional build quality and breathtaking performance, all at an incredibly competitive price.

“This car is sure to make customers who are looking for a true performance mid-size sedan take a serious look at this latest Holden.

“It is further evidence that Holden is serious about our future product strategy.  Insignia VXR is a very exciting taste of things to come.”

The vehicle will introduce three new sophisticated technologies to Holden, including Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Change Alert and Auto Emergency Braking, which join numerous other premium features such as Adaptive Forward Lighting, Blind Spot Alert and FlexRide Suspension.

Insignia offers three performance settings; Standard, Sport and VXR, allowing drivers to customise the vehicle’s performance features such as responsive accelerator and gear change, sport steering, firmer sports suspension and a greater rear bias AWD setting. 

The next generation MyLink infotainment system boasts an eight-inch touch screen display and is complemented by a premium audio system with seven high-quality speakers.

HOLDEN FIRSTS

Adaptive Cruise Control

The Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) uses a radar sensor to monitor the distance to the preceding traffic and to maintain a selectable gap and the desired speed by adjusting the speed automatically with engine management and brake intervention.

The vehicle is automatically braked if necessary and restarted by using the accelerator pedal.  In combination with ACC, the integrated Forward Collision Alert (FCA) uses the radar sensor of the ACC to detect the vehicle ahead.

Auto Emergency Braking

The Holden Insignia VXR is fitted with state-of-the-art safety features including Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB).

The safety feature supports the driver in mitigating the severity of some front-end crashes by automatically braking the vehicle for an imminent collision.

AEB may help non-attentive drivers that have not yet taken corrective action, avoid or mitigate crashes with vehicles ahead by automatically applying the brakes. This action reduces pre-impact vehicle speed and thus collision energy.

This feature works in conjunction with Forward Collision Alert and also includes Integrated Brake Assist (IBA), which may activate when drivers begin braking quickly.  IBA will assist to avoid or mitigate the severity of the collision by automatically boosting the driver’s braking to the necessary level, based upon the speed of approach and distance to a target ahead, up to the vehicle’s maximum braking effort.

Lane Change Alert

In terms of collisions, any vehicle approaching fast from behind can be highly dangerous especially when a driver is pulling out to overtake or entering a stream of traffic.

Radar with a rearward range of up to 70 metres detects and warns of fast approaching vehicles in either left or right parallel lanes with a visual signal in the respective exterior mirror.

PRODUCT DETAILS

Key Features:

• 2.8 litre V6 turbocharged engine with six-speed automatic transmission
• 20-inch alloy wheels
• Heated Recaro leather-appointed front sports seats
• Front and rear park assist
• Rear View Camera
• Dual-zone climate control
• Rain-sensing wipers
• Auto headlamps
• FlexRide Suspension (Adaptive Stability Technology)
• Satellite Navigation
• Adaptive Forward Lighting + (Bi-xenon headlamps with LED DRLs)
• Next Generation MyLink System (Touch Screen)
• New digital cluster with eight-inch display
• Passive Entry / Push Button Start
• Lane Departure Warning
• Adaptive Cruise Control
• Rear Cross Traffic Alert
• Side Blind Spot Alert
• Forward Collision Alert
• Auto Emergency Braking
• Lane Change Alert

Colour Range:

• Summit White
• Carbon Flash Black*
• Arden Blue*
• Silver Lake*

* Prestige paint

!NEW! Opel Rüsselsheim Plant Debut: First Insignia for Holden

• Start of regular production of the Holden Insignia VXR in the main plant in Rüsselsheim
• Insignia, Astra and Cascada new in the portfolio of the Australian sister brand
• Intensified cooperation with the other GM brands

First Insignia for Australia: Start of regular production of the Holden Insignia VXR in the main plant in Rüsselsheim.

Cooperation between Opel and its sister brands within General Motors has entered a new era. The first Holden rolled off the production line in Rüsselsheim today – a Silver Lake coloured Insignia VXR with 325 hp for the markets in Australia and New Zealand. Opel wants to intensify the cooperation with the other GM brands continuously in the years to come. The production of Holden vehicles plays an important part in this strategy.

Thumbs up: Rüsselsheim plant director Axel Scheiben (left), Opel CEO Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann and the production team with the first Holden Insignia made in Germany.

“We will work closely with our Australian partner whenever it makes sense in the coming years,” said Opel Group CEO Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann. “It is not only further proof for the development expertise of our engineers and the attractiveness of our products it also increases the capacity utilization of our plants. We are delighted that our successful flagship will also be available in Australia and New Zealand.”

“Astra, Cascada and Insignia are renowned in Europe for their performance credentials and premium execution, making them the perfect addition to Holden’s range as we continue to offer more choice for our customers,” said Bill Mott, Holden Executive Director of Marketing.

Opel Insignia OPC

The Holden Insignia VXR is known as the Opel Insignia OPC in mainland Europe. The Rüsselsheim-based carmaker announced in May 2014 that it would be exporting European vehicles under the Holden badge from 2015.

In addition to the Insignia VXR, the Astra GTC and the especially sporty Astra VXR (the equivalent of the Astra OPC) will also be exported to Australia and New Zealand as Holdens. The elegant Cascada convertible will complete the line-up.

Holden Cascada convertible and Astra VXR

Holden and Opel share very similar core brand values, including the commitment to performance, engineering excellence, vehicle dynamics and technology. In future, Holden will source roughly one third of its future product line-up from Opel.

The GM-internal cooperation with Holden is not the only one announced by Opel in recent months. A few weeks ago, Buick presented the Cascada convertible at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

Buick Cascada convertible

Furthermore, it was announced last year that Opel would produce a new Buick model for the US market in Rüsselsheim later this decade.

New Buick Envision

!NEW! GM Holden Appoints Chairman and Managing Director; Announces 24 Major Vehicle Launches By 2020

• Mark Bernhard returns to Holden
• Holden to deliver product onslaught

Mark Bernhard will return to Holden as Chairman and Managing Director, General Motors (GM) Executive Vice President and President of GM International, Stefan Jacoby, announced today.

Mr Bernhard began his career in the automotive industry at Holden in 1986, undertaking senior finance roles across GM’s global operations, over the past four decades. He is a former CFO of GM Holden and his current position is Vice President and CFO of Shanghai GM.

Mr Jacoby said that given his background and experience, Mr Bernhard is the right person to lead GM Holden.

“Mark’s knowledge of GM Holden, our region and GM’s global operations will serve him well in his new role,” Mr Jacoby said.

“He will champion the ongoing transition of GM Holden to a National Sales Company and the repositioning of the Holden brand for long-term growth and profitability.”

Mr Bernhard briefly visited Australia today to speak with GM Holden dealers and will take up his new role in the third quarter this year.  He will succeed GM Holden Interim Managing Director and CFO Jeff Rolfs.

“I want to thank Jeff for taking on leadership of GM Holden on an interim basis. Once the transition with Mark is complete, Jeff will continue to play an important role at GM Holden as CFO,” Mr Jacoby said.

Mr Jacoby also announced details of Holden’s major new vehicle launch program, delivering 24 major new vehicle launches and 36 new powertrain combinations over the next five years.

Holden Barina Spark 

“GM is investing significantly to broaden the Holden product portfolio and deliver world-class vehicles,” Mr Jacoby said.

New Opel KARL

“Holden is accessing GM’s global operations to assemble its biggest and best ever product line-up. This new model onslaught will ensure Holden has world-class products in every major segment – a true customer-driven product strategy.  

Holden Captiva 5 SUV

Holden Captiva 7 SUV

“While I can’t reveal all the details, I can say that Holden will debut an all-new Barina Spark in the first quarter of 2016, launch a global Captiva replacement and another all-new, world-class SUV to ensure comprehensive offerings in the crucial SUV market segment.  

New Buick Envision SUV

“Supporting this product onslaught is the bold, new Let’s Go There brand campaign and an ongoing commitment to achieving best-practice customer service.” 

Today’s announcements demonstrate GM’s commitment to Holden and reveal further details about Holden’s long term strategy. In the past 12 months, Holden has also announced: 

Coming to Australia and New Zealand: Holden Astra VXR, Insignia VXR and Cascada convertible

• Cascada convertible, Astra VXR hatch and Insignia VXR sedan will launch in 2015;
• Holden vehicles will continue to be tuned and tested for Australian conditions and customers with the retention of the famous Lang Lang Proving Ground in Victoria;
• Holden’s Global Design centre continues to contribute to local and global product programs;
• More than one-third of Holden’s future product portfolio will be sourced from Europe;
• The esteemed Commodore nameplate will live on with Holden’s next-generation large car; and
• Holden will have a true sports car in its future product portfolio.

Mark Bernhard Biography

Mark Bernhard is currently vice president and chief financial officer of Shanghai GM in Shanghai, China, a position he has held since November 2011. He also was a member of the GM-SAIC joint venture’s Executive Committee.

Mark Bernhard

Mark began his GM career with GM Holden in 1986, holding various positions in the Finance function.

He relocated to Zurich, Switzerland, in 1996 as Manager of Budgets and Consolidation for the then GM International Operations. In 1998, Mark was appointed Director of Financial Reporting and Analysis for GM International Operations in Detroit. Two years later, he took on the role of Director of Special Projects at GM Asia Pacific in Singapore, working on the acquisition of Daewoo Motor Company.

In 2002, Mark became Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Shanghai GM. He was appointed Chief Financial Officer of the GM China Group in 2005. He returned to Australia in 2007 as CFO and Executive Director of Finance for GM Holden, navigating the global financial crisis.

Mark has a Bachelor of Business (accounting) degree from Monash University, as well as a Master’s degree in Business Administration from Deakin University. He is an FCPA with CPA Australia and a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD).

Mark received the Silver Magnolia Award from the Shanghai Municipal Government, which is given to expatriates for their contribution to the economic development of the city. He also received the 2014 Australia China Alumni Award for Banking and Finance.