!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! All-New Holden Astra Confirmed For Australian Release Late In 2016

• Sleek and stylish next-generation Astra revealed at Frankfurt Motor Show
• All-new vehicle architecture means up to 130kg weight saving for Australian models
• New 1.4 litre and 1.6 litre turbo petrol engines offer more power and leading fuel economy; 5-door variant confirmed for Australia 
• New high-tech Astra comes equipped with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in advanced infotainment system
• Holden engineering team involved in global chassis tuning and development 

The all-new Astra was revealed today at the 2015 International Motor Show in Frankfurt, Germany, giving Australians another taste of what is to come in Holden’s new-model onslaught that will see 24 new models introduced over the next five years.

Destined for a late 2016 release by Holden in Australia, the new Astra is a clean-sheet design from Opel’s European headquarters in Russelsheim, focusing on style and efficiency whilst following the ‘Sculptural Artistry meets German Precision’ design philosophy introduced on the stunning Monza concept in 2013.

Mark Bernhard, Holden Chairman and Managing Director, said the all-new Astra promised Australian customers European style and sophistication, coupled with outstanding efficiency, state-of-the-art technology and connectivity features that signal the future for the Holden brand and its vehicles.

“The all-new Astra is a stunning car and clearly signposts Holden’s future product strategy – bringing in the best cars from around the GM world for our customers.  The Astra offers leading design, performance and technology, and is the latest vehicle to be confirmed as part of Holden’s new product onslaught that promises 24 new models by 2020,” Mr Bernhard said. 

“Astra has made a giant leap forward with a new engine line-up, lightweight design and an advanced infotainment system complete with Apple Car Play and Android Auto compatibility.

“The 5-door Astra is a perfect small car for Australians and I am excited to say that, following local engineering input to ensure its performance is optimised for our unique road conditions, Holden will be offering this car in late 2016 alongside the recently launched Astra GTC and VXR sports hatches.”

Astra utilises a completely new vehicle architecture, facilitating a sleek new look and weight reduction of up to 130 kilograms for Australian models, lending to a more engaging driving experience.

The drive experience is further enhanced with the employment of an engine portfolio consisting of 1.4 litre turbo and 1.6 litre turbo engines, both with the ability to blend exceptional fuel economy with effortless performance.

All-aluminum: New 1.4 ECOTEC Direct Injection Turbo with 114 kW and 240 Nm

Making its debut in Astra, the all-aluminum, 1.4 litre ECOTEC Direct Injection turbo engine is capable of producing up to 114 kW of power and  of torque with a targeted fuel consumption of as little as 5.6L/100km.  Alternatively, customers can select the sportier 1.6 litre ECOTEC Direct Injection turbo engine, boasting up to 147 kW of power and a class leading 300 Nm of torque.

New 1.6 ECOTEC Direct Injection Turbo with 147 kW and 300 Nm

Holden engineers have shared their expertise and experience in contributing to global development rides as well as driving change into Astra’s chassis controls tuning to ensure the car performs well on Australian roads.

Ian Butler, Holden Director of Vehicle Performance, said the design and performance of Astra promised an exceptional small car that, with involvement of Holden’s engineering team during its development, would be perfectly suited to Australians.

“This car has been designed and engineered in Europe to the highest standards and with our chassis tuning input it will excel on Australian roads,” Mr. Butler said.

“The new engine line-up and new, lightweight architecture combine to deliver a refined yet engaging driving experience, maintaining the characteristics the Astra nameplate is famous for.”

Elsewhere, the exterior styling of the all-new Astra, exudes efficiency and style.  Clean, flowing design lines coupled with a floating effect roof and reduction in length and height ensure a leaner, more streamlined body, resulting in an improvement in aerodynamics.

Inside the car, and despite its reduction in exterior size, Astra actually boasts increased rear-seat legroom, complimented by a contemporary cockpit design that is headed by an advanced colour touch screen display housing the latest smartphone integration technology via Apple Car Play and Android Auto. 

Peter Keley, Executive Director - Sales said, the all-new Astra was sure to shake up the very competitive small-car market, offering style, performance and features in one compelling package.

“Make no mistake, the all-new Astra is a world class car.  Its ability to combine outstanding fuel economy with exceptional small car performance and connectivity features will put Holden back on buyer’s shopping list,” Mr. Keley said.

“More and more Australian drivers demand their cars to integrate seamlessly with their lives and their smartphones and key to Astra’s appeal is the advanced infotainment system, complete with Apple Car Play and Android Auto compatibility. 

“With all of that in one package, we are confident that this vehicle will connect with customers and sitting next to the popular Astra GTC and VXR sports hatches, clearly indicates the quality of Holden’s future product range.”

The exciting, all-new Astra will be launched by Holden in Australia in late 2016 and is part of the brands ongoing product onslaught following the release of a range of European sourced current generation products earlier in 2015.

!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.