!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! Two Millionth Vehicle Leaves Opel Plant in Gliwice

The jubilee car is a Holden Cascada Convertible for the Australian market

The two millionth vehicle: Holden Cascada Convertible for the Australian market

Today, the two millionth vehicle rolled off the production line at the Opel plant in Gliwice (GM Manufacturing Poland). This unique car is a Holden Cascada with a turbocharged 1.6 liter SIDI engine with 170 hp. The elegant convertible in Deep Sky Blue is intended for the Australian market.

 Holden Cascada with a turbocharged 1.6 liter SIDI engine with 170 hp. The elegant convertible in Deep Sky Blue

The production of Holden Astras and Cascadas for Australia and New Zealand started in the Gliwice plant in February of this year and is a part of the recently announced strategy to strengthen the cooperation between Opel and other GM brands. 

The production of Holden Astras and Cascadas for Australia and New Zealand started in the Gliwice plant in February of this year

In addition, at the end of the year the production of the Buick Cascada, designed for the North American market, will begin.

New Buick Cascada convertible

"The two millionth car produced by Opel in Gliwice is the symbolic opening of the next phase of development of our plant, which will be complemented by the launch of the new generation Opel Astra later this year. We are a very well integrated and experienced team, and that help us achieve our goal of producing world-class vehicles," said , GM Manufacturing Poland managing director.

The two millionth car of the Gliwice plant represents the comprehensive experience and flexibility of the local team, while currently produces five models on one assembly line. The first car, the Opel Astra Classic, was produced in Gliwice on August 31, 1998.

Over the years, the Gliwice team has built an excellent reputation by assembling high-quality cars including the small city car Opel Agila, four generations of the compact Astra and the Zafira compact MPV. Currently, the plant produces the elegant Cascada and compact Astra in four body versions.

The Opel factory in Gliwice is one of the largest employers in the region. For over 16 years, it has been producing cars for various markets in Europe, Africa, North America, Asia and Oceania and it is one of the largest exporters in Poland. The plant is also one of the best GM plants in terms of the energy consumption thanks to its successful environmental projects focused on the optimization of the energy management.

Opel is one of the fastest growing brands in Poland. In 2014, the brand sold more than 28,000 vehicles in the country (+41 percent) and was able to rise to number four of the Total vehicle market with a market share of nearly 7.2 percent. The upward trend continued this year: In the first quarter of 2015, sales increased by 23 percent and market share by 1.7 percentage points, compared to the same period last year.

Opel Cascada is a 4.70 meter-long, elegant mid-size class convertible. A classic four-seater with an elongated silhouette and sophisticated soft-top.

The Cascada is a 4.70 meter-long, elegant mid-size class convertible. A classic four-seater with an elongated silhouette and sophisticated soft-top, it offers open-air driving fun in premium quality at a very attractive price. The Cascada’s electric soft-top can be opened at the press of a button at driving speeds up to 50 km/h in just 17 seconds – or also via remote control when the car is stationary. Best Opel chassis technology is featured as standard on the Cascada’s front axle with HiPerStrut (High Performance Strut) suspension, guaranteeing driving fun and superb traction.

Opel Cascada, HiPerStrut (High Performance Strut) suspension 

!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! Opel becomes more Efficient and Solid

• Newly-established Opel Group reflects widened scope of European activities
• From now on, Opel’s leadership team steers General Motor’s European business including Russia from the Opel Group 
• Opel Group assumes economic responsibility for all GM brands in Europe
• Adam Opel AG enjoys more solid financial basis
• No effects on quarterly reporting in Europe
• Employees’ rights of co-determination contractually guaranteed

Opel improves its organizational structure: effective 1 July 2014, the newly-established Opel Group assumes full responsibility for General Motor’s business in Europe. Through this new entity, the company aggregates the responsibilities for Opel/Vauxhall as well as all other operations of GM in Europe – including Russia. Led by Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann, the management board of the Opel Group, which is almost identical to the so-far existing management board of the Adam Opel AG, will steer GM’s European business. The new entity, similar to the Adam Opel AG, will be based in Rüsselsheim.

With this organizational change, the Opel Group will also take over economic responsibility for all GM brands in Europe. Consequently, the Adam Opel AG will be able to strengthen its financial basis. The operative business of the Adam Opel AG remains unaffected by this reorganization.

Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann, CEO of the management board of Opel Group GmbH: “Today, we are more than just Opel/Vauxhall. With the Opel Group, we align our organizational and legal entity structure in Europe with the business operations. We streamline our decision making processes and increase our efficiency. In brief: this reorganization is an important step in implementing our business plan DRIVE! 2022 and another sign of confidence of our parent company GM.” By 2022, the company aims to gain market share of 8 percent in Europe, increase the profit margin to 5 percent and further improve product quality as well as customer and employee satisfaction.

The employees’ rights of co-determination are contractually guaranteed in the new organizational structure. Dr. Wolfgang Schäfer-Klug, Chairman of the General Works Council: “We ensured that the right of co-determination is safeguarded to the same extent despite the organizational changes.” In reference to the foundation of the Opel Group with its about 100 employees, Dr. Schäfer-Klug said: “We are happy that Opel’s position has been further strengthened. From Opel’s perspective, the reorganization of the European business offers more opportunities for growth and employment.” 

The new Opel Group is a testimony of how important Opel has become for General Motors. The Opel leadership has taken over numerous GM responsibilities in Europe over the past two years. Among these are full responsibility for Russia’s growing market and the planned manufacture of selected cars for Buick in the US and Holden in Australia and New Zealand.

!NEW! Holden Cascada Convertible to Debut in Australia and New Zealand in 2015; Joined by Astra and Insignia

Holden’s ongoing commitment to sourcing the best vehicles from around the world took an important step forward today with the announcement that three European-sourced vehicles will join Holden’s line-up in the first half of 2015. 

Cascada convertible for Australia: It offers Holden a compelling entrant into a new segment for the company

Holden Cascada Interior 

The sleek Cascada convertible will come to Australia for the first time, joined by the Astra GTC and VXR three-door hatches and the sophisticated Insignia VXR performance sedan. 

For the fast lane: The Insignia sedan will also be sold as the top-of-the line VXR model

General Motors Executive Vice President and President, GM International Operations (GMIO) Stefan Jacoby joined Holden Chairman and Managing Director Gerry Dorizas at a press conference at Holden HQ at Fishermans Bend today to make the announcement. 

 Insignia VXR performance sedan - Interior 

Mr. Jacoby said the announcement of these European-sourced models joining Holden’s portfolio demonstrated that the company would continue to bring the best possible products from GM’s product portfolio to Australian customers to support a strong future for Holden. 

“Holden is one of the strongest brands in Australia and the introduction of the Astra, Cascada and Insignia to the portfolio in 2015 will be a great addition,” Mr Jacoby said.

Sleek and sporty: Holden Astra VXR and Holden Cascada Convertible

“We are determined to offer Australian and New Zealand customers the best possible products that we can source from our global operations, as we build a strong future for Holden.

“GM is dedicated to building strong brands that connect with our customers. Holden and GM are undergoing a transformation that is committed to driving our markets toward success.

“We are focussed on the long-term fundamentals, such as ensuring Holden retains its proud Australian identity and provides customers with the best possible cars.

Holden Astra VXR and Holden Cascada Convertible

“It’s critical we focus on consumer and market-driven product strategies that enable global scale while engaging customers at a local-market level. The Astra, Cascada and Insignia are proof positive of our strategy.”  

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

Mr. Dorizas said the commitment to performance and quality evident in the three Europe-sourced models aligned with Holden’s heritage and brand.

“Astra, Cascada and Insigina will be niche vehicles in terms of volume for our company, and their performance credentials and premium execution are a perfect match for Holden and will provide yet more fantastic choice for our customers,” Mr. Dorizas said.

“We are building a strong future for Holden by focusing on our customers, our dealers, our employees and our products.”

Specifications:

Holden Astra GTC

3-door hatch

1.6 L turbo petrol engine 

6-speed manual and automatic transmission

Front-wheel drive 

On-sale first half 2015 

Holden Astra VXR

3-door hatch

2.0 L turbo petrol engine 

6-speed manual transmission

Front-wheel drive 

On-sale first half 2015 

Holden Cascada

2-door convertible 

1.6 L turbo petrol engine 

6-speed manual and automatic transmission

Front-wheel drive 

On-sale first half 2015 

Holden Insignia VXR

4-door sedan 

2.8 L Turbo V6 engine 

6-speed automatic transmission 

All-wheel drive 

On-sale first half 2015 

!NEW! Opel to Build Vehicles for Holden in Australia and New Zealand

Astra, Cascada and Insignia variants will be sold by the GM sister brand from 2015

Opel will export vehicles to Australia and New Zealand as of next year. The cars will be offered under the name of the Australian GM brand Holden.

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

The models will be the Astra GTC and the ultra-sporty Astra VXR, known as Opel Astra OPC. In addition, the elegant Cascada convertible and the top performance OPC version of the Insignia sedan will also be offered there.  

Holden Cascada Convertible and Holden Astra VXR 

Opel CEO Karl-Thomas Neumann: “We at Opel/Vauxhall are pleased to manufacture these high-quality automobiles at our European plants for Holden. With their performance, design and quality, these vehicles will meet highest expectations. This is the second piece of good news regarding exports within just a few weeks. Around one month ago, we were able to announce that we will be manufacturing Buick vehicles for the American market in our Rüsselsheim plant."

Thrilling: Astra VXR is a strong addition to Holden's portfolio

Holden CEO Gerasimos Dorizas: "Thanks to the strong and long-established cooperation between the GM brands in Europe and Australia, we can offer our customers outstanding products with top technology. These cars will be niche models that are a perfect complement to our brand portfolio."

Holden Astra VXR

In August last year, Opel announced it would cease activities as an independent brand after the Australian market conditions deteriorated dramatically and it no longer made economic sense to continue its own operations. At the time Opel indicated it would consider selling Opel models under the local GM brand Holden in the future. Opel/Vauxhall and Holden enjoy a long history of sharing and exchanging technology and vehicles.

Cascada convertible for Australia: It offers Holden a compelling entrant into a new segment for the company