Holden Caprice US police deal threatened by Ford’s new Taurus
November 17, 2009 by Matt Brogan
Filed under Australian Car Industry News, Car News, Ford, GM, Holden, Holden VE Commodore, Industry
Holden’s opportunity to export its Caprice model to police in the US is under threat as Ford’s American division plans a replacement for the popular Crown Victoria.
Chevrolet last month unveiled the Caprice PPV (Police Pursuit Vehicle) and announced that it would aim to sell the long wheel-base Australian as a police-only vehicle from early 2011.
But [...]
Holden reintroduces second shift as V6 demand grows
November 16, 2009 by Matt Brogan
Filed under Australian Car Industry News, Car News, GM, Holden, Holden VE Commodore
Holden has today reintroduced the second shift at its Port Melbourne engine plant on the back of rising local and global demand for its 3.0 and 3.6-litre V6s.
Production has increased from 240-320 to 440 units per day, a move that Holden powertrain lead executive, Mr Martyn Cray, says reflects higher export orders and a short-term [...]
Holden Statesman Review & Road Test
November 16, 2009 by Paul Maric
Filed under Behind the Wheel, Car Reviews, Holden, Large Car
It’s over $100,000 cheaper than its nearest German competitor.
Model Tested:
2009 Holden WM Statesman; 3.6-litre, six-cylinder, petrol; six-speed automatic; sedan – $63,990*
Fuel economy; interior room; value for money
Transmission; lack of design change
CarAdvice Rating:
I’ll promise you from the outset that this isn’t one of those ‘the fish was this big’ stories. The Holden Statesman [...]
Ford Falcon outsells Holden Commodore, first time in 4 years
November 13, 2009 by Matt Brogan
Filed under Australian Car Industry News, Car News, Falcon, Ford, Holden, Holden VE Commodore
The Ford Falcon sedan outsold the Commodore sedan for the first time in almost four years in October.
An ecstatic Ford Australia president Marin Burela today announced that his company sold 2460 Falcon sedans compared to Holden’s 2425.
“We outsold them by only 35 or 36 cars but I’ve got to tell you, one would have been [...]
Holden Commodore SV6 Review & Road Test
November 9, 2009 by Paul Maric
Filed under Behind the Wheel, Car Reviews, Holden, Holden VE Commodore, Large Car
Holden’s SIDI equipped automatic and manual gearboxes are like chalk and cheese.
Model Tested:
2009 Holden Commodore SV6; 3.6-litre, six-cylinder, petrol; six-speed manual; sedan – $42,790*
Options Available:
Metallic Paint $500; Limited Slip Differential $360; Leather Upholstery $2500; Sunroof $1990; DVD Player $1290; Six CD Changer $595; Full Size Spare Wheel $350
Sporty gearbox; fuel economy; interior room
Dated [...]
Holden Captiva becomes Australia’s best selling SUV
November 5, 2009 by Matt Brogan
Filed under 4WD, 4x4, Car News, Holden, SUV, Statistics
The good news regarding strong October sales figures has also been felt at the Holden camp with its Captiva model becoming Australia’s top-selling SUV for the month of October.
Holden’s Executive Director of Sales and Marketing, John Elsworth, said 1255 Captiva’s were sold in October, the vehicle’s highest ever monthly sales result.
“We’ll add the new Captiva [...]
New Astra takes home Golden Steering Wheel award
European car buffs have handed the Vauxhall/Opel Astra its first major trophy last over night in Berlin, by winning the Golden Steering Wheel in the compact class. It is the most prestigious award issued by Auto Bild magazines group. This year’s election involved readers in 26 European countries, representing more than 40 million readers overall.
The [...]
HSV Maloo wins Global Green Car Challenge
October 30, 2009 by George Skentzos
Filed under Australian Car Industry News, Car News, Fuel News, HSV, Holden
An unlikely winner has taken out the 2009 Global Green Car Challenge with the new HSV E Series 2 Maloo claiming top honours by achieving a 48.76 per cent reduction in fuel consumption when compared to its fuel rating label figure.
Over the entire trip, the Maloo had a combined average fuel consumption of 7.74 litres [...]
Holden VE Ute range achieves five-star safety
October 20, 2009 by George Skentzos
Filed under Australian Car Industry News, Car News, GM, Holden, Holden VE Commodore, In car technology, Safety
The Holden VE Ute range has become the first utility in Australia to receive the maximum five-star safety rating from the Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP).
This latest result means Holden’s entire locally manufactured range now boasts a full five-star safety rating from ANCAP.
The VE Ute now also becomes the only light commercial vehicle in [...]
2009 Large Car Comparison
October 13, 2009 by Paul Maric
Filed under Behind the Wheel, Comparisons, Falcon, Ford, Holden, Holden VE Commodore, Honda, Nissan, Skoda, Toyota, Toyota Aurion
Ford Falcon vs. Holden Commodore vs. Nissan Maxima vs. Honda Accord vs. Toyota Aurion vs. Skoda Superb
Models Tested:
2009 Ford Falcon G6E Turbo; 4.0-litre, six-cylinder, petrol; six-speed automatic; sedan – $57,490
2009 Holden Commodore Calais V-Series; 3.6-litre, six-cylinder, petrol; six-speed automatic; sedan – $56,790
2009 Nissan Maxima Ti; 3.5-litre, six-cylinder, petrol; CVT gearbox; sedan – $46,990
2009 Honda Accord [...]
Report: Holden Caprice could become next Chevrolet Impala
October 9, 2009 by George Skentzos
Filed under Car News, Chevrolet, GM, Holden, Holden VE Commodore
While the demise of Pontiac has in turn sealed the fate of the Holden-sourced G8 sedan, the recent announcement of a Chevrolet Caprice police pursuit vehicle (PPV) has sparked new interest in Australian models among the American public.
It seems GM is not ignorant to this fact either with Vice President Chevrolet Global brand, Brent Dewar, [...]


