Holden Celebrates 60th In Style At Melbourne International Motor Show

[Darren]

GM Holden celebrated the 60th anniversary of Australia’s own car today by unveiling a stunning coupe concept, pricing and features for the new VE Sportwagon and announcing six airbags as standard across the entire VE Commodore sedan and Sportwagon range.

With 24 vehicles on the GM Holden stand covering a range of popular segments, the display at the Melbourne International Motor Show gives the public a taste of one of the most comprehensive model lineups currently available in Australia.

Making their motor show debuts were the first production models of VE Sportwagon, and the VE Omega sedan upgrade which now includes alloy wheels and additional safety features as standard.

Also debuting on the GM Holden stand was GM Holden’s new Chairman and Managing Director, Mark Reuss who unveiled the Coupe 60 concept.

“Australians are known for their love of cars and Holden is renowned for coming up with vehicles to match those high expectations,” said Reuss.

“With the introduction of the new VE Sportwagon and further improvements to the top selling VE sedan range, we continue to improve the choice and value for money that customers can expect from 60 years of building cars for Australia.”

Coupe 60 Concept

Dubbed Coupe 60, the stunning two-door pillarless coupe boasts sophisticated technology and sports performance, honouring 60 years of innovative design and engineering at GM Holden.

Powered by a 6.0 litre V8 engine incorporating the latest technologies including active fuel management and calibrated for E85 ethanol fuel, Coupe 60 explores the limits of Holden’s current rear-wheel drive capabilities, combining racing looks and technology in a road going sportscar experience.

VE Sportwagon

The first production versions of Holden’s all new VE Sportwagon unveiled today feature two new colours in the Commodore range. On display at the show is a Sportwagon SS V in Voodoo (aqua blue metallic) and Calais V in Karma (dark jade green metallic).

At only $1,000 more than its sedan equivalents, the VE Sportwagon line-up offers a new level of comfort, safety and styling in a Holden wagon, combined with sedan-like ride and handling characteristics.

VE Sportwagon will be available in the full range of VE Commodore variants including Omega, Berlina and Calais, plus the sporty SV6, SS and the range topping SS V and Calais V models.
Specifications will be in-line with VE sedan variants with the addition of rear park assist and six airbags as standard.

VE Commodore Omega Upgrade

Holden has reinforced its commitment to safety and value by introducing an upgraded VE Commodore Omega sedan, offering customers Side Impact Airbags and Curtain Airbags alongside ESP® as standard.

Available in a four-speed automatic and powered by a 180kW* 3.6-litre Alloytec V6 engine, the upgraded VE Omega sedan also features four 16-inch alloy wheels, body colour exterior door handles and mirror covers and an all new grille treatment.

On sale 15 March and starting at RRP $36,790 (excludes dealer delivery and Government charges), the enhanced VE Omega sedan is also available in the new exterior colour of Karma.

Alongside other models from the award-winning VE sedan range, the GM Holden stand also features the special edition VE Commodore Lumina which offers an impressive level of standard features and outstanding value for money. Extra features include four 18-inch alloy wheels, rear parking sensors and a distinctive front grille.

VE Ute

Launched late 2007, VE Ute is Holden's first completely new ute design since the VU series in 2000. It offers more features, more useable interior space, greater storage flexibility and more performance than any of its predecessors.

The new VE Ute has been strengthening Holden’s position at the premium sports end of the ute market and offers enthusiasts of this Australian icon new levels of comfort, performance and safety with ESP® as standard.

The VE Ute continues to gather admirers and awards since going on sale in October 2007 and strong early sales of the top end SS and SS V models has contributed to GM Holden setting an all-time record for V8 sales last year.

WM Caprice

Holden’s top-of-the-range V8 flagship, the WM Caprice, is also on show combining space and luxury with performance and handling.

Standard features include a Bose premium audio system, remote control three-screen DVD with roof console, and a tri-zone electronic climate control system with foot level ducting to the rear compartment.

Deep bolstered front sports seats with ten-way electric adjustment and extra priority flip key memory preferences - such as seating positions for three drivers and exterior mirror placement - just add to the feeling that this is a car equipped for driver convenience and comfort.

Caprice experienced a record breaking year of sales in 2007 and, when combined with the Holden Statesman, accounted for an impressive 58% of the upper large < $100K market.

Source - Holden Media.