Introducing Series II – The very clever Commodore

* Smart new touch-screen infotainment system on all models

* Improved fuel economy and reduced CO2 emissions across the range

* 3.0L V6 and 6.0L V8 models capable of running on bio-ethanol

* Interior and exterior styling updates across all models

With the new range Holden has finessed the formula that has made Commodore the nation’s top selling car for 14 years straight, introducing smart multimedia technology, improved fuel economy and the capacity to run on environmentally friendly bio-ethanol.

VE Series II brings more multimedia features to the Commodore range than ever before through an all-new infotainment system that delivers full Bluetooth®, USB, iPod® and MP3 player integration across the range.

Known as Holden-iQ, the system is controlled through a clever, user-friendly touch screen mounted in the centre stack – the cornerstone of a refreshed interior across all models.

Introducing increased plug-and-play music functions and the ability to rip and store CDs on an internal flash drive[1], the system also delivers advanced satellite navigation features on selected models including live traffic condition alerts to help drivers avoid road congestion.

Commodore’s smart technology extends to the Series II powertrain line-up which delivers further fuel economy improvements on all models.

Holden’s frugal 3.0-litre SIDI V6 now achieves economy of 9.1 litres of fuel per 100 kilometres in the official ADR81/02 test. The 2 per cent improvement adds to the 12 per cent fuel economy gain made in September last year when Spark Ignition Direct Injection engine technology was introduced to the Commodore range.

The 3.6 litre SIDI V6 used to power premium Commodore models makes average fuel economy gains of more than 3 per cent while all luxury and performance models powered by Holden’s Gen IV V8 improve on average by more than 6 per cent.

The fuel economy improvements also result in reduced emissions across the range with all V6 models now achieving a four-star rating in the Federal Government’s Green Vehicle Guide.

In a major step towards creating a cleaner Australian fuel landscape, Series II introduces flex-fuel technology which enables customers to run their cars on bio-ethanol, known in many markets as E85; a blend of up to 85 per cent ethanol and 15 per cent petrol.

Bio-ethanol is a cleaner burning fuel made in Australia from the waste bi-product of wheat, sugar, sorghum and eventually even household garbage.

In Australia today use of the fuel reduces lifecycle CO2 emissions by up to 40 per cent when compared to petrol.

A first for an Australian-made car, Series II models powered by the 3.0 litre SIDI V6 and 6.0 litre V8 engines will feature this flex-fuel capability, allowing them to run on bio-ethanol, E10, Unleaded, Premium or any combination in between.

To support Holden’s release of flex-fuel vehicles, leading fuel retailer Caltex has introduced Bio E-Flex, a high-ethanol blended fuel to be sold in Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Brisbane and Canberra from October.

Holden Chairman and Managing Director, Mike Devereux, said Series II, which also receives a range of exterior design enhancements, reflected Holden’s focus on continuous improvements for Commodore.

“Our approach to Commodore has been about making a great car even better,” Mr Devereux said.

“It’s about introducing more improvements more often and getting technology into the car that our customers need and want.

“That’s what we have done with VE Series II.

“Our customers have been telling us they want to see our models refreshed with greater functionality from Omega to Caprice.

“We have listened and responded in a way that continues to position Commodore as the smart choice for Australian motorists.”

Mr Devereux said the introduction of flex-fuel capability to Series II vehicles highlighted Holden’s commitment to making motoring better for the environment through leadership with alternative fuels.

“We have placed an enormous emphasis on developing technology that can be used in today’s vehicles to make driving better for the environment.

“That has included leading the way for Australian produced cars with bio-ethanol, providing motorists with a cleaner fuel alternative when filling up their car.

“It is the first major step forward in our efforts to move renewable fuels like bio-ethanol from a niche product into the mainstream, by making it available on Australia’s top-selling carline.”

Smart Technology – Holden-iQ

The Holden-iQ system brings music, telephone and satellite navigation features to Series II models in one clear, user-friendly arrangement.

The focus of the system is a fully integrated, 6.5-inch full colour multifunction LCD touch screen mounted in the centre stack of all vehicles across the Series II range.

Featuring rich colour graphics, the display has been benchmarked against high-end multimedia products such as computers, phones and video games, providing a wide range of audio-visual functions.

Music can be played via an iPod®, memory stick, CD or wirelessly transferred from a paired mobile phone. USB devices and iPods plug into dedicated sockets located inside the centre console, and all music file playback from compatible devices is controlled via the touch screen.

Holden-iQ also introduces ‘virtual changer’ CD storage which replaces the mechanical stacker system from previous models with the capacity to rip and store up to 15 CDs on an internal flash drive. The system supports CDDA, CD-R, CD-RW, MP3 and WMA playback. DVD systems, where fitted, also display on the Holden-iQ touch screen.

New Bluetooth® functionality improves drivers’ hands-free mobile phone experience. It synchronies a compatible phone’s address book and recent call history then displays the information on the touch screen. Outbound calls can be made via the contact list or a dedicated touch-screen key pad.

The high-feature Holden-iQ navigation system, standard on SS V-Series, Calais V-Series and Caprice models, delivers a high-clarity full colour mapping system, intuitive controls, live traffic alerts, speed advisory and point of interest functions. Voice guidance is integrated into the vehicle’s audio system.

It also features a touch screen keyboard to facilitate easy text entry, isometric and 3D map views and on-screen turn-by-turn and audio route guidance.

On those same models (except Ute) the touch screen also features a reversing camera display which is activated whenever reverse gear is selected. A strong safety feature, the colour screen display operates in tandem with audible park assist and works to show any obstacles directly behind the vehicle.

Improved Fuel Economy and reduced CO2 emissions

Holden engineers and designers working on Series II have instituted a series of modifications to produce an average fuel economy gain for all V6 models of 2.8 per cent and an average fuel economy gain for all V8 models of six per cent – making a combined average of just over four per cent across the VE and WM Series II range.

Modifications included aerodynamic improvements, which lower fuel consumption by reducing

the vehicle’s drag co-efficient, and mechanical changes. Omega and Berlina models were also fitted with lower rolling resistance tyres.

Aerodynamic improvements include:
· Addition of panels under the vehicle floor to reduce airflow drag (sedan and Sportwagon, excluding Omega)
· Reduced trim height on Omega and Berlina sedan
· Air deflectors fitted to the front of sedan rear wheels (Omega, Berlina Calais)
· Rear decklid re-design to include aero lip detailing (sedans)
· Front undertray modified to reduce drag

Mechanical changes include:
· Fitment of a clutched air conditioning compressor, which does not pump when the air conditioning system is turned off
· Engine idle speed reduction on 3.6L V6 SIDI variants

Further fuel saving enhancements see the Omega Ute brought into line with the remainder of the Commodore range, benefiting from Holden’s economical 3.0-litre SIDI V6 engine matched with the six-speed automatic transmission.

Styling

The multi-award-winning VE Commodore made a strong and dramatic design statement, characterised by its classic rear wheel drive proportions and an athletic stance emphasised by striking wheel arches.

For VE Series II, designers briefed to refresh the exterior have executed a series of subtle changes, including new front fascia, grille and headlamp treatments across the range.

Berlina specification and above feature new alloy wheels and the upper decklids of the sedan models are enhanced with integrated aero lip detailing.

On the interior, Holden has continued its trend of creating unique personalities for each model.

Mainstream, prestige and sports models all receive new centre stack features, mouldings, decoration and illumination colours.

Interior design work has focused on high standards of perceived quality, and creating a more ‘pilot oriented’ cabin integrating new features and accessories.

Readily apparent is a higher-mounted, more prominent placement of the Holden-iQ system display screen, controls and air vents.

Interior and exterior design enhancements across the range include:

Omega

· Entirely new front fascia with a bolder, squarer appearance and new lower outboard inserts
· New larger grille, with a bright chrome detail surround and new hexagonal mesh inner
· Revised headlamp shape with new lens and bright bezel
· Decklid with integrated aero lip detailing
· New IP centre stack with 6.5-inch full colour touch screen
· New centre console surround
· New full width decorative appliqué
· New HVAC controls

Berlina

Builds on Omega features with –
· New grille with prominent bright chrome crossbar
· New unique fog lamp surrounds
· New 17-inch, ten-spoke machine-faced alloy wheels
· New interior trim with woven fabric seat inserts and Sportec bolsters

Calais

Builds on Berlina features with –
· New front fascia and unique grille with prominent chrome header (attached to engine hood)
· New larger grille has full chrome surround, hexagonal mesh inner
· Lower fascia has full width bright detail
· Revised shape projector headlamps feature new black and bright bezel
· Full length bright chrome moulding on lower doors
· New 18-inch ten-spoke machined alloy wheels

Calais V-Series

Builds on Calais features with –
· New bigger 19-inch twin five spoke machined alloy wheels

Commodore SV6 and SS

· Exclusive sports front fascia, set apart by a new, larger grille
· Bolder, more muscular look accentuated by aggressive lower air intake
· Revised headlamp shape with new black bezel detail
· Integrated aero decklid lip detailing complements sports rear spoiler
· New 18-inch twin five-spoke machined alloy wheels
· New SS-style sports front seats for SV6 with deep bolsters and body-hugging contours
· High-mounted circular interior air vents.
· New sports centre stack with 6.5-inch full colour touch screen
· New sports IP decorative appliqué
· New ‘white on Razor Grey’ instrument cluster illumination for improved readability on SV6
· New ‘white on red’ instrument cluster illumination for improved readability on SS
· Gloss black instrument cluster surround
· Razor grey finish ‘wrap-around’ linear treatment on lower IP. Extends from IP into the door handle surround and through the console

Commodore SS V-Series

Builds on SV6 and SS features with –
· Revised shape projector headlamps feature new black and bright bezel (same as Calais)
· New twin five-spoke 19-inch machined alloy wheels
· Red finish ‘wrap-around’ linear treatment on lower IP. Extends from the IP into door handle surround and through the console.

The VE Series II colour palette features 12 choices, including four new colours. The new colours are:
· Alto Grey – new mid-toned grey with silver highlights
· Hazard – head turning bright solid yellow
· Mirage Glow – a light, soft and luxurious beige
· Sizzle – bright metallic red

Carryover colors include:
· Heron – solid white
· Karma – an architectural blue with metallic highlights
· Nitrate – a classic silver metallic
· Phantom – metallic black with silver highlights
· Poison Ivy – a sports green metallic with blue highlights
· Red Hot – highly chromatic solid red
· Voodoo – solid electric sports blue
· Wildfire – metallic sports orange

More equipment, more features

Bluetooth® and iPod® integration is standard in all Series II vehicles, controlled through the Holden-iQ system.

Across the range each Series II model also receives dual-zone climate control and an outside temperature readout.

GM Hosts Global Business Conference for the Financial Community
Senior leaders provide in-depth overview of the new company’s global business and offer hands-on driving experience in GM’s great new vehicles

2010-06-29

DETROIT – The new General Motors today hosted a group of approximately 200 members of the financial community and other stakeholders at its first annual Global Business Conference at GM’s Technical Center in Warren, Michigan.  The event was the first of its kind since the launch  of the new company in July 2009.

The conference featured an in-depth review of GM’s global business, with updates by Chairman and CEO Ed Whitacre, Vice Chairman Steve Girsky, Vice Chairman and CFO, Chris Liddell, and GM’s regional presidents.  Vice Chairman of Global Product Operations Tom Stephens provided a review of GM’s global product portfolio, and an early preview of some upcoming products, including the next generations of the popular Opel Insignia, Chevrolet Malibu, and Cadillac CTS.

Whitacre kicked off the conference by sharing his perspective on how he sees the company today, the progress it has made, and the opportunities ahead for GM.

“We’re not reintroducing GM today, we’re introducing a new GM, because we are a new and much different company than we were 12 months ago,” Whitacre said.  “We’re creating a new GM – one that truly is different.  We have a simplified focus on designing, building, and selling the world’s best vehicles. We’re producing first-rate cars and trucks that customers are buying around the world.  We have a new management team that ‘gets it’ and is executing well.”

Tim Lee, president of GM’s International Operations; Jamie Ardila, president of GM South America; Nick Reilly, president of GM Europe and chairman of the management board of Opel/Vauxhall; Vice President and CFO of Opel/Vauxhall Europe, Mark James; and Mark Reuss, president of GM North America, gave a market-by-market assessment of the company’s progress.

By closely managing the business at the regional level, with specific focus on the trends in local markets, and by leveraging GM’s global capability, the company is well positioned to take advantage of anticipated growth in the global auto market.

A highlight of the day was an extensive ride-and-drive for the guests, which featured virtually all of GM’s current U.S. models from its Chevrolet, Buick, GMC, and Cadillac brands, including the all-new Chevrolet Cruze and the Chevrolet Volt extended-range electric vehicle.

Girsky shared his perspectives on how GM is operating differently today, and what global market challenges still lie ahead, including further market fragmentation and new vehicle market volatility, and outlined how GM is addressing these challenges and aligning the company to take full advantage of opportunities ahead.

Liddell concluded the day by summarizing the importance of GM’s global resources and financial strength in stabilizing and growing the business.  He reinforced GM’s commitment to communicating in an open and consistent manner, and to keeping the focus on the key factors that are important to the business and its stakeholders.

“Today’s event gave us a unique opportunity to highlight the fundamental changes we’re making at GM.  With global growth potential in both mature and emerging markets, a dramatically lower break-even level in North America, actions underway to restructure Europe, and a much stronger balance sheet, we are making the changes needed for long-term success,” Liddell said.

An audio replay and accompanying presentation charts are available on GM’s Investor Relations website at www.gm.com/corporate/investor_information/cal_events.

# # #

SECOND SHIFT RETURNS AT HOLDEN VEHICLE OPERATIONS

2010-06-28

Second shift returns from November 2010

All Holden Vehicle Operations employees to return to full employment

Elizabeth plant readies for VE Series II  Commodore and new Holden Cruze

Holden today announced to employees the return of a second shift at its Vehicle Operations in Elizabeth, South Australia on 15 November 2010.

Holden Manufacturing Operations Executive Director Martyn Cray said Holden was pleased to confirm the end of the temporary single shift arrangement.

“Our team was relieved to hear the news today. The last 18 months have been very tough for our industry, but bringing back a second shift and returning employees to full time work is an important step in rebuilding our manufacturing business,” he said.

“There is already a huge amount of work going on at the plant including equipment installation and the building of pilot vehicles for our new locally built Cruze. We are also gearing up for the new Series II Commodore which will be launched in the coming months.”

Holden introduced the single shift in April last year to protect jobs during the global financial crisis which saw a reduction in demand for Holden export volume by around 50,000 units. Under the reduced shift pattern employees would alternate work – ranging from one week on, one week off, to one week off in twelve.

“We also want to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their contribution, flexibility and commitment to Holden during this challenging time. Support from everyone, including the Unions, our suppliers and the Federal and South Australian Governments has allowed us to rebuild the business and be sustainable for the long term,” Mr Cray said.

The second shift will return all employees who remain on alternating working patterns back to full time employment in November. Holden also anticipates hiring a small number of employees to support the second shift in the short term with the potential to increase employment further when demand significantly increases in the longer term.

High-tech Fuel for Tomorrow’s Cars

2010-03-23

• Victoria: potential site of ground-breaking renewable fuel technology
• Technology: second-generation ethanol production uses waste to create fuel
• Sustainable: automotive leader makes E85 flex-fuel vehicles widely available

Victoria could soon be home to a ground-breaking green fuel technology plant, with the announcement of a consortium formed between the Victorian State Government and a group of leading companies.

The consortium – which also includes Holden, Caltex, Veolia, Mitsui and Coskata – will investigate the viability of establishing Australia’s first ethanol plant capable of turning materials such as household rubbish and building waste into more than 200 million litres of ethanol a year. This ethanol will be blended into an alternative fuel known overseas as E85; a mixture of up to 85 per cent ethanol and 15 per cent regular petrol.

Holden Energy and Environment Director Richard Marshall said the organisations in the consortium were committed to sustainable motoring through the development of renewable fuels that reduced greenhouse gas emissions and improved energy security.

“Our vision is that this technology will, in time, cut Australia’s dependence on petrol by up to 30 per cent and make a major contribution to sustainable motoring and greenhouse gas reduction,” Mr Marshall said.

He said Holden would introduce Australia’s first locally produced flex-fuel vehicles capable of running on the high-ethanol fuel, later this year.

“We’ve always said we’d take a leadership position on biofuels, and provide the vehicles to do that. We’re committed to having locally built Holden cars capable of running on E85 in the market by 2010,” he said. “It’s about designing and engineering vehicles for Australians, built by Australians, using Australian fuel alternatives.”

Holden’s leadership in alternative fuels in Australia is part of GM’s global sustainability and energy diversity strategy. In the United States, GM is the leading producer of flex-fuel vehicles with more than 3.5 million E85-capable GM cars on the road today.
To ensure availability of the fuel for Holden’s vehicles, Caltex Australia’s General Manager Marketing Andy Walz said the company had signed an agreement with Holden which committed to installing pumps in 30 metropolitan and regional service stations later this year, increasing to 100 within 12 months.

“Caltex’s expansion into this new fuel and participation in the consortium is part of our ongoing commitment to biofuels and tackling climate change, which fits well with a strategy of providing energy beyond the traditional fuel mix,” Mr Walz said.
“Caltex already has about 400 service stations that sell E10 and a growing biodiesel market. We believe the biofuels industry has a vital role in a sustainable transport fuels future and that biofuels are good business opportunity for Caltex.”

The plant would produce ethanol using a process developed by leading US biofuel company Coskata Inc, which last year unveiled one of the world’s few plants capable of producing ethanol from material such as agricultural waste and household rubbish.

Chief Marketing Officer Wes Bolsen said not all biofuels were created equal. “At Coskata, we don’t make fuel from food crops, we use sources like municipal waste that have reached the end of their lifecycle and turn them into renewable energy, which leads to a net positive effect for the environment,” Mr Bolsen said.

Simon Tori, Victorian Group General Manager for Veolia Environmental Services said the initiative was a quantum leap from the way in which Victoria currently receives, sort and treats its existing waste.

“Deriving energy from municipal, commercial and industrial waste that is otherwise bound for landfill, is an exciting possibility and such a facility will enable Veolia to be at the forefront of the emerging Advanced Resource Recovery Treatment sector.”

For information on Coskata technology, production and publication quality images and footage, visit:

* http://www.epkzone.com/coskata/or www.coskata.com

For information on Holden’s alternative fuel strategies, including ethanol, visit:

* http://www.holden.com.au/holden-innovation/ecoline

Alternatively, visit www.caltex.com.au, www.mitsui.com.au or www.veolia.com.au for more information about these consortium partners.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is E85?
E85 is an alcohol fuel mixture sold in the United States, Brazil and Europe that contains up to 85 per cent ethanol and 15 per cent petrol. Ethanol is ethyl alcohol, the same type of alcohol found in alcoholic beverages. When Caltex retails the fuel, it will include between 70 and 85 per cent ethanol blended with regular petrol, depending on the time of year. This is similar to the seasonal variation in ethanol content overseas. Ethanol works best in warmer conditions, so during the winter months Caltex will decrease the amount of ethanol in the biofuel blend to ensure optimal performance.

What are the benefits of fuel containing up to 85 per cent ethanol?
There are several important benefits, including:

* It helps reduce our dependence on fossil fuels
* It helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions
* It can be used with conventional engine technology with some adaptations, such as in Holden flex- fuel vehicles
* Ethanol, the major component of the fuel, is a renewable resource

Where can I buy the fuel for flex-fuel vehicles?
Later this year, Caltex will begin selling the new fuel at 30 selected metropolitan and regional service stations, increasing to 100 stations within 12 months. In addition, some selected independent fuel retailers currently sell E85.
Are ethanol-blended fuel or flex fuel cars being used anywhere else?

Ethanol-blended fuel is used in vehicles in the United States, Brazil and Sweden. In the US, GM is the global leader in producing flexible-fuel vehicles, with more than 3.5 million of the more than 7.5 million flex-fuel vehicles on the road are GM cars and trucks. GM has also committed to making more than half of its vehicle production flex-fuel capable by 2012.

What is the fuel economy of E85?
When driving on E85, the fuel consumption per kilometre will be higher because ethanol contains less energy than petroleum. The car needs the same amount of energy; consequently the car needs more fuel.

What about E10? Can I fuel my car with that?
Most new and many older model vehicles can run on E10 blended fuel without compromising the engine or manufacturer’s warranty. Motorists can check their car’s compatibility with E10 fuel at www.caltex.com.au.

How is ethanol produced?
Today, Australian plants produce ethanol from the waste streams of the industrial production of wheat starch, sorghum and molasses. Unlike other technologies and facilities that often rely on one primary source of feedstock, the ethanol facility being investigated for Victoria would be producing ethanol from numerous sources, including wood biomass, agricultural waste, construction waste, and even household garbage. This is generally referred to as a second-generation ethanol production process.

Can I fuel my car with E85?
At this stage, very few cars on Australians roads are capable of running on E85, and, when it is introduced, Holden’s Commodore will be the first Australian-made car able to run on E85. This innovative fuel technology is not suitable for use in any motor vehicles other than those designed specifically for E85.

Will Holden cars be able to run on any other fuel other than E85?
Yes. The vehicles relevant to this announcement will have flex-fuel technology, meaning they are capable of running on fuels ranging from standard unleaded all the way to E85.