Holden Introduces 2WD Captiva with 2.0L Turbo Diesel Engine

While four-wheel-drive systems have their strong points, we all know that a great percentage of SUV buyers don’t actually need AWD for their everyday driving chores. With this in mind, GM’s Australian subsidiary Holden announced the launch of a new choice of two-wheel-drive, diesel powered Captiva models. Powered by the 2.0 litre turbo diesel engine found in the Captiva AWD range, the manual transmission 2WD model offers a fuel efficiency of 7.2 litres / 100km (32.6MPG US) while the automatic returns 8.5 litres / 100km (27.7MPG US). -Continued

The Holden Captiva diesel 2WD models are priced from $33,990 AUD for the five-speed manual transmission and $35,990 AUD for the five-speed automatic transmission - or $2,000 AUD less than their AWD equivalents. Additionally, Holden is offering free side steps and roof mounted DVD player to any private customer who purchases a Captiva SX, CX or LX by 31 October 2008 or while stocks last.

The 2WD Captiva SX with automatic transmission is on sale now, with the manual transmission variant scheduled to be in dealerships late September.

Holden Refreshes Barina Hatchback for MY 2009

Following in the footsteps of the facelifted European and North American market Chevrolet Aveo that were released earlier this year, GM’s Australian subsidiary Holden has revealed an updated version of its Barina hatchback. Like its Aveo counterpart, the 2009 Barina has received a subtle facelift highlighted by the new front fascia and minor rear-end treatments. Inside, the new Barina features an updated instrument panel, console and new fabric trim while all models now receive driver, front passenger and side impact airbags as standard. Equipped with a 102 HP / 76kW 1.6-liter engine, the Barina is priced in Australia from 14,490 AUD. -Continued









Holden Barina recommended retail pricing

• 3-Door Hatch starting from $14,490
• 4–Door Sedan starting from $15,990
• 5-Door Hatch starting from $15,990
• Optional ABS and alloy wheels (4) pack $1,190

Holden Builds Seven Millionth Vehicle

The seven millionth vehicle has rolled off the production line of General Motors’ Australian unit Holden which is also celebrating its 60th birthday this year. The milestone vehicle was a 60th Anniversary Commodore sedan (Pontiac G8 in the States), identified for dual fuel LPG fitment. Holden built Australia’s first mass produced car – the 48-215, in November 1948 at Fishermans Bend in Port Melbourne, Victoria while its one millionth car rolled off the production line almost 14 years later in October 1962. The Commodore was launched in 1978 and has been Australia’s best selling car for the past 12 years. -Continued

GM Holden Vehicle Production Milestones

• First Holden (48-215) launched November 1948 (Fishermans Bend, Vic)
• One millionth (EJ) October 1962 (Dandenong, Vic)
• Two millionth (HK) March 1969 (Dandenong, Vic)
• Three millionth (HQ) June 1974 (Pagewood, NSW)
• Four millionth (VC Commodore) June 1981 (Dandenong, Vic)
• Five millionth (VN Calais) August 1990 (Elizabeth, SA)
• Six millionth (VX Commodore SS) June 2001 (Elizabeth, SA)
• Seven millionth (VE Commodore) August 2008 (Elizabeth, SA)

Toyota Breaking Every Sales Record in Australia

Toyota has set two new sale records in Australia. First of all, it became the first carmaker in the land down-under to surpass the 25,000 sales mark in a month as it sold 25,600 vehicles in June. The previous record of 24,539 sales was set again by Toyota last June. Additionally, for the financial year that ended yesterday, June 30, 2008, Toyota said it sold more than 247,500 vehicles. That’s another all-time industry record as no other automaker has sold more than 200,000 vehicles in Australia in any 12-month period.

Australia Testing GPS System That Slows Cars Down

Oh (big) brother; Australian officials in the state of New South Wales (NSW) will trial a GPS system with a mind of its own that will not only notify drivers of the speed limit and warn them when they are going too fast, but if they choose not to listen, then the system will limit the supply of fuel to the engine, forcing a reduction in the vehicle's speed.

And how about if there’s an emergency situation and the driver needs for one reason or another to accelerate over the speed limit? NSW officials vaguely stated that in the event of an emergency, or in the need to accelerate, they can override the system. For the driver’s and passengers’ sake, hopefully that won’t mean fiddling around with a ton of buttons… -Continued

Commenting on the States decision to test the GPS system, New South Wales Roads Minister Eric Roozendaal said: "Speeding is a factor in around 40% of all fatal crashes in NSW, with 139 people losing their lives on our roads last year because of speed. This kind of technology has the potential to help cut the road toll." The trial will begin next July and it will run for18 months in 100 cars costing approximately $1 million AUD. Western Australia and Victoria are also keen in trialing the system in the near future. (Picture: Carscoop)