Holden

Posted on May 21, 2013 By Peter Brown Brands, Cars

About

Holden is a world renowned car manufacturer that began its rich history in 1856. This brand was founded by James Alexander Holden and focused on saddlery production at first. Due to its success in this department, Holden collaborated in 1885 with carriage manufacturer, Henry Frost and became Holden & Frost. In 1908 Holden entered auto industry and in 1914 they produced their first car body. This was a big break for Holden since larger contracts followed and in 1931 they became a subsidiary of one of the world’s most renowned car manufacturer, General Motors (GM). Holden & Frost was now General Motors-Holden’s LTD and played major part in WWII as Australia’s main manufacturer of military equipment for both Australian and US forces. During this period, Holden produced over 30,000 bodies along with guns, trucks, aircraft and various marine equipment. After the WWII, Holden was the first to produce one of the first new cars post war, 48-215 or simply known as ‘the Holden’. This four door, six seater featured 2.15 liter six cylinder engine and was very durable. The success of ‘the Holden’ was the beginning of company’s rich and successful history in auto industry. In 1998, company’s name was shortened to Holden LTD and since 2005 this brand operates under its current name. Today, Holden is one of top ten selling car brands in Australia with production plants in Elizabeth, South Australia and Port Melbourne, Victoria. The company had rocky financial history throughout the years but managed to keep its status as one of best selling car brands. Up until March of 2003, Holden was the number one selling brand in Australia when it lost this position to Toyota.

Products

With company’s initial success of the first ‘the Holden’ model, followed many best-selling models which continue to be major part of Australia’s households. Today, Holden brand designs, manufactures and sells 12 models ranging from small, medium and large cars to SUV’s and utility vehicles. All models are powered with innovative design, latest technology and numerous features ensuring safety, comfort and overall enjoyment. However, just like any other car model, Holden cars require regular maintenance and periodic Holden service to ensure longer lifespan and impeccable performance.

Small/Medium Vehicles – In this category, Holden offers four models: Volt, Barina Spark, Barina and Cruze. Volt is a long range electric car, the first of this kind in Australia. It features an advanced electric system which enables it to accelerate quickly. Barina Spark is a 5-door sports car loaded with 14” alloy wheels, airbags, USB MP3 player input and 5-speed manual transmission. This edgy looking vehicle is also available in automatic transmission. Barina is one of Australia’s top selling vehicles that is loaded with sporty sophistication, comfort and flexibility. Its 1.6 litre 4 cylinder engine joined with 5-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission is loaded with power for perfect performance. Cruze model is made in Australia and features powerful technology, sleek style and impeccable performance. It offers four different engines and is available as Sedan, Hatch or Sportwagon.

Large Vehicles – Commodore, Sportwagon and Caprice are models featured in this category. All models are loaded with modern design, innovative fuel-efficient technology, touchscreen displays and various features that contribute to these models’ outstanding performance, high safety rating and impeccable comfort. They come in various colors and offer power and elegance that turn heads.

SUV Vehicles – Holden company has exceeded everyone’s expectations with models from this category. Captiva 5, Captiva 7 and Colorado 7 are loaded with sleek, stand out design, superior technology, exceptional maneuverability, powerful engines, durability and flexibility. All models offer great driving experience, comfort and various features ensuring overall safety and serious performance.

Utility Vehicles – This Category consists of two models: Ute and Colorado. If you are looking for serious stand-out power and a vehicle extremely durable to bumpy roads and is ready for everything, these are the Holden models that satisfy even the highest criteria and requirements. Designed for both pleasure and work, these models are built for impeccable performance. They are available in various colors and are loaded with powerful engines, comfort, flexibility and safety.