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 2005 Chevrolet Lumina SS the middle east version of the VZ series Holden Commodore SS |
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21st January, 2005 Holden has set a new all-time vehicle export record for the company, breaking through the 50,000-vehicle barrier during its 50th anniversary export year in 2004. The export tally of 52,372 sedans, utes and coupes eclipsed the single-year record set in 1973 by Holden’s all-conquering HQ range and was 45 per cent higher than 2003. Holden has now sent more than 650,000 vehicles around the world in five decades managing the country’s largest automotive export programme. The 2004 record was secured by sending Holden cars to all continents (except Antarctica), prepared for General Motors brands including Chevrolet, Pontiac and Vauxhall with Buick and Daewoo to commence in 2005. Holden Export Director, Peter Keley, said it was fitting the long-standing record should be broken as Holden celebrated the golden anniversary of the first FJ sedans being sent to New Zealand in 1954. “Holden vehicles play an important role in the product portfolios of various GM entities and joint ventures around the world,” Mr Keley said. “Holden has a responsibility to contribute to General Motors brands around the world where possible to offer the best possible range of cars and trucks in each local market. “We have been able to leverage our manufacturing flexibility to deliver products to Middle East, United Kingdom, United States, South Africa, Brazil, New Zealand and across the Asia-Pacific region.” The 2004 total bettered the 1973 total of 41,181 by 27 per cent and was more than 16,000 vehicles ahead of the 2003 tally of 36,069. “Within that record performance were many significant individual achievements which highlight the extent of Holden’s expertise and abilities in this area,” Mr Keley said. In the Middle East, Holden posted record annual wholesale figures of 23,511, including a record number of 12,596 long wheelbase Chevrolet Caprice models. The Chevrolet Caprice Royale won Saudi Auto Car of the Year in Saudi Arabia. Holden sent more than 16,000 Pontiac GTOs to the United States where second half sales were significantly higher, reaching 9881 sales for a full year sales tally of 13,569. The December result of 2952 was a monthly record and higher than total Monaro sales in Australia during 2004. The 2004 total for New Zealand of 10,331 was the best result in 20 years, reflecting the popularity and awareness of the Holden brand. Top New Zealand publication Autocar gave the Holden Commodore SV6 its 2004 Large Car of the Year award. The Vauxhall Monaro launched in the United Kingdom led the release of Vauxhall’s new VXR performance vehicle brand and took out the Top Gear motoring programme’s Muscle Car of the Year award. More than 1,000 of the Calais-based Chevrolet Omega were exported to Brazil, the best result since 2000, where this model leads the large car segment. Holden continued with export programmes to Asia-Pacific countries including Thailand, Singapore and Malaysia. Holden Special Vehicles, in conjunction with Holden, commenced its first export vehicle programme to the United Kingdom (HSV GTO) in 2004 and the full HSV range is exported to New Zealand. HOLDEN EXPORT MARKETS
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 2005 Pontiac GTO the US version of the VZ series Holden Monaro |