1990 June_July Up Front _22 OPT

QUARTERLY
JUNE/JULY 1990
•
I
•••
Every ''designer label'' model released
so far by Holden Special Vehicles has brought
its own special brand of excitement to the
new car marketplace.
The company's two most recent
offerings - the thoroughbred, limited edition
SV90 and the new concept V8 Club Sport are
proving to be no exception.
SV Tham bealers report that orders for
both models have been flowing in to the
extent that July's initial build of one
hundred long-wheelbase SV90 models is a
sellout, as is the first batch of sixty Club
Sport performance specials.
-
The good news is that there are more to
come, although in the case of the SV90 only
fifty more will be released.
Th avoid disappointment, therefore,
prospective buyers would be well advised to
place an order pretty quick smart.
The new Club Sport is dE!f;ignated an
ongoing model which is just as well,
considering its enormous sales potential. ..--It was developed after inpi! from SV
Tham Dealers and research amongst car
enthusiasts revealed considerable demand
for an attractively priced HSV entry-level
model with enhanced performance, comfort
levels and styling.
Retailing at just under $34,000, this
high-profile performance package could start
a Holden showroom stampede...especially
if all dealers back it as enthusiastically as
Denys Gillespie of Suttons Chullora, NSW.
''I'm very happy with the whole Club
Sport concept- it's certainly the way to go,''
says Denys. ''BMW and Porsche make their
own Club Sport models, specified more for
performance than full-on luxury, and this is
modelled along those lines.
There's been a gap in the market for
this kind of thing, and the Club Sport fills it
nicely. I've already ordered six!''
[See centre pages for more details on
Club Sport, SV90]
In June, John G. Bagshaw retired from.
his post as Managing Director of Genera:
.
Motors-Holden 's Automotive Limited.
Thstifying to his popularity and standing
within the Holden organisation and the
automotive industry in general were an
amazing number offarewell functions
organised in tribute to "Bags" all over the
country.
(See Page 3)
MEDIAROUND
Statesman
Melbourne Srm:
" ...the Statesman satl!;fies like a
sizzling barbecue on a hungry Sunday
...Holden's engineers can take a bow for
the standard of ride and handling they have
achieved on the Statesman ...the new rear
end cures queasy cornering and inspires
confidence like no other Australian big car.
The reduction in unsprung weight also gives
a better ride, a smoothness unmatched by its
Ford rivals. The independent set-up also
affords greater traction under acceleration a virtue on greasy or gravelly roads when you
have all those herbs under the bonnet. While
most people would ass ociate big engines
with high speeds and long country journeys,
the massi ve torque of the five litre VB makes
the Statesman a delight in stop-start city
commuting. Just lean on the accelerator
...rumble, rumble and away we go ...Until
Ford can match the VB and slick suspension,
there's just no argument."
Business Review Weekly:
" ...it is the best car yet built in
Australia. With an extremely smooth, fuel­
iJUected, five litre VB engine matched to a
US-built four automatic transmission and
Opel-designed independent rear suspension,
it is about to end more than 20 years of Ford
dominance ...The big Fords lost significantly
on most head-to-head comparisons with the
Holdens ...The Statesman and Caprice win
hands down with their VB engine,
independent rear suspension, wonderful ride
and handling qualities, and more intelligent
equipment. The big Holden romps away with
the votes ...over any of the many minor
Australian roads that feature broken edges
lumpy corners, coarse blue-metal bitumen or
gravel, the big Holden is, quite simply,
outstanding. Where even a European car
costing up to five times as much would be
slithering and jumping, the VQ maintains a
magically secure indifference ...Even a
Jaguar, which is legendary fur its ride
quality, cannot match the Holdens in the
areas of response to turning into a corner,
control of cornering line over broken
bitumen, and stability under braking ...
The Fairlane and LTD by comparison are
skittery and clumsy. It's going to be a long
cold winter for the boys from Broad­
meadows."
Car Australia: ( Jrme Issue)
Ford Fairlane versus Holden Statesman
"Jump straight from the Fairlane, and it
only takes a couple of minutes to appreciate
the huge advantage of the Statesman. It is
quieter, smoother, quicker and altogether
more refined. A car with a huge lead over
the top-selling Ford, and easily the best
thing yet from the Australian motor industry."
" ...when the Statesman came along
I knew it was curtains for the Ford ...I'll
take a Statesman any day.
"This comparison did serve to quantify
the gulf which now exists between the best
Ford and Holden can achieve ...the
Broadmeadows company has plenty of
catching up to do. ...when push comes to
shove, the Fairlane driver simply won't see
which way the Statesman went and won't
ef\ioy the chase anyway. Put simply, the
Statesman represents state of the local art in
equipment and technological terms and as
such emerges as a clear winner. More than
that it is the best locally-produced car we've
ever driven ...bar none."
" ...any contest between the Fairlane
and Statesman is, simply, no contest."
Sydney Morning Herald:
"Holden's new VQ Statesman - reborn
after an absence of more than five years - is
the best luxury car ever produced locally
...it easily eclipses the Ford Fairlane ...
Much attention has been given to noise
suppression, the elimination of harshness
and the achievement of a very impressive
riding, handling and steering package.This
is the area in which it whips the much
coarser Fairlane hands down."
2
Sydney Daily Thlegraph:
"Obviously the big plus in the battle
against the Fairlane is that the Holden has
the 165kW fuel-iJUected VB engine under
the bonnet. This engine really is world
class ...Get stuck into the Statesman and it
has the performance that will surprise
anyone. Those who don't mind planting the
foot on the executive express will discover
that the Statesman makes the trip from zero
to 100 km/h in a pretty reasonable 8.7
seconds. Driving through a four-speed auto
gearbox, the Statesman delivers its power
effortlessly and silently. Yet the computer­
controlled V 8 isn't thirsty ...if you do ef\ioy
driving, you'll ef\ioy the Statesman."
CAPRICE
Wheels:
Audi 100/Ford I.:I'D/Honda Legend/
Caprice comparison.
"The Caprice is all muscle ... with that
grunty VB giving a full165 kW maximum
power ...it easily outruns the others. The
0-100 kmlh sprint is dispatched in 8.2
seconds and the standing 400 metres is put
away in just over 16 seconds.That's pretty
quick for a sizeable and solid luxury
model ...the engine's as strong as a bull,
with responsive performance available
everywhere from idle through to the redline.
"As expected, the Caprice gets high marks
for ride quality, too ...most impressive is the
way it puts the power down across
corrugations without stuttering, and how it
rides big mid-corner bumps without lurching
offline.
"Caprice took the tourney with a
couple of aces ...The VB drivetrain bestows
not only unrivalled performance, but also
truly effortless, luxurious cruising. Then
there' the new long chassis with its
independent rear suspension. It giv Holden
an on-road edge, and for our roads we need
all the edges we can get. So, for the driving
and the dynamics for the money, the Caprice
takes game, set and match."
JACKAROO RIGOUT
Adelaide News:
''Holden's has made big moves to
reinstate the Jackaroo as a serious off road
family wagon against the likes of
Pajero ...The Jackaroo Rigout will attract
new four-wheel-drivers who can't be fussed
fitting the extra accessories because it offers
good value for money. When you compare the
equivalent Pajero EXE wagon for $29,966
without the bits, the Rigout represents good
value for $29,950 ...The body shape and
window size make for good vision and high­
sitting motoring with a comfort level inside
as good as any passenger car ...The
handling and new power are a refreshing
improvement ...and the Jackaroo stacks up
well against the Pajero ...(it) could now
P,Ose a serious threat to Mitsubishi 's hold on
the 4WD market ... As an all-up purchase,
the Rigout can be bought and driven to
Birdsville on the same day.' '
Rigout
option
Ute has
top for
power'
value
comfort
Rodeo 4x4 Thrbo Diesel
The Weekly Times:
''Anyone in the market for a new 4x4 ute
would be well advised to put the turbo diesel
Rodeo on the top of the list. ''The new
model lopes along easily at highway speeds
with good reserves of power for overtaking,
has the best ride-handling compromise in its
class and is easy to enter and leave because
of its low seat cushion, a point not lost on
our ageing population ...Thrque delivery is
strongest in the 2000 to 3000 rpm range,
which translates to road speeds of 75 to
l 00 kmlh and provides good pulling power
for towing and overtaking. ''A fully
synchronised range change is fitted which
allows the vehicle to shift from 4wd high to
4wd low on the move, an important feature
when moving heavy loads or towing in
difficult terrain ...Larger 16-in wheels are
fitted to give ground clearance similar to a
Hilux, but with better ramp over angle ...
''The suspension is proof a one- tanner does
not have to be rough riding to offer load
capacity and durability. Handling and
steering response are top class and combine
with the pleasant ride and good brakes to
make the Rodeo the most rewarding of the
one-tanners to drive."
Holden makes a stylish
return to lost territory
Statesman has status
Boys at Holden
Caprice: the best
of the big
ie bui cars
Hs
a
...�.. ch with the Statesman
pick an old name
for a new winner
FLYING lllGH (Part One)
Wheels Magazine took an SV 5000 to
England, road-testing it against a B�1\\'
535i, a Mercedes-Benz 300CE-24 and a
Vauxhall Carlton GSi 3000.
Caprice
''What Holden produced
is a car that's set to sweep
before it everything built
in Australia so far. ''
"I have been a fan of
the
big Holden since Ifirst
drove the car, and I regard
it as the best car yet from
the Australian motor
industry. ''
An encounter with a humped-back
bridge in Wales produced this pic - and the
following comment:
"It's like being hurled out of a cannon.
The steering goes light - that must be the
front wheels airborne - the rears follow.
We're off the ground for a couple of seconds,
literally flying, before the nose dips and the
car lands four-
uare. 'o worries. we do
it again for the cameras ...the
ed
Holden has no objections. We don't dare try
in the Europeans."
What conclusion did ther oome to at
the end of the day? It went mething
like this:
"But, do you know, if I wanted to drive any
of these cars hard for pure pleasure. 0\-er a
demanding road, I'd have no hesitation in
choosing the fearless Commodore.
Refmement and fmesse can sometimes go
too far."
.
Car Australia, July
Modem Motor(July):
Lexus/BMW/Jaguar/Mercedes/Caprice
comparison
'' ...Holden Caprice, with a
considerable torque advantage ...and a very
respectable power to weight ratio was the
clearly defined straight line winner ...''The
Holden Caprice handles very well, even in
such exalted company ... the steering is
accurate, the seats offer pretty good support
and the enormous torque of the 5.0 litre
engine is always there ...''items like the
sophisticated climate control system were a
match for the European and Japanese
systems thanks we're sure to local needs,
development and testing ...''The Aussie
limo held its own in this company.'' ...take
a good hard look at the Holden Caprice. It
wasn't way out of its league in this company
and the change could buy a great boat and
trailer, which the Holden's big VB would tow
with ease ... "The Holden Caprice is one
third the price of the 420SE but the large
Mere isn't three times as good. The Caprice
is a fast, big car ...it wants for little in the
equipment stakes.''
The gutsy new Rodeo 2.8 litre Thrbo
gets four off the floor while being enthusi­
astically booted along in the course of a
recent NSW Drive Program. IGM's Paul Vuko
tells us that response to the sessions, held in
Sydney, the Hunter Valley, Armidale and
Orange, was excellent.
"A total of 177 sales consultants and
fleet customers took their turn behind the
wheel," he said. "Our product came out a
real winner against the current market
leader, Thyota Hilux.''
and that the company remained committed
to Australia.
''This is a growing market here and we
intend to be part of it; we're going to be
number one,'' he concluded.
GM CHAmMAN SAYS
"I like winners and
Holden's a winner"
_..._..____,
Roger B. Smith, Chairman and Chief
Executive of General Motors Corporation,
toured GMHA and Holden's Engine Company
operations in April on a farewell visit before
his July 31 retirement.
In the course of what was his first trip
here since 1976 when he was head of GM's
fmance committee, Roger Smith expressed a
great deal of confidence about Australia's
future.
"I like winners and clearly Holden's a
winner and Australia's a winner.''
Referring to the GMHA after-tax profit
last year of $157.3 million, he said, 'The
turnaround Holden's has accomplished is
nothing short of fantastic.'
Roger Smith went on to say Australia
was important to GM's worldwide operations
A thoughtfully-designed 60/40 bench
seat will be available as a no-cost option for
buyers of Commodore Executive and Berlina
models later this year.
The seat will also be standard on the
soon-to-be-released VG Utility and offers
significant advantages over Falcon's
outdated, traditional bench seat.
Individual Acfjustment: The 60/40
configuration provides for a genuine three­
person bench seat, yet allows both the driver
and pass enger to a<ljust their seating
positions as they would on a bucket seat
model.
More Lateral Support: This unique design
RogerSmith, Chairman and ChiefExecutive of
GMC- an organisation that spans 39 countries,
employs 750, 000 people and sold more than
eight million cars last year - listens intently as
Elizabeth Plant assembly production manager
Vic Beasley expounds during a tour of the
facility.
New GM Chairman "A Car Man"
the company's Oldsmobile Division in 1958.
He later moved into powertrain design and
became assistant chief at Oldsmobile.
In 1978 he became General Manager of
GM's Pontiac Division and two years later he
went to Europe to head the company's
Adam Opel AG operation in West Germany.
After returning to the US Mr Stempel
headed two different divisions before joining
the GM board of directors as Executive Vice­
President in charge of the worldwide truck
and bus group and overseas operations. He
was appointed president in 1987.
Robert Stempel, who succeeds GM
Chairman Roger Smith upon his retirement
on July 31, is the corporation's first
engineering-oriented chairman since Charles
W ilson, who left the Corporation in 1953.
Stempel is a fan of motor racing and ef\ioys
working on engines in his spare time.
His appointment has been hailed by
many industry analysts, dealers and GM
employees alike.
Asked to outline his priorities, Stempel
said, "Our first step is to pull the new
management team together and work with
the employees within GM to be sure our
future plans are set. There is no higher
priority in General Motors than increasing
our market share profitably," he continued.
"You can't be in this business without
a profit."
As for the challenges GM faces Stempel
said there are many, including clean air
legislation and competition in the inter­
national marketplace. But, he said, they are
challenges that GM is up to.
Aged 56, Robert Stempel began his
career in the chassis design department of
8000
THE BENCH IS BACK!
gives individual bucket seat base support and
stops the driver and passenger sliding
laterally when cornering.
Success In Thst: Holden's 60/40 bench seat
was recently tested against a Falcon bench
seat. Thxi operators, the police department,
government instrumentalities and private
individuals were all represented.
The majority of those present voted in
Commodore's favour, citing practicality and
flexibility as the two major benefits.
A VN Commodore sedan or wagon
specified with the bench seat option will
only be available in a column shift four­
speed auto, with grey cloth trim .
L loyd E Reuss,
53, has been
elected President,
succeeding
Mr Stempel,
effective
August 1, 1990.
Commodore's new bench seat with arm rest
up [above] and down [below].
New GM Chairman,
Robert Stempel.
(From Page 1)
BYE BYE, BAGS!
The largest roll-up was certainly in
Surfers Paradise on June 7 as a big
contingent of Holden dealers from across
Australia and a large number of company
personnel gathered to pay special tribute to
John Bagshaw at a gala dinner which
followed a National Dealer Business Meeting
held earlier in the day.
Dealers gave a lengthy standing ovation
to the man many are proud to claim as a
good mate; the man who had ef\ioyed an
especially close relationship with the dealer
organisation from the very beginning of his
42-year career with General Motors.
As he explained during his address,
John Bagshaw grew up with 'retail' in his
blood. He was the son of a Perth dealership
sales manager and recalled the days of
'kicking tyres with the salesmen when
I should have been doing my homework.'
Most of those present needed no
reminding that John Bagshaw achieved
something approaching hero status with
dealers and their sales staff during his
12-year stint as GMH Sales Director
(1966-1978)
Prominent dealer Laurie Sutton spoke
on his colleagues' behalf, recalling that
John Bagshaw had been responsible for
the setting up of the Holden Dealer Team,
was an initiator of the Time Magazine
Quality Dealer Award, had always supported
the Australian Automobile Dealers
Association- and had never once refused
an opportunity to join the judging panel of
the Miss NSW beauty contest!
He said John Bagshaw's afflnit y for the
retail market was fuelled by a real
enthusiasm for the product.
''His imagination in the development of
specialty products greatly improved dealer
profitability and gave real excitement to the
Holden brand names," said Laurie. "You'll
remember many of them ...the HQ SS, the
GTS models, the XUl , the SLR 5000 ... there
werea lot. We owe those to John'senthusiasm,
dedication and imagination.
·'I think the fact that Jol>_'l Bagshaw
has achieved the highest executive position
in the GM Corporation of any Australian to
this day supports his status in Australia.' '
(Continued on Page 5)
COMMODORE
7000
R
E
G
I
s
T
R
A
T
I
0
N
s
6000
5000
4000
Old friends share a moment together at the
farewell . . . Ron Ireland (Ireland Holden, Cairns)
and Bags go back a long way.
- COiolloLODORS
-FALCON
3000
t--+---'---i- -f---i--_;_-L._-,--,-.....,..,...Ji----'--i---'---i---'
.--'---.-r
2000
� 9119 �
Dec�
+-+-+-+.--+--+--+--+--+--+--+-+-+-+-+-+.�....--i--i,...
.t
...
Sep Ocl Nov
UNiTS
+�66&:
i gg 0 �
�tr UJJHQt
U11
AJr ilat .U.
.lJI
Aug Sep Oct Nov
M 0 N T H 5
OUR SALESLOOKING GOOD
Latest PAXUS registration figures tell us
May was a very good sales month indeed.
Still storming up the charts is Rodeo, which
posted a best-ever result of 839 units in May
(June figures, by the way, look like being
even stronger).
At 11, 019, May registrations of the total
passenger/light commercial/truck range,
represent the best monthly figure since
December, 1985.
Commenting on the first full month's
figures covering the Statesman/Caprice
versus FairlaneiLTD sales contest, Analysis
Manager Margaret Weyl-Willett says we sold
494 units against Ford's 711.
BATHURSI' LINE-UP ANNOUNCED
Holden Racing Team's two-car
Commodore team for the 'Iboheys 1000 on
September 30th will see team boss Win Percy
joined by Bathurst Holden regular Allan Grice
in one car, and up-and-comers Neil Crompton
and Bradley Jones will share duties in the
second Commodore.
Feb Ul1 AJr UOf
UNITS
�.DEC 11
''What should be taken into account,''
she added, ''is the pull-forward effect the
impending luxury tax had on LTD sales.
''We're very happy with our
performance in this market and confidently
forecast that Statesman/Caprice will outsell
the Fords in coming months.
''Combined Commodore/Statesman/
Caprice registrations in May were 7052
units, which is a big lead of 774 units over
Falcon!FairlaneiLTD.
''In the Commodore/Falcon battle, we
outregistered Falcon by nearly 1000 units.
This year's figures, to the end of May, show
Commodore with a healthy lead of 2170
units over Falcon- and we know we'll
remain well ahead for the rest of the year.' '
The team will field only one entry
to Bathurst's traditional warm-up, the
Sandown 500 on September 9, with Percy
and Crompton at the wheel.
It's expected that the foursome will
prove one of the strongest combinations at
Mount Panorama this year.
1990 COMMODORE UPG RADE
Of course you've noticed ...Australia's
favourite car is now even better.It's been
upgraded, offering even more features and
sales advantages than before. Specification
changes have been made to all levels of the
VN Series: Commodore Executive, S, SS,
Berlina and Calais.
They include all illuminated ignition
switch, prop-up wiper arms and remote boot
release- all now standard on Executive,
Berlina and Calais. Berlina, Commodore 'S'
and Executive also sport new wheel covers,
and an auto up/down antenna is now
standard on Berlina. Calais now features
automatic climate control air conditioning
and a new name badge on the front fender.
Prop-up Wiper Arms -
For greater ease when washing the
windscreen. Now standard on Executive,
Berlina and Calais.
New Berlina
whee/cover
Executive wheel cover­
a stylish change.
G MHAMOVERS
GeoffDavies is appointed Sales
Operations Manager, responsible for all
national sales support activities, including
Dealer Development, Fleet and Special
Sales, Sales Planning, and UAAI Joint
Venture Sales activities.
Don Bowden is appointed National Sales
Manager, responsible for Zone operations,
including the Dealer Marketing Assistance
Centre (DMAC).
Barry French is appointed District Service
Manager, Qld Zone Country.
Barry Bastin is appointed HSPO District
Manager, Qld Zone.
Craig Amos is appointed HSPO District
Manager, NSW Zone.
Allan Hardie is appointed District Manager,
Vic. Zone Country.
Erroll Fernandes is appointed HSPO District
Manager, Victoria.
3
DEALER PROFILE
The big workshop at Harry Buikstra's
Nowra dealership on the NSW south coast is
a thing of rare beauty.
As anyone who has seen it will tell you
with some awe, the entire floor area is tiled
in spotless, gleaming cream vinyl.
Harry's pretty proud of that workshop
floor.It's actually a legacy of the building's
previous incarnation as a Pelaco shirt factory.
Sure,it takes a bit of extra looking
after,but it's great to be able to take
customers in there and show them, with a
sweep of the hand,just what a top place
they're having their cars serviced in.
Drawbacks? Well,the wet weather
doesn't help. There's mud to contend with,
and a bit of water can make the swface
pretty slippery.
Harry was limping noticeably when we
met. Pride, as he'd be the ftrst to tell you,
often goes before a fall.
As dealer principals go,Harry Buikstra
is something of an oddity. W hile not exactly
shy and retiring, he is definitely the self­
effacing type, content to maintain a much
lower profile than most.
Does this explain why his name isn't
out front on the dealership?
The answer, laughs Dutch-born Harry
who emigrated with his parents at an early
age,is much simpler than that.
"Have you ever heard people try to
pronounce my name? It's all too hard! That's
why we settled for a combination of our
children's names (Glenn,Donna) and came
up with Glendon Motors Holden."
That was in 19 83, some five years after
Harry had moved to owra from a Ford
dealership in nearby Wollongong at the
invitation of his friend,Peter ott, to
become sales manager and eventually
general manager.
W hen Peter decided upon a move to
warmer climes, Harry Buikstra took over.
A Consistent Success
"It wasn't a great time to tart off.
Things were pretty crook ,and I thought
What have I done?
"On the first day,after I'd borrowed
from GM AC,borrowed from just about
everywhere I could, I sat down, looked
around and realised I was stony broke.
"It took a while to pay it all back,
but things have progressively improved.
In fact,over the past two years I've been
having a ball!"
Glendon Motors eJ:\ioys quiet,consistent
success in a crowded and aggressively
competitive market area Yet the man in
charge says he doesn't do all that much.
His philosophy,as he attempts to
explain it without sounding trite, centres on
a basic desire to do the right thing.
"I've got a definite view on what's right
and what's wrong. The people I have
around me- and I'm lucky to have the ones
that I do- operate accordingly.
"I hate it if somebody's unhappy with
us for some reason. I'm fairly thin-skinned in
that regard- although I know you can't win
'em all. So ...I try to do it right if I can
...and still make a quid! "
The staff- there are thirty-six - are
Glendon Motors' best asset, according
to Harry.
He singles out sales manager Allan
Bryant, service manager Neil Gosby,top
sales consultant Jim Fyfe and his son Glenn,
who is company accountant, for special
mention.
"I don't have any problems with
delegating responsibility ...I just do it and
relax!I can walk out of the place and know
everything's going to be OK. In fact, I think
they try harder when I'm not there."
.
Although he puts in the hours during
the week, Harry relishes his weekends off.
After years of working flat out,this 47-year­
old grandfather of two says that he has
cultivated a more laid-back approach to life.
His attractive home,just a ftve minute
drive from the dealership, sits on a five acre
bush block with Shoalhaven River frontage.
Among several toys in the garage is a 21 ft
Connolly ski boat with a 454 Mercruiser
engine.
4
HARRY BUIKSI'RA
G LENDON MoroRS HOLDEN NOWRA, NSW
Although he describes himself as "not
basically sporty ", Harry is nominated by
several people, among them fellow dealer
Bill Nesbit,of Yass, as an excellent barefoot
skier:
The boat,by the way,is called
Goin' Grey ... which its youthful-looking
owner is not.
It's a fair indication that, with this
man, all is not necessarily what it seems.
While he would have you believe that the
dealership runs itself wonderfully well
without much effort on his part,its
successful operation is very much a product
of his management style.
Management Groups Assist
When he does go away,more than likely
it's to join "Men At Work" colleagues at a
Holden Dealer Business Development Group
meeting.
"I think the whole concept is great. Our
successes in the last few years have been
attributable,sure to the VN Commodore but those groups have also contributed.
"You might think you're doing pretty
well,but when you have the opportunity to
compare yourself with others,you discover
there's all sorts of room for improvement.
I may not implement all the ideas that are
thrown up,but I can look back and see we've
got a lot out of it ...a lot.
"As a small example,just from the last
meeting I've picked up and used two low-cost
customer satisfaction ideas,one involving a
mirror dangler and the other a business
card sticker.
"As another benefit ...there are plenty
of characters in the group, all attempting to
outdo each other ...and we have a lot of
fun! It spite of all that, we manage to cover
plenty of ground- and anyone with a problem
benefits by all that combined experience.
"Someone might say: 'Look, I'm in strife
in this particular area' ...and a 20-minute
round table discussion will produce some
great ideas towards a solution.Everybody's
quick to offer help and we've become pretty
good mates as a result of these groups.
"I think that being away with others on
trips - I was fortunate enough to make
Bangkok and Egypt- also increases that
�ense of fellowship and speaking P.ractically,
1t helps to grease the wheels any time you're
after a bit of co-operation."
One of the ideas Harry Buikstra may
well have passed on to other group members
involves Glendon Motors' new vehicle
delivery process. On delivery day,a bunch of
flowers is delivered to the customer's home
address, with a 'thank you for your custom'
note attached.The flowers have been going
out for over seven years now,and Harry says
there's always plenty of appreciative
feedback.
Another delivery day tradition that goes
back just as far is the 'happy snap'.
Customers have their photographs taken
beside the new car and these shots appear
regularly in a special panel in the dealership's
local press advertisements.
Simple,but effective.In fact,just the
way the man in charge might describe himself!
Those press advertisements,it should
be mentioned, are also distinguished by
professionally executed cartoon characters
and boldly lettered headlines, the work of
sales consultant Jim Fyfe. When he's not
whipping up artwork (or attaching trailing
plastic containers to a long-suffering district
manager's car) Jim makes a fair-sized contri­
bution to the dealership's new car volume.
Like the rest of the sales staff, he's required
to enter details on daily customer traffic into
a floor log book. Each entry- the customer's
name and address,the car he or she is
interested in,etcetera- is worth a small
incentive payment.
Other information recorded in the log
includes the number of sales for the
corresponding day the month before,closing
averages for each person, the dealership's
closing average,new,used and total
dealership targets ...all the nitty gritty
figures that indicate,at a glance,just how
things are travelling.
"We call it The Bible, and those entries
are made religiously " says Harry. "It works
well for everybody. Salesmen are put right on
the mat- and the good ones love it.
"I suppose that sort of thing is an
example of how we do things around here.
We may not initiate much,but we're good at
accumulating other people's good ideas,
putting them into action and ticking
with them.
Capitalise On Advertising
"We don't do things much differently
from anyone else,but whatever it is, we do it
consistently.Thke sales training and service
schools, for instance ...we're into that all
the time, we keep up with the latest aids, we
just keep plugging away.
"The same goes for advertising and
switching showroom window material- we
always follow the GMH lead closely because
as far as I'm concerned it's common sense to
capitalise on those big advertising dollars that
are being spent on your behalf."
Harry nominates his Service Department
as an area which has caused him some
concern over the years, largely due to the
perennial problem of staffing.
"We've put a lot more technicians on
there,but as most people know only too
well, there's a turnover problem. Basically,
I think they're hardly done by. I think there's
merit in introducing a national award system
where they're graded,say, 1 to 4 according
to proficiency and paid accordingly.
"As I said earlier, a dealer's only
as good as the people he's got working
for him."
A trip to the National Automobile
Dealers Association conference held in
Las Vegas earlier this year in company with
other Business Management Group members
led Harry to the conclusion that,in some
areas, the average Australian dealer is ahead
of his US counterpart.
"We had the chance to see a few
US dealerships - and it would appear that we
do a much better job on the used car side of
things- their general presentation wasn't
good. On the other hand, they're much
further advanced with computer sales
systems.Thlk about scientific ...the
computer virtually controls what the guys in
the showroom will say, which tends to take
the personal side out of it a bit!
"We also attended some workshops,
which were interesting because of the
different markets involved,but mostly the
things that were being said served to
reinforce concepts we were already
familiar with."
The return of the Statesman has
gladdened Harry's heart, not least because
the surrounding Shoalhaven Shire (it's the
fastest-growing in NSW) that makes up his
market is rich with potential customers.
"I love a big car - and I'm very
enthusiastic about these," he says. "There's
a good Statesman clientele out there ...
and loy WB-owning
plenty of re
farmers. We"ve made four deli\·eri so far
and have further orders.
"One went to the mayor with a fairlane
traded, another was a Volvo trade and the
other two were Statesman . Those are all
people we would ha\'e missed out on before.
"We'll do very. very well out of this car,
I'm sure although that luxury tax seems to
me a stupid situation at the moment- and
why didn t they exclude the Australian
product?"
·
Prospective tatesman and Caprice
buyers who happen into Glendon Motors
howroom are unlikely to be sold their
vehicle by the man in charge.
As he explains, a little ruefully, "I get a
real buzz out of business ...I love it and I
love cars in general- but I don't actually sell
many these days, mainly because the others
don't like me to get out there!
"They do,however,delight in landing
me with the customer who is obviously going
to take forever to make a decision - and the
one who never will!"
So just what does this most self­
deprecating of dealers do to assist the smooth
running of day-to-day operations?
"Well ...it's a bit of a job making sure
the urn's full ...and I do turn the lights out
when it's time to go�·
Good one,Harry.
Harry and that famous floor.
(From Page 3)
Sydney's Farewell
BYE BYE, BAGS!
'Ifibutes from such government
luminaries as Senator John Button and
Opposition Leader John Hewson highlighted
a gala dinner organised for MD John
Bagshaw by Sydney's Metropolitan Holden
Dealer Conference.
Venue was the new Ramada Renaissance
Hotel, and the 100-strong guest list included
long-time friends and associates like Sir
Frederick Sutton and Bert and Margot
McGrath, dealer principals from the majority
of Sydney dealerships and such out-of-town
locations as Kiama, Nowra, Moss Vale,
Canberra and Cardiff.
Mr Bagshaw was presented with an
illuminated address from NSW Premier Nick
Greiner, Senator Button's message included
congratulations on a ''powerhouse
performance'' and President of the Senate
Kerry Sibraa was among many who sent
goodwill tributes.
Mr Bagshaw said he had been attuned
to the dealers' point of view since his early
days with the company. Singled out, among
others, for special mention were the late Bob
Jacka of Preston Motors . . . and 'the guys in
the Mallee who polished the rough edges
off me.'
Earlier in the evening, guests had
queued to sign an outsize farewell card in the
shape of a passport, with a photograph of the
holder seated in a tiny car. This car and
occupant later buzzed merrily about the
screen in the course of a send-up This Is Your
Life movie, during which diners were
encouraged to 'follow the bouncing Bags'
and sing the evening's theme song .. Bye
.
Bye, Bagshaw.'
It was a fittingly lighthearted farewell
to the man to whom Holden dealers had
always looked when a lift in spirits was in
order.
A top a Surfers Paradise hotel -a high-profile
farewell message for a high-profile MD.
o!.-P'
""'"""
�
.....
Putting their names to an outsize farewell card,
from left, were C/if Arnold (Preston, Vic), John
McAuley (Lithgow, NSW) andMax Mil/s (Kilcoy,
Qld).
A conference scheduled for early April
gave New South Wales country dealers the
opportunity to beat most others to the punch
in mounting a farewell to John Bagshaw.
The weekend conference was held in
Gilgandra and coincided with the 60th
birthday of local dealership W hitemans
Holden.
Describing John Bagshaw as ''a very
special person'' long-time Gilgandra dealer
principal Merv Armstrong (whose son David
is now in charge while he oversees operations
at nearby Gulargambone) said rural dealers
in particular would miss his presence, as
they believe he really cared about them.
In reply, Mr Bagshaw described Merv as
''a great representative for country NSW and
one of the most tenacious country dealers
I have met.'' He contrasted the evening's
activity with his previous visit to Gilgandra
in 1973 ''when we had a big log fire out in
the back paddock."
His visit was the highlight of White­
man's birthday celebrations. A proud
Merv Armstong said ''It was a very special
weekend and one which I did not believe
would happen.''
Always keen on thesejobs, John Bagshaw hands
Miss Dreamgirl 1974 the keys to her Smtesman
prize.
Gillian Bagshaw ispresented with a beautiful
floral tribute by Robert McGrath (A.C. McGrath,
Live�pool) at the Sydney function.
A Laid-Back Goodbye
South Australians farewelled John
Bagshaw at a casual Sunday afternoon
barbecue on June 17 at the beautiful Hardy's
W inery, Reynella.
The group of almost 130 well-wishers
included current and retired Holden dealers
and many past and present GMH employees.
As a bonus, the retiring MD 's two married
daughters, (both resident in the Barossa
Valley) plus sons-in-law, plus grandchildren,
helped to make up a big Bagshaw family
table.
The days John Bagshaw spent in South
Australia were fondly recalled- especially
by the retired dealers present, such as
John Ellers and Jim Freeman, whom he had
appointed while Zone Manager. Presentations
were made to both Mr and Mrs Bagshaw.
His, as befitted the surrounds, was a
specially selected ''cellar'' of Hardy's wines.
A two-car display at the winery - one
gleaming 48-215 and a spanking new
Caprice- depicted the span of John
Bagshaw's working life with General
Motors-Holden's.
C'est si bon . . .
The evening's enterminer, leggy Jackie Love, has
the guest of honour and limelight-loving Joe
Felice of SA Zonejoin her in song.
This shot, entitled ''The Laughing Cavalier' '
made front page of the Sunday Times in England
when, as MD of Vauxhall, John Bagshaw
launched the new Cavalier model.
An Active Retirement
As those who are acquainted with John
Bagshaw are well aware, he's not a man to
HSV Tham Dealers were joined at their breakfast
meeting by John Bagshaw and GMHA Managing
Director-elect, Bil/ Hamel.
NSW COUNTRY DEALERS PAY
TRIBUTE
stay idle for long! From now on, home base
will be Sydney. He has accepted a position as
Chairman of the Interim Board of NSW
T. A.F.E . and has also been elected a member
of the NSW Government's Board of Business
and Consumer Affairs . Links with Holden's
will be maintained through his membership
of the Board of Holden Special Vehicles Pty.
Ltd.
At the country dealers' farewell dinner were
(L-R): Peter Moss (Gilgandra), Metfll and
Joe Roodenrys (Parkes), Ken and Rae Moody
(Coonamble) and NSW Country Sales Manager
John McLachlan.
The young JB with a group of Perth dealers in
the '40s.
t==:;::::====::;:===1 venture. But over-riding
a·erything else i the
personal goal to return
Holden to the position of
L..----...J being number one in the
passenger market . . it's where we
This was the positive theme
should be.''
underpinning Holden's National Dealer
Further speakers included National
Business Meeting, held in Surfers Paradise
Sales Manager Geoff Davies, who outlined
on June 7. All speakers took their cue from
future objectives and strategies, and
it, setting challenges for dealer principals to
National Marketing Manager Ross McKenzie,
accept and expressing confidence in their
who had good news to impart on the subject
team-spirited determination to succeed in
of increased advertising budgets and bonus
regaining passenger market leadership.
incentives. All strategies were aimed, he
For their part, dealers reacted with
said, at achieving passenger car market
enthusiasm to the several surprise initiatives
leadership in August.
announced which will sharpen their
His presentation also included the first
competitive edge in the months to come.
public airing- to thunderous applause- of
Master of Ceremonies (and master of
the just-completed Holden Utility TV
the one-liner) John Lees introduced each
commercial (it's a beauty!).
speaker, beginning with Managing Director
John Bagshaw, who was fronting such a
IGM's Dick Pugsley spoke on the
gathering in that cap�city for the last time.
subject of Light Commercial vehicles,
During his address, John Bagshaw said
congratulating dealers on recent sales
the chosen theme summed up the direction
results, and well-known elder statesman of
in which GMHA was headed.
Sydney dealers, Les Vagg, covered the subject
He said the way ahead for Holden and
of the Customer Satisfaction Index .
for every dealer has never looked brighter,
Following a speech by Brian Smy th of
and expressed regret that he was not to be
Holden National Leasing, and a business
actively involved ''while it's all happening''.
management presentation by National
As Mr Bagshaw introduced Managing
Dealer Development Manager David
Director-elect Bill Hamel to the meeting, the
Nicholson and Assistant Manager Philip
pair raised clasped hands in a gesture that
Flick, Marketing Director Rob McEniry
reflected friendship and solidarity.
closed the meeting, referring to its dual
Bill Hamel went on to cover key areas of
purpose:
the dealers' business partnership with GMHA.
''We're here,'' he said, ''to farewell one of
He explained the background to the joint
the industry's all-time greats and to welcome
venture agreement and stressed the fact that
another outstanding leader to the helm.''
General Motors was in Australia 'for the long
He wished both well on behalf of
haul'. He said there was no planned rational­
everybody present, and went on to provide
isation of the Holden Dealer network, and
dealers with a list of challenges" for the '90s.
referred to it as one of the company's great
''Our meeting theme for today is going
strengths.
to become a reality,'' he said. ''With all the
''Looking ahead'', he said, ''One of our
programs and action plans we have outlined,
greatest challenges in the '90s is that of
the greatest challenge we all have for the
becoming an even more effective competitor
immediate future is to lift the retail
- caring even more for our customers, with
volume
We have the best product range
products of the highest quality, and service
available from any manufacturer, we have
that not only meets but in most cases
the merchandising and incentive programs to
exceeds our customers' expectations.''
support our great range, we have the best
He said he had been asked to nominate
customer satisfaction programs in the
his most important goal as Managing
industry, we have the best training programs,
Director: ''I indicated there were many
we have the best and most professional
goals . . such as product quality, Customer
dealer network in Australia
and you have
Satisfaction and the success of the joint
a factory team which is determined to be No 1.''
_
. _ _
_
_ . _
5
W
hen HSV Marketing Manager
John Harvey accompanied motor
magazine staffers to Calder Park
Thunderdome for a Club Sport photographic
session, rookie NASCAR drivers abandoned
their practice session and clustered about the
car, admiring and firing questions. They
were joined by racetrack officials,
maintenance men . . . in fact, Holden fans
came from all directions.
John says ' 'I was absolutely delighted
by the reaction . . . and do you want to know
what they all said, apart from ' 'Can I take it
home?'' They were all knocked out by the
price. The big comment was ' ' What great
value for money!
11
At a recommended retail price of
$33,320 [manual] and $34, 140 [auto] ,
depending on various factory options as
fitted, the Club Sport will generate high
interest amongst a wide cross-section of
enthusiasts who have up until now been
priced out of the HSV range.
The car features HSV's renowned five
litre V8 engine package, improved
suspension, sports wheels, performance
tyres and recalibrated transmission.
The essential performance upgrade is
coupled with a colour-coded body kit, rear
spoilers, sports grille, Momo steering wheel,
sports instrumentation and trip computer.
SV badging and decals also define Club
Sport as something out of the ordinary.
Initially available in Asteroid Silver
with smart matching grey interior, Club
Sport gives buyers a choice of five-speed
manual or four-speed automatic transmission .
Subsequent production runs will be available
in all Holden colours and trim.
Recent tests indicate that this good
looker is no slouch on the track; it lapped
Calder Park!I'hunderdome in times that
came close to those recorded by its series­
winning Commodore A SCAR racing cousin.
BASE VEHICLE :
Executive five litre V8 Sedan
FACTORY:
Air conditioning
HSV MODIFICATIONS:
ENGINE:
SV dual exhaust system
SV5000 air cleaner and intake system
SV recalibrated E.C.M.
Knock sensor
Output 1 80 kw @ 4600 1Jlm
400 kw @ 3800 IJlm
SUSPENSION:
SV developed revised springs
SV recalibrated shock absorbers
SV revised anti-roll bar
SV panhard rod
WHEELS AND TYRES:
SV sports wheels 16x7 VL group A
Performance rated 205/55x16 Pirelli P700
TRANSMISSION:
Recalibrated sports shift (Auto)
Borg warner T5G manual
BODY & SV FEATURES:
Painted body colour bumpers
Colour coded rear decor panel
SV sports grille
SV rear deck spoiler incoiJ>Orating SV5000
stop lamp
SV specific Club Sport Identification badges
and decals
INTERIOR:
SV Momo leather bound steering wheel
SV Momo gear shift knob (manual)
SV dash mounted identification plaque
OPTIONS:
SV sports front seats including rear seat head
rests
SV front air dam
SV side skirts
Sun roof
SV wheel locking nuts
SV telecom car phone
SV Sansui sound system
6
SV90 :
LIMITED
EDITION
LUXURY
When Holden Special Vehicles opened
for business in early 1988, SV Team Dealers
were given a commitment that the company
would produce a special limited model each
year.
First of these models was the SV88,
based on VL Calais.
Second was the SV89, first to feature
the remarkable, high-performance PFI V8
and released at that year's Melbourne Motor
Show.
The SV90 represents the third
.
evolution, a long-wheelbase edition destined
for the same success as its predecessors.
HSV engineers have developed a special
180kW engine package that enhances the
outstanding Statesman-based vehicle's big
5 litre PFI V8 with a dual exhaust system,
cold air intake and recalibrated engine
management system.
Th� four-speed automatic transmission
has also been modified to better handle the
increased torque and provide a smoother and
more positive shifting action under high
loads.
Handling and road-holding character­
istics, already brilliant thanks to Holden's
acclaimed new independent rear suspension,
are further improved with a lowered stance,
revised springs, shock absorbers, struts and
sway bar.
' 'The objective' ', says John Harvey,
' 'was to give the SV90 a sportier feel without
compromising ride quality too much."
Exclusive SV alloy wheels with a flush­
fitting centre cap team with high performance
Pirelli P700 tyres.
Exterior body style is understated, with
subtle touches including a small front air
dam incoiJlorating driving lights, side skirts,
rear skirt and spoiler.
The interior trim features a combin­
ation of Howe leather and velour,
incorporating door trims, head rests and
centre console. A traditional, leather-bound
Momo steering wheel and SV Telecom car
phone as standard equipment complete the
classy picture.
A limited run ofjust one hundred and
fifty SV90 models, available in Ruby Red
with Smoky Beige interior, will be produced
at a recommended retail price of $54,775.
AAAAH
ARRRRG . . .
IT'S ROBOSAURUS!
Just when you thought it was safe to go
back to the racetrack, just when you thought
you'd seen it all . . . along comes Robosaurus.
'fuller than a multi-storey building,
much more gee whiz sci-fi high-tech 1 990s
scary state-of-the-art than your wimpy King
Kong, Robosaurus is wowing 'em at big
events, like the hugely popular NASCAR
racing series, all over the U.S.
What does Robo actually do, you ask?
Cross our hearts, this monster munches
cars. Darn right, it picks up sacrificial sedans
and scrunches them between those awful
jaws. Glass explodes, cabins concertina, and
the ravaged bodies are tossed to the ground
as instant scrap metal. Our intrepid photog­
rapher took this shot during the Winston
Cup in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Robosaurus belched jet-fuelled flames
and clouds of smoke between courses and ate
only Japanese cars. This preferred taste was
loudly approved of by the crowd, present of
course to pay homage to the Detroit iron they
love above all other.
Robosaurus is built on a mobile crane
base, powered by hydraulic rams and can be
hired for a daily charge of $US25,000.
Word has it that race promoter Bob Jane
watched Robo's antics with more than casual
interest. Well known as a collector of the
weird and wonderful - he's already the
happy owner of a Centurion tank - our Bob
would dearly love to bring the muncher to
Thunderdome.
SEARCH FOR A CHAMPION
How would you like the chance to drive
a full-on Group A Commodore in this year's
Thoheys 1 000 at Bathurst?
Over 650 aspirants have already said
'yes, please!' by forking out $ 1 000 up front
to register for Peter Jackson's 'Search for a
Champion' program. They're aged from 18
to mid-40s, their number includes six
women, Holden dealer personnel . . . and a
GMHA driver and technician whose
workmates at the Lang Lang Proving Ground
put in $50 each to help him on his way!
Headed by touring car ace Allan Grice,
Search for a Champion is designed to
unearth, train and foster new driving talent.
The two talented rookies fmally
selected will compete at Bathurst in a
$ 1 30, 000 Group A. They get to keep the car
after the event to help further their racing
careers, and their whole Bathurst campaign
will be backed by a $70,000 support package
to ensure their entry is as competitive as
possible.
Qualifying sessions are being held at
Winton (Vic), Eastern Creek (NSW) and
Lakeside (Qld). At each day, 40 entrants are
thoroughly briefed, then given two ten-lap
evaluation runs in a Group E Commodore.
Thp performers graduate to the Group A , and
the day's winner is judged by an expert
panel which includes Grice and professional
drivers Kevin Bartlett, Pete Geoghegan and
Peter Fitzgerald. Semi-fmals will be held at
Winton in August, where twenty-five finalists
will undergo an exhaustive selection process.
Among those who had a go - and
missed out - was Geoff Parker, of Parker
Bros. , Shepparton (Vic). ' 'I just wanted to
see what it would be like to race a
Commodore V8,' ' said Geoff, an experienced
kart racer. ' 'Th win would have been an
absolute bonus. The whole thing was quite a
bit different to what I'd expected . . . but I'll
be back for another go next year, for sure.' '
Our Lang Lang hopeful, 34-year-old
John Spencer drove impressively enough to
qualify for the semi finals. If ht: makes it to
Mt Panorama, his biggest problem will be
telling his workmates there are no pit crew
vacancies!
·
Rally campaigner Jim Middleton, used
car manager at Suttons Waitara, tried out at
Winton on July 10. He said, "I had a
wonderful time, but just didn't drive fast
enough! Maybe it's because I need some
more practice on that bitumen stuff after so
much time on the gravel . . . anyway, it was a
really worthwhile experience.' '
At the end of August, five drivers will
be put through fmal assesm
s ent to determine
the fmal two. The 'grilling ' will cover
personality, interview techniques,
presentation and attitudes.
Fonner race ace Ian 'Pete' Geoghegan tells Shepparton 's GeoffParker how to negotiate
the Winton Raceway circuit.
7
DEALER NEWS
Making the Right Moves
TRAINING AND
DEVEWPMENT NEWS
"Success Through People" is the theme
ofHolden's comprehensive, constantly evolving
and improving professional training program.
As Marketing Director Rob McEniry
pointed out in his National Dealer Business
Meeting address on June 7th, GMHA offers
far and away the industry's best dealership
manpower training - and it's up to every
dealer principal and department manager to
ensure that all personnel are provided with
the opportunity to benefit from it.
According to Marketing Training Manager
Peter Hepworth, the company has a renewed
commitment to all aspects of professional
training. " We're making huge improvements
in the quality and standards of all our
training programs", he said. "Feedback from
attendees at regular programs has been
outstanding. All courses have been revised
and updated . . . many are completely new."
The GM University
of Automotive Management
Registrations for the 1991 UAM intake,
scheduled to begin in March, are already
flowing in, even though the program has yet
to be formally announced. This professional,
prestigious and specific industry training
program is offered exclusively by GMHA - no
other vehicle manufacturer in Australia
offers anything like it - and it has been
responsible for fostering many a prosperous
business career with Holden's.
The 'new look ' UAM course currently
offered combines the two course streams
previously undertaken (Fixed Operations and
Sales Operations) under a complete Dealership
Management Development (Dr.ID) program,
which is conducted over five weeks thoughout
the year. umbers, we might add, are limited.
Catch-up units are also offered from time to
time to UAM graduates of the previous Fixed
Operations and Sales Operations programs and their attendance is strongly
recommended.
First D�ID Group Graduates
Congratulations ro the 23-strong
'Class of 1990' who undertook the first
w\.\1 Dealership Management Development
course and received their framed certificates
during a graduation dinner at the Pelican
Beach Resort, Coffs Harbour, in April.
The UAMIDMD Class of 1990.
Front Row (from left): John Glanville (Mt Gravatt
Q.), RonGarrity(MESinstructor), ScottDriesbach
(MES Instructor), Margaret Weyl-Willett
(GMHA).
Second Row: Ross Emes (GMHA), Joe Villetri
(Moorooka, Q.), Barry White (Gordon, NSW),
Graeme Beere (GMHA), John Geber (GMHA),
Leigh Smith (Oakleigh, Vic), Stephen Wallace
(Bunbury WA).
Third Row: John Grant (Adelaide, SA), Peter
Hepworth (GMHA Training Manager), Delton
Schiller (Murray Bridge, SA), John Bickell
(Chul�ora NSW), Mark Crampton• (Aspley, Q),
Jon Lister• (Hobart, Ths), Geoff Parker•
(Shepparton, Vic), Max Loveridge (Albany, WA).
Back Row: Keith Carr• (Ringwood, Vic)
Chris Beecham (Caboolture, Q), Russ W�ir
(Petrie, Q), Rodney Neale (Gosford, NSW), Alex
Schiodtz (Warilla, NSW), Barry Bourke
(Berwick, Vic), Adam Kaplan• (Ryde, NSW),
Advanced Dealership Management
Program
Two sessions of this four-unit course
- the first on Personnel Productivity, the
second on Financial tanagement - have
already been completed, but bookings are
till being accepted for either or both of the
upcoming modules. Course descriptions of
the four-and-a half-day sessions conducted
by instructors from Marketing Education
Services are briefly as follows:
Module Three: Product Merchandising.
All Merchandising aspects are analysed and
discussed in terms of Market and �1edia.
u of
producthiry are included·
format follow actual dealership case studies.
Date: August 27-31 . Venue: Adelaide.
Module Four: Fixed Operations. A valuable
and realistic hands-on program that can help
achieve increased success in this dealership
area Enables participants to discover 'best
practice' techniques used by top-performing
dealers.
.
Thrry Summerville (GMHA), Robert Hogan
(Midland, WA), Geoff Wilkins (GMHA),
David Rosewarne (Kadina, SA).
Absent: Laurie Down ton (Baulkham Hills, NSW)
• Denotes yet to complete course.
UAM Alumni
All UAM graduates are automatically
admitted to the Alumni and are cordially
invited to participate in its activities. This
year, for the first time, the annual UAM
Alumni meeting and a UAM postgraduate
program will be held concurrently. The
venue is Adelaide (Hindley International
Hotel) and commencement date is September
3. Alumni meetings are strong on fellowship,
problem-solving, ideas-sharing . . . and a
special Holden brand of conviviality.
Date: October 15-19. Venue: Port Macquarie,
SW. See also the ' Training and
Development Programs - 1990 handbook .
NOTE THESE!
There' till time if you're quick, to
book in for:
Sales Management Seminar
A 2-day course for new vehicle
managers and sales managers, focuses on
issues identified as critical in maximising
new vehicle sale· and profitability. Held in
all Zones Augus eptember.
Parts Conference
An all-new course designed for parts
department people directly involved in the
area of customer contact and parts sales.
One-day sessions to be held in all Zones
throughout August.
Contact your Zone Office for details.
Launceston Dealer Wins TIME Award
Don Walsh, Managing Director of
Motors - Launceston is to be congratulated
on being presented with the sought-after
TIME Magazine Quality Dealer Award
for 1990.
The Tasmanian State Awardee, Don was
selected by a panel of Australian Automobile
Dealers Association (AADA) representatives
and judged on the following criteria: total
sales, market performance, overall perform­
ance, quality of premises and services, civic
and community activities and consumer
record.
A former South Australian, Don joined
the GMH Adelaide operation in 1956 and
spent 181h years with the company. After a
stint as General Manager of Mazda (SA),
Don joined the Freeman MotorsfUnited
Motors groups in 1980 and held the position
of Sales Director. At the end of 1 987, he
made the move to the Apple Isle and took
on the dealer principal's job at Motors,
Launceston.
Don Walsh gives much of the credit for
the Time Quality
Dealer Award to his
"extremely
professional, long­
standing employees."
Don Walsh ­
Thsmanian
Time Quality Dealer,
1990.
8
CSI
TOP 20
Congratulations to those dealers
whose consistent efforts at delivering total
satisfaction have earned them top marks
from customers in the most recently
published (May 1990) Customer Satisfaction
Index. These mail survey rankings are based
on a moving 6-month index and are specific
to larger volume Holden dealers in SEG
Groups 1 and 2 . In order of achievement, the
nation's Thp 20 CSI dealers are as follows:
MOI'ORS DEVONPORT, Devonport, Ths.
*WAGGA MOI'ORS PTY LTD, Wagga, NSW.
BATHURST MOI'ORS PTY LTD, Bathurst, NSW
* WINTER & TAYWR (SALES) PTY LTD,
Geelong, Vic.
LEACH HOLDEN, Windsor, Qld
SOUTHGATE HOLDEN, Reynella, SA.
* LANCE GIBBONS HOLDEN, Gosnells, WA .
ELLERS HOLDEN, Somerton Park . SA.
HARDES AUTO HOUSE, Three, NSW.
LAWRENCE'S, Rockhampton, Qld.
*BARRY SMITH HOLDEN, Pennant Hills, NSW.
*R&B SMITH HOLDEN, Geelong, Vic
CANOBOLAS HOLDEN, Orange, NSW.
MADILLS, Gympie, Qld.
*SHACKS COCKBURN, Naval Base, WA.
* CITY HOLDEN, Adelaide, SA.
BOORAN HOLDEN, Caulfield, Vic.
RON POYSER HOLDEN, Bendigo, Vic.
SMITHS OF PORT ADELAIDE, Port Adelaide, SA.
MOI'ORS LAUNCESTON, Launceston, Ths.
*These dealerships have also qualified as
Senior or Master Level Service Centres according
to the strict guidelines of the GM Service
Development System .
The whips have been cracking since
Day One of the great new Spanish Challenge
travel incentive program for dealer principals
- and no wonder!
The reward is a twelve day ' 'only the
best will do' ' holiday in Spain for those
dealers who succeed in making the right
moves to boost their passenger car sales.
From May through August, dealers are
urged to use superior, chess-style strategy to
checkmate opponents through intelligent use
of resources. There are defined unit
objectives for the ' 'pieces ' ' they use: new
current model Nova, Apollo, Commodore,
Calais, Barina, Rodeo, Jackaroo and Shuttle
- and those who reach or exceed set goals
will be rewarded with the trip, scheduled to
take place in October.
Competition is pretty hot; all those
dealers who have el'\ioyed the legendary
Holden's hospitality on previous jaunts are
more than keen to make the grade again . . .
and the ones who stayed at home last time
are determined not to be left behind again!
The newest sales consultant at Gee/ong's Winter
& Thy/or drives a demonstrator with the
numbe1plate CAT 700. As any self-respecting
footy fan could tell you, Cat number 7 is none
other than reigning VFL Brownlow medallist and
Geelong Football Club's 1989 Best and Fairest
Player, Paul Couch. W&T's Brom M01phy says
Geelong's favourite son is currently being trained
in all aspects of vehicle and truck sales. Go for
it, Paul!
Adelaide City Council showed great good taste ­
and some welcome support for a major local
manufacturer - by adding two Caprices to its
fleet. Zone Manager Ross Emes {left} had the
pleasure of delivering this one to Adelaide's Lady
Mayoress, Angela Condous. Chauffeur 1biiJ'
Leahy accepted the keys.
Marketing Manager Ross McKenzie does his Luna
Park impression at a Spanish Challenge launch
attended by 43 metropolitan dealers at a Spanish
eatery in Sydney.
'Business As Usual'
After $1 Million Fire
On the evening of Sunday April 29, a
spectactular fire destroyed the showroom ,
offices, spare parts area and half the
workshop at Princeton Holden in the
southern Sydney suburb of Padstow.
Amazingly, by next morning the
dealership had risen phoenix-like from the
ashes and it was 'business almost as usual'
at temporary premises.
The overnight relocation was facilitated
by the availability of an empty former
Purnell Bros site on Chapel Road, Bankstown.
"The co-operation we've received from
everybody at GM, particularly the spare
parts and service people, has been marvellous
- and much appreciated," said dealer
principal Shanti Kumar.
' 'We actually had an outstanding month's
trading after the fire. The service
department managed 92 % of target and sales
were spot on' '.
The fire, caused by an electrical fault,
destroyed eighty per cent of the operation.
Ten new cars were totally destroyed, eight
were partially affected - and about 40 more
suffered the effects of smoke.
Most disappointing, said Shanti, was
the loss of the debtors' list. "Creditors will
always fmd you! We anticipate recovering
about 90 per cent of all outstandings,
however, even though our entire April
trading record went up in smoke." Also up in
smoke went many treasured personal
possessions: photographs, awards, some
antique pieces, the memorabilia associated
with 20 years of business life.
Shanti Kumar looks forward to
beginning another collection to grace the
walls of his office in a $750,000 new building
currently on the drawing board.
Up in smoke. A local snapped this at the fire's
height.
A Hidden 'freasure
Okay . . . hands up all those who can
point straight to the map and show us where
to find a town called Kandos.
Not too many takers, we'll bet. Be told
that Kandos, complete with Holden dealer­
ship, lies in darkest New South Wales.
Zone Manager Doug Hastie tells us it's
' 'off the beaten track between Lithgow,
Bathurst, Mudgee and no man's land" - and
Doug knows that because he and DMAC
Manager Jon Dunning called in during their
last round of DMAC dealer visits.
"What a surprise! " writes Doug.
' " lUcked away in this backwater town
famous only for its cement is one of
Australia's neatest, tidiest Holden
dealerships - Chrisfield Holden. ' 'Dealer
principal Fred Chrisfield is to be
congratulated on his entire dealership
presentation - the accompanying
photographs hardly do justice to the
business.
' ' Out the back , we were in for yet
another surprise as Fred showed off his
current restoration project - a fabulous MK V
Jaguar sedan .
' 'It really is amazing what treasures
that are to be uncovered in rural
Australia . . . the best, of course, are the
people associated with the Holden
franchise.' ' ..-.,...,.,.,..."'!? -.......
�
_
On Light Commercials
Thirty top-achieving Sales Managers
from dealerships in all Zones were rewarded
by IGM with a Red Centre "experience" most
will remember for a long, long time.
The group achieved targets set on
Jackaroo, Rodeo and Shuttle during a three­
month "Centre Your Attention" campaign
run from October through December. They
took off for Alice Springs in March and
embarked on a five-day jaunt that had them
cocooned in five-star luxury one moment
. . . and hurtling around in four-wheel drive
territory the next.
In a convoy of six CB-equipped and air­
conditioned Jackaroos and four ditto Rodeos
(shipped to Alice for the purpose) our hardy
band left Sheraton comfort to drive cross­
country to fwers Rock and the Yulara Resort,
participating in rally-style activities along
the way.
Their overnight camp at Rainbow Valley
proved just a little out of the ordinary.
Imagine a full-on silver service dinner extrav­
aganza orchestrated by the Sheraton's maitre
d ' and served with flair and plenty of
champagne by formally-dressed waiters!
Among many who gave the whole idea
a big wrap was Rick Sivyer, of John Sivyer
PIL, Moorooka, Qld. "It was a great trip, a
fantastic opportunity to see parts of Australia
you never knew existed. We went to places
you just wouldn't see if you weren't being
organised by someone in the know - and it
was an ideal way to test the product," he
said. "I've already got my bags packed for
the next trip ! "
A Voice For NSW Country Dealers
Delegates to the NSW Country Holden
Dealer Conference elected a new Board in
April. President is Tim Sargeant (Bathurst
Motors) , Vice Presidents are David Annstrong
(Gilgandra) and Peter Lewin (Orange) .
Secretary/Treasurer is Merv Annstrong
(Gulargambone) and District Co-ordinators
are Ron Coleman (Cooma), Bob Jenkins
(Orange), Max Thoroughgood (Kempsey) and
Ian Kensell (Tamworth).
Outlining some of his plans,
Tim Sargeant said there were 64 rural
NSW dealers and he expressed concern at
the fact that for various reasons, some of
their voices were not being heard."We'll be
trying to get as many as possible to come
along to our meetings," he said. "New South
Wales is a big place, and we realise that the
distance, time and expense involved in
attending constitute a barrier. That 's why
we've revived the network of district co­
ordinators and we're re-instituting phone
chains. They have to know that their
opinions are valued and that airing them
does make a difference.
" There are plenty of issues unique to
rural dealers . . . our problems are different,
our markets differ also. It's important that
our views are heard, that our voice is not
drowned out by the sheer power and
numbers of the metro blokes.
"Alan Mance, as President of the
Australian Holden Dealer Council, always
had a soft spot for country dealers, and it's
up to all of us to foster a similarly good
relationship with the new President upon his
election in December."
Where didyou get that hat?
Yass dealer Bill Nesbitt models the fetching
Holden Ute bush hat for this admiring trio: 1bny
Miller (Canberra), Harry Buikstra (Nowra NSW)
and 1bny Garnett (Blacktown, NSW).
Orders for this popular goodwill item, plus sports
bags and key rings, are flowing in fast.
SDS ACIDEVERS
Brothers Get the Double
Brothers Phil and Jim Rosenthal
operate Holden dealerships in Renmark and
Berri, South Australia. As co-directors and
shareholders of this family concern, establish­
ed by their grandfather in 1908 in Renmark
as a pushbike repair shop, they 're accustomed
to working as a team . It was only natural,
therefore, that both should be awarded their
Service Development System Senior Level
accreditation in a double presentation.
GMHA National Service Manager
Peter Pavey did the honours at a special
celebration dinner in Berri , attended by all
staff and their partners from both dealerships.
Phil Rosenthal , who operates in Renmark,
says the pair will now work towards
achieving Master Level status.
" We're both aware of just how much
SDS ties in with increasing customer
satisfaction," he said. "It's working very
well for us and has had a positive effect on
staff morale. SDS certainly played a part in
the dealership's achieving Grand Masters
recognition, and I would highly recommend
it to any dealer not yet involved, because it
definitely pays off. I think whenever a
particularly successful dealer is mentioned,
you can bet he's on SDS.''
Special presentations were also made to
long-serving staff members during the
dinner. Those with over 10 years ' service
received a plaque, and gold watches were
received by Renmark panel shop Manager
Gerrit Schepel (38 years) and Berri Service
Manager Bob Scarlett (30 years).
Ross 0 'Hara, used car consultant at Noble
Holden [Gosford, NSWJ, recently received his
1 0-year Master Sales Guild recognition award
from Zone Manager Doug Hastie. Handing it
over, Doug told Ross it was the last consultant 's
award he would receive, having disqualified
himselfby being promoted to used car manager!
On hand for the double celebration were DP
DavidNoble [left} and general manager Rodney
Neale.
Phil Rosenthal (left) ofRosenthal Motors,
Renmark and Jim Rosenthal (right) ofRosenthal
Bros. , Berri, received twin SDS Senior Level
awards from National Service Manager
Peter Pavey.
Western Australia 's best-performing sales
consultant Jeff Coen (left) ofMetro Motors,
Morley, had his 22 years of Guild membership
recognised with this presentation by Zone
Manager Trever Warnes at the annual WA.
Master Sales Guild Dinner. District Manager
Allan Inkpen (background) Jed the applause.
Against the background of the Parramatta
Stadium, home of the Rugby League Eels,
Blacktown dealer 1bny Garnett delivers two new
Statesman seda.ns. 1bny (left) - a Director of
Parramatta Rugby Leagues Club and a member of
the Parramatta Stadium trust, congratulates
Denis Fitzgerald, (centre) a fanner RL
International and Eels General Manager and
football committee member John White, a
Holden fleetowner, on their choice.
Well done, Ross! The dealerprincipal of
Ross Gray Holden, Bundaberg, Qld, is presented
with the bronze "World In Hand" sculpture that
signifles his dealership's status as an SDS Master
Level Service Centre. Ross says the award,
presented by National Service Manager Peter
Pavey (right) "is particularly pleasing as it is
recognition from General Motors that we are on
the right track. "
Victor Cahill (Ron Poyser Holden, Bendigo)
began selling Holdens in 1948. Except for a
10 year break when he ran his own business,
he's done so ever since. On Victor's recent
retirement, the dealership presented him with an
outdoor setting and Victorian Zone awarded a
plaque. From left: Geoff Wilkins (Vic Zone),
Ron Poyser, the Cahills, Chris Payne (Vic Zone).
GRAND MASTER
�..
Morning after the silver service night before.
Sunlight streams across the Rainbow Valley
campsite.
Consistency has its rewards, as Doug Barton can
verify. His Wynnum (Qld) dealership has once
again attained SDS Master Level status - and
Zone Manager Brian Mynatt (left) presented him
with the recertification certificate to prove it.
Dealership mascot Rory looks on as Rod Owens,
DP of Geissler Motors (Goulburn NSW) hands a
Panasonic video recorder prize to local
pastoralistBill Crace, who won it during the
Calais Test Drive promotion (yes, he did buy a
Calais). Rod, searching for a lion as good as Rory
for 8 years, finally found him during a Business
Management Group sojourn in Hawaii earlier
this year.
When he's not qualifying for a berth in the
prestigious Hawaiian Ironman Triathlon
Championship - a great performance in the
Australian Championships in April earned him
that - Greg Ball is qualifying as a member of the
equally prestigious SDS Master Level Dealer
group. Marketing DirectJJr Rob McEniry (right)
made the presentation in April.
Our apologies to Dennis Nissen, dealer
principal of Dennis Nissen Motors in Crows
Nest, Queensland. His dealership's outstand­
ing performance during 1989 earned him
membership of the elite Holden's Grand
Masters . . . but his name did not appear in
the listing published in the last issue of
UpFront.
It seems that Dennis was inadvertently
left off the Group 6 listing we received due to
confusion over that Crows Nest address.
Also unaccountably missing from the
list, deserving an apology and hearty
congratulations was Group 1 Grand Masters
achiever Motors (Hobart).
9
DEALER NEWS
GM WORLD
Bangkok Launch For VN
CHANGES AT GMNZ
Thai buyers visiting the Bangkok
International Motor Show in late April had
their first look at the VN Commodore, which
goes on sale through Phra Nakorn
Automobile Ltd in August.
Export Operations Manager John Leigh
was present for the launch, which he said
attracted a great deal of attention and
interest. "A considerable number of orders
were taken at the Show" he said. "Even
though the VN is not in production in
Thailand until July. Another interesting
order, I might add, came from her Royal
Highness, Crown Princess Soamsawali, who
formally opened the Motor Show. She was
most impressed with the Camira Wagon they're still in production in Thailand and purchased one for her personal use as
family transport."
It is expected that a considerable
number of the VNs - available in a 2 litre
version as well as the 3 . 8 litre - will go into
the vehicle fleets of major customers. These
include Thai International Airlines, where
they'll be used for limousine service, the
Thai Highway Patrol - as pursuit cars - the
Thai Army, and smaller company fleets.
"We think that demand will initially
exceed supply," says John, "but the introduc­
tion of improved production capacity should
be able to supply the anticipated increase in
demand for these vehicles."
Phra Nakorn Automobile Limited has
approximately eight dealerships and service
centres throughout Thailand.
An allied company, Bang Chan General
Assembly, builds the Camiras and Commodores
from CKD vehicles and engine packs exported
by GMHA and HEC. As regulations require
that half the product materials are sourced in
Thailand, locally produced content includes
items such as door and window glass , seat
frames, seat trims, electrical wiring , radiators
and starter motors.
John Leigh says the South Pacific
market is becoming increasingly competitive.
"Japanese and European luxury vehicles are
now being marketed aggresv
si ely in
Thailand and competitive pricing has Calais
directly up against them. Lower level
models, such as Berlina are virtually fully
equipped with up-spec features to be
competitive. The fact that they are, that we
hold our own, speaks well of the quality of
vehicle build and its performance levels.
"The cars' reliability is also a factor,
and resale value is good. It's all backed up by
the excellent service provided by Phra Nakorn,
whose production people and service tech­
nicians are trained by GMHA. They regularly
attend GMHA plants and service schools
here, and we provide a regular back-up
service on site in Thailand."
Holden's have had an excellent history
in Thailand over the seven years or so our
vehicles have been built and sold there. With
one of the developing world's strongest
growth economies - the GDP has averaged
over 7 per cent per annum growth in real
terms for the last 20 years - Thailand has
many opportunities to offer. This is
evidenced by Holden's market growth from
an average 1 50 units annually to the point
where the 1990/91 target is 2 , 500 V-series
cars.
The majority of these will be 2 litre
versions, as local surcharges put the 3 . 8 litre
engine in a much higher price bracket.
BACCHUS MARSH VICTORIA
Frank Sinatra and friends, eat your hearts out!
This group ofhappy Sandgropers snapped at
John Bagshaw 's farewell dinner have formed
their own Rat Pack - but let's hope we never
have to hear them sing. From left, RatPackers
are Mark Lawrence (Wanneroo), Dennis Loader
(Osborne Park), Thrzy Cooke (Victoria Park) and
Brian Bartrop (Midland).
Three cheers for Statesman. New boys at the
retail game, DP �ndon Fogarty [centre} and
Simon Kerzy [right} of Colin Watson Holden,
Traralgon, VIC. , threw a party for their Ill'St new
vehicle launch . Amongguests was GMHA
Merchandising Manager Don Bowden, who came
along to provide his former colleagues with some
support.
The guy in the lion suit said "Come on in!" and
they did - giving West City Motors (Blacktown
NSW) its best weekend's trading for 6 months.
DP They Garnett says it's allpart of ongoing
6th Birthday celebrations. They involve, among
other things, a huge cake made ofballoons,
balloons cascading out ofa giant champagne
glass - and enthusiastic staff dressed in clown
suits with full watpaint. Most effective as
attention-getters, according to Thny.
When you invite people to take a look at
your range and "kick a few tyres", it's only
to be expected that some of them will take
you literally. (see photo)
---EiJIIQ]
Eight white Nova SLX hatches with auto and
air . . . to go. These werejustpart ofa 15-strong
City ofPerth vehicle tender won in May by
Youngs Holden of Victoria Park. Fleet consultant
Wes Hartley (pictured) tells us the rest was made
up of VN Executive sedans and a wagon, two
Calais and an Apollo wagon. Only five of the
15 vehicles traded were Holdens.
A big welcome to the following new
Holden dealers . . . you've got yourselves the
best new car franchise a person could
possibly take on!
leo Papalia.,
Bega Valley Motors, Bega, NSW
Ken Casson,
Ken Casson Motors, Grafton, NSW
les Va.gg (gee, that name's familiar)
Vagg & Partners Holden, Moss Vale, NSW
Alan Rogers,
Alan Rogers Motors, Swan Hill, Vic
10
The AEHF has twenty-six metropolitan
and rural member clubs nationally, all
bristling with proud owners of the first two
Holdens - the 48-2 15 - referred to variously
as the FX or 48 - and the FJ.
Well cared-for sedans, utes and panel
vans are currently being entered in a range
of different categories, arranged according to
modifications. Classes range from ' 'Show
Class' ' - precious items which arrive on
trailers; ' 'Stock class' ' (original, or restored
original); and "Improved Stock " to "Street
Custom' ' : ' 'Mild Street Custom' ' and finally
"Wild Custom".
The National Titles programme
indicates a ' 'something for everyone' ' spread
of events and activities, highlighted by a
Grand Parade through Bacchus Marsh. Also
planned for participants, most of whom will
be eccupying special campsites, are Show 'n
Shine events, Motorkhanas, lnterclub Sports,
a Thuring Rally, a dance - and any number of
social get-togethers. On Saturday December
29th a big Show 'n Shine will be open to the
public from l O am to 5 pm.
David Smith is President of the Early
Model Holden Club of Victoria, Inc. a group
which would be fairly representative of
affiliate organisations in other States.
He says the club had its origins just on
20 years ago when a small group of early
model owner/enthusiasts decided to
formalise their backyard working get­
togethers. The club now has 48 members
ed from 16 to 60 who have the opportunity
to attend the 1 7 or so outings arranged
annually. Around 24 of the club's cars are on
the road, the others in various stages of
restoration or repair.
Apart from the restoration and
preservation of the two earliest Holdens,
David Smith explains that a major aim of the
club is ' 'to encourage young people to
become interested and involved in something
constructive. Often the public perception of
car clubs is that they're inclined to be
'cliquey', but we do our best to make
everybody welcome.' '
Evaluation Day Pays Off
NEW DEALERS
HRH Princess Soamsawali of Thailand, with
GMHA Export Operations Manager John Leigh,
inspects VN Commodore at the Bangkok
International Motor Show.
GMHA is the major sponsor of the
Australian Early Holden Federation's lOth
National Titles.
They're to be held over the four days
between Christmas and New Year in Bacchus
Marsh, Victoria, and organisers expect a roll­
up of 1 80-200 vehicles.
Peter Sandow,
Peter Sandow Motors, Hamilton, Vic
Kevin McDermott
McDermott Holden, Bowen, Qld
In April, General Motors New Zealand
announced plans for a major restructuring of
its operation.
Local assembly of passenger cars is to
be phased out by the end of this year. Truck
production will continue at the 'frentham
plant, largely due to favourable tariff rates
and transportation costs versus built-up
trucks.
In line with New Zealand's Motor
Industry Plan, the company has moved in
recent years towards increased importation
of fully built-up passenger vehicles. This
year will see less than half of its sales of
passenger and light commercial vehicles
sourced from locally assembled vehicles.
As the company relies heavily on Australian­
sourced product, the absence of a tariff
differential between locally assembled and
fully built-up vehicles makes it no longer
viable to assemble them in NZ.
The restructuring is expected to see the
current staff level of 585 reduced by about
half. Job losses will come from both manu­
facturing and administrative areas over
the next 15 months.
Quickies . . .
By the end of 1992, 9, 700 GM dealer­
ships in the US will each have sprouted a
Pulsat network satellite dish for rapid
information exchange with GM divisions.
The network will provide two-way data
transmission and video transmission from
GM to all dealers to help them provide a
faster, more accurate response to customer
sales and service needs.
•
•
On June 18 a gunman with a semi­
automatic rifle killed seven employees and a
customer at a GMAC office in Jacksonville,
Florida. Five other people were wounded in
the rampage before the gunman killed
himself. In January GMAC repossessed a
Pontiac from the man, who had a violent
criminal record.
•
•
•
Non-air spare tyres could soon be with
us. Uniroyal-Goodrich in the US began work
on a non-pneumatic spare at the request of
GM and have come up with a product which
matches the current operation of compact
spares. It can't lose air pressure when stored
ready for use, it eliminates punctures, weighs
10 per cent less than compact spares and can
be stored in a smaller area . . . even inside a
door. It's made of polyurethane cast in a web
and spoke design and coated in conventional
tread rubber.
•
•
•
The Corvette ZR-1 recently set three
new world endurance records. These
included a new 24-hour average speed of
283 kmlh , 24 km/h faster than the previous
record set all of fifty years ago.
•
WA Zone Fleet Manager Thd Ballantyne
wasn't too concerned, however. His Product
Evaluation Day invitation to government
department purchasing officers was taken up
by over 100 people. They kicked tyres,
twisted knobs, tested seats, revved motors
and snaffied brochures as instructed . . .
and for a good result.
"The idea was to have a full range of
products on display and for guests to drop in
any time as and when their workload
dictated, have a chin wag and a few test
drives," says Thd. "It all resulted with the
following orders being placed: 1 NKR-200
Flat Low truck, 3 Rodeo Utes, 6 Apollo
Wagons and 2 DLX Jackaroos . . . not a bad
effort as a result of exposing goods to
potential buyers! "
•
•
•
A US company specialises in gadgets
which plug into a car's 12-volt system.
We know all about such things as electric
jugs and even shavers . . . but would you
believe a toaster, a hairdryer, or that absolute
essential, a popcorn maker? And for just
$379. 99, another company will install an
electronic signboard on your rear window.
It delivers pithy messages of your choice to
the unfortunates travelling behind.
•
•
•
General Electric is working on a system
that will replace all of a car's light bulbs
with a single central lighting system. The GE
system "pipes" the light through a fibre­
optic distribution system. There are no wires
or bulbs to burn out and GE says the system
has four times the efficiency of incandescent
bulbs. It allows for smaller headlights, and
encourages more aerodynamic design.
•
•
•
New Thrbo Diesel For The Man
On The Land
IGM engineer Gary Hawkins knows his
Rodeos inside out and back to front - and
he's just as clued-up on competitive vehicles.
When he makes a statement, you 'd better
believe he knows what he's talking about!
Although the recently-released 2 . 8 litre
turbo diesel has been designed for industrial
as well as rural markets, it is, according to
Gary, "absolutely ideal for the man on
the land."
He says that IGM has used its
experience of Australians' needs and its
expertise in truck technology to produce a
vehicle that is really responsive to varying
conditions in rural areas . "The turbo
capitalises on traditional diesel advantages
by providing a powerful engine for lugging up
hills . Our new Rodeo is also anything but
sluggish on the open road . . . and this in the
past has been a major disadvantage of diesel
engines. "Other vehicles in this market
segment have engines which are based on
light commercial designs," he continued.
"Our pioneering direct if\iection diesel
technology, used in one of the most popular
Isuzu truck engines in Japan, reinforces the
reliability and durability of the Rodeo - two
aspects which are relied upon by the man on
the land."
The 2 . 8 turbo diesel, available in
4x4 cab chassis and crew cab pick-up
models, develops 74 kW of power at 3800 rpm
(99 horsepower) and 225 Nm of torque of
2300 rpm.
According to Gary, there's nothing to
match it. "The 2 . 8 turbo is a gutsy
performer - whether you 're hauling heavy
loads on the farm or out on the open road.
You 've got a great combination of the
essential elements of power, reliability,
durability and comfort."
Golden Holden
Oldies Part 9 : The HD
Farmer's friend . . . the new 2.8 litre turbo diesel Rodeo with optional stock crate body.
"BEDFORD SPECIAL"
IS RAY'S PRIDE AND JOY
A 10-year labour of love by Tasmanian
Ray Munro has transformed a 1 975 Bedford
Van into a six-wheel "one off" special that is
currently swivelling heads on a round­
Australia ramble.
A determined do-it-yourselfer Ray first
built a 34 ft caravan and then decided he
needed a prime mover more practical than
his HQ panel van. Work on the Bedford
commenced in 1979 and it was fmally
approved for registration last year.
Specification details run to a closely-typed
five pages . . . this man is a stickler for detail!
Modifications to this V8-engined
machine, which features a Holden Thrbo
400 automatic transimission linked to a
Spicer Joey gearbox, include plenty of
pirated WB Statesman parts. The front end
is all Statesman, as are the headlights, tail­
light assembly, bumpers, radiator, and trims
on all 1 2 wheels, van and caravan. Ray says
that independent suspension and electric
brakes on all six wheels enhance towing
characteristics and safety, adding that the
Bedford tows the big caravan with ease,
averaging 49 mph and 1 3 . 76 mpg.
Let The Sun Shine In
' 'The sunroof that delivers more square
inches of sky" . . . that's what they say about
the high quality new accessory developed for
fitment to new Statesman and Caprice.
The Golde electric sunroof has a
recommended retail price of $ 1 ,895 and
features fully retracting glass with infinitely
variable positioning, tilt venting, an
automatic wind deflector and a slim cassette
module design that offers as much as one
and a half inches more headroom than other
electric sunroofs.
The HD had a re-styled body, broader
and longer than previous Holdens, but the
range is widely remembered for the fact that
it introduced the X2.
Available as an option for all models,
the X2 was derived from the 1 79 . It developed
105 kW (19 kW up on standard) and featured
twin carburettors, a high performance
camshaft, new inlet (water heated) and
exhaust manifolds, new crankshaft bearings,
new air fJ.lter, modified ignition advance and
a low-restriction sports exhaust.
HD X2 models also came with additional
instruments - ammeter, oil pressure and water
temperature - and special identity badges.
By virtue of bigger dimensions and
curved body panels, the HD offered
substantial increases in passsenger and load
space. Equipment levels were higher, the size
of the brakes was increased by thirty per
cent and they were self-adjusting for the first
time. A smoother Powerglide automatic
transmission, which featured a hydraulic
converter and planetary gears, replaced the
Hydramatic; another innovation included the
use of an alternator instead of a generator for
the electrics. The HD options list included
front-wheel disc brakes and a vinyl roof.
The curved body panels were
complemented by clean contours - the
windscreen was swept back with more glass
The redesigned dash sports around
2 1 different gauges and warning lights.
There are also long-range driving lights,
flood lights, fog lights, clearance lights,
12 hazard warning lights, high-mounted
tail/stop/indicator lights, electric horns, air
horns, a sunshade fashioned from the
leading portion of an EH bonnet . . . and yes,
even a trip computer!
How do we know all this?
Ray 's so proud of his baby - "designed in
accordance with consultations and
recommendations ofGMH engineers" - that
he brought it along to Fishermans Bend
during a Melbourne stopover to show it off.
Happy touring, Ray.
Thchnical Specifications
MODEL: 1965 HD sedan, 1 78, 927 built
from 1 965-1966.
DIMENSIONS: Overall length 180 in. ,
width 70 in. , height 59 in . , wheelbase
106 in. , track , front 54, rear 54 . 5 in . , weight
2595 lbs approx.
ENGINES: 149, 1 79 and 1 79 X2 OHV sixes.
POWER OUTPUT: 100 bhp at 4400 rpm
(149), 1 15 bhp at 4000 rpm ( 1 79), 140 bhp at
4600 rpm ( 1 79X2).
'IORQUE: 145 lb. ft. at 2000rpm (149),
1 75 lb. ft. at 1600 rpm ( 1 79), 1 78 lb. ft. at
2200 rpm ( 1 79X2).
COMPRESSION RATIO: 8.8: l for 149, 1 79
and 1 79X2 .
TRANSMISSION: Three-speed manual
with synchromesh on second and third.
Column mounted shift lever. Powerglide two­
speed automatic with column mounted shift
lever.
SUSPENSION: Front: independent coils,
control arms, stabiliser bar, shock absorbers.
Rear: semi-elliptical leaf springs, shock
absorbers.
BRAKES: Four-wheel hydraulic, drums,
self-adjusting.
PETROL TANK: 1 1 . 5 gallons.
WHEEL SIZE: 3x4 . 50.
Do You Own a Collectable Holden?
Lucky you if your Holden is on motoring
historian and classic car expert Cliff
Chalmers's list of most collectable cars His
guide to what one should pay for a classic car
is entitled Maldng Money From Collectable
.
Cars (Marque Publishing Company, $24. 95).
Although some may think of
collectables only in terms of Bentley, Benz,
MG andPorsche, Chalmers's book demonstrates
that many cars which were common in their
day are now commanding tidy sums. He cites
scarcity as the major reason.
The 48-2 1 5 Holden has long been
sought-after, as we all know, but Chalmers
says the FB and EK are now bringing good
money as well . In 1992 , he predicts that the
FB will command about $7000.
Custom-built Bedford Special and caravan .
area than the EH, the rear window was
concave. Inside, the HD had much wider
seats, a new fascia panel with circular
instruments, new steering wheel and safety
door locks.
Fooling around (there was plenty of that going
on!) at Club Medin Bali was Chris Merridew of
Motors Hobart. He was among 150 Bali Break­
away winning sales consulflJ.nts andpartners
who el!ioyed a great break there in May.
NEW FROM HSPO
III I I
I I III
PARTS� EXPRESS
II I I I
I I I II
A 1 968/69 (HK/HT) Monaro in good
nick, valued at around $9600 in 1 985, will
bring $ 1 7,000 in 1 992 , and it may pay to
keep an eye on the HZ Monaro as well.
A 'Ibrana A9X is worth much bigger
bickies. During the mid-eighties, A9X prices
were around $ 1 4 , 000. They rose from
$ 1 7,000 - $20, 000 in 88/89 and good
examples are expected to fetch $26,000
in 1 992.
� \ Numbtf \ jllly \990
Look in your letterboxes for this new
publication from Holden's Service Parts
Operations. Its provides newsy, up to date
info on Holdenwise activities, highlights
various new parts and special buying
opportunities and offers regular competition
prizes. Around 42 ,000 copies will be
delivered quarterly to trade customers and
Holden dealers nationwide.
Chalmers defmes car collectors in a
number of categories. There are enthusiasts
who usually buy the classics, maintain or
restore them, use them or place them in
museums, mostly with no intention of selling
them, except when tempted by an offer they
can't refuse. Others are nostalgia buffs who
buy to preserve a feeling for the past,
perhaps reflected in a special model.
Others simply buy to make money . . . and
these examples show that you don' t
necessarily need big dollars to grab a piece
of the action.
IGM MOVERS
Paul Fischer is appointed Dealer
Development Manager, Tlucks and Light
Commercials.
John Storck is appointed Light Commercial
Fleet Manager, Southern Region.
Ron Hailes is appointed National Light
Commercial Sales Training Manager.
Published quarterly for Holden dealers,
customers and suppliers.
Readers are encouraged to submit news items
and photographs forpossible publication.
Ediror: Kay Jeeves
Pemberton Publicity Services
124 Bridport Street
Albert Park, Vic. , 3206
Phone: (03) 690 6627, 6993470
Fax: 690 5132
11
MOTORS PORT
250,000 SEE AlJSCAR DEBUT IN lJ.S.
TWo VN AUSCAR Conunodores piloted
by race drivers Brad Jones and Terri Sawyer
took the Americans by surprise when they
ran demonstration laps in front of 250,000
spectators at Charlotte Motor Speedway,
North Carolina, in late May.
What stwmed the good 'ole funs was
the fact that the Aussie invaders ran in
reverse direction to the U.S. born-and-bred
NASCARs.
It's explained simply by the fact that
AUSCARs are right-hand drive, and the rules
insist that the driving position be located on
Holden racers Win Percy, Larry Perkins,
Neil Crompton and Mark Gibbs have spent
most of the 1990 Shell Ultra Australian
'lburing Car Championship series hounding
the turbocharged Sierras and Skylines.
Out-gunned in the power/weight
department, the home-grown V8s have
nonetheless been consistent point scorers at
each round and have displayed the durability
needed for the forthcoming long-distance
races.
Mter opening the season with a couple
of good results, things looked bad for Percy at
the Phillip Island [Vic] third round when he
put the HRI' Conunodore off into the scenery
during practice.
An all-night repair job ensured that the
car was ready in time for the race and Percy
repaid his crew's efforts with a storming
drive which saw him up to fourth before a
tyre stop dropped him to seventh. Perkins
finished a place behind after a first-lap
accident delay.
Round four at Winton had Percy among
the leaders before a minor electrical problem
grounded the cat. Perkins was first Holden
home in seventh.
Bouncing back at Lakeside [Qld] Percy
took out a superb third outright. At Mallala
[SA] Crompton stepped aboard the HRI'
the safer, infield side of the track . Hence
AUSCARs run clockwise and left-hand drive
NASCARs run anti-clockwise.
Melbourne's Kim Jane fared best of the
Aussies at Charlotte when he steered his
Buick NASCAR into 15th place behind
winner Robby Faggart in the Sportsman
100 Preliminary. Over 80 cars had attempted
to qualify for the race. Terri Sawyer had no
luck when she happened upon a 14-car
tangle in her Sportsman race. With nowhere
to go except into a concrete wall, Terri
damaged her Chevrolet too badly to continue.
AUSCAR VICTORY OURS
MANCE TO SPONSOR NASCAR TEAM
Holden driver Bradley Jones was
crowned the Goodyear AUSCAR Sununer
SerillS Champion in a nail-biting final at
Calder Park Thunderdome in early May.
Going into the race, Jones looked a near
certainty.
He only had to bring his VN in better
than 15th place in the 39-car field, while
rival Steve Harrington [VL Conunodore] had
to win.
All went well for Jones until just short
of the two-thirds distance mark, when he
spun the Conunodore. A second spin three
laps later and a tyre change put him into
18th place while Harrington made a break
up front.
Jones made ground slowly mid-field and
hauled himself up to 14th spot while a great
four-way battle for the lead raged between
Harrington, Marshall Brewer [Conunodore] ,
Mike Oliver [Conunodore] and Kim Jane
[Falcon] .
In the fmal-lap run for the flag, Falcon
and Conunodore touched lightly and Brewer
nosed ahead, victorious by less than a tenth
of a second.
Conunodore drivers took off the top 15
places in the crowd-pleasing AUSCAR series.
Footscray (Vic) dealer Alan Mance will
sponsor the NASCAR Pontiac raced by Kyle
Petty, son of legendary US Racer Richard
Petty.
Mance and car owner Warwick DeRose
will refurbish the Pontiac completely and
intend to have it up and running in a
Commodore 'skin' by the opening race of the
1990/91 NASCAR season on September 23.
Driver will be Conunodore AUSCAR
frontrunner Steve Harrington and Alan has
confmned that the crew manager will be
none other than GMHA's Grant Steers.
A former power behind the HDT scenes
and Brock ex-confidant, "The Spearhead"
returns to pit lane after a four-year absence.
GM EuroSport is planning an all­
female attack on this year's round of the
World Rally Championship to be held outside
Perth in September.
Their Vauxhall Astra rally car will be
piloted by Louise Aitken-Walker and
navigator Tina Thorner, two women
recognised as among the most competent
performers in world motor sport circles.
Aitken-Walker, a Scot, was 1987
Autosport Rally Driver of the Year and
Sweden's Thorner has competed in over
50 international rallies.
Corrunodore and came home sixth after
ef\ioying an entertaining scrap with Perkins,
who dropped to seventh after a tyre change.
Percy and Perkins finished fifth and
seventh respectively in the penultimate
round at Wanneroo Park [WA] .
The fmal at Oran Park saw Nissan take
the title in front of a sell-out 32 , 000 crowd.
Percy's race was memorable in that he
had a clutch failure on the start line and
drove the entire race without using his left
foot to finish in a creditable sixth place.
Both Perkins and Gibbs came off second best
in separate panel exchanges to fmish down
the order.
Percy's skill and consistency through
the series saw his HRI' Conunodore fmishing
eighth on the A'ICC points table, with
32 points, while Perkins was in eleventh
position on 16 points.
Win is confident of a good showing at
Sandown and Bathurst.
' 'Anyone taking us lightly will be
making a big mistake' ', he claimed.
' 'Our performances have improved
through the year and we've gradually closed
the performance gap on the turbo cars ' ',
he said.
' 'I believe the team will give Bathurst a
big shake' '.
·
KANE LEADS FORMULA HOLDEN
SERIES
Sydney youngster Simon Kane leads the
Australian Drivers Championship after four
races.
Driving a Ralt-Holden, he opened the
new season for the Formula Holden class in
fine style, winning the first round of the
prestigious ADC series at Phillip Island [Vic]
from pole position.
The next round at Winton [Vic] went to
John Briggs' Ralt-Holden, and Amaroo Park
[NSW] saw Mark Poole in a Shrike-Holden
take off the third in this highly competitive
series. Kane took off second placing at both
Winton and Amaroo, stretching his series
lead.
Nissan factory racer Mark Skaife broke
through for a win at Mallala [SA] , while
Simon Kane's performance to finish third
was a real race highlight.
He started from pole, but was left on
the grid at the green light, unable to select a
gear. Away dead last, Kane flew through the
field to third, maintaining his points lead
from Poole, Briggs, Price and Skaife.
ANOTHER STAR IS BORN?
TWenty-year-old Steve Cosson of
Merrylands, (NSW) has won a $200,000
sponsored drive next season with the
NASCAR Real McCoy Oldsmobile team .
His Thunderdome best lap time of 30. 049
seconds won the NASTRAK fmal from 24
other contenders on June 30.
Steve gets full expenses paid, half
prizemoney, driving suit with all accessories
- and he gets to keep the car at the end
of the series!
...........HOLDEN