Oct - Holden Retiree

HOLDEN PEOPLE
October 2015
INSIGNIA BRINGS OUT COMPETITIVE STREAK / Page 16
SOUND OF
SUCCESS
COMMODORE VFII | PAGES 3&8
Driving excellence in the Barossa
Pages 4&5
Families flock to HSPO Open Day
Page 6
Holden to the rescue
Page 12
LEADERSHIP
MESSAGE
It is an honour and a privilege to have been appointed
Chairman and Managing Director of GM Holden.
My ties to Holden run deep, having joined the company
the same year we launched the legendary VL Commodore.
To have this job is a dream come true.
One of the reasons I am so excited to be here is because it comes
at such an important time in the history of our company. The
conclusion of manufacturing and reduction of engineering means
the years ahead will be very confronting and challenging, not least
for the people whose lives will be directly affected by our transition.
Let me again reiterate Holden’s commitment to doing all we can to
support those who will be leaving us as a result of this decision.
Something else I am committed to is making sure our company has
a future that all of us can be proud of in the years to come.
One of the ways I want to do this is to make sure Holden once
again has a culture of winning.
As I have made my way around our Holden sites I have been
continuously impressed by the incredible performance results that
the teams working at HVO and HEO are achieving. It is a wonderful
example for the rest of our business of what winning looks like.
In fact, great work is being done in all areas of Holden
each and every day.
Holden’s future will be built on three pillars: Customer Experience,
Product and Brand, and in all of these areas, Holden employees
are achieving great things. If we can continue to develop and
deliver on our plans in these key areas, driven by a winning
culture, Holden will be the best automotive company in Australia.
Mark Bernhard
Chairman and Managing Director
OUR
COVER
Lead Development Engineer
for the new Commodore VFII,
Amelinda Watt, shares her
pride, passion and belief in
the car widely hailed
as the best Commodore
ever produced.
Page 3
2 HOLDEN PEOPLE OCTOBER 2015
UNIQUE SOUND CHARACTER
DEFINES COMMODORE VFII
The launch of the
Commodore VFII is an
18-year Holden career
highlight for Lead
Development Engineer,
Amelinda Watt. Her
pride, passion and belief
in this car are palpable
and reflect the sentiment
of the various specialists
in the Engineering team
whose work she brings
together on this project.
SOUND OF SUCCESS
“We didn’t want to compromise the
refinement of the car so we had to work on
getting the good sound into the car. We even
have a unique patented exhaust tip that one of
our engineers, David Baillie, designed. Sadly
David lost his battle with leukaemia recently
and didn’t get to see the car launched, but
his legacy lives on in this project and what we
have dubbed the Baillie Tip,” she said.
Creating the most refined Commodore ever
made threw up an unusual challenge. Instead
of insulating the driver from the unique V8
note that defines this car, Amelinda and her
team sought to bring the sound into the
cabin using a bi-modal exhaust system and a
mechanical sound enhancer.
“It was really important to get a nice V8
sound character into the car. A lot of work
has gone into this to get the balance right
so it’s not too overwhelming, droning
or loud but cracks and rumbles, giving a
sound character that is absolutely unique to
Commodore VFII.
“We had a clear vision. We wanted to make
an awesome car,” Amelinda said.
“This is a driver’s car. The driving performance
is fantastic, it’s got plenty of power and sounds
great. Our mantra is that it must be fun to drive
and every time I let a set of keys out people
return with a smile on their face.”
“With the performance upgrades and the vehicle
exceeding our quality targets, it has to be the best car
we have ever produced.”
Mark Kinnaird, New Model Integration and Quality,
General Assembly, HVO
”The most exciting part of VFII has to be the way the
V8s sound with the new bi-modal exhaust. Pushing the
engine start button is a joy every time!
Employees, family and friends celebrated the launch of the Commodore
VFII at a gallery showcasing every model Commodore from the 1978 VB
to today’s VFII. Visitors seized the opportunity to have their photographs
taken alongside their new Holden hero.
“VFII is the perfect vehicle to honour the Australian
Commodore legacy. Its great looks, incredible features,
high performance and Aussie engineering make this the
best Commodore of all.”
James Linke, Project Engineer & Plant Asset
Team Lead – Plastics
3
DRIVING
EXCELLENCE
L – R: Brian Walloschek, Martin Lynch, Wes and Ann-Marie Hiller, Mark King, Carl and Laura Ford, Joe and Alide Caruso,
Nathan and Sarah Coombe, (opposite page) Ben and Rebecca Gibbs, Robert and Antoinette Litchfield, Tony and Janelle Marshall.
A picturesque drive through the Adelaide Hills to the Barossa Valley behind the
wheel of three local and imported Holden vehicles sounds pretty idyllic. Cap it
off with lunch at Jacob’s Creek winery and you have the perfect Sunday outing.
Ten employees from Holden Vehicle Operations and a colleague from the Adelaide
Collision Distribution Centre, also at Elizabeth, were invited to bring along a
guest and enjoy this exclusive Sunday driving event to recognise and reward their
outstanding work ethic. People spoke to three of them about their experience.
4 HOLDEN PEOPLE OCTOBER 2015
TONY MARSHALL
APS/GA SUGGESTIONS
COORDINATOR
“My wife Janelle and I had a memorable day
experiencing the Holden range. We got to
drive the Barina sedan, VF SSV Commodore
Redline sedan and ended the day in the
Cascada convertible. All three vehicles
were very comfortable and a pleasure to
drive. All were fitted with all the mod cons,
even some that I never knew existed.
“After experiencing the three vehicles,
I realise there is a Holden suited for
everyone’s different lifestyle.
“If I had to choose between them, which
is hard to do, I would be swayed to the VF
SSV Redline, knowing that it’s built locally
with pride and has all the technology and
gadgets that you would find in a top-class
vehicle. My wife wants to buy a Cascada!
“Lunch at Jacob’s Creek restaurant was
superb – sitting around the table discussing
the features and capabilities of the cars we
had been driving through the Barossa in
the morning, while enjoying the scenery
overlooking the vineyards and picturesque
hillside landscape, indulging in a delicious
three-course meal.
JOHN MILLER
ELECTRICIAN/CONTRACTOR
SUPERVISOR
ADELAIDE COLLISION
DISTRIBUTION CENTRE
“I drove the Insignia, the Sportwagon
and the Captiva with my wife Allison. I
enjoyed the Sportwagon the most. It has
outstanding handling and is roomy and
very luxurious. It really was a pleasure to
drive. The Captiva also had similar qualities
and you could see how well it would suit
large families. My wife’s favourite was the
Insignia which she thought was stylish and
chic and very technologically advanced.
“My wife Laura and I had a really good day
out and it was very much appreciated. Laura
is still on her UK licence so she couldn’t drive
but I drove the Cruze hatch, Commodore
SV6 and finished in the Colorado.
“The drive to Jacob’s Creek was very
enjoyable, going through the winding
corners in one of the most picturesque
places in South Australia. The winery itself
is beautiful, and the food was first class.
“The first section of the drive was the most
enjoyable, up in the hills through beautiful
scenery. The winery setting was really
lovely and the lunch was great. It was just a
shame I couldn’t enjoy a drink!”
“My workmates from around the different
plants were all very friendly and it made for
a really nice afternoon.”
“It was an unforgettable experience that
I truly appreciated. I thank management
for nominating me. It was a privilege to be
awarded this recognition.”
CARL FORD
5
FAMILIES
WELCOME
OPEN
DOORS
L – R: Vanessa Lee, Guy Buyers, Louise Turnbull, Kristen Fernandez, Carmen Mok, Claire
Cotsell, Patrick Roberts, Adelyn Gubatanga, Nigel Bognar, Luke Maunsell, Deb McIntyre.
Roary welcomed visitors.
Employees at Holden Service Parts Operations in Dandenong seized the
opportunity to showcase their workplace to family at the HSPO Open Day.
The busy National Distribution Centre is home to forklifts and other
equipment that does not mix well with children when it comes to
safety. However, in a recent Workplace of Choice communications
survey, many employees expressed regret at not being able to show
their children and partners where they spend their working hours
each day.
“We have some employees who have worked here for nearly 30
years but their children have no concept of what their workplace
looks like,” Continuous Improvement / Export Manager, Deb
McIntyre said.
Acting on this feedback, the Workplace of Choice Committee
masterminded a mini fair with rides, fairy floss, car displays,
warehouse tours and popular children’s favourites Elmo and Roary
adding to the fun.
6 HOLDEN PEOPLE OCTOBER 2015
“I had one of the greatest days of my working career
at Holden. Thank you for all the hard work you have
put in to make today awesome!”
Louie Labruna
“A good day for the whole family.”
Spiros Rousso
“I like to go on the rides.”
Sandeep Loodu’s son, Pegh
“I’ve had a lot of fun on the bungy run.”
Carli Wandmaker’s daugher, Charlotte
“A good family day out. The kids are loving it.”
Darren Becskes
RED HOT
RESULTS FOR
ICY BUSINESS
VENTURE
Experience as an elite athlete combines with
skills honed working at Holden in a booming
new business venture launched by former
Holden employee, Nik Kuzman.
Earlier this year Nik ended his 15-year career
as an operator in the plastics plant to pursue
his new business, Pride on the Line. In
partnership with his wife Danielle, Nik now
designs and manufactures ice baths that
are used in cold water therapy which helps
athletes in their recovery process.
“Danielle is a medical scientist who
understands the science behind this therapy
and I am an athlete who has been jumping in
and out of makeshift baths for years,” Nik said.
“Playing soccer at a semi-professional
level, I noticed a lot of athletes were using
everything from wheelie bins to drums and
old bath tubs – not a very safe practice.”
“I was working on a moulding machine one
day and it clicked that I had to develop a
safer, practical ice bath for athletes.”
Nik’s work at Holden exposed him
to manufacturing principles, quality
targets and standard operating
procedures that he now expects his
manufacturers to apply.
who are experts in their field,” he said.
Clearly Nik’s innovative thinking supported
by professional advice has paid dividends.
His ice baths are already in use at a number
of elite clubs across sporting codes
including Adelaide Crows Football Club
(AFL), Norwood Football Club (SANFL),
Melbourne Storm (NRL) and A-League soccer
clubs Adelaide United, Western Sydney
Wanderers, Perth Glory and Newcastle Jets.
Exports to date include cross-training
businesses in Sweden and England with
shipments to the United States about to begin.
“The business is going really, really well.
We have just developed a partnership with
one of the biggest manufacturers of ice
baths in the world so we are very excited
about that,” Nik said.
“We are currently ramping up production
and this has given us a lot of confidence to
move forward.”
The Holden work environment also supported
Nik with a high level of expertise on tap.
Having made a successful transition from life
at Holden to an exciting new chapter, what
advice does Nik have for those still to make
their move?
“I had access to engineers for advice on
the best moulding process for this product.
And one of the other great things gained by
working at Holden was finding out costs for
tooling and moulds and the best material
to use. I was able to get advice from people
“I think it is very important to be prepared.
Start thinking about what you want to do.
It may mean getting more education or
experience in whatever field you want to
pursue, but it’s critical to start thinking about
it,” he said.
7
COMMODORE
IT’S A HOLDEN!
101
COLD TEST TEAM
AT HOLDEN ENGINE
OPERATIONS
L – R: Sami Aydin (sitting on conveyor), Quang Tran (leaning on motor), Emilio Villanueva,
Cam Huynh (kneeling), Patrick Catanzariti, Bobby Tadic, Reynaldo Lingad.
Life is one big test
for Emilio Villanueva
and his team of six
at Holden Engine
Operations. The group
is responsible for the
cold test function that
every engine produced
must pass before
leaving the plant.
“Cold test means we don’t use petrol. We test
the engines by running them for a couple of
minutes up to 2,000 RPM. We monitor things
like oil pressure, engine coils and check the
engine is sparking properly,” Emilio said.
“Every engine has to go through a cold test
machine and if it doesn’t pass, it doesn’t
leave the plant.”
The reputation of Emilio’s team and the
broader engine plant is in the spotlight
worldwide. China, Korea, Brazil, Thailand,
Europe and the USA receive the 3.0 and 3.6
litre engines that also power the Holden
Commodore, while Germany is home to the
2.8 litre turbo Insignia engine that features
60 unique parts.
“Insignia is only a small part of the 50,000
units we ship from this plant each year.
We build up to 10 Insignia engines a day
along with the 3.0 and 3.6 litre engines
for Commodore and export. The biggest
difference is that the Insignia engine is turbo
charged and the only turbo we make. It’s a
smaller engine but has a lot more power,”
Emilio said.
10 HOLDEN PEOPLE OCTOBER 2015
Building a mix of engines keeps the team on
their toes as they chase their daily target of
240 perfect engines.
“When the Insignia is on the line, some
stations that were on bypass are activated so
we have more parts to assemble,” Emilio said.
“We are used to it and we know there are
extra brackets and different manifolds when
the turbo comes in.”
In his five years at Engine Operations, Emilio
has seen some changes to the engines
Holden produces.
“The biggest change would be the
manifold. We used to have aluminium
manifolds. Now, unless it runs on gas, the
manifold is plastic,” he said.
Like many inside the Holden family, Emilio
and his team are now accessing transition
services and considering their future after
the plant closes.
“A lot of our skills can be transferred. We
are pretty well trained here and can follow
instructions very well. Our attention to detail
is very good and that is an important part of
my job,” Emilio said.
WHO
DOES
THAT?
PETER JOHNSON
DURABILITY DRIVER
HOLDEN PROVING GROUND
Sitting behind the wheel of a car for up to eight hours a day may sound like
a chore to many, but for Holden Durability Driver, Peter Johnson, it’s a privilege
– particularly when it comes to the latest Holden Commodore VFII.
“We have two SS MY16 VFs down here at
present – an auto and a manual. It’s quite a
privilege to be driving what will be the last of
the V8s to be locally manufactured and this car
is certainly worthy of that honour,” Peter said.
“I reckon it’s a great car, much tighter and
a very smooth ride. I particularly like the
manual. It has a very nice gear box.”
Holden cars are tested over thousands
of kilometres to ensure a quality product
reaches the consumer. Durability drivers like
Peter are critical to that process and during
his five years at the wheel he has put a
variety of vehicles through their paces.
“The test schedule for each car involves
100 cycles of various modules such as the
rough track, circular track and simulated
city driving. Each car ends up with a
consistent test pattern. If anything breaks
or malfunctions during the process we
document that to be evaluated by the
engineers for appropriate action,” he said.
Australian drivers and driving conditions have
their own unique characteristics and local
durability testing delivers valuable feedback.
“I think local testing is very important.
Australian road conditions are unique in
places. A German-made car sitting on an
autobahn all day long is somewhat different
to it disappearing down a dirt road in the
back of beyond,” Peter said.
Peter confidently predicts the Commodore
VFII will honour the Commodore legacy and
deliver driving pleasure on any road.
“It is one of the best cars Holden has
produced in my experience,” he said.
11
EMERGENCY
SUPPORT
Holden continues its partnership with the Australasian Road Rescue Organisation (ARRO), donating 30 vehicles to the 2015 Australasian
Rescue Challenge. The current-model Holdens enabled challenge participants to hone their emergency response skills during a four-day
program of simulated emergency situations in Alice Springs. More than 1,000 Holden vehicles have been donated over the course of our 17year partnership with ARRO.
Hundreds of fire fighters, SES crews and police from Australia, New Zealand and Hong Kong participated in timed rescues and emergency
medical situations. After four days of tough competition, it was the team from Wollongong Fire and Rescue NSW that took out the Rescue
Challenge, with CFA Werribee winning the Trauma Challenge.
12 HOLDEN PEOPLE OCTOBER 2015
HOLDEN IN THE COMMUNITY
Holden volunteers Elizabeth Hannon and Isabella Nuske.
GREENING OUR WORLD
Holden volunteers planted 1,500 trees in an ongoing campaign to revegetate
an area of Bass Coast near the Holden Proving Ground.
Employees from HQ191, HSPO and the PG braved the cold to plant trees before
enjoying a barbecue lunch at a local farm house.
Customer Lifecycle Coordinator, Elizabeth Hannon, was among the group.
“I learned a lot about the local environment and how revegetation helps the
broader community,” Elizabeth said.
“We planted trees along the river banks that feed the water supply to Phillip
Island and San Remo and learned that the trees actually filter the water.”
Holden regularly volunteers with Landcare as part of our long-standing
partnership with the organisation and our commitment to give back to the local
communities in which we operate.
Holden’s Volunteering Program entitles all salaried employees to one paid day
of volunteering each year.
EDUCATION BOOSTS
CHILD SAFETY
Holden’s Buckle Up Kids program continues to educate parents to confidently
fit and make adjustments to child restraints to ensure the safety of their young
passengers. Started in 2001, the program continued this year with Holden
donating three Captiva 7 vehicles and the latest technology in Type G InfaSecure
car seats. Holden works with professional fitters who attend events to educate
parents at childcare centres in Victoria, South Australia and Queensland.
STEPPING UP FOR KIDS
Holden families joined primary school children around Australia in the Stepa-thon for Kids campaign to promote a healthy, active lifestyle. Holden is a
proud sponsor of the Murdoch Childrens Research Institute initiative that saw
kids across the country counting their steps and raising money for child health
research. Employees’ children who registered for the event each received $20
from Holden for their fundraising efforts. Holden collectively raised over $2,000
for the cause.
13
ME & MY CAR
BETHANY SMITH
CO-OPERATIVE STUDENT – IT
Even as a young
girl, Bethany Smith
liked cars.
“I watched the film The Italian Job as a little
girl and I wanted a Mini,” said Bethany.
“Someone in our neighbourhood was selling
an old 1970s model so my parents bought it
and Dad restored it. We painted it pink!”
Fast forward several years and Bethany,
about to graduate from her ‘Ps’ to a full
licence, has her eyes set on a bigger, more
powerful ride.
“When I started working here in January I
bought an SV6 Commodore because as
a P plater I couldn’t drive an SS,” the self
proclaimed ‘car girl’ said.
Bethany has added a bit of extra zing to her
manual red SV6 with a new ‘louder’ exhaust,
upgraded spoiler, Lightning Edition wheels
and black side vents.
Bethany is in her final year of Information
Technology studies at Deakin University.
When the opportunity to gain work
experience at Holden arose she jumped at it.
“The vents on the front will also be painted
when I can afford it,” she said.
“I didn’t apply anywhere else. I love cars and
IT so when this opportunity arose at Holden
it was perfect,” she said.
Cars, and in particular Holden cars, are
in Bethany’s DNA. An only child, she is
bookended by passionate car enthusiasts.
“For as long as I can remember, my parents
have shown cars. We still have two old
Geminis in the back of the garage. There has
always been a Commodore in the garage
too and Dad is working on another car at the
moment. Mum is just as passionate,” she said.
“Even when I was little we always went to
the Summer Nats. We go to the Bathurst,
Phillip Island and Darwin events.”
14 HOLDEN PEOPLE OCTOBER 2015
“I have learned so much since I’ve come
here, not just in IT but also all about Holden.
“When I ordered my car I was over every
day with the guys who had access to the
sales order management systems. It was
exciting watching it go through the various
build stages.
“Now I am looking forward to the MY16
Commodore VFII and if I’m still here next
year I will probably buy an SS.”
SERVICE HONOURS
JULY TO OCTOBER 2015
30 Years
10 Years
Corso,Frank9/07/85
Kennedy,Kathleen Ann
Huynh,Van Minh
1/08/85
Ristow,Dean Vernon
12/09/05
Charles,David John
9/07/85
Christianson,Rebecca Joanne
15/08/05
4/07/05
Fernando,Nikoli Therese
25 Years
Nguyen,De Tuan
23/07/90
Basic,Munevera11/07/90
MacLean,Peter Stuart
10/09/90
20 Years
6/07/05
Rolinski,Brett26/09/05
Arapov,Aleksandar12/09/05
Tsianakas,John4/07/05
Ciupek,Irena14/09/05
Maunsell,Luke Patrick
Blake,David Alan
28/08/95
Prabhakar,Sunil Kumar
3/07/95
Radziszewski,Arthur Robert
18/09/95
Nebert,Garry William
28/08/95
Nguyen,Viet31/07/95
Eagland,Stephen William
24/08/95
Dawkins,Philip Peter
7/08/95
Bassett,Patrick Glen
12/09/95
Tsakalis,Con28/08/95
Turner,Davin Roy
4/07/95
Vijayakulendran,Robert17/07/95
Boyd,Gary Thomas
25/07/95
Kohut,Andrew12/07/95
Weymar,Matthew Glen
18/07/95
Shugg,Jason Neville
8/08/95
Camp,Robert15/08/95
Page,Stephen Charles
5/09/95
Erlandsen,Richard John
5/09/95
Cruz,Patrocinio Rodriguez
15/08/95
Legrand,Nathan Drew
4/07/95
Wilmott,David Colin
4/07/95
Caporale,Giuseppe29/08/95
Finlay,Robert Warrender
15/08/95
18/07/05
Forza,Luca12/07/05
McKenzie,Rickie Allan
26/07/05
5 Years
Awad,Dina13/09/10
Flynn,Robert13/09/10
Dang,Christopher26/07/10
Balaramraja,Sudhakar26/07/10
Mahalingam,Ian Sasikumar
26/07/10
Spiers,Hannah28/09/10
Walker,Mervyn John
20/09/10
Edwards,Scott20/09/10
Dixon,Brendan27/09/10
Cottrell,Timothy David
27/09/10
Coughlan,Joseph Adrian
27/09/10
Lothian,Timothy Gavin
19/07/10
Magill,David James Henry
20/09/10
Furness,Kevin6/09/10
Buchan,Gregory James
2/08/10
Ursell,Matthew22/09/10
Thomas,Marc Robert Erric
22/09/10
Irabor,Gabriel Odiase
7/07/10
Davies,Laura Elizabeth
16/08/10
Lonsdale,Peter13/09/10
Moore,Howard6/09/10
Hayes,Mark Andrew
People is published by Corporate Affairs
for employees and retirees of Holden.
Journalist
Kate Arnold, Graphic Words Pty Ltd
Editorial Office
Holden Corporate Affairs
Layout and Design Bandits and Co
191 Salmon Street,
Port Melbourne, Victoria 3207
Photography
Bandits and Co
Simon Stanbury
Email holden.employeecommunications@gm.com
Service Honours
Stilianos Mavroudis, HR Business Partner
HRIT Phone (03) 9647 7816
Email HRIT.Holden@gm.com
GM Holden Retirees Club (Vic)
President, John Leigh
Email jleigh@netspace.net.au
20/09/10
Holden Online
Website holden.com.au
Facebook facebook.com/holdenaustralia
Printing The Printing Hub
GM Holden Woodville
Toolroom 25 Year Club
Secretary, Darrell Thomas
Email darrellt43@bigpond.com
Twitter @holden_aus
YouTube youtube.com/holdenaustralia
Instagram @holdenaustralia
LinkedIn GM Holden
15
INSIGNIA BRINGS OUT
COMPETITIVE STREAK
Holden employees put their driving skills through their paces under
the expert supervision of V8 Supercar champion, Garth Tander,
during a recent Insignia Drive Day at the Holden Proving Ground.
L – R: Claire Cotsell, David Winduss, Ryan Martin, Garth Tander, Anna Madjanski, James Orlov, James Linke.
“It was an amazing day. The guys at the Proving Ground
pulled out all the stops to look after us and make sure we got a
chance to really experience the car and what it’s capable of.”
Claire Cotsell
Business Partner – Human Resources
Seven employees scooped the prize pool
with their winning entries in a photo caption
competition that formed part of the Insignia
media launch. The photograph featured
Insignia ambassador and fellow Holden
Racing Team member, James Courtney, in an
icy setting in Queenstown, New Zealand.
Regrettably an injury precluded James from
attending the Lang Lang event.
“Given James was out of action at that time
I managed to take over a few of his duties
and enjoyed some of the benefits of being
an Insignia ambassador,” Garth said.
He joked: “Whilst I looked to be just sitting
in the car watching the employees, we were
secretly on a mission to see if we could find a
driver to replace James.”
Joking aside, Garth enjoyed his day inside
the comfortable cabin of the Insignia V6
Turbo with employees.
“We do make visits to Elizabeth and the
Proving Ground and we talk a lot about
the product, but we never actually get
to interact with the employees and the
product at the same time. That was the best
part of this day and it was cool to see them
and their passion for cars come to life,”
Garth said.
Each visitor drove two laps of the ride and
handling track with Garth before tackling
the slalom course.
“Being at the PG, there was plenty of
room so we were able to do this a bit more
spiritedly,” Garth said.
16 HOLDEN PEOPLE OCTOBER 2015
“The funny thing was that while there was no
stopwatch or prize on offer, human nature
being as it is, everyone tried to go as fast as
they possibly could. It really amused me to
see just how competitive they all were.”
Garth enjoyed his own time at the wheel of
one of Holden’s latest European models.
“The four-wheel drive is not something
we are used to in a Commodore, or a race
car for that matter,” Garth said. “It’s a nice
system and the car is very comfortable; even
in performance mode, it was a comfortable
drive and handled really well.
“I think it will appeal to the driver who has
an eye for the European market, someone
who might normally be in the Audi, BMW or
Mercedes market but doesn’t want to spend
those dollars.”