Celebrating 60 years of Holden. Feb 09

Commodorehas led the country's sales charts for the past 12 years and is on track toretain that title in 2008.

Over time Commodore has earned an enviable reputation with Australian motorists and overseas customers as the spearhead of a successful export program.

In Holden's 60th year, it delivers about 50 percent of its world-class cars to overseas markets including North America, South America, the United Arab Emirates, South Africa, Korea, New Zealand and Fiji.

From the seven million vehicles produced by Holden since 1948, more than 780,000 have been exported.

Over the past decade these export levels have increased, due largely to Commodore's on going improvements and its status as a vehicle of international standards.

These vehicles included:

Holden VX Commodore - 2000-2002
The VX Commodore was introduced to the Australian market just before the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games with an array of safety and engineering refinements. It also received styling changes to freshen an already successful design.
The V6 engine used recalibrated and more powerful electronics and there was considerable emphasis on feature upgrades.
The VX Executive and Acclaim continued with a bigger version of the twin port grille, flanked by new teardrop head lamps. They also received new bumper fascias, body-coloured rear décor panel transparent tail lamps and oval reflectors.
Commodore S and SS had a lower, more aggressive stance and bolder frontal design, while Berlina and Calais stood distinctly apart, courtesy of a wide grille, rectangular headlamps, slightly extended bumpers and differing rear-end treatment.
Steering wheel mounted sound system controls and CD player were standard on all models andso was ABS - a first for an Australian produced family car.
For improved side impact protection, centre pillars were redesigned, energy-absorbing foam was installed inside the doors, door trim profiles were revised and pull handles designed to break away on impact. The Series II VX introduced Control-Link IRS, which offered even greater stability, control and handling precision. The Holden Assist in car communications system was made optional on Calais.

VX Facts
Base price at introduction: $28,900 (V6 Executive sedan); $30,680 (V6Executive wagon); $34,530 (S sedan), $35,130 (Acclaim sedan), $38,260 (V6 Berlina sedan), $45,290 (SS sedan), $46,830 (V6 Calais), $50,820 (V8 Calais).
Total number built: 207,339
Models:Commodore Executive sedan and wagon; Commodore S sedan,Commodore SS sedan, Commodore Acclaim sedan and wagon, Berlina sedan and wagon, Calais sedan.
Engines: 3.8-litre ECOTEC V6 (152kW), 3.8-litre supercharged V6 (171kW), 5.7-litre GenIII V8 (225kW).
Transmissions: Five-speed manual gearbox, four-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission.
Dimensions (basic sedan): Length - 4891mm Width - 1842mm, Wheelbase - 2788mm

Holden VY Commodore - 2002-2004
With its stronger 'face', more angular lines and sharper rear-end detailing, the updated VY offered a fresh take on Commodore's styling themes.
All lines ran towards the strong trapezoidal grille, dominated by a chiselled lion symbol and bisected by a sports bar on performance models. A bolder, wider air intake reinforced the Holden graphic design theme recently introduced on the new millennium Monaro. VY also benefited from the most intensive vehicle engineering program Holden had undertaken since the development of the VT. Significant advances in chassis dynamics, build precision, powertrain and safety performance offered a new measure of refinement and improved drive character - exemplified by a new steering package with more positive feedback and improved off centre definition.
Occupant safety was enhanced by standard fitment of passenger airbags on all sedans and wagons, new load limiting seat belt retractors, re-optimised front airbags and structural reinforcements which reduced the risk of lower limb injury.

VY Facts
Base price at introduction: $30,880(V6 Executive sedan); $33,570 (V6 Executive wagon); $37,050 (S sedan), $37,510(Acclaim sedan), $39,410 (supercharged S sedan), $39,730 (Acclaim wagon),$40,490 (SV8 sedan), $40,850 (V6 Berlina sedan), $43,730(V6 Berlina wagon),$45,440 (V8 Berlina sedan) $49,490 (SS sedan), $48,250 (V6 Calais), $49,320(supercharged V6 Calais), $52,840 (V8 Calais).
Total number built: 241,909
Models: Commodore Executive sedan and wagon; Commodore S sedan, Commodore SS sedan, Commodore SV8 sedan, Commodore Acclaim sedan and wagon, Berlina sedan and wagon, Calais sedan.
Engines: 3.8-litre ECOTEC V6 (152kW), 3.8-litre supercharged V6 (171kW), 5.7-litre Gen IIIV8 (225kW, 235kW, 245kW).
Transmissions: Five-speed manual gearbox, four -speed electronically controlled automatic transmission.
Dimensions (basic sedan): Length - 4964 mm,Width - 1842mm, Wheelbase - 2788mm.

2000
-Holden gears up for a big year as Official Olympic Partner for the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games; its role includes supporting the Olympic Torch relay and supplying a 3,500 vehicle fleet.
-The Series II Olympic Edition Commodore is introduced.
-The Astra sedan is introduced.
-Holden and CSIRO showcase advanced, fuel saving hybrid-electric technology.
-Launch of the added value Olympic Edition Holden Ute.
-Holden's side impact safety research project wins Engineering Excellence Award.
-The Holden/CSIROE Commodore hybrid-electric concept car is unveiled.
-Series II Olympic Edition Vectra, Astra and Barina introduced.
-The VX Commodore and Calais launched in August.
-The retro Sandman panel van concept stars at the Sydney Motor Show.
-The Bargwanna/Tander V8 Supercar Commodore wins at Bathurst.
-Holden joins the Greenhouse Challenge
-The all new VU Holden Ute is released in December.
-Holden announces plans to establish a new V6 engine plant at Fishermans Bend.
-Holden confirms that the Commodore coupe will carry the Monaro name plate.
-All time record production at Elizabeth (133,016 vehicles) and Fishermans Bend (390,000 engines including 1 millionth V6) manufacturing plants.
-Holden Commodore is Australia's top-selling car for the fifth consecutive year.

2001
-The all new XC Barina and Zafira compact wagon are launched
-The 6 millionth Holden is produced at Elizabeth
-Holden is awarded the Windscreens O'Brien safety award for its side impact research program
-Holden is rated 4th (among Australia's top 100 companies) in Fairfax Good Reputation Index
-The Monaro sports coupe is launched at the Sydney Motor Show
-Holden and Kidsafe announce partnership to conduct first ever national child restraint safety inspection program
-Holden wins total market leadership for 2001 and Commodore is Australia's top selling car for the 6th consecutive year.

2002
-Holden sets all time sales record for an Australian car maker, wins total market leadership for 2002. Commodore is Australia's top selling car for seventh consecutive year.
-Launch of VY Commodore and Ute.
-All wheel drive production prototype, Cross8, unveiled at Melbourne Motor Show and crossover sports hatch SSX concept launched at Sydney Motor Show
-Holden becomes strategic partner in General Motors Daewoo Auto & Technology Company, taking 42.1 percent stake in the global company.
-Construction of high feature V6 engine plant building completed at Fishermans Bend - start of production planned for October 2003.
-Monaro wins the Australian Design Award in the Industrial Design Category and special accolade from Design Institute in its Industrial Design Selection.
-Holden commences child restraint research and test program with Monash University Accident Research Centre and runs first computer brain validation test for world leading study.

2002
-Holden's first major export program to US announced - 18,000 units per year for Monaro coupes prepared as the Pontiac GTO. Middle East export program for coupes also confirmed.
-Launch of all wheel drive Cruze.
-Announcement of $2 billion capital expenditure program from 2002 to 2006. Program expected to boost 2003 production by 21 percent.
-All new Combo compact van introduced
-Holden rates fifth amongst Australia's Top 100 companies in Fairfax Reputation Index.
-Holden ranked No.5 in Australia in the Reputation Quotient, a study of corporate reputations by Harris Interactive Australia.
-Holden named Australia's most trusted automotive manufacturer by Readers Digest
-Holden RacingTeam's Mark Skaife/Jim Richards V8 Supercar wins Bathurst 1000.

2003
-Plans announced to employ an extra 1000 people at Vehicle Manufacturing Operations in Elizabeth, SA, with commencement of a third shift.
-$200 million redevelopment of Holden's Fishermans Bend precinct announced.
-Launch of new generation Rodeo light commercial range in February.
-Holden continues emphasis on child safety, initiates free child seat inspection service.
-Launch of new generation ZC Vectra range
-WK Caprice and Statesman introduced.
-Holden Innovation R&D centre opens.
-Turbocharged Astra SRi and Convertible introduced.
-SS Commodore wagon introduced.
-Holden announces record 2002 revenues of almost $6 billion
-Launch of'reborn' Holden One Tonner cab chassis range in May.
-Third shift commences at Elizabeth Vehicle Operations in June.
-Launch of VY Series II Commodore, Berlina, Calais, Ute, One Tonner and Series III Monaro in August.
-Crewman four-door ute introduced.
-Adventra all wheel drive crossover wagon launched in September.
-October marks 50th anniversary of FJ Holden, 25th year of Commodore production.

2004
-One Tonner-based SST custom pickup, Holden designed and V8-powered Elfin sportscars unveiled at Melbourne Motor Show.
-Long wheel base export program to South Korea confirmed in March to start in early 2005.
-Holden and Monash University Accident Research Centre extend safety research program to Middle East; announce $1 million vehicle simulator upgrade to assist local safety research.
-Announcement of Global V6 engine plant capacity expansion to annual maximum of 240,000 units.
-Convertible Monaro engineering study unveiled, Holden concept cars from 1969-2003 displayed in May.
-Elizabeth manufacturing facility under goes major revamp in July as part of $400 million capital expenditure project.
-Holden Caprice named Saudi Arabia's 2004 Car of the Year.
-Holden reveals details of high feature, locally produced Alloytec V6 engine.
-Last ECOTEC V6 engine produced at Fishermans Bend in July.
-Upgraded VZ Commodore, Berlina, Calais, Ute Crewman, One Tonner and WL Caprice and Statesman launched in August.
-Free mobile child seat inspection service extended from Sydney and Melbourne to Adelaide.
-Holden Ltd and Saab Automobile Australia announced integration into a single business entity from 1 January 2005.
-260kW VZ Monaro and all-new AH Astra hatch released in September.
-Torana TT36 hot hatch show car unveiled in October at Australian International Motor Show, Sydney.
-Holden Commodore (Greg Murphy/Rick Kelly) wins Bathurst 1000 for sixth successive year.
-Fifty years of Holden exports milestone passed in November.
-Holden and CSIRO announce future powertrain research program.
-Commodore tops passenger car market for ninth consecutive year.
-Holden breaks single-year vehicle export record.

2005
-40th anniversary of General Assembly Plant opening at Elizabeth in January.
-One Tonner, Crewman Cross 6 models and Adventra V6 released February.

2005
Plans confirmed to import vehicles from GMDAT, South Korea.
-New corporate HQ at 191 Salmon Street, Port Melbourne officially opened in May; Statesman exports to GM Daewoo, South Korea, commenced.
-Company name changed to GM Holden Ltd, effective 1 June.
-40,000th Monaro based coupe sold, special edition CV8Z announced to mark final chapter of Monaro production.
-Astra 3-door coupe and wagon launched July, Tigra hardtop convertible in September.
-Holden Commodore (Mark Skaife/Todd Kelly) wins Bathurst 1000.
-New Viva and Barina model ranges launched, Efijy custom coupe, SX3 7-seater SUV concept unveiled at Sydney Motor Show in October.
-Four millionth Holden engine exported in November.
-Expanded GM global design role announced for Holden in December; Global V6-engined Rodeo announced.
-Commodore Australia's top selling car for tenth successive year.
-Holden sets all time vehicle export record with 60,158 sedans, utes and coupes shipped to global markets.

2006
-6.0L Gen IV V8 engine, the most powerful standard Holden engine ever offered, replaces Gen IIIV8.
-Last Monaro produced is auctioned for charity in February, fetches $187,600.
-Astra turbo diesel, T2X sports utility concept, Barina sedan unveiled at Melbourne Motor Show in February.
-Astra TD five-door hatches launched in June; Holden announces VE Commodore will be first to offer ESP safety technology across the range.
-Launch of new generation VE Commodore, Berlina and Calais in July.
-Launch of WM Caprice and Statesman in August; PM John Howard commemorates completion of a$532 million upgrade to the Vehicle Operations plant at Elizabeth, SA; Holden airship flies maiden voyage.
-First VE Commodore and WM export models shipped to Middle East.
-150 Global V6 engines worth $500,000 donated to Automotive Training Australia.
-Holden Captiva SUV range launched in October; dual fuel Alloytec V6 engine released.
-Astra Twin Top convertible and SRi hatch debut, H3 HUMMER previewed at Sydney Motor Show.
-Rick Kelly wins V8 Supercar Championship.
-Commodore Australia's best selling car for 11th successive year.

2007
-Mid-sized Epica sedan debuts at Brisbane Motor Show in February with April on sale date.
-New export market for VE sedans announced - SS Commodore to be sold in the US as Pontiac G8.
-Diesel version of Captiva SUV released in February.
-Rodeo range upgraded - adds new turbo diesel engine.
-In March Holden named Employer of Choice for Women for 3rd successive year.
-Exports to Korea of WM Caprice based model and Global V6 engine exports to China confirmed in April.
-VE Commodore and WM Caprice win Australian Design Awards in May.
-All new VE Ute range launched in August.
-Lang Lang proving ground celebrates 50-year anniversary in September.
-VE Commodore Sport wagon makes debut at Sydney Motor Show.
-Full production of Pontiac G8 sedan commences in December.
-Cadillac coming in 2008 arrived in December.

2008
-In the year of Holden's 60th anniversary, the company's export success continued to grow with announcements of the Holden ute-based Pontiac G8 sport truck and a high performance Pontiac GXP sedan heading to the US.
-The critically acclaimed 60th Anniversary Coupe 60 was revealed to a Melbourne Motor Show audience in March.
-The third Commodore body style from the VE platform is launched as the Sportwagon mid-year.
-November - 60th anniversary of Holden and model 48-215.