Published in The Daily Telegraph - 1 January 2003
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Our New Year's Resolution to
Australia 2002 was a great year for Holden. We have not only enjoyed considerable success in the showroom and on the race track here in Australia, we also made a significant impact around the world. Before we outline our resolution for 2003, let's review 2002. AUSTRALIA'S FAVOURITE CAR. Last year, we set a single year record for an Australian automobile manufacturer, with sales of more than 186,000 vehicles, while Commodore has remained the country's most popular car for an amazing 7 consecutive years. This continues our tradition as Australia's first car company, with more than 6.5 million Holdens rolling off the production line since 1948. A WORLD OF DIFFERENCE. One of our more ambitious plans is to make Holden a true global manufacturer. Australian designed and manufactured cars are making a big impression overseas. As well as increased shipments to New Zealand, Statesman and Commodore models are now exported to the Middle East, while the Monaro is set to take America by storm as the new Pontiac GTO. This international growth helps make a world of difference to Australia in economic terms. AN IMPRESSIVE TRACK RECORD. We have continued our success in motor racing. Holden dominated the V8 Supercar Championship, with Mark Skaife winning his 5th V8 Supercar title and Commodore it's 7th. Commodore won Bathurst for the 15th time and Monaro blitzed BMW, Ferrari and Porsche in the Bathurst 24 Hour race. While Jackaroo continued its off-road supremacy winning a 5th Australian Safari. LEAD THE FOLLOWERS. We believe in creating concept cars that become reality. Like the reborn Monaro that redefined the sports car market. In 2003, the Cross 8 cross-over utility will bring life to our All Wheel Drive technology, developed by Australians for Australia's unique conditions. And the SSX AWD sports-hatch is our vision for the future of Australian sports machines. At Holden, we don't believe in following trends, we create them. A HAPPY NEW YEAR AHEAD. This year, we will have 25 new vehicles and special editions - the largest array of new models we have ever launched in a single year. That includes nine completely new cars for Holden and Australia. The exciting new Cross 8 AWD ute and long-awaited 'One Tonner'. The new rodeo will redefine the workhorse market. The technologically-advanced new Vectra with new levels of prestige and refinement. The Barina and Astra range will also be modified, including new Astra turbo and convertible models. ADVANCE AUSTRALIA. We aim to keep Australia's first car company first. This includes our commitment to invest more than $2 billion in the future of Australia and create thousands of new jobs. We are also committed to giving back to the entire Australian community through our work in enhancing the environment, as well as an ever-growing involvement with many community projects. I would like to thank the 8,000 people who work at Holden, our Retailers and Suppliers, and wish every Australian the very best for 2003, as we drive on to the future.
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