SEPTEMBER 2008
GM CENTENARY
AND BEYOND SEVEN MILLIONTH
HOLDEN COMMODORE
BACK ON TOP
COMMEMORATIVE GM Centenary poster inside
NEWS
THE
FROM THE
CHAIRMAN’S VIEW I’ve been here for seven months now, and I’m still not sure what normal is! There are so many irons in the fire, and I continue to be amazed by how much we achieve together. It’s a privilege to be part of transforming Holden and Australia’s car industry. Market challenges here and around the world continue to force us to use creative ideas in order to achieve success in the business. It’s never been more important for us to stay positive about the business and focused on driving results. We’ve adopted a proactive mindset to address the challenges. We’re working with public policy makers on Industry Review decisions to ensure they understand how we intend to maintain Holden’s status as a thriving, sustainable business and key contributor to the Australian economy. Equally important is the work we’re doing with our union partners to negotiate a new Enterprise Bargaining Agreement. Both parties recognise the significance of having a competitive agreement that positions us well for investment opportunities. These efforts represent huge steps in ensuring our company’s sustainability. This issue of People Magazine will share other ways we are working to strengthen our future. One story features the views of Dr. Larry Burns, GM Vice President of Research and Development and Strategic Planning. During his visit with us last month, Larry discussed how our plans to provide Australian consumers a range of fuel saving and alternative fuel technology solutions are right on track with GM’s broader energy diversity strategy. It was great to have Larry here, and he makes this technology really exciting. It’s always important to celebrate our wins, and we’ve done this in style with the seven millionth vehicle ceremony at Elizabeth and our GM Centennial Day activities. What I liked most about these events was recognising what we accomplished while highlighting the steps we’re taking forward. The seven millionth vehicle was a 60th Anniversary Commodore sedan identified for dual-fuel LPG fitment. This was an excellent symbol of the actions we’re taking to provide locally developed solutions to reduce dependence on foreign oil and give customers more choice. Feel confident that we have a solid game plan to ensure Holden’s long-term success. We have a lot of reasons to be proud – just look at the impact Sportwagon is making in the marketplace. Plus, the GM Daewoo Veritas is a great addition to our export portfolio and another example of Holden’s reach and flexibility. We recently learned that Pontiac G8 made the short list for the North American Car of the Year Award and will participate in Motor Trend Magazine’s Car of the Year competition. Both of these are very prestigious honors. Please take your roles as Holden ambassadors seriously and actively talk up our company and vehicles. We have a good story to tell, and it’s getting better every day.
Mark Reuss Chairman and Managing Director
BOARDROOM Jason Laird Executive Director Corporate Affairs
I call it Taxi Lotto – the thrill of finding an available taxi in Canberra. This is part of the world of Corporate Affairs, supporting Mark Reuss as he works to secure a strong future for our industry as head of GM Holden and the peak industry group. There are so many issues in play, it makes your head spin. We’re playing Taxi Lotto to Parliament House and offices around the capital on a very regular basis. Over the past six months, we have been preparing for, submitting to, discussing and negotiating around the Government’s review of automotive policy arrangements after 2010. It’s a big, big deal because the Federal Government is extremely interested in our industry. The Prime Minister wants to lead a country that makes things (read: cars) and we naturally want to make good on that idea! The policy decisions by Prime Minister, Kevin Rudd and Industry Minister, Kim Carr fundamentally set our operating landscape for the next decade. As Mark has said, billions of investment dollars by GM, Ford and Toyota may hang on those decisions. Other issues include charging companies for carbon emissions, changes to the luxury car tax, fringe benefits tax, safety content, fuel efficiency, alternative fuel standards, LPG rebates and state governments wanting to set local laws on safety equipment, fuels and probationary drivers. It’s a jungle out there. We have a great story to tell and plenty of people wanting to listen. It’s just taking plenty of Taxi Lotto to get the message across. We’ll keep you posted on our progress.
Board welcomes
Director Dave GM Holden welcomes Dave Gibbons to the Board and role of Executive Director – Vehicle Operations. Dave has moved from the United States to Australia where he is based at Elizabeth and reports to GMAP Vice President of Manufacturing, Bob Moran and GM Holden Chairman and Managing Director, Mark Reuss. Dave began his career with GM at the Lordstown Assembly Plant in Ohio, USA and progressed through senior leadership roles in Engineering and Manufacturing. He was the President of Opel Eisenach for GM operations in Germany and most recently held the position of Plant Manager of Shreveport Assembly, Louisiana, USA. Dave’s appointment follows the retirement of Rod Keane. (see page 12).
COVER PHOTO: GM Holden employees joined global celebrations to mark the centenary of GM, the world’s largest automotive manufacturer. Hundreds turned out to view an impressive array of historic GM vehicles assembled at HQ 191 and to share a slice of birthday cake including our cover trio, Chairman and Managing Director, Mark Reuss pictured with Phil Nguyen from HFV6 and Bree Jordan from Human Resources. More pictures pages 8 & 9.
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NEWS
Technology
marathon While the world’s elite athletes were battling for medals in Beijing, GM Holden employees were being urged to continue their own leg of the global race for a sustainable automotive industry. And, according to visiting General Motors’ energy expert and Vice President of Research and Development and Strategic Planning, Dr. Larry Burns, we should be prepared for a marathon, not a sprint. “I think that GM is very well positioned in the technology race, but I’d like to have you think about that race as more of a marathon than a sprint,” Larry told employees who gathered at HQ 191 to hear him speak. The employee forum capped off a two day round of meetings between the driver of GM’s advanced propulsion, electronics, telematics, and materials technologies and opinion makers in industry and government. “Our real challenge is that we have to truly remove the automobile from the energy debate and environmental debate. We have to remove it from the safety and congestion debates and I think that we are as well positioned as any automotive company in the world in that regard,” he said. Larry outlined a range of alternative fuel technologies that could power internal combustion engines including natural gas, coal, solar, wind and biomass. “We are not talking about energy that is made from food. We are talking about
biomass that’s non food based. Take garbage for example. We are working with a company that has the technology to grind up that garbage and burn it. But it doesn’t let the gas escape to the atmosphere. Instead, it feeds that gas to little bugs and microrganisms and they eat the gas and excrete ethanol. All you have is a pile of inert ash, ethanol and some very happy little bugs that are well fed,” he said. Meanwhile he said GM was continuing its work on electrically driven engines using stored electricity or electricity generated on board the vehicle. GM will bring the Chevrolet Volt electric vehicle to market in 2010. “I don’t think that there’s any other manufacturer in the world that can, like GM, play on all of these other propulsion fronts,” he said. Driving Holden Forward Holden and Australia enjoy unique opportunities to offer motorists alternatives to petrol driven engines according to Larry. He welcomed the LPG-only Commodore and encouraged investment in solar and compressed natural gas. “Holden is an extraordinary brand. Your cars are beautiful. They are comfortable and they’re great performing cars that are family size in nature. And yes, this is a segment that is shrinking but does it have to be that way? Is there a way that you can control your own destiny drawing from the full technological capability of GM to find a
Larry Burns
way to give the buyers of your cars the experience of ownership that will allow them to enjoy everything that makes a Holden product great, while at the same time reducing their environmental impact and diversifying energy?” he asked. Larry’s busy schedule also took in a visit to the HFV6 engine plant where he was to learn of developments for the locally produced engine involving active fuel management, SIDI direct injection technology, E85 and biofuel, natural gas and LPG. “Those are the exact kinds of things that will position your products to be part of this energy future. “You can control your destiny right now and position your brand for leadership in these areas,” he added.
Carbon Smart Colorado Four of the new dual cab diesel Holden Colorado light commercial vehicles are now in service supporting an environmental partnership. Through a major partnership with South East Queensland Catchments and Landcare CarbonSMART, GM Holden is supporting Australia’s leading not-for-profit carbon trading organisation that provides incentives for landholders to maintain eligible carbon credit vegetation on their land. The move continues a six year history between GM Holden and Landcare aimed at supporting a wide range of long-tern revegetation programs and helps CarbonSMART move closer to its objective of reducing Australia’s carbon footprint.
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NEWS
Tanking
it
Luke Danckert and Simon Renton with one of the 375,000 litre tanks
Two 375,000 litre above ground tanks have been installed to store rainwater harvested from the roof of the Holden High Feature V6 engine plant at Fishermans Bend. In what is believed to be an industry first, rainwater from the tanks is being used to meet the 19,000 kl annual demand of the compressor cooling towers for manufacturing equipment in the plant. Since the system to collect rainwater from the 34,000 square metre roof of Plant 18 in was completed in August, the tanks have filled to capacity. Environmental Engineer, Simon Renton, predicts that with an average rainfall of 646 mm per year, the system is capable of collecting 22,000 kl per year. “They have already been full a couple of times. For every millimetre of rain, we collect about 30,000 litres, so we only need 20 ml of rain and they are both full,” Simon said. “If we talk about it more in terms of the volume of water required to operate the cooling tower, the savings on town water supply will be millions and millions of litres,” he said. South East Water supported the $270,000 project with a $70,000 grant. It is believed to be the first instance in Melbourne where an industrial site is using rainwater for a cooling tower. Manager of Manufacturing Engineering, Steve Lockhart, who championed the
project, said there was enthusiastic support for the project that commenced before the grant was approved. “We live in Victoria where we have water issues. This was all about aligning a social issue – water shortage – with some constructive action from an environmentally responsible manufacturer,” he added. Despite the professional project implementation by Kevin Greaves and his Facilities Engineering team, construction of the tanks and associated
infrastructure caused significant disruption to employees. For more than three months, their usual short walk from the car park to the plant gave way to a circuitous detour around the rear of the building. Such disruption was easily tolerated according to Product Launch Manager, Luke Danckert. “As soon as they understood that this was about catching rainwater, they were more than comfortable with that and thought it was a sacrifice worth making,” Luke said.
Training Excellence GM Holden has received Federal Government recognition for excellence in training of apprentices. Apprenticeship training programs at engine operations in Victoria and the vehicle assembly plant in South Australia were both selected as runners up in the 2008 Minister’s Awards for Excellence for Employers of Australian Apprentices. Ninety seven men and women are currently completing apprenticeships in trades including electrical, mechanical, tooling, auto electrics, instrumentation and pattern making.
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Many move into formal training after working in production roles at Holden and some of the annual intake comes from external applicants, including school leavers. Holden is also currently hosting five student based apprentices on contract to the Engineering Employers Association of South Australia Group Training Scheme. Two of the group recently qualified for the South Australian Training Awards with Christopher Ormesher making the finals. Christopher attends Australian Technical College in Northern Adelaide where he is studying Certificate 111 in Metals and
NEWS
Powertrain eyes finals of quality
Martyn Cray and Martin Merry audit operator, VT. Nguyen
Internal quality metrics have shown significant improvement following a series of initiatives at Holden Engine Operations. A disciplined approach to following standardised operating procedures, coupled with a collaborative management and employee focus on daily audits to weed out trouble spots, drove the right first time quality in the Family II area up from 92-96 per cent in just one month. Lead Powertrain Executive, Martyn Cray, welcomed the improvements and
Angela Robertson, Faiyaz Khan, Michelle King, Martyn Cray and Roger Weekley
Engineering (Mechanical Fitter). Holden hosts Christopher for the practical aspects of his studies.
praised employee ownership of the results. “The audit is usually received very negatively with people thinking that management has come to check up on them. But people out there now (in the engine plant), love the audit and they love the interaction that occurs when they are being audited,” Martyn said. Area Manager, Martin Merry has witnessed this employee engagement in his team in Plant 16. “There is a great feel on the line at the moment,” Martin said. “People are seeing the results of following the standardised process. Whenever a management audit has identified a discrepancy between the documentation and the actions taken by the operator, we have found that it has been because they have identified better ways of doing the job at hand. We have then been able to quickly adjust the standardised documentation. Now that people understand that they can adjust their SOS/JES’s (standard operating sheet/job element sheet) we are seeing improved compliance and happy operators,” Martin said. Such progress is part of Martyn Cray’s quest to condition his team for its own brand of AFL finals. Realistically, he knows that the grand final is some time away, but there’s a real sense of urgency about making the final eight. PEOPLE
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“There is a global ladder that records at the end of each month the results of GM Powertrain plants around the world. Those performing at benchmark levels are in the green zone – a bit like the final eight,” Martyn explained. Holden is hovering outside the green zone but Martyn is determined to get his team over the line. “I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t think that it was realistic. But we’ve got a lot of work to do. It’s not so much if we can get there but when. It is a question of speed. We need to act with a real sense of urgency to get the numbers right now – not wait until the end of Family II,” Martyn said. “I think that Holden has proven that it can do it, but over time. We haven’t got time. This is urgent. We have developed a plant that can hold its own on safety with any other plant in the world. We need to develop the same disciplines around Quality and Cost. “It’s got to happen now. The resources are here. It’s about cranking it up, energising those people to ensure that we can achieve it. “I don’t need any draft picks. I am certain that from the resources that are currently here, eventually we have the ability to make HFV6 into a world class operation. I’m convinced of that. The question is how quickly can we do it?” he said.
AUGUST SALES
GM HOLDEN OVERVIEW
INDUSTRY OVERVIEW
•
Holden Commodore claimed Number 1 position in the passenger segment, outselling Toyota Corolla by 911 units (4,814 v 3,903).
•
August sales of 77,324 were the lowest since 2003, but on a year to date basis the market rose 0.7 per cent (5,122 units) over 2007 and the market continues to track above one million vehicles.
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Holden Ute sales grew by 28.8 per cent compared to August last year and 26.7 per cent compared to the previous year to date.
•
Toyota maintained market leadership in August with 22.9 per cent of market share ahead of Holden (13.8 per cent) and Ford (11.1 per cent).
•
Captiva held its place in the top 10 of the SUV segment with sales of 645 units for the month.
•
The light commercial market finished 8.1 per cent up year to date on last year.
MARKET LEADERS
MARKET LEADERS
(AUGUST)
TOYOTA 17,680
TOYOTA 165,641
HOLDEN 10,698
HOLDEN 88,969
FORD 8,603
FORD 72,536
MAZDA 5,830
MAZDA 54,831
NISSAN 4,925
MITSUBISHI 43,544
MITSUBISHI 4,100
NISSAN 40,986
HYUNDAI 3,634
HONDA 37,256
HONDA 3,522
HYUNDAI 31,810
SUBARU 3,123
SUBARU 26,745
KIA 1,342
(2008)
KIA 14,012
0
5,000
10,000
15,000
20,000
0
40,000
80,000
120,000
160,000
HOLDEN CAR LINES
BARINA Aug 2008 sales: Aug 2007 sales: 2008 YTD sales: 2007 YTD sales:
388 588 4,542 5,413
ASTRA Aug 2008 sales: Aug 2007 sales: 2008 YTD sales: 2007 YTD sales:
1,615 1,258 10,999 12,790
COMMODORE Aug 2008 sales: 4,814 Aug 2007 sales: 4,899 2008 YTD sales: 33,043 2007 YTD sales: 40,116
STATESMAN Aug 2008 sales: 186 Aug 2007 sales: 177 2008 YTD sales: 1,379 2007 YTD sales: 1,419
CAPRICE Aug 2008 sales: Aug 2007 sales: 2008 YTD sales: 2007 YTD sales:
101 209 1,194 1,723
COLORADO/RODEO Aug 2008 sales: 1,035 Aug 2007 sales: 1,657 2008 YTD sales: 10,868 2007 YTD sales: 12,598
COMBO Aug 2008 sales: Aug 2007 sales: 2008 YTD sales: 2007 YTD sales:
HUMMER H3 Aug 2008 sales: Aug 2007 sales: 2008 YTD sales: 2007 YTD sales:
669 1,149 7,681 8,520
VIVA Aug 2008 sales: Aug 2007 sales: 2008 YTD sales: 2007 YTD sales:
71 56 691 488
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36 0 883 0
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ASTRA TWIN Aug 2008 sales: Aug 2007 sales: 2008 YTD sales: 2007 YTD sales:
TOP
59 91 647 916
UTE (INC. ONE TONNER & CREWMAN) Aug 2008 sales: 837 Aug 2007 sales: 650 2008 YTD sales: 9,032 2007 YTD sales: 7,127
EPICA Aug 2008 sales: Aug 2007 sales: 2008 YTD sales: 2007 YTD sales:
277 513 1,868 1,910
CAPTIVA Aug 2008 sales: Aug 2007 sales: 2008 YTD sales: 2007 YTD sales:
645 919 7,016 6,715
SAAB Aug 2008 sales: Aug 2007 sales: 2008 YTD sales: 2007 YTD sales:
56 100 927 1,359
NEWS
Holden makes manufacturing history
GM Holden made automotive manufacturing history in Australia with the production of its seven millionth vehicle in August. The milestone vehicle
was a 60th Anniversary Commodore sedan, identified for dual fuel LPG fitment in keeping with the strategy to develop and offer a wide range of fuel
saving and environmental technologies to Australian and overseas motorists. Premier of South Australia, Mike Rann and Federal Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research, Kim Carr; joined former GM Holden’s Executive Director – Manufacturing, Rod Keane and employees to celebrate the milestone. In his last official duty before retirement, Rod said the production record was testament to GM Holden’s ability to succeed in a changing global environment. “This is a proud day for every one of GM Holden’s 6,500 employees in Australia. It says so much about us as one of this country’s largest manufacturing operations and most trusted brands,” Rod said. “The next chapter in our history will see us delivering a wide range of energy solutions to meet varying consumer needs and budgets. I believe manufacturing the next million vehicles will be one of the most dynamic periods of GM Holden’s rich history,” he said.
SPORTWAGON
CARRIES COMMODORE
TO THE TOP
Rodney Walker, Hugh Maguire, Robert Ravlic, KyeongHoe Kim, Alan Weatherhead, George Konstandakos, Roger Cromwell, Mendo Pejcinovski, Peter Bramberger, Richard Smith, Neil West, Ben Rose.
Luxury Drives Into Korea The latest GM Holden export vehicle is set to redefine luxury motoring in the demanding South Korean market. The GM Daewoo Veritas is a long wheelbase luxury flagship specifically tailored for Korea and based on GM’s Global Rear Wheel Drive architecture. Engineering support for the program was provided by a small dedicated team responsible for more than 35 engineering changes
to customise the Holden Caprice model to GM Daewoo specifications including heated seats, seat massage function, rear park assist camera, shark fin antenna and others that were used for the first time in vehicles built in Australia. Veritas is powered by a 3.6 litre Holden Alloytec V6 and fitted with a five-speed automatic transmission with fully optimised gear ratio settings, Active Select and Sport Shift.
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Holden Sportwagon outsold the leading models in the rival medium Sports Utility Vehicle category in August to help Commodore reclaim the best selling car nameplate for 2008. In its first full month of sales, 1,509 Sportwagons were sold driving a total of 4,814 Commodore sales for August and 33,043 year to date. Monthly sales of Holden wagons were the highest since November 2004 and up 91 per cent on the equivalent month in 2007. GM Holden Executive Director of Sales, Marketing and Aftersales, Alan Batey, said that Sportwagon was off to a great start in the marketplace, exceeding initial expectations. “These early sales of Sportwagon underline that this type of family-sized vehicle continues to be attractive to Australians. It offers a new level of comfort, safety and styling in a Holden wagon, combined with sedan-like ride and handling characteristics,” Alan said.
FEATURE
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FEATURE
GM Centenary Celebrations Cakes and candles abounded in typical birthday celebration tradition as employees around the country joined the global party to mark the centenary of General Motors. South Australia added the distinctive Australian touch, serving a barbecue lunch to employees. Earlier in the month, the wider South Australian community was invited to share this historic milestone when Holden staged commemorative displays and activities at the Royal Adelaide Show. At GM Holden headquarters in Melbourne, celebrations on September 17 centred around a display of historic GM vehicles including Cadillacs, Oldsmobiles, Chevrolets, Holdens and Pontiacs. Holden historian, John Wright, was on hand to share some of the company’s history since 1926 when General Motors Australia was formed and later merged with Holden Motor Body Builders in 1931 to become General Motors-Holden’s Limited (GMH). GM Holden Chairman and Managing Director, Mark Reuss, led the celebrations and said Holden and Australia had played a key part in the development of General Motors. “Australians can feel a real sense of pride in the contribution this country has made to GM’s 100 year history,” Mark said.
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“That significant role in General Motors’ worldwide operations continues today. The G8 sedan was designed, engineered and is built here in Australia for Pontiac and we led design and engineering for the new Chevrolet Camaro. “GM Holden is looking forward to being part of the next 100 years as General Motors moves into another exciting chapter in its history. “I think that this is probably the most exciting time in my career and great opportunities lie ahead. We are again poised to lead the industry in technology and I also think we are going to be a company that is more in touch with its customers than we have ever been in our history. “I would like to thank you for your commitment and support for the company as we continue to create a new GM – a stronger and more globally competitive company than we have ever been – for the next 100 years,” Mark said. General Motors was formed in the USA in 1908 when William C. (Billy) Durant brought Oldsmobile and Buick together to form General Motors Company. A year later, Cadillac and Oakland (which became Pontiac in 1932) marques joined General Motors.
PEOPLE
Matchbox
5000 Jonathan Crellin has come up with a solution for all those pining for a car that they can’t afford. Buy the Matchbox version! And if the size of the Assistant Program Manager’s collection is any guide, this is a man with an extensive automotive wish list. “One of the earliest memories Mum has of me is me in a shopping trolley going past a display pointing and saying ‘car, car.” I always had one in my hand apparently,” he said. Jonathan’s garage of Matchbox, mainly the Superfast Series, model cars is of the 5,000 car variety. It’s a collection that dates back to early childhood, his father’s garage and hours of fun with his toys in the sandpit. “There used to be a chemist shop down the road from my home that had a lot of early cars, some 10 years older than me. I used to go down every week in the early 80’s with my pocket money. They were $1.69 each. One day I went in after a collector had cleaned them out. There was only one car left so I got the car and the display as well and that’s now worth about $200,” he said. A heady list of GM models features in the Matchbox line-up that Jonathan has generously shared with his colleagues at HQ 191 in a special display to mark the GM centenary celebrations this month. Favourites include the Cadillac ambulance, Vauxhall Astra German police car, the tricked up off road Holden
Jonathan Crellin
Ute and a HUMMER H3 just like the one now on sale in Australia. “The H3 was on sale as a toy car before the real thing was available here,’ Jonathan said. “My favourite Matchbox cars are realistic and based on real models. What I would really love them to make is a new VE Holden Ute,” he said. Jonathan estimates that the collection he keeps at home in an old trophy cabinet alongside his late Nana’s china cabinet could be worth as much as
whodoesthat?
$40,000. Wherever possible, he keeps the boxes because these generally add value. Not surprisingly, he treats the toys with care, sometimes even donning white gloves to ensure that oil from his skin does not tarnish the unpainted base of some models. Fishermans Bend employees can enjoy a sample of Jonathan’s collection by viewing the 300 car display he has mounted in the cabinets lining the walkway between the Ignition Café and the atrium of HQ 191.
Dominic Detragiache Secretary Holden’s Sports and Social Club
How did you come to take up this role as Secretary? I have always had a desire to help others, and the social club is the perfect vehicle to make a difference in serving not only our members, but all of Holden’s current and past employees. How long have you been with the company? This is my seventh year at Holden and previous to this role I was employed in Engineering in the CAD Data Management group. How many members do you serve? In Victoria currently about 1,100 members as well as the wider Holden community.
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PEOPLE
me
AND MY CAR
Some of the guys at the Victorian FX Car Club think it is very amusing to have an American at their monthly discussions about Australia’s first home grown car. Most have yet to make the link that this newcomer is Mark Reuss, head of the company at the heart of their shared passion. It’s anonymity he welcomes. “There’s about 20 guys at the monthly dinner at the Clayton RSL, and some of them don’t know who I am because I am new. It’s really nice. They think it’s hilarious that there’s an American here who owns an FX and is in this club,” Mark said. Mark bought his 1951 black (originally Seine Blue) FX in Adelaide shortly after taking up his role at Holden earlier this year. “It was a very complete old car in pretty average condition. The tyres and wheels looked to be about 40 years old. It was originally a light bluish, green metallic color that had been painted once. I could see the original color on the underside of the trunk - or boot as you say here. “I like black cars a lot. This one’s got a silver grey interior. It’s a very pretty car,” Mark said. “I looked for about three months on the Internet but eventually bought it from a guy in Adelaide. I didn’t want something that was sort of a trailer queen. I really wanted to find a car that needed work
Major focus of your efforts? A lot of my time is currently devoted to this year’s Holden 60th Celebration event which is to be held on November 22. Other events in the pipeline are our yearly dinner dance a few short weeks away, as well as finalising our events calendar for next year. Any particular changes you want to bring to the club? To increase our vision and look beyond our borders in providing support for all employees here at Holden. I hope to improve communication utilising tools such as the new website and to create an online shop for our new website.
Mark Reuss and his 1951 FX
– something uncomplicated and fun that I could teach my 12 year old son to work on,” Mark said. Working on his FX helped to fill his spare time during the five months before his wife and three children joined him in Australia. It also broke the ice during early meetings with his senior leadership team. “I was teased mercilessly for the first six months because I wasn’t really good at getting the grease off my hands. After a big weekend in the garage, there were lots of laughs at the Monday morning staff meeting. By the end of the week, it was time to do it all again,” Mark said. Mark has been typically methodical in the way he has approached the
I’d also like to create another level of membership to cater for our growing single population and create a calendar with a guaranteed event every month including events for singles! Finally, we would like to adopt two official charities and to set up activities where funds can be raised to support their work. Where and how can members contact you? Members and employees can contact us via the new website at www.hssc.org.au or on telephone extensions 71644 / 72292 Opposite: Dominic Detragiache
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restoration, right down to the famous grey motor block. “I’ve gone through most of the engine compartment and am still going through some mechanical pieces of the car. Right now, I only have two speeds that I can drive on a three-speed car. I have replaced some of the linkages on the gearshift and put a temperature gauge in it. I’ve repainted the whole of the original grey 2.17 litre six cylinder engine and put a 12 volt electrical system in it, so it’s pretty reliable,” he said. Back in the United States, Mark restored another piece of automotive history in a 1967 Corvette. Licensed for Grand American Road Racing and a certified Industry Pool Test Driver, Mark could be expected to favour the sports marque over the six seater family sedan. “I love all sorts of cars. I spent a lot of time racing and testing performance cars for GM. Typically they are two seaters, not very functional for a family. But the FX is a car we can work on and enjoy together,” Mark said. Nostalgic reflections on past vehicles are timely during the 60th Anniversary year of Holden. But which of today’s crop would best answer Mark’s needs in a car? “For me on a daily basis, I would say it would have to be Sportwagon. I have had one for a few weeks, and I really like driving it. It demonstrates everything that is good about Holden as a company. This car is a beautiful wagon which is really hard to execute. “I get more looks in that car like, ‘wow, that is a really beautiful wagon.’ ”
PEOPLE
onthemove
Jason Thorley
Raymundo Garza, former Executive Director – GM Holden Global Purchasing and Supply Chain, has moved to Thailand to take up the role of Vice President – Global Purchasing and Supply Chain – GM Thailand/ASEAN. Bill Kraatz will assume responsibility for Holden GPSC in addition to his current role as Director – Global Rear Wheel Drive Purchasing. Joseph Mogielski has joined the Holden Design team on ISP from GMNA. Joe’s newly created role of Holden Design Operations Manager is responsible for overseeing the Business Operations,
Modelling and Fabrication, Digital Sculpting, Digital Design and Visualisation and Program Management functions. Meanwhile, in a move to align GM Holden with GM’s global organisational structure, Martyn Cray has had a change of title from Plant Manager of Holden Engine Operations to GM Holden Powertrain Lead Executive. The move sees Martyn join the Senior Leadership Team representing the GM Powertrain organisation. He is now located in the HFV6 Offices in Plant 18. Former Financial Controller, GPSC Mick Lehpamer is now on international assignment with GM Asia Pacific in the role of Regional Finance Manager, AP GPSC. Mick is now based in Shanghai and reports to Andrew Gay, Finance Director – Manufacturing, Capital Projects and Purchasing. Mick has been working with GM Holden since April 2001 and brings a great deal of experience from his previous roles in Operations Analysis, Engineering Finance, and HSPO Finance. Former Regional Finance Manager, AP VSSM, Jason Thorley returns to Australia from an international assignment with GM Asia Pacific to take up the role of HEO Financial Controller. Jason’s new position reports to Chris Collison, Operations Controller.
Rod sails into
retirement Rod Keane, one of the longest serving and most respected members of the GM Holden family, has retired after 35 years of service. For the past four years Rod has filled the dynamic role of Executive Director – Manufacturing, overseeing the introduction of the $1 billion VE Commodore and WM vehicle ranges. Rod joined Holden in 1972 in Quality Engineering at Fishermans Bend. He brought with him a fluency in Japanese following a six month assignment with an engineering company in Japan. In 1976 he was appointed Quality Control Manager at Woodville and rose to the ranks of Assembly Plant Manager in 1987. An overseas assignment took Rod to GM Europe in 2000 when he took up the role of Executive Director Powertrain and Chassis Components. The following year he was appointed Manufacturing Vice President for Fiat GM Powertrain, a joint venture company with 17 plants in nine countries in Europe, Asia and Brazil. Rod returned to Australia at the end of 2004 when he took up his seat at the GM Holden Board in his role as Executive Director-Manufacturing. Best wishes, Rod for a long and happy retirement.
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Putting
education
on track Holden’s entire V8 Supercar driver line-up turned out to the Moulden Park School in the Northern Territory to celebrate the launch of a new three year education partnership between GM Holden and The Smith Family. Reigning champion, Garth Tander and his Holden Racing Team team-mate Mark Skaife, former champions Rick Kelly and Russell Ingall and Bathurst winners Todd Kelly and Greg Murphy all threw their support behind the program that provides education opportunities for disadvantaged youth. The support introduces a Homework Club in the Northern Territory and provides Learning for Life scholarships for primary school students in South Australia and Victoria.
Illustration of Rod and his wife Clodagh by Beverley MacGregor
PEOPLE
GLOBAL GM Volts Into Next Century General Motors launched its next 100 years by unveiling the production version of the Chevrolet Volt, a vehicle that delivers up to 64 km of electric driving, free from petrol and emissions. The design of the car has evolved from the original concept that was unveiled at the 2007 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. The Chevrolet Volt leads a new era of electrification of the automobile by creating a new class of vehicle known as the Extended-Range Electric Vehicle. The Volt uses electricity to move the wheels at all times and speeds. For trips up to 64 km, the Volt is powered only by electricity stored in its 16kWh, on board lithium-ion battery. When the battery’s energy is depleted, a petrol/E85 powered engine generator seamlessly provides electricity to power the Volt’s electric drive unit while simultaneously sustaining the charge of the battery. Production is scheduled to begin late 2010 in the United States. Saab Redefines Convertible Design Saab will reveal its innovative design study, the 9-X Air concept at next month’s Paris Motor Show. Exploring what a future open-air Saab could look like, the concept car features a unique Canopy Top and a wraparound glasshouse that includes the rear screen. Air breaks the mould of conventional convertible design by offering four-seat accommodation within the close-coupled proportions of a sports car. Half of GM’s Global Manufacturing Plants to be Landfill-Free by End of 2010 General Motors has planned to make half of its major global manufacturing operations landfill-free by the end of 2010. More than 80 of GM’s manufacturing operations will become landfill-free over the next 28 months – meaning all production waste or garbage is recycled or reused. Over three million tons of waste materials will be recycled or reused from General Motors plants worldwide this year. An additional 50,000 tons will be converted to
energy at waste-to-energy facilities. As a result of the company’s global recycling efforts, recycled metal scrap sales are approaching $1 billion in annual revenue. Waste elimination and recycling at GM’s landfill-free plants and other facilities will prevent 3.65 million metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions from entering the atmosphere this year. Buick Enclaves Bound for China The hot-selling Buick Enclave luxury crossover is headed to China after rave reviews in the United States. Enclave will be imported by Shanghai GM and sold through a network of more than 400 Buick dealerships across China. Buick is one of the most well-known automobile brands in China, with more than 1.7 million Buick owners. Last year, Buick sold more than 300,000 units there and more than 567,000 worldwide, a 17,000 unit increase over 2006. New Diesel Plant General Motors is investing $445 million to build an engine plant and upgrade an existing vehicle assembly plant at Rayong, Thailand. The new 14,492 square metre facility will be GM’s first
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diesel engine plant in Southeast Asia and will provide four-cylinder diesel engines for use by Chevrolet in Thailand and other global markets and brands. The Rayong diesel engine plant will be located adjacent to GM’s Rayong Vehicle Assembly Plant, which opened in 2000 and employs more than 2,000 workers who produce the Colorado and four other Chevrolet vehicles: the Aveo, Optra, Estate and Captiva. Pontiac G8 for North American Car of the Year The Australian-made Pontiac G8 has been shortlisted for the prestigious North American Car of the Year (COTY) award in 2009. The vehicle has also been selected for three other North American COTY programs by leading U.S. automotive magazines. Motor Trend’s “Car of the Year”, Car and Driver’s “The Ten Best” and Automobile Magazine’s “Automobile All Stars” are all entry by invitation only. Built at GM’s Holden Vehicle Operations in Elizabeth, South Australia, exports of the Pontiac G8 to the United States commenced early in 2008.
SERVICE HONORS 45 YEARS
James Robinson
September 3
40 YEARS
Alan Tidbury
September 1
Angelo Natoli
September 9
Ken Leach
September 9
Demitrios Theodossiou September 16
35 YEARS
William Hooper
July 9
Irvine Hambleton
Ian Blazey
July 20
David Hampson
Ron Johnston
July 27
Tom Rositano
July 27
Anastasios Tzavaras
August 13
August 2
Len Lainson
August 21
August 7
Warwick Bryce
September 3
30 YEARS
John Kost
July 4
Malcolm Lennard
August 18
Helen McKinlay
September 11
Mark Leaver
July 4
George Pirotta
August 21
Jeffrey Baxter
September 12
Trevor Preece
July 13
Pino Farrugia
August 23
Neil Scott
September 25
Vicki Lines
July 18
Michael Dunnicliff
August 23
Shane Foskett
September 25
Duc Tram
July 19
Mark Fiebiger
August 28
Domenico Rositano
September 26
Richard Moss
July 24
Janet Williams
September 4
Colin Lancaster
September 26
Barry Medwell
July 31
Leon Wieckowski
September 8
David Sandford
September 27
Brian Heath
August 3
Robert Carter
September 11
20 YEARS
Bill Kostadakopoulos
July 4
Neville Hannam
August 23
Robin MacNab
September 6
Emmanuel Vlontakis
July 11
Stanley Henderson
August 23
Shane Dobbs
September 13
Sandra Reed
July 13
Jestus Perera
August 24
Adrian Hall
September 13
Larry Kearney
July 26
Ping Wu
August 25
Michael Breden
September 13
Petero Purcell
July 26
John Cheesman
August 25
Michael Leray
September 15
Alan Norfolk
August 2
Winston Miller
August 26
Jim Elston
September 20
Moira Darling
August 9
Nolene Woodard
August 30
Philip Dent
September 20
Van Tai Tai Huynh
August 9
Nebojsa Dordevic
August 30
Michelle Davies
September 20
Joy Thiele
August 9
Van Thanh Pham
August 30
Paul Dos Santos
September 27
Gary Doubleday
August 16
Ba Nguyen
August 30
Phyllis Lavery
September 27
Jodie Macauley
August 16
Ngoc Lam Nguyen
August 30
Ba Huan Tu
September 27
Grace Rohlf
August 19
Klaus Preiss
September 6
Peter De Blaauw
August 23
Stephen Sandery
September 6
15 YEARS
Chris Meallin
July 5
Dean West
July 27
Mark Kinnaird
August 24
Pauline Lawton
July 19
Mark Atkins
July 27
James Bell
August 24
Grant Randle
July 26
Andrew Pompili
August 10
Andrew Walters
August 24
Andrew Hendricks
July 27
Stanley Watts
August 10
Manfred Semmler
August 24
Guy Byers
July 27
Brit Green
August 17
Brian Silvy
August 24
PEOPLE
PAGE 14
SERVICE HONORS 15 YEARS CONTINUED
David Hooley
August 31
Avelino Pascua
September 14
Gustavo Antunez
September 28
Adrien Waller
August 31
Christopher Jones
September 21
Paul Brown
September 28
Anthony Mudge
September 28
Jason Goodridge
September 28
Adrian Miric
September 2
Christopher Williams September 14 10 YEARS
July 1
Andrew Swanson
August 4
Lyall McClure
August 25
Dean Niclasen
July 1
Stephen Webb
August 4
Darren Wooltorton
August 25
Jason Harewood
July 1
Derek Sich
August 4
Julian Ferreira
August 27
Damien Winstanley
July 7
Greg Wilson
August 4
Peter Kantzos
August 31
Scott Halliday
July 13
Adam Fischer
August 4
Barry Hodder
August 31
Bradlyn Culbertson
July 14
Michael Granich
August 4
Allan Holme
September 1
Adam Enthoven
July 14
Giuseppe D’Angelo
August 4
Kevin Wild
September 8
Vlasty Mitric
July 14
Adrian Simmons
August 4
Parrish Dunston
September 14
David Rose
July 14
Thomas Handke
August 5
Chris Charles Sargent
September 14
Rebecca Van Houten
July 14
Daniel Hayward
August 10
Jason Chamberlain
September 15
Brett Darroch
July 14
Peter Dunlop
August 10
Michael Walters
September 15
Gary Parker
July 14
Michael Papadopoulos
August 10
Sheldon Tyler
September 15
Chastity Shephard
July 14
Antonio Lione
August 10
Scott Connolly
September 15
Martin Hicks
July 14
Mathew Van Hees
August 11
Samoth Him
September 15
Neil Whitehead
July 15
Nathan Coombe
August 11
Kent Hill
September 21
Deone Mistica
July 20
Kerry Golder
August 11
Paul Ainscow
September 21
Damian Howard
July 21
Damien Eddy
August 11
Martin Young
September 21
Richard Walkuski
July 21
Denise Gallo
August 17
Richard Hartjes
September 22
Adam Hill
July 21
Luisa Lucano
August 18
Paul Evans
September 22
Kerry Gray
July 27
Tyrone Mattsson
August 18
Tina Underdown
September 22
Daniel Sparrow
July 28
Jamie Clarkson
August 18
John Clarke
September 22
Andrew Paterson
July 28
Gebeyehu Mekonnen
August 18
Dariusz Redel
September 22
Steven Kelley
July 28
Andrew Wade
August 24
Andrew Dudley
September 22
Alan Roberts
July 29
Ray Scott
August 24
Iain Knox
September 29
Peter Clarke
August 25
Charles Holton
August 3
people People is published by Corporate Affairs for employees and retirees of GM Holden Ltd. People is printed on chlorine-free 50% recycled paper.
CONTACTS
Ann He
Editorial office 191 Salmon Street, Port Melbourne Editor Kate Arnold Graphic Words Pty Ltd Corporate Affairs Bill Grotz 03 9647 1395 Layout and Design Wellcom Group Limited Photography Fineprint Productions Simon Stanbury
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GM Holden Retirees Club President Ian Samuel 03 5956 8431 Secretary Leo Mahoney 03 9802 4121 Social Club contacts Dominic Detragiache Holden’s Sports and Social Club (Victoria) extensions 71644 / 72292 Don McLeod Holden Employees Social Club (Elizabeth) 08 8282 8384
MOTORSPORT
Garth Tander and Mark Skaife on the podium at the L&H 500
Confident team drives
into Bathurst The Toll Holden Racing Team’s Garth Tander holds a 53 point lead over Ford arch rival Mark Winterbottom in series points going into the Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000 at Mount Panorama on October 9-12. The team heads to Australia’s great race full of confidence following a sensational victory in the last round at the Phillip Island Grand Prix circuit. The new format L&H 500 this year
replaced Sandown as the traditional warm-up to Bathurst and no one could have predicted the emotional roller coaster ride it gave HRT’s Garth Tander and Mark Skaife on their way to a stunning win. Their victory was nothing short of remarkable, with Mark, the fivetime champion and reigning champ, Garth, producing a comeback of epic proportions after a pitstop drama that
saw Mark’s safety harness pop open causing them to lose a lap. Despite regaining the lap, the pair soon dropped back to 14th place with a difficult midrace setup. A win looked an impossibility when a safety car appeared on lap 67 of 113, two laps short of Mark’s minimum. The heavens opened soon after and cars were spearing off all around the drenched circuit but Mark completed his required laps on slick tyres and delivered the #1 Commodore to the pits for team mate Garth Tander and a fresh set of wet tyres. Garth pushed on hard and the Toll HRT continued to claw its way back into contention and as the track surface dried, another safety car appeared on lap 83, Garth pitted for the final time. By lap 100 he was on the tail of leader Jamie Whincup’s Falcon and just two laps later he cracked, locking a brake – the Toll HRT Commodore slipping past into the lead and going on to win. Commodores thrived at the Island with five finishing in the top 10. Garry Rogers Motorsport’s Lee Holdsworth and Michael Caruso finished fifth, HSV’s Rick Kelly and Paul Radisich seventh, enduro specialist Nathan Pretty eighth with Jack Perkins in the second Jack Daniel’s Commodore, and Supercheap Auto Racing’s Russell Ingall and Paul Morris ninth – the SCAR team set for a podium until Russell Ingall momentarily slipped off the track in the damp. MARK SKAIFE
inthepits
Holden Racing Team Driver
I’m not a bloke to get too sentimental, but it’s fair to say that without Holden my career would look very different to what it does today. Four championship wins, three Bathurst 1000 victories, and more race wins and pole positions than you can poke a stick at is what I’ve shared with Holden since joining the Red Army in 1993. Why the sudden burst of sentiment? Well, it’s GM Holden’s 60th birthday and I wanted to say “thanks Holden” for the joy it has brought us all, both on the roads and the racetrack. In a serendipitous piece of timing, this year also marks several more important milestones and one that’s particularly close to my heart is the 40th anniversary of Holden’s first Bathurst win, when Bruce McPhee and Barry Mulholland punted a Holden Monaro GTS to victory in 1968. Not only is this special because of the
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affinity I feel for Mount Panorama, but Bruce is also a family friend who hails from my neck of the woods, Wyong, on the NSW central coast. Bruce and Barry’s victory set off an incredible run of success at the Mount for Holden, which has won 25 times in the 40 years since, including 18 victories for the Holden Commodore since its debut in 1980 and a record-breaking seven in a row from 1999 to 2005. By contrast, the Ford Falcon has managed only five wins in the same timeframe. We’ve had a bit of dry spell since Todd Kelly and I last won in ’05, but with Garth Tander’s and my victory at Phillip Island, Holden is heading back to Bathurst with luck on our side and a win in our sights. I can’t wait.