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HOLDEN’S FIRST GMC VEHICLE ON THE HORIZON

NCR 2019 GMC Acadia All Terrain

When the all-new, Acadia premium SUV launches later this year, it will be the first time Holden has offered a GMC-based product in its line-up and a further sign Holden is committed to choosing the very best vehicles from General Motors’ (GM) world-class global product portfolio.

A stand-out brand from the GM stable exuding quality and a premium approach, GMC is instantly recognisable and comes with a reputation second to none. Among the many awards to come GMC’s way, it recently won Kelley Blue Book’s 2017 Brand Image Award for Most Refined Brand, the fourth consecutive year GMC has earned the award, as it continues to earn praise for its premium vehicles.

But it’s GMC’s premium SUV, Acadia, where Holden is focused. Acadia boasts all the American presence and swagger you’d expect from a large SUV developed by GMC but, importantly, has had Holden input from early on.  More than a high-tech, seven-seat SUV, Acadia represents another Australian-US partnership, emphasising the close links between Holden and its parent company.

Holden has already leveraged its strong relationship with its parent, GM, having announced a $16 million investment in the Lang Lang Proving Ground facilities, a further $150 million in dealership upgrades and, recently, the launch of Holden Financial Services. Acadia is just the latest benefit Holden is reaping as being a part of GM, however it’s not all one-way traffic as Holden continues to have significant influence in North America.

Holden continues to support its North American parent with engineering programs spanning Advanced Vehicle Design (AVD), emissions testing and multi-brand powertrain calibration. There’s also GM Design, with the Australian team collaborating with North American and other global counterparts, to propel GM design into the next chapter.

Finally, there’s the Holden alumni making waves in the US and, having experienced the Acadia up close and personal, they’re confident it will suit Australian tastes perfectly. Phil Brook has a unique vantage point on both the GMC and Holden brands. Having risen through the ranks at Holden, Brook is another example of the global GM talent exported from Holden HQ, as he now holds the position of Vice President – Buick and GMC Marketing. Brook has no doubt the Acadia will strike a chord with Australian customers.

“Australians, as with customers around the world, are choosing to drive more SUVs every year. Attracted by the size and space, ride height and the extensive list of comfort, safety and technology features, SUVs reflect people’s lifestyles. Nobody does SUVs better than General Motors and GMC. Acadia ticks all the boxes and more. It’s proved very popular here in the US and will be a perfect fit in Australia.  It has a premium feel, outstanding quality, a strong road presence, plenty of cutting-edge technology and enough room for seven adults. It’s a fantastic all-rounder.”

While Acadia is unashamedly American in its design, its performance and driving persona has that signature Holden feel thanks to local engineering input. Using lessons learned from recent Commodore and Colorado programs, Holden engineers have focused on delivering the direct steering and composed ride that resonates with Australians.

Adding to early local engineering work, Holden is also putting vehicles through real-world testing up until launch later this year. Using a fleet of 14 vehicles to accumulate a share of 1.5 million testing kilometres, Holden is ensuring Acadia passes the family test and can handle everyday Aussie life with ease – think tram tracks, stop/start traffic, constantly changing speed zones, weekly grocery shops and taking the kids to footy practice on the weekend.

About GMC: GMC has manufactured trucks since 1902, with innovation and engineering excellence built into all GMC vehicles. The brand is evolving to offer more fuel-efficient trucks and crossovers, including the Acadia crossover.

Details on all GMC models are available at http://www.gmc.com/, on Twitter at @thisisgmc or at http://www.facebook.com/gmc

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