Limited Edition Statesman International

Tuesday, July 24, 2001

LIMITED EDITION STATESMAN INTERNATIONAL
HAS EXCLUSIVE APPEAL

Holden, which has built up an enviable record of sales success and interest in its nameplate through the release of special or ‘added value’ models, has now introduced a limited edition of its flagship, long wheelbase car, the Statesman.

There is no doubt that the formula has been a successful one over the years and more recently, has contributed to Holden’s resurgence and marketplace popularity. With six months of the year gone - during which the company released three limited edition models based on its all-conquering Commodore carline, Holden leads the new vehicle sales race from Ford, Toyota, Nissan, Mitsubishi and Honda.

It is expected that the specially appointed and enhanced WH Series Statesman International will have particular appeal for buyers that seek exclusivity, additional style, the increased comfort afforded by a long wheelbase car, and the effortless performance of a V8 engine. Of the 350 examples being produced at Holden’s South Australian assembly facility, it is anticipated that just 15 will cross to this side of the Tasman which will - when they go on sale next month, have a recommended retail price - exclusive of on-road costs, of $75,490.

The limited edition Statesman International is powered by Holden’s exceptionally smooth 5.7 litre GEN III alloy V8. Generating peak power of 225 kW at 5200 rpm and maximum torque of 460 Nm at 4400 rpm, the engine is matched to a four-stage electronically controlled automatic transmission.

Finished in Raven - a blue/black, the car’s exterior is distinguished by unique 17 x 8-inch alloy wheels shod with 235/45R17 low profile tyres. It also features a body-coloured grille, body-coloured side mouldings with chrome inserts and at the rear, an integrated decklid spoiler and International badging.

The stylish, custom-designed and spacious interior includes an exclusive Raven seat trim in Howe leather with suede fabric inserts; a unique instrument cluster featuring a blue face with contrasting white needles and silver mask; two-textured leather wrapped steering wheel, handbrake and gearshift lever, and embroidered carpet protection mats.

As an additional touch of luxury, the Statesman International also features a Priority Key - a personal identity key system which 'remembers' a wide range of preferred settings including - now, driver’s seat and exterior mirror positions. These are in addition to individual preferences for temperature settings, the sound system, speed alert, transmission mode, instrument dimmer, antenna height, trip computer and headlamps-off time delay.

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These special items complement the Statesman’s limousine-style interior proportions and augment a comprehensive array of standard equipment features. Included in that listing: ‘dual-zone’ climate control air conditioning, boot concealed 10-disc CD changer and high-output audio system, eight-way electric front seats and continuously variable, speed-sensing power steering.

Holden’s technologically advanced side impact airbags mounted in both front seats of the Statesman help to reduce the risk of head, neck and chest injury in the event of a severe side impact collision. These, together with driver and front passenger airbags, pyrotechnic front seat belt pre-tensioners that minimise forward movement in a frontal collision, ‘anti-submarining’ front and rear seat ramps, crash pulse-optimised front structure, traction control for stable acceleration on difficult road surfaces and anti-lock brakes to help maintain full steering - even under heavy braking - comprise a world-class, total safety system.

Like all Holden passenger cars, sport-utility/recreational four-wheel drive and light commercial vehicles, the Statesman International is covered by a three-year, 100,000 kilometres warranty - whichever occurs first. Normal service intervals - following the first inspection at 1500 kilometres - are at six months or every 10,000 kilometres whichever occurs first, the vehicle operates on 91 octane petrol and its braked towing capacity - with Holden approved equipment, is 2,100 kilograms.

The Statesman International also comes with ‘Holden Advantage,’ a motoring assurance package delivered through the collective resources of Holden Dealers and the New Zealand Automobile Association and which operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Benefits, which apply to the vehicle rather than driver and are thus transferred on resale, are a breakdown and recovery service and where applicable, an overnight accommodation and/or alternative transport plan - all in accordance with the formal document that accompanies the vehicle. The service is accessed through the toll free number 0800 HOLDEN.

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Contact: Aalbert van Ham (09) 526 6619 (direct telephone line)
E-mail: aalbert.vanham@holden.co.nz

Editors’ footnote:

- An image of the Statesman International is available via email - on request.

- In terms on New Zealand’s total passenger car market, the Statesman competes (along with BMW, Audi, Peugeot, Mercedes, Saab, Volvo, Ford and Rover) in the Prestige segment of the market (Holden’s other long wheelbase model - the range-topping Caprice, competes in the Luxury segment). Year to date June 2001, the Prestige segment accounted for 4.7% or 1,069 units of New Zealand’s car market - the Statesman’s 34 sales accounting for 3.2% of the segment.

- Holden first introduced a long wheelbase model as part of its HQ Series model range in 1971. In current guise, the WH Series Statesman and Caprice was launched in July 1999 and introduced new exterior styling, significant engineering and safety advancements and innovative electronic technology. The carline received Company Vehicle and Executive Cars magazine’s 1999 Business Car of the Year Award.

- The WH Series Statesman is based on the Commodore sedan with the following variations:

The underbody uses the wagon front floor, which increases the wheelbase by 151 mm over the sedan (2788 mm versus 2939 mm).

Rear floor and frameworks is extended by 80 mm to provide increased boot capacity and achieve the styling requirement.

Upper structure is completely revised to reflect styling requirements while maintaining the structural performance.

New panels include: engine hood inner and outer, roof - including the two roof bows and rear header, inner side panel including reinforcements, frame door opening panel, outer side panel including tail lamp gusset, inner and outer decklid and modifications of the back panel upper assembly.

Dimension comparisons - in millimetres, between WH Series long wheelbase Statesman and the VX Series short wheelbase Commodore:

Wheelbase Length Width Height Ground Clearance
Statesman Sedan 2939 5237 1847 1459 125
Commodore Sedan 2788 4891 1842 1450 150
Commodore Wagon 2939 5046 1847 1545 153
Leg Shoulder Head Hip
Statesman Sedan Front / Rear 1070 / 1099 1515 / 1501 992 / 982 1472 / 1471
Commodore Sedan Front / Rear 1072 / 992 1518 / 1520 988 / 968 1440 / 1516
Commodore Wagon Front / Rear 1072 / 992 1518 / 1520 1002 / 1069 1440 / 1516

- Part of Holden’s market leading success this year can be attributed to the continued acceptance and popularity of the VX Series Commodore - launched in November 2000, in addition to:
- the release of the special edition Commodore Lumina sedan and wagon in February 2001;
- the first completely new Holden Ute in 10 years - the VU Series, launched in March 2001;
- the first new Holden Barina to be introduced in seven years - the XC Series, in May 2001;
- the limited edition Calais International sedan released in June 2001;
- the limited edition Commodore Equipe sedan and wagon released in July 2001 and
- the best selling truck range in New Zealand - Isuzu.

- Holden New Zealand Limited is a wholly owned subsidiary of General Motors Corporation, Detroit, Michigan, United States of America. Established as General Motors New Zealand Limited on January 4, 1926, the company changed its name to Holden New Zealand Limited on July 14, 1994.

Following the sale of its long established Trentham site - in Wellington’s Hutt Valley area - the company relocated to Auckland on July 1, 1999 and is now an organisation that is principally engaged in the sales, marketing and distribution of vehicles.

- Website address for Holden New Zealand Limited is: www.holden.co.nz

- Recommended Retail Prices - inclusive of GST but exclusive of on-road costs, possible options or the fitment of available accessories - for all models in Holden’s long wheelbase prestige and luxury range of cars:

Model Engine and Transmission R.R.P.
Statesman Sedan: 3.8 litre V6 152 kW 4-speed automatic $65,990
3.8 litre V6 171 kW Supercharged 4-speed automatic $67,290
5.7 litre V8 225 kW 4-speed automatic $71,490
Statesman International 5.7 litre V8 225 kW 4-speed automatic $75,490
Caprice Sedan: 3.8 litre V6 152 kW 4-speed automatic $84,990
3.8 litre V6 171 kW Supercharged 4-speed automatic $86,290
5.7 litre V8 225 kW 4-speed automatic $89,990
Options: Leather (Standard on the Statesman International and Caprice) $2,000

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