Holden keeps proving ground
Holden vehicles will continue to be tuned for Australasia’s demanding conditions with the announcement that Holden will retain its iconic Lang Lang Proving Ground post-2017.
General Motors executive vice president and president, GM International Operations (GMIO) Stefan Jacoby joined Holden chairman and managing director Gerry Dorizas at a press conference at Holden HQ at Fishermans Bend to make the announcement.
This announcement means that post2017, Holden will not only retain its Lang Lang Proving Ground in Victoria, but will host a design, engineering and product development workforce.
“This is an important step in ensuring that Holden will continue to speak with a strong quality product now and in the future. The world over, everything starts and ends with great product,” said Stefan Jacoby.
“Our continued investment in the Proving Ground and the GM Design Centre in Melbourne, reinforces the strength of the Holden brand and the company’s commitment to maintaining a significant presence in Australasia.
“The Holden design and engineering capability is also a critical asset for GM globally. This team is a key part of our global design and engineering strategy for the future.”
He said the preservation of the Lang Lang Proving Ground, combined with the additional announcement that three Opel-sourced models will join Holden’s portfolio in 2015, demonstrated Holden’s long-term commitment to the region.
“GMIO is undergoing a transformation that is committed to driving our markets – like New Zealand – towards success. We are focussed on the long-term fundamentals, including ensuring Holden retains its proud identity and provides customers with the best possible cars,” he said.
Gerry Dorizas said the Lang Lang Proving Ground and GM Design Centre, combined with the retention of some engineering capability, meant Holden would continue to deliver New Zealand and Australian customers world-class vehicles.
“Our engineering and vehicle development team at Lang Lang will have the capability to tune suspension, steering and drivetrain characteristics for Australasia’s unique conditions and customers,” he said.
“The Lang Lang team will also remain plugged in to GM’s global engineering department, with ongoing input into product programs that reach beyond Holden and influence GM vehicles around the world. Our world-class GM Design Centre will also continue to help shape not just future Holden’s but GM vehicles around the globe.”
Located approximately 95km south-east of Melbourne, operations commenced at Holden’s Lang Lang Proving Ground in August 1957. Lang Lang has been the testing ground for every locally-produced Holden from the FC model of 1958 right up to the current VF Commodore range, launched in May 2013.
The Lang Lang facility includes 44km of sealed and unsealed roads designed for specific vehicle development and general durability testing. This road system includes a 4.7km banked highspeed track, a ‘twist’ course for steering and chassis tuning, a ‘noise road’ for vehicle refinement development, hill test roads and a skid pan.
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