HSV To Take On Europe's Finest & May Even Release It's Own Models, Say New Boss

**JoeT** · 05-24-2007, 12:23 AM

HSV’s Horizon

Byron Mathioudakis
29 May 2007
www.goauto.com.au

Lexus executive is set to make his mark at Holden’s muscle-car unit.

Holden Special Vehicles’ (HSV) new managing director Scott Grant has nominated expanding the model range, improving customer service and assisting dealers in better understanding HSV products as his prime focus.

The former Toyota and Lexus product and marketing executive kicked-off his career at HSV last week as the replacement for Phil Harding, who now oversees HSV’s export markets from the United Kingdom.

While applying his experience with Lexus’ enviable retail operations will be an obvious area for him to work with, Mr Grant said at the Grange sedan launch last week that a bigger product portfolio was also high on the agenda.

“I would love to see a broad product range… selling to a broader series of customer segments out there,” he said. “At the bottom end we have the Astra type product … we need to make sure that we maximise the volume potential to get in the younger entry-level type buyers.

“I also think there is potential at the top end with the Senator and Grange to continue to expand that product in time to snare the ageing baby boomers with a bit of money to spend on product that really represents great value for money against the Europeans.

“Ideally, we would like to handle people from their very earliest car needs through to when they are exiting the world. I don’t see us moving into minivans or anything like that, just your standard passenger-car requirements.”

Click here to continue article

Young Blood

Byron Mathioudakis
29 May 2007
www.goauto.com.au

HSV mogul looks to his new MD and racing stars for a different style and culture.

Holden Special Vehicles (HSV) chairman John Crennan has argued that fresh thinking, being open to different ideas and having an ability to change are as important to the future growth of the performance-car division as new product.

Commenting on former Lexus product manager Scott Grant’s appointment as HSV managing director, Mr Crennan also said archrival Ford Performance Vehicles (FPV) could learn from HSV’s example.

“Injecting the place with some new, youthful enthusiasm and, more importantly, some outside experience – not only with another car company that haven’t done too badly for themselves in the course of the last 10 years or so, (but also with) somebody who has some prestige brand and niche experience in the form of Lexus – is a pretty good mix, combined with the other experience we’ve got around the place,” Mr Crennan said.

“I look at the contrast with our competitor at Broadmeadows, who seems to be doing all the opposite things to that, and I think you may be able to see a little bit of a reason why the (sales) graph is going the way it is.

“Perhaps more since David Flint’s departure, that company has not been the same company that it was. So it’s a good lesson in terms of ensuring that there is some intrinsic knowledge of the business that’s been there since day one.”

Click here to continue article

Interview With HSV's New Boss

Toby Hagon
24 May 2007
www.drive.com.au

HSV's new managing director, ex-Toyota executive Scott Grant, talks to Toby Hagon about the future of Australia's premier performance brand.

Fresh from 19 years and 12 different jobs at Toyota and Lexus, newly appointed HSV managing director Scott Grant has a new challenge on his hands. The self-titled “luckiest executive” in the car industry knows he cannot continue the HSV status quo; he must reposition the performance-focused company for a strong and viable future in a world of rising fuel prices and environmental awareness.

From fuel efficient alternatives to a broader range of performance vehicles, Grant is keen to look at all manner of opportunities for Australia’s most successful luxury car brand.

As HSV approaches its 20th anniversary, Grant has been appointed to the top job to bring a fresh approach to the engineering-based company that’s made its name on performance versions of the Holden Commodore and Caprice.

Grant took time out on his first day in his new role to talk exclusively to Drive.com.au about his plans for Australia’s premier muscle-car brand.

Click here to continue article

Holden Models & Oz Shores No Boundary For HSV

Mike Sinclair
24 May 2007
www.carpoint.com.au

HSV could release its 'own' models and target more export markets in the future.

HSV wears the name Holden proudly, but the Tom Walkinshaw-owned high-performance 'haus' has hinted that it could go its own way with non-Holden-badged models and new markets in the future.

Talking at the launch of the flagship Grange this week, new HSV boss Scott Grant and company chairman John Crennan hinted that the company would not necessarily be bound by Holden's local model line-up in the future.

Further, Crennan revealed that HSV-fettled (but not badged) models could be launched in more non-Holden markets such as China.

Addressing questions on whether Holden's decision to (in the main) source cars from its Daewoo affiliate (rather than European GM brands such as Opel), limited HSV's product expansion, Crennan was not fazed.

"We don't necessarily have to replicate the range that Holden brings in," Crennan told the Carsales Network. "There are other alternatives to broaden our portfolio."

"There are some other European cars in the GM family we're having a close look at," Crennan admitted.

"I can quite openly say [Opel] Corsa [VXR] is one of those," he said, but admitted that while work is proceeding on a business case, HSV was still "a mile away from doing it..."

Click here to continue article

HSV Grange Targets BMW & Mercedes-Benz

Toby Hagon
24 May 2007
www.drive.com.au

Holden Special Vehicles is keen to move its brand upmarket with the luxurious and roomy Grange performance limousine.

HSV has launched its most serious attempt at tackling more established luxury Marques with the latest Grange flagship – just don’t expect a bottle of Grange wine to be stashed in the boot.

The HSV Grange went on sale this week priced at $82,990, bringing with it more equipment than any locally-produced vehicle and adding a highlight to the company’s line-up as it approaches the brand’s 20th anniversary.

The Grange is based on the Holden Caprice – itself a long-wheelbase version of the VE Commodore – and comes with twin DVD screens in the back, a tri-zone climate control ventilation system, Bluetooth phone connection and an advanced damper control system similar to that used in the latest Ferrari 599 and Audi TT.

It also gets safety features such as a stability control system and side curtain airbags. Like all long wheelbase Holdens, the Grange gets more leg room than almost every car on the market, making it a favourite with families and limousine companies. And, like all HSV models, it’s beneath the bonnet that the Grange’s appeal is strongest.

Click here to continue article

New Grange Has HSV's Sights On Middle East

Byron Mathioudakis
28 May 2007
www.goauto.com.au

Holden Special Vehicles chairman John Crennan has revealed the Middle East - not the United States - represents the biggest export growth potential for the all-new Grange flagship.

"The primary area is Middle East," said Mr Crennan at last week's launch of HSV’s version of the redesigned long-wheelbase WM Statesman, which has proved more popular in the Middle East for GM Holden than the short-wheelbase VE Commodore upon which it's based.

"In the Middle East Holden sells at a ratio of three-to-one long-wheelbase to short-wheelbase.

"So it makes sense that if we could get into that market, this would be a great opportunity for us. And we’ve got Phil (Harding, ex-HSV managing director) on the doorstep working pretty hard on that."

Neither Mr Crennan nor Mr Harding’s successor, Scott Grant, would be drawn into speculating a timeframe as to if or when HSV will announce a long-wheelbase export deal involving the WM Grange.

"No export deal has been approved," emphasised Mr Crennan. "But if there was something that was going to happen, it will happen in the next 12 months."

Click here to continue article

Holden Special Vehicles Website
New HSV Grange Luxury-Sports Sedan Is Now On Sale
New HSV Grange Luxury-Sports Sedan Is Now On Sale
HSV Takes On Premium European Imports

HSV's Scott Grant and Phil Harding, plus the E-series range

racy · 05-24-2007, 02:40 AM

I just really like the look of the Holdens and I wish we could get them here...not the Pontiac version. The G8 front clip doesn't do it for me. I'd take the stock Holden setup any day.

tgagneguam · 05-24-2007, 07:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by racy

I just really like the look of the Holdens ...

Yes, they do seem like some pretty fine vehicles.

**JoeT** · 05-24-2007, 07:13 AM

I would like to see HSV expand Elfin to take on the likes of Lotus & MG. Walkinshaw Buys Elfin - Exports, Dealer Network & More

Butz · 05-24-2007, 08:00 AM

I don't see them at the same level as "Europe's Finest".

ZvetteGuy · 05-24-2007, 09:41 AM

I want one... it's as simple as that!

Rick_VT · 05-24-2007, 10:38 AM

If they have hopes to go to Europe they need a V8 diesel even the new 2.9V6 turbo diesel would be great as a lower model cause with the cost of fuel over there the 6.0ltr V8 might put a few people of with the fuel consumption, yes i know they give good numbers on highway when cruising but u give them some stick around town and they will drink

EldoFan · 05-24-2007, 12:03 PM

I'm a fan myself of the Statesman/Caprice......Buick can't get the Statesman (Park Avenue) here fast enough IMO!!

superstreet · 05-24-2007, 12:18 PM

i love the holdens

jbernie · 05-24-2007, 12:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Butz

I don't see them at the same level as "Europe's Finest".

No but they are pretty darn close and you only pay a whole lot less than those Europeans. You can get any HSV for less than an M3.

Butz · 05-24-2007, 01:54 PM

If I had the choice between say an M3 or an HSV Grange I'd go with the HSV, I know it wont like the fun. But it's the small details that make the M3 a much better car, not that this matters cause it'll always be in the shop unlike the more reliable and easier to work with HSV.
I'm just saying it isn't premium, when it comes to the quality and details it lacks, but to fans like us it doesn't matter that much, the Holdens are a thrill to drive I can't imagine how much more fan the HSVs are.

redTT · 05-24-2007, 06:23 PM

Quote:

yes i know they give good numbers on highway when cruising but u give them some stick around town and they will drink

Name me one car that doesnt. Have you had a look at how thirsty the Bugatti Veyron gets when driven at full tilt?

RedHotMike · 05-25-2007, 05:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Butz

If I had the choice between say an M3 or an HSV Grange I'd go with the HSV, I know it wont like the fun. But it's the small details that make the M3 a much better car,

I can say with almost certainty that a person in the market for a M3 would not consider a Grange. It's definatly in the small details like the Grange being a large limosine while the M3 is a small 2 door hotrod!

RedHotMike

Aych Es Vee · 05-25-2007, 05:06 AM

I'm VERY glad that HSV wants Opel over Daewoo.

I just wish there was enough money in Holden to produce its own vehicles.
Such as the Torana.

Then HSV could do a version of that and my life would be complete. haha

^^^ I got bored

RedHotMike · 05-25-2007, 06:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aych Es Vee

I'm VERY glad that HSV wants Opel over Daewoo.

I just wish there was enough money in Holden to produce its own vehicles.
Such as the Torana.

Then HSV could do a version of that and my life would be complete. haha

^^^ I got bored

Hey Aych - any chance of sending me a copy of that in 1680x1050??? I think i've found my new wall paper - that is awesome!

RedHotMike

05-24-2007, 12:23 AM	#1 (permalink)
JoeT GMI's Holden Moderator Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Wollongong, Australia Drives: 2003 Holden Monaro CV8 Posts: 4,854	HSV To Take On Europe's Finest & May Even Release It's Own Models, Say New Boss HSV’s Horizon Byron Mathioudakis 29 May 2007 www.goauto.com.au Lexus executive is set to make his mark at Holden’s muscle-car unit. Holden Special Vehicles’ (HSV) new managing director Scott Grant has nominated expanding the model range, improving customer service and assisting dealers in better understanding HSV products as his prime focus. The former Toyota and Lexus product and marketing executive kicked-off his career at HSV last week as the replacement for Phil Harding, who now oversees HSV’s export markets from the United Kingdom. While applying his experience with Lexus’ enviable retail operations will be an obvious area for him to work with, Mr Grant said at the Grange sedan launch last week that a bigger product portfolio was also high on the agenda. “I would love to see a broad product range… selling to a broader series of customer segments out there,” he said. “At the bottom end we have the Astra type product … we need to make sure that we maximise the volume potential to get in the younger entry-level type buyers. “I also think there is potential at the top end with the Senator and Grange to continue to expand that product in time to snare the ageing baby boomers with a bit of money to spend on product that really represents great value for money against the Europeans. “Ideally, we would like to handle people from their very earliest car needs through to when they are exiting the world. I don’t see us moving into minivans or anything like that, just your standard passenger-car requirements.” Click here to continue article Young Blood Byron Mathioudakis 29 May 2007 www.goauto.com.au HSV mogul looks to his new MD and racing stars for a different style and culture. Holden Special Vehicles (HSV) chairman John Crennan has argued that fresh thinking, being open to different ideas and having an ability to change are as important to the future growth of the performance-car division as new product. Commenting on former Lexus product manager Scott Grant’s appointment as HSV managing director, Mr Crennan also said archrival Ford Performance Vehicles (FPV) could learn from HSV’s example. “Injecting the place with some new, youthful enthusiasm and, more importantly, some outside experience – not only with another car company that haven’t done too badly for themselves in the course of the last 10 years or so, (but also with) somebody who has some prestige brand and niche experience in the form of Lexus – is a pretty good mix, combined with the other experience we’ve got around the place,” Mr Crennan said. “I look at the contrast with our competitor at Broadmeadows, who seems to be doing all the opposite things to that, and I think you may be able to see a little bit of a reason why the (sales) graph is going the way it is. “Perhaps more since David Flint’s departure, that company has not been the same company that it was. So it’s a good lesson in terms of ensuring that there is some intrinsic knowledge of the business that’s been there since day one.” Click here to continue article Interview With HSV's New Boss Toby Hagon 24 May 2007 www.drive.com.au HSV's new managing director, ex-Toyota executive Scott Grant, talks to Toby Hagon about the future of Australia's premier performance brand. Fresh from 19 years and 12 different jobs at Toyota and Lexus, newly appointed HSV managing director Scott Grant has a new challenge on his hands. The self-titled “luckiest executive” in the car industry knows he cannot continue the HSV status quo; he must reposition the performance-focused company for a strong and viable future in a world of rising fuel prices and environmental awareness. From fuel efficient alternatives to a broader range of performance vehicles, Grant is keen to look at all manner of opportunities for Australia’s most successful luxury car brand. As HSV approaches its 20th anniversary, Grant has been appointed to the top job to bring a fresh approach to the engineering-based company that’s made its name on performance versions of the Holden Commodore and Caprice. Grant took time out on his first day in his new role to talk exclusively to Drive.com.au about his plans for Australia’s premier muscle-car brand. Click here to continue article Holden Models & Oz Shores No Boundary For HSV Mike Sinclair 24 May 2007 www.carpoint.com.au HSV could release its 'own' models and target more export markets in the future. HSV wears the name Holden proudly, but the Tom Walkinshaw-owned high-performance 'haus' has hinted that it could go its own way with non-Holden-badged models and new markets in the future. Talking at the launch of the flagship Grange this week, new HSV boss Scott Grant and company chairman John Crennan hinted that the company would not necessarily be bound by Holden's local model line-up in the future. Further, Crennan revealed that HSV-fettled (but not badged) models could be launched in more non-Holden markets such as China. Addressing questions on whether Holden's decision to (in the main) source cars from its Daewoo affiliate (rather than European GM brands such as Opel), limited HSV's product expansion, Crennan was not fazed. "We don't necessarily have to replicate the range that Holden brings in," Crennan told the Carsales Network. "There are other alternatives to broaden our portfolio." "There are some other European cars in the GM family we're having a close look at," Crennan admitted. "I can quite openly say [Opel] Corsa [VXR] is one of those," he said, but admitted that while work is proceeding on a business case, HSV was still "a mile away from doing it..." Click here to continue article HSV Grange Targets BMW & Mercedes-Benz Toby Hagon 24 May 2007 www.drive.com.au Holden Special Vehicles is keen to move its brand upmarket with the luxurious and roomy Grange performance limousine. HSV has launched its most serious attempt at tackling more established luxury Marques with the latest Grange flagship – just don’t expect a bottle of Grange wine to be stashed in the boot. The HSV Grange went on sale this week priced at $82,990, bringing with it more equipment than any locally-produced vehicle and adding a highlight to the company’s line-up as it approaches the brand’s 20th anniversary. The Grange is based on the Holden Caprice – itself a long-wheelbase version of the VE Commodore – and comes with twin DVD screens in the back, a tri-zone climate control ventilation system, Bluetooth phone connection and an advanced damper control system similar to that used in the latest Ferrari 599 and Audi TT. It also gets safety features such as a stability control system and side curtain airbags. Like all long wheelbase Holdens, the Grange gets more leg room than almost every car on the market, making it a favourite with families and limousine companies. And, like all HSV models, it’s beneath the bonnet that the Grange’s appeal is strongest. Click here to continue article New Grange Has HSV's Sights On Middle East Byron Mathioudakis 28 May 2007 www.goauto.com.au Holden Special Vehicles chairman John Crennan has revealed the Middle East - not the United States - represents the biggest export growth potential for the all-new Grange flagship. "The primary area is Middle East," said Mr Crennan at last week's launch of HSV’s version of the redesigned long-wheelbase WM Statesman, which has proved more popular in the Middle East for GM Holden than the short-wheelbase VE Commodore upon which it's based. "In the Middle East Holden sells at a ratio of three-to-one long-wheelbase to short-wheelbase. "So it makes sense that if we could get into that market, this would be a great opportunity for us. And we’ve got Phil (Harding, ex-HSV managing director) on the doorstep working pretty hard on that." Neither Mr Crennan nor Mr Harding’s successor, Scott Grant, would be drawn into speculating a timeframe as to if or when HSV will announce a long-wheelbase export deal involving the WM Grange. "No export deal has been approved," emphasised Mr Crennan. "But if there was something that was going to happen, it will happen in the next 12 months." Click here to continue article Holden Special Vehicles Website New HSV Grange Luxury-Sports Sedan Is Now On Sale New HSV Grange Luxury-Sports Sedan Is Now On Sale HSV Takes On Premium European Imports HSV's Scott Grant and Phil Harding, plus the E-series range Last edited by JoeT : 05-29-2007 at 06:45 AM.

05-24-2007, 02:40 AM	#2 (permalink)
racy 6.0 Liter Vortec V8 Join Date: Dec 2003 Posts: 1,645	Re: HSV To Take On Europe's Finest, Say New Boss I just really like the look of the Holdens and I wish we could get them here...not the Pontiac version. The G8 front clip doesn't do it for me. I'd take the stock Holden setup any day.

05-24-2007, 07:13 AM	#4 (permalink)
JoeT GMI's Holden Moderator Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Wollongong, Australia Drives: 2003 Holden Monaro CV8 Posts: 4,854	Re: HSV To Take On Europe's Finest & May Even Release It's Own Models, Say New Boss I would like to see HSV expand Elfin to take on the likes of Lotus & MG. Walkinshaw Buys Elfin - Exports, Dealer Network & More __________________

05-24-2007, 09:41 AM	#6 (permalink)
ZvetteGuy 3.8 Liter Supercharged V6 Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Arizona Drives: 1987 Chevrolet R10 pickup, 1999 Pontiac Grand Prix Posts: 550	Re: HSV To Take On Europe's Finest & May Even Release It's Own Models, Say New Boss I want one... it's as simple as that! __________________ Awww... life is so grand... my truck in the garage and the Ponti look'n good... all I need now is a Corvette or a girlfriend.... hmmmm... a Corvette may be cheaper

05-24-2007, 10:38 AM	#7 (permalink)
Rick_VT 3.8 Liter V6 Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: australia Drives: VT Acclaim series 1 Posts: 394	Re: HSV To Take On Europe's Finest & May Even Release It's Own Models, Say New Boss If they have hopes to go to Europe they need a V8 diesel even the new 2.9V6 turbo diesel would be great as a lower model cause with the cost of fuel over there the 6.0ltr V8 might put a few people of with the fuel consumption, yes i know they give good numbers on highway when cruising but u give them some stick around town and they will drink

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05-24-2007, 12:03 PM	#8 (permalink)
EldoFan 6.0 Liter LS2 V8 Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Omaha Nebraska, USA Drives: '08 Malibu LT '94 Plymouth Voyager Posts: 4,887	Re: HSV To Take On Europe's Finest & May Even Release It's Own Models, Say New Boss I'm a fan myself of the Statesman/Caprice......Buick can't get the Statesman (Park Avenue) here fast enough IMO!!

05-24-2007, 12:18 PM	#9 (permalink)
superstreet 3.6 Liter V6 Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: El Paso, Texas Drives: 02 CAMARO SS Posts: 1,202	Re: HSV To Take On Europe's Finest & May Even Release It's Own Models, Say New Boss i love the holdens __________________

05-25-2007, 05:06 AM	#14 (permalink)
Aych Es Vee 3.9 Liter V6 Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Canberra, Australia Drives: RB25det powered 1987 Holden VL Berlina & a 2004 Fo Posts: 886	Re: HSV To Take On Europe's Finest & May Even Release It's Own Models, Say New Boss I'm VERY glad that HSV wants Opel over Daewoo. I just wish there was enough money in Holden to produce its own vehicles. Such as the Torana. Then HSV could do a version of that and my life would be complete. haha ^^^ I got bored

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