General Motors : HOLDEN AND THE SMITH FAMILY RAISE $742,000 TO HELP LEARNING FOR LIFE KIDS’ EDUCATION PROGRAM AT HOLDEN DREAM CRUISE

Holden ensures an enduring legacy in Northern Adelaide with $742,000 donation for The Smith Family education program at Holden Dream Cruise charity auction

GM Holden has announced a $500,000 contribution to The Smith Family's Learning for Life sponsorship program, on top of the auction results for three special Holden vehicles, at a presentation during the Holden Dream Cruise celebration in northern Adelaide yesterday afternoon.

The Holden Dream Cruise attracted more than 25,000 loyal Holden fans and supporters, with more than 1200 pristine Holdens ranging from the original 48-215 'FX' Holden to the state-of-the-art VFII Commdores, and everything in between.

Holden Chairman and Managing Director, Mark Bernhard, said: 'It was truly inspirational to see the passion from the Holden fans and our employees past and present. I couldn't wipe the smile off my face from start to finish.'

In total, this combined commitment means Holden has provided $742,000 to The Smith Family as part of an ongoing legacy in Northern Adelaide to help kids reach their dreams through education.

The announcement followed an exciting live auction of the three iconic, very limited-edition Commodores, among the final vehicles manufactured at the Elizabeth plant. Following frenzied bidding from passionate Holden fans around the country, the three Holden hero vehicles went for a whopping grand total of $307,000.

In addition to supporting The Smith Family, fifty percent of the $130,000 raised by the auction of the Director V8 Auto Sedan #5 ($65,000) was presented to The Lighthouse Foundation, a charity supporting the homeless represented by Beverly Brock, long-time friend of Holden and former partner of Holden racing legend, the late Peter Brock.

Combined with the additional $500,000 Holden is contributing to one of Australia's worthiest charities, the grand total for The Smith Family reached $742,000 to help educate children in need.

Chairman and Managing Director, Mark Bernhard, said the financial package, including the proceeds of The Commodore Collection auction, will give back to the northern Adelaide community that has supported Holden for many years.

'This is the city where our company was born. We want to show Adelaide that we appreciate the support the community has given Holden, particularly over the past 55 years of manufacturing in Elizabeth,' Mr Bernhard said.

Manheim Director of Sales, Adrian Blackwell said the amount raised from the unique cars - Director #5, Motorsport #5 and Magnum #111 - was unprecedented, with the auction gaining interest from all over Australia, and internationally.

Jamie Lockett drove from Ballarat in Victoria to Adelaide to battle for the Motorsport V8 Sedan #5 and was delighted to snare his pride and joy for $93,000.

'The unique build numbers added a lot of value to the cars under the hammer. To now own the number five of the late Peter Brock, the King of the Mountain himself - now that's a piece of history to own.' he said.

Michael Steinborner from Gawler paid $84,000 for his Magnum V8 ute and said he couldn't be happier.

'I've been a Holden fan for decades and I love utes, so to own the last limited-edition Magnum is incredible!' he said.

The Smith Family's General Manager for SA & NT, Graham Jaeschke said Holden's contribution will make a significant difference to the lives of many disadvantaged families from the northern suburbs of Adelaide.

'With this generous financial package, we will be able to support more than 1000 students over five years through our Learning for Life sponsorship program. Learning for Life provides families with financial support for school essentials, such as books and uniforms, and allows access to critical out-of-school learning programs. By giving these students the support they need to succeed at school, we're giving them the best chance to break the cycle of disadvantage.' Mr Jaeschke said.

MEDIA ENQUIRIES:

Holden - Haydn Lane 0439 196 457 haydn.lane@gm.com

McCo GROUP - Leigh McClusky 0411 711 780 leigh@mccogroup.com.au

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:

www.thesmithfamily.com.au

www.holden.com.au