The last of the Sports Cats
The launch of the Series 2 HSV SportsCat was an endorsement of the risky decision to take the performance brand into the crowded high-end ute market.
The Holden Colorado Z71 will be seen with new features when the 2020 model arrives at dealerships in November.
These will include wheel-arch fender flares, a new black grille, underbody protection, DuraGuard spray-on tub liner and a soft-drop tailgate.
Said to enhance the overall aesthetics of the vehicle, the new flares and grille are complemented by the underbody protection, DuraGuard spray-on tub liner and the innovative soft-drop tailgate in the functionality stakes.
In particular, the new tailgate, available exclusively on the updated Colorado Z71 has none of the the traditional thumping ‘drop action’ of tailgates that can catch users unawares.
This is undeniably the hero 4x4 model of the Colorado range.
The new features of the Z71 build on other exclusive features including 18-inch alloy wheels, leather interior and heated front seats. The upgrades are included in an unchanged recommended retail price.
In addition, the new Colorado Z71 joins all other new vehicles sold at authorised Holden dealers in having a three-year free scheduled servicing plan, three-year free roadside assistance and three-year free warranty.
In other Holden news, the change in company strategy last September to focus on SUV and LCV, to meet changing consumer preferences, seems to be bearing fruit. The September 2019 result is up 47% compared with the same month last year, achieving a 9.2% market share, which placed the brand in second spot for the month and fourth overall for 2019.
Year to date, all Holden LCV and SUV models have registered substantial growth, attributable to the renewed focus, as shown by Colorado sales up almost 10%, Trax up by more than 40%, Equinox up 50% and Trailblazer up a massive 60%.
Significantly, Acadia was the biggest seller in the large SUV segment for September and Colorado achieved third in segment for the month.
Farmlands says that improved half-year results show that the co-op’s tight focus on supporting New Zealand’s farmers and growers is working.
Horticulture New Zealand (HortNZ) says that discovery of a male Oriental fruit fly on Auckland’s North Shore is a cause for concern for growers.
Fonterra says its earnings for the 2025 financial year are anticipated to be in the upper half of its previously forecast earnings range of 40-60 cents per share.
Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ) is having another crack at increasing the fees of its chair and board members.
Livestock management tech company Nedap has launched Nedap New Zealand.
An innovative dairy effluent management system is being designed to help farmers improve on-farm effluent practices and reduce environmental impact.
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