Cruze Comes Out On Top With First Car Buyers

VICTORIA, AUSTRALIA – December 15, 2010: Holden’s small car success story, Cruze, has won further acclaim, being named ‘Best First Car’ in women’s automotive website autochic.com.au’s Car of the Year Awards.

Autochic.com.au founder Juliet Potter said more than 22,000 voters on the female-focused automotive website had voted Cruze the most popular car for women looking to purchase a new vehicle for the first time.

“Cruze resonated with members of the Autochic website, who recognised that this vehicle combines style, performance, safety and value for money, making it a fantastic purchase for any motorist, but in particular, for drivers making their first foray into the automotive market,” Ms Potter said.

Holden Director of Marketing, Philip Brook, said the award reflected Cruze’s swell in popularity since it was launched last year.

"Consumer recognition is the ultimate accolade,” Mr Brook said.

“This award really confirms Cruze’s place as one of Australia’s most popular small cars since arriving on the scene," he said.

“When we launched this vehicle, our aim was to offer a car that exceeded people’s expectations about what a small car should offer.

“Cruze has quickly done that with all the style, space and features you’d expect in a large car, but with the fuel economy and easy-handling of a smaller vehicle.”

Since it launched in Australia, the Holden Cruze has made its mark as one of Australia’s most popular small cars, achieving almost 40,000 sales since its launch in June 2009 and regularly occupying a place on Australia’s list of top five selling vehicles.

From next year, sedan and hatchback models will roll off Holden’s Elizabeth production line, making Cruze the Australia’s only locally-built small car.