The Holden EFIJY 2005

EFIJY is all about fun, emotion and imagination. It shows what a bunch of clever and talented design people can do when they are let loose to create something really wild.

A wild 21st Century hot rod reincarnating Australia's most famous car, the FJ Holden, was unveiled at the Australian International Motor Show in Sydney.

EFIJY is a radical pillarless custom coupe boasting V8 Supercar power under the bonnet, Chevrolet Corvette underbody and state-of-the-art automotive technology throughout.

The "Soprano Purple" paintwork highlights its curvaceous 5.2-metre body, reinterpreting the classic design cues of the iconic 1953 FJ Holden. It delivers retro, mumbo and gizmos in one glorious package.

Obviously not intended for production, EFIJY has been a passionate side project for some Holden Design team members otherwise dedicated to creating the all-new 2006 Commodore.

A long-term dream for Chief Designer Richard Ferlazzo, EFIJY brought together almost 20 suppliers to highlight the latest in mechanical, electronic and material products and ideas.

Automotive excess pounds through a 480-kilowatt, supercharged six-litre V8 engine and airadjustable shock absorbers through to a touch control LCD screen and fan-cooled LED headlamps.

GM Holden Chairman and Managing Director, Denny Mooney, today said the EFIJY project was a bold statement on the creative talent available within Holden's design ranks.

Mr Mooney said the project was developed as a collaboration with suppliers which reduced impact on the company's heavy work schedule and ensured the highest possible quality result for the showcar.

"EFIJY is all about fun, emotion and imagination. It shows what a bunch of clever and talented design people can do when they are let loose to create something really wild," Mr Mooney said.

"This year was a fantastic opportunity for us to create something which highlights our designers' ability and versatility."

"EFIJY is sure to evoke different memories for everyone who sees it. People might focus on the FJ links, the glorious custom coupes of the 1930s or the great design flair of the 1950s.

Design philosophies

Holden Chief Designer and EFIJY project leader Richard Ferlazzo, who sketched the first EFIJY designs in 1989 and is a long-time custom car fanatic, said the car existed purely for automotive entertainment.

"Invariably, people smile when they see it for the first time. EFIJY is our accolade to the talented designers who cut loose with some fantastically flamboyant styling in the post-war 1940s and 1950s," Ferlazzo said.

"Ask the question, what would these people have created using all the skill sets and technology we have now, and EFIJY might be the all-Australian answer to that question."

"EFIJY is also aimed at the legions of custom car and hot rod enthusiasts out there whose appetites aren't generally met in the concept car arena."

"Most importantly, it sends the message that the same people who have sensible day jobs designing entirely practical cars have the passion and inspiration to create something as outrageous as EFIJY."

"We're all car nuts together and the fact that EFIJY stands on our Sydney motorshow stand goes some way to legitimising this form of automotive design in the mainstream."

Ford, Holden motoring again after Slump Australia Cars

Carmakers Ford and Holden say the industry has started to bounce back after the economic downturn.

During the global financial crisis Australia's two biggest car manufacturers were forced to cut jobs and reduce production.

Holden's plant at Elizabeth, in Adelaide's north, cancelled one of its production shifts because of a slump in sales.

But it appears the industry has turned a corner, with Holden announcing the cancelled shift will be restored in November.

Staff will return to full-time employment, allowing the company to hire more staff.

Holden says confidence has returned and Adelaide production of its Cruze model will start in November.

There will also be a VE series two Commodore released within months.

South Australia's Industry Minister Tom Koutsantonis says Holden's recovery is important to the SA economy.

"It's the heart and soul of South Australia ... There's a massive components industry that goes alongside Holdens," he said.

He says the next step for Holden is to regain its share of international markets in the United States and the Middle East.

Federal Industry Minister Kim Carr says the Holden announcement is welcome.

"In terms of its research and development, its employment of high-skilled, high-wage jobs, for exports, it's the backbone of manufacturing in


South Australia across and Australia. It's a vital part of our future," he said.
The SA Government says Holden received about $180 million of state and federal funding to help it through the downturn.

Meanwhile, Ford is marking the 50th anniversary of the Ford Falcon today.

Almost 3.5 million Falcons have rolled off production lines since the first XK model was produced and the company's president Marin Burela says the industry has stayed viable during tough economic times.

"There's been a lot of challenging times for the industry over the last 12 months; we've certainly come through it over 2009 and into 2010," he said.

"The industry this year is very strong and it looks like it will certainly exceed a million units.

"Since June, July of last year we have been lifting our production volumes through the plant and also we have been working production overtime on Saturdays to meet demand the Falcon continues to be a roaring success."

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