Media releases
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ONE YEAR ON THE ROAD
Imagine being able to trial a job for a month to decide if you liked the conditions, pay and hours, with so many new ways of working through the sharing economy, why shouldn’t this be possible? Holden agreed, so they launched Maven Gig, a car-sharing service that puts power into the hands of the driver.
Since launching a year ago, Maven Gig has achieved significant growth as more Australians turn to freelancing and the sharing economy to generate income and look for flexible ways to get on the road faster. As the personal mobility solution for members of the freelance economy celebrates its first anniversary, Maven Gig has reached a major milestone with its 1000th car hitting the road.
“We’ve seen massive changes to how our customers work and live, and we are embracing the challenge to offer the type of tailored experiences that people want and expect in every facet of their life. Maven Gig is just one way that we are creating new solutions that go beyond just a car, it gives people the power to choose how they want to drive and work,” said Matt Rattray-Wood, General Manager of Maven Australia.
“Freelance work and side hustles are becoming the norm as the public embrace new ways to work, and it’s incredibly exciting that as a car company we have the opportunity to be able to expand into this space. Maven Gig allows members to earn money and enjoy all the benefits of car ownership, all on their own terms.”
Maven Gig gives members access to a wide range of brand new or near new Holden vehicles such as the Trax, Astra hatch and sedan, and the seven seat Captiva. Drivers get unlimited kilometers, 24/7 roadside assistance, comprehensive car insurance and scheduled servicing all included in the rental cost. They can easily swap the vehicles depending on their work or needs.
Matt said the automotive industry was evolving at lightning speed and Holden and Maven intended to be at the forefront of this expanding market.
“With 1000 active members across Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane and Adelaide, Australians are embracing this service and we are looking at new ways that we can expand our offering.”
“This first year has shown us that there is a strong appetite for our service in Australia, as we look to the future we are diving deeper into the sharing side of the business, exploring apps and what other opportunities there are to provide new mobility solutions for businesses and individuals.”
Graduate Program
GM Holden is offering the best and brightest engineering graduates the opportunity to work at its Melbourne office and at General Motors in Michigan through its three-year graduate program TRACK.
The program, launched for the first time in Australia this year, gives 14 engineering graduates the chance to work at Holden alongside its world-class design and engineering teams. Following the first year in Australia, the graduates will then take the ultimate leap to Michigan in the Unites States to work for General Motors for two years, developing vehicles that provide customers with an unparalleled road experience.
To be eligible for the program graduates must be an Australian citizen or permanent resident, hold a university degree in engineering, have had six months paid employment experience and can start in June 2018. In return, Holden is offering graduates roles across a wide range of engineering, including propulsion, design, mechatronics, electrical and mechanical, with workplace benefits such as flexible working hours and an attractive salary.
Brett Vivian, Executive Director of Engineering, said, “Holden Australia is always on the lookout for the best Australian engineering students to join our team. We’re excited to offer the TRACK graduate program in Australia for the first time, after success around the world, to provide graduates with the opportunity to work in the automotive industry.”
“With over 100 applications to the TRACK graduate program so far, we’re incredibly impressed by the calibre of Australian engineering graduates and can’t wait to receive many more applications over the coming days, there’s only a few more days so make sure you submit your application.
“The TRACK graduate program continues to show Holden’s dedication to ensuring Australia’s auto industry is skilled by Australians,” said Brett. “We’re excited to provide Australian engineering graduates the opportunity to continue our traditions of providing vehicles suited to Australian roads and Australian conditions.”
WOMEN’S PREMIERSHIP
The Brisbane Broncos, St George-Illawarra Dragons, Sydney Roosters and New Zealand Warriors have been named as the teams that will compete as part of the inaugural NRL Holden Women’s Premiership in 2018.
NRL Chief Executive, Todd Greenberg confirmed the four teams today, which finalises a full year of women’s rugby league competition.
“The formation of a women’s Premiership is one of the most exciting developments the game has seen,” Mr Greenberg said.
“For the first time, our best female players will have the opportunity to play in an NRL competition – on the game’s biggest stage.”
Mr Greenberg said a decision was made to run the competition with four teams, rather than six, to ensure the first year of competition was of the highest quality, whilst balancing player workload.
He said the NRL consulted with Jillaroos and other senior players, who wanted a strong competition with the very best players in action each week.
“They also wanted the teams involved to cover a wide geographical area,” he said.
“We think we’ve got the balance right for our first year and I would expect more NRL clubs to join the competition in the years ahead.”
Mr Greenberg also said that while the Women’s Premiership will be a highlight for many players, before then, fans have a lot to look forward to, with the first ever Holden Women’s State of Origin match as part of a stand-alone representative weekend in June.
“This is in addition to State League Competitions, a National Championship and a Talent ID day taking place, providing athletes who aren’t currently playing rugby league, the opportunity to come and try our game.
“Then after the Premiership, our Harvey Norman Jillaroos will head to New Zealand to resume their rivalry between the Ferns, in what will be another thrilling encounter between the two sides, as part of a double-header Test Match alongside the Kangaroos and Kiwis.
“So it’s a big year ahead – and a really exciting year ahead – for our female rugby league players, as well as fans of our women’s game.”
Holden Director of Communications, Anna Betts said the company was proud to demonstrate their commitment to women’s sport, via naming rights of the NRL Holden Women’s Premiership.
“At Holden, we look for opportunities to drive change and encourage greater diversity and inclusion, both inside and outside of our organisation,” Ms Betts said.
“We are focused on promoting positive role models for girls and women and the Premiership ahead is a perfect extension of our existing partnership with the NRL.
“We’re thrilled to be the inaugural sponsor and look forward to seeing this competition grow over the coming years.”
NRL Senior Manager of the Women’s Elite Program, Tiffany Slater said the four NRL clubs would now embark on a process to contract players for the Premiership.
“The recent Women’s Rugby League World Cup tournament showcased exceptional playing skills across competing teams and we’re looking forward to many of those players participating as part of the Women’s Premiership this year,” Ms Slater said.
“We will be working alongside clubs between now and the Premiership to promote playing talent across the board, with the aim of developing an elite and exciting long-term competition.”
