GM Holden will provide 75 cars to the Australasian Road Rescue Organisation (ARRO) for emergency skills training on the Gold Coast later this week.
A combination of VE Commodore sedans, VZ Commodore wagons and WM Statesman and Caprice models will be used by ARRO for the Australasian Rescue Challenge 2008 from 6-8 June. When new, these vehicles would have an estimated retail value of approximately $3 million.

22 teams of road rescue workers from Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia and Hong Kong will perform three rounds of rescue exercises to improve their emergency skills.

The Holden vehicles, previously used for engineering evaluation and not for public sale, will be utilised by ARRO to simulate road crashes and provide hypothetical crash scenarios.

GM Holden Executive Director – Engineering, Greg Tyus, said he was pleased to continue the company's support, which has now extended to more than 800 vehicles in 10 years.

"Supporting ARRO is a meaningful way for GM Holden to demonstrate our ongoing commitment to safety and assist organisations which help so many people, here and overseas, each year."

Paul Jerome, Vice President of ARRO, said the event plays a critical role in reducing the road toll.

"Training with modern cars is vital to the development of our road rescue teams as it helps us improve the quality of our service, develop new rescue techniques and, ultimately, save lives," he said.

" Australia is one of the only places in the world where rescue workers have access to the latest automotive technology. Holden really does provide an incredible level of support."

ARRO is the peak body in Australasia for the development and exchange of information, knowledge and skills in road rescue. Each year, it holds the skills challenge for organisations such as the Country Fire Authority (CFA), State Emergency Service (SES), Fire and Emergency Services Authority of Western Australia (FESA) and Queensland Fire and Rescue Service (QFRS).