Northside Holden already in full swing

The team at Northside Holden is looking forward to a new facility – but they’re not letting the grass grow under their feet in the meantime. As part of the Alto Group, they’ve been full steam ahead, trading on the corner of the Pacific Highway and Hotham Parade in Artarmon while waiting for the new state-of-the-art dealership to open next year on the corner of Fullers Road and the Pacific Highway in Chatswood.

Alto Group is investing more than $16 million in the new stand-alone Holden facility, and Managing Director Anthony Altomonte indicates it is money well spent. “We believe there is a strong future for the Holden brand,” he says “Having secured Holden gives the Alto Group excellent vehicle coverage to satisfy Sydney’s north side driver choices.” 

Dealer Principal Stephen Wild says the new showroom is just part of the story. “The opportunities Holden provide the Alto group,  with 20 per cent of the nation’s car park - when it comes down that we are not just selling new Holdens but servicing them and providing parts for them, so it adds another string to our bow,” he says.

“Additionally with our parts warehouse, it adds another massive opportunity to provide same-day deliveries to our already hundreds of mechanical and panel shop repairers.”

Wild points out that although Northside Holden is a new start-up operation, the sum of staff experience with Holden totals more than a century of experience. 

He has personally been with the Alto Group for eight years in a number of Dealer Principal and Senior Management positions. Having previously worked extensively in the Holden Brand and Range, he brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the new enterprise.

“The Sales Manager has 15 years Holden experience - the majority of it in lower north shore area - our Fleet manager and HSV specialist has over 10 years experience, and was recommended to s by Holden. And while I have been overwhelmed by the reception of the Pacific Highway  location by customers making enquires and purchasing,  I’ve also been overwhelmed by the staff wanting to join us,” he says.

Northside Holden will be presenting and offering the entire Holden vehicle range including HSV. They will also have a range of hand picked quality used cars of a standard expected by the discerning customers of the Alto Group. 

Mr Altomonte points out that this is just the latest step in a journey that has so far being ongoing for nearly six decades, starting when his father George Altomonte established his first motor vehicle workshop on the corner of Fullers road and the Pacific Highway Chatswood 56 years ago.

Little did he know that his son Anthony would be opening Australia’s newest Holden dealership on the same site in 2013. “I have to say it was his vision and determination that has brought the Alto Group to where we are today” Mr Altomonte says. 

In 1956 there was one employee, now Alto Group employs over 400 people and most employees tend to stay for a long time - 27 staff members have notched up more than 15 years with the company. Mr Altomonte says that Holden has set a new direction in Australia and the new dealership will be an example of this direction. “We have built into the dealership as much environmentally-friendly technology as is practical,” he says.

“We will build the first Holden dealership in Australia integrating all the new technology required for electric cars. We will have re-charge stations available for our “Holden Volt” customers as well as a state-of-the-art workshop on-site in Chatswood. 

“Northside Holden is a great addition to the Alto Group which is already home to some of the World’s most popular and recognised automotive brands and Holden will become an important part of their company line up.”