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This article is about the Australian automaker. For other uses, see Holden (disambiguation).
| GM Holden Ltd | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Type | Private |
| Founded | 1856 |
| Headquarters | Port Melbourne, Victoria, Australia |
| Key people | Mark Reuss Chairman and Managing Director |
| Industry | Automotive |
| Products | Automobiles Engines |
| Employees | 6500 (November 2007) |
| Parent | General Motors |
| Slogan | Go |
| Website | www.holden.com.au |
Holden, officially GM Holden Ltd, is an Australian automaker based in Port Melbourne, Victoria. The company was originally independent but since 1931 has been a subsidiary of General Motors (GM). Holden has taken charge of vehicle operations for GM in Australasia and, on behalf of GM, holds partial ownership of GM Daewoo in South Korea. Over the years, Holden has offered a broad range of locally produced vehicles, supplemented by imported GM models. In the past, Holden has offered rebadged Nissan and Toyota models in sharing arrangements.
Holden car bodies are manufactured at Elizabeth, South Australia, and engines are produced at Port Melbourne, Victoria (Fishermens Bend). Historically, production or assembly plants were operated in all mainland states of Australia: Acacia Ridge, Queensland, Dandenong, Victoria, Mosman Park, Western Australia, Pagewood, New South Wales, and Woodville, South Australia. Until 1990, Holden New Zealand also operated a plant based in Petone. The consolidation of car production at Elizabeth, South Australia, was completed in 1988, but some assembly operations continued at Dandenong until the mid-1990s.Holden Company Milestones. General Motors. Retrieved on 2007-05-19.
Although Holden\'s involvement in exports has fluctuated since the 1950s, the declining sales of large cars in Australia has led the company to look to international markets to increase profitability; in 2006, exports alone accounted for almost AU$1.3 billion in earnings.
Contents |
In 1852, James Alexander Holden emigrated to South Australia from England and established J.A. Holden & Co, a saddlery business in Adelaide, in 1856.Davis, Kennedy, Kennedy (Part One), p. 16 Edward Holden, James\' son, joined the firm in 1905 with an interest in automobiles.Hancock, Joan; Richards, Eric. Holden, Sir Edward Wheewall (1885 - 1947). Australian Dictionary of Biography. Melbourne University Publishing. Retrieved on 2007-05-18. From there, the firm evolved through various partnerships and, in 1908, Holden and Frost moved into the business of minor repairs to car upholstery.Holden History. Unique Cars and Parts. Retrieved on 2007-06-12. The company began to produce complete motorcycle sidecar bodies in 1913, and Edward experimented with fitting bodies to different types of carriages. After 1917, wartime trade restrictions led the company to start full-scale production of vehicle body shells. J.A. Holden founded a new company in 1919, Holden\'s Motor Body Builders Ltd (HMBB) specialising in car bodies. By 1923, HMBB were producing 12,000 units per year. From 1924, HMBB became the exclusive supplier of car bodies for GM in Australia, with manufacturing taking place at the new Woodville, South Australia plant.The Holden car in Australia. Government of Australia. Retrieved on 2007-12-04. These bodies were made to suit a number of chassis imported from manufacturers such as Chevrolet and Dodge. The Great Depression era led to a substantial downturn in production, from 34,000 units annually in 1930 to just 1,651 units one year later. In 1931, General Motors purchased the business and formed General Motors–Holden\'s Ltd.Davis, Kennedy, Kennedy (Part One), p. 6 Since then, two name changes have occurred: the first, in 1998, changed the name to Holden Ltd, and the second, in May 2005, to GM Holden Ltd.Davis, Kennedy, Kennedy (Part One), p. 9
The Holden 50-2106 utility launched in 1951, three years after the 48-215 sedan.
Holden\'s first full-scale car factory in Fishermens Bend was completed in 1936, with construction beginning in 1939 on a new plant in Pagewood, New South Wales. However, World War II delayed car production with efforts shifted to the construction of vehicle bodies, field guns, aircraft and engines. Before the war ended, the Australian Government took steps to encourage an Australian automotive industry.The Holden Ute History. Holden New Zealand (2007-08-22). Retrieved on 2008-02-26. Both General Motors and Ford provided studies to the Australian Government outlining the production of the first Australian designed car. Ford\'s proposal was the government\'s first choice, but required substantial financial assistance. General Motors\' study was ultimately chosen because of its low level of government intervention.Road transport. National Archives of Australia. Archived from the original on 2005-10-25. After the war, Holden returned to producing vehicle bodies, this time for Buick, Chevrolet, Pontiac and Vauxhall. "Holden Ltd.". International Directory of Company Histories 62. (2004). Ed. Grant, Tina. Thomson Gale. Retrieved on 2008-02-28. Later in 1948, Holden\'s first locally designed car, the 48-215 was launched, creating long waiting lists extending through 1949 and beyond.The Birth of \'Australia\'s Own Car\'. GM Holden. Retrieved on 2008-03-05. The design however, was based on a previously rejected post-war Chevrolet proposal.Loffler (2000), p. 5 Although officially designated as "48-215", the car was marketed simply as the "Holden".Holden – General Motors new Australian car (PDF). General Motors–Holden\'s (1948). Retrieved on 2008-03-02. The unofficial usage of the name "FX" originated within Holden, referring to the updated suspension 48-215 of 1953.Loffler (2002), p. 4
During the 1950s, Holden dominated the Australian car market. General Motors invested heavily in production capacity, which allowed the company to meet increased post-war demand for motor cars. Less expensive four-cylinder cars did not offer Holden\'s ability to deal with rugged rural areas.Davis, Kennedy, Kennedy (Part One), p. 38 48-215 sedans were produced in parallel with the 50-2106 coupé utility from 1951; the latter was known colloquially as the "ute" and became ubiquitous in Australian rural areas as the workhorse of choice. Production of both the ute and sedan continued with minor changes until 1953, when they were replaced by the facelifted FJ model, introducing a third panel van body style.An Aussie Icon Turns 50 - The Holden Ute: 1951 - 2001. AutoWeb. Web Publications (2001-04-24). Retrieved on 2007-05-30. The FJ was the first major change to the Holden since its 1948 introduction. Over time it gained iconic status and remains one of Australia\'s most recognisable automotive symbols.Davis, Kennedy, Kennedy (Part One), p. 40 A new horizontally slatted radiator grille dominated the front-end of the FJ, which had other trim changes, along with a large rear window, but no changes were made to the body panels.Loffler (2002), p. 5 Although the FJ was little changed from the 48-215, marketing campaigns and price cuts kept vehicle sales steady until a completely redesigned model was launched.FJ Holden, 1953-1956. National Museum of Australia. Retrieved on 2008-03-04. Known as the FE, the new Holden launched in 1956, now offered in a new station wagon body style.Golden Holden Oldies - The FE Holden: 1956. AutoWeb. Web Publications (1998-03-24). Retrieved on 2008-03-06. Strong sales continued in Australia, and Holden achieved a market share of more than 50 percent in 1958 with the revised FC model.Holden FC. Unique Cars and Parts. Retrieved on 2008-03-04. This was the first to be tested on the new Holden Proving Ground in Lang Lang, Victoria which opened in 1957.Holden\'s Lang Lang Proving Ground Passes Forty-Year Milestone. AutoWeb. Web Publications (1997-10-14). Retrieved on 2008-03-06. The opening of a new plant in Dandenong, Victoria in 1956 brought with it further jobs, with Holden employing 19,000 workers country-wide by 1959.The New Blokes. The Times. Time Inc. (1959-11-02). Retrieved on 2007-11-23. Holden paid homage to the FJ with the Efijy concept car at the 2005 Australian International Motor Show in Sydney.Carey, John (November 2005). "Holden Efijy". Wheels magazine: 16. Australian Consolidated Press.
The EK was Holden\'s response to the Ford Falcon, and was available with automatic transmission.
In the 1960s, Holden faced serious competition for the first time; its major competitors began to import cars. In 1960, Holden introduced its third major new model, the FB. The car\'s style was inspired by 1950s Chevrolets, with tailfins and a wrap-around windshield with "dog leg" A-pillars. By the time Holden introduced the model, many considered the appearance dated.Chronicles: 1960 Year In Review. Unique Cars and Parts. Retrieved on 2007-10-08. Much of the motoring industry at the time noted that the adopted style did not translate well to the more compact Holden. The FB became the first Holden that was adapted for left-hand-drive markets, enhancing its export potential.Davis, Kennedy, Kennedy (Part One), p. 46 In 1960, soon after Holden introduced the FB, Ford unveiled the new Falcon in Australia, only months after its introduction in the United States. To Holden\'s advantage, the Falcon was not durable, particularly in the front suspension, making it ill-suited for Australian conditions.Mercer, Sandy. Ford Falcon XK. Unique Cars and Parts. Retrieved on 2007-06-28. In response to the Falcon, Holden introduced the facelifted EK in 1961; the new model featured two-tone paintwork and optional automatic transmission.Davis, Kennedy, Kennedy (Part One), p. 48 An all-new EJ model came in 1962, introducing the new "Premier" model with leather upholstery. A year later, the EH update brought the new Red motor, providing better vehicle performance than the previous Grey motor.Holden 6 Cylinder Red Motor. Unique Cars and Parts. Retrieved on 2007-05-09. After the slow-selling HD series of 1965, Holden responded with the HR in 1966, selling over 250,000 units in two years. Changes came in the form of new front and rear styling and higher-capacity engines. More significantly, the HR Holden now had seat belts as standard; Holden thus became the first Australian automaker to provide the safety device as standard equipment across all models.Davis, Kennedy, Kennedy (Part Two), p. 57 1966 also marked the completion of the production plant in Acacia Ridge, Queensland.
The Holden Brougham (1968–1971) was Holden\'s first full-size luxury vehicle. Broughams were based on the mainstream Kingswoods of the same years, but featured a lengthened rear body.
Holden began assembling the HA series Vauxhall Viva in 1964, marketing it as "Viva—the GMH small car" to de-emphasise the Vauxhall brand. The first Holden Torana, the HB, replaced the Viva in 1967, ending Vauxhall production in Australia.Holden Torana HB. Unique Cars and Parts. Retrieved on 2008-03-06. Holden offered the LC, a Torana with new styling, in 1969; this was the first compact car to offer a six-cylinder engine in the Australian marketplace.Holden Torana LC. Unique Cars and Parts. Retrieved on 2007-05-12.
Holden\'s long tradition of manufacturing Chevrolets and Pontiacs ended in 1968, coinciding with Holden\'s next major new model, the HK.Davis, Kennedy, Kennedy (Part One), p. 5, 31 This included Holden\'s first V8 engine, a Chevrolet engine imported from the United States.Davis, Kennedy, Kennedy (Part Two), p. 59 Models based on the HK series included an extended-length prestige model, the Brougham, and a two-door coupé, the Monaro.Davis (1987), p. 102 The mainstream Holden Special was rebranded the Kingswood, and the basic fleet model, the Standard, became the Belmont.Holden HK. Unique Cars and Parts. Retrieved on 2007-05-12. The first Australian-designed and mass-produced V8 engine debuted in the Hurricane concept of 1969, before being applied to facelifted HT model. This was available in two capacities: 253 cubic inch (4.2 L) and 308 cubic inch (5.0 L).Holden Employees Farewell The Last Aussie-Built V8. AutoWeb. Web Publications (1999-06-28). Retrieved on 2008-03-05.
Despite the arrival of serious competitors—namely the Ford Falcon, Chrysler Valiant, and Japanese cars—in the 1960s, Holden\'s locally produced large six- and eight-cylinder cars remained Australia\'s top-selling vehicles. Sales were boosted by exporting the Kingswood sedan, station wagon, and utility body styles to places such as Indonesia, Trinidad and Tobago, and South Africa in complete knock down form.Davis, Kennedy, Kennedy (Part One), p. 31
Holden\'s HQ series sold in record numbers, with more than 480,000 units shifted throughout the car\'s lifetime.
In 1970, Holden transformed the Woodville, South Australia factory into an AU$16.5 milion Tri-Matic automatic transmission plant. The new three-speed transmission debuted in the HG series.Holden HG. Unique Cars and Parts. Retrieved on 2007-05-12. The following year, Holden launched the new HQ series.Strauss (1998), p. 11 At this time, the company was producing all of its passenger cars in Australia, and every model was of Australian design; however, by the end of the decade, Holden was producing cars based on overseas designs. The HQ was thoroughly re-engineered, featuring a perimeter frame and semi-monocoque (unibody) construction. Other firsts included an all-coil suspension and an extended wheelbase for station wagons, utilities and panel vans.Golden Holden Oldies - Stars of the Seventies. AutoWeb. Web Publications (1998-10-26). Retrieved on 2008-03-05. The series included the new prestige Statesman brand, which also had a longer wheelbase replacing the Brougham.Car review - Holden Statesman V6 sedan. GoAuto. John Mellor. Retrieved on 2008-03-05. The Statesman remains noteworthy because it was not marketed as a "Holden", but rather a "Statesman".Luck, Rob (September 1971). "Bold New Breed". Modern Motor: 62. Modern Magazines (Holdings). The HQ framework led to a new generation of two-door Monaros, and, despite the introduction of the similar sized competitors, the HQ range became the top-selling Holden of all time, with 485,650 units sold in three years.Davis, Kennedy, Kennedy (Part Two), p. 67–68
The next development of the Torana was the LH series, introduced in 1974.Holden Torana LH. Unique Cars and Parts. Retrieved on 2007-05-12. The LH was offered only as a four-door sedan; a three-door hatchback variant was added in the superseding LX series manufactured between 1976 and 1978. Engines for the LH and LX series included 1.9 litre four-cylinder, 2.8 litre and 3.3 litre six-cylinder, and 4.2 litre and 5.0 litre eight-cylinder. At the time, the Torana was the only car in the world to be offered with such a diverse range of engines, however the four-cylinder Torana later became the Sunbird.
The Commodore followed the success of its forbear, the Kingswood, becoming Holden\'s bestselling vehicle to date.
In 1975, Holden introduced the subcompact Gemini, the Australian version of the "T-Car", based on the Opel Kadett C. The Gemini was an overseas design developed jointly with Isuzu, GM\'s Japanese affiliate; and was powered by a 1.6 litre four-cylinder engine.Holden Gemini TX. Unique Cars and Parts. Retrieved on 2007-05-11. Fast becoming a popular car, the Gemini rapidly attained sales leadership in its class, and the nameplate lived on until 1987.Holden Gemini RB. Unique Cars and Parts. Retrieved on 2007-05-11.
Holden\'s most popular car to date, the Commodore, was introduced in 1978 as the VB.Robinson (2006), p. 18 The new family car was loosely based on the Opel Rekord E body shell, but with the front from the Opel Senator grafted to accommodate the larger Holden six-cylinder and V8 engines. Initially, the Commodore maintained Holden\'s sales leadership in Australia.Robinson (2006), p. 22–23 However, some of the compromises resulting from the adoption of a design intended for another market hampered the car\'s acceptance. In particular, it was narrower than its predecessor and its Falcon rival, making it less comfortable for three rear-seat passengers.Robinson (2006), p. 23, 26–27
Holden discontinued the Torana in 1979 and the Sunbird in 1980. After the 1978 introduction of the Commodore, the Torana became the "in-between" car, surrounded by the smaller and more economical Gemini and the larger, more sophisticated Commodore. The closest successor to the Torana was the Camira, released in 1982 as Australia\'s version of GM\'s medium-sized "J-Car".Robinson (2006), p. 24
The second generation Commodore (VN Calais pictured) overcame the previous generations\' width problems.
The 1980s were challenging for Holden and the Australian car industry. The Australian Government tried to revive the industry with the Button car plan, which encouraged car makers to focus on producing fewer models at higher, more economical volumes, and to export cars.Marceau (1992), p. 157 The decade opened with the shut-down of the Pagewood, New South Wales production plant and introduction of the light commercial Rodeo, sourced from Isuzu in Japan. The Rodeo was available in both two- and four-wheel drive chassis cab models with a choice of petrol and diesel powerplants.Davis, Kennedy, Kennedy (Part Two), p. 82 The range was updated in 1988 with the TF series, based on the Isuzu TF. The Rodeo has been a mainstay ever since, and since 2003, has been sold in the form of the Isuzu D-Max produced in Thailand.Isuzu\'s All New Pickups Popular in Thailand and Australia. Isuzu Motors (2003-04-18). Retrieved on 2007-11-14.
Holden introduced the new WB series utilities, panel vans and limousines in 1980. However, the design, based on the HQ and updated HJ, HX and HZ models from the 1970s could not compete with similar models in Ford\'s lineup. Thus, Holden abandoned those vehicle classes all together in 1985. Sales of the Commodore also fell, with the effects of the 1979 energy crisis lessening, and for the first time the Commodore lost ground to the Ford Falcon. Sales in other segments also suffered when competition from Ford intensified, and other Australian manufacturers: Mitsubishi, Nissan and Toyota gained marketshare.Kenwright, Joe (2006-07-29). Crossing the Lion. carsales.com.au. Retrieved on 2007-06-16. When released in 1982, the Camira initially generated good sales, which later declined because buyers considered the 1.6 litre engine underpowered, and the car\'s build and ride quality below-average. The Camira lasted just seven years, and contributed to Holden\'s accumulated losses of over AU$500 million by the mid-1980s.Robinson (2006), p. 26
The Statesman marque lasted until 1985, when Holden abandoned the full-size luxury segment.
In 1984, Holden introduced the VK Commodore, with significant styling changes from the previous VH. The Commodore was next updated in 1986 as the VL, which had new front and rear styling.Davis, Kennedy, Kennedy (Part Two), p. 89–94 Controversially, the VL was powered by the 3.0 litre Nissan RB30 six-cylinder engine and had an electronically controlled four-speed automatic transmission. The engine change was necessitated by the legal requirement that all new cars sold in Australia after 1986 had to consume unleaded petrol.Caring for our air. State of Queensland (2007-06-21). Retrieved on 2007-07-11. Because it was infeasible to convert the existing six-cylinder engine to run on unleaded fuel, the Nissan engine was chosen as the best engine available. However, changing exchange rates caused the cost of the engine and trasnission to double over the life of the VL.Robinson (2006), p. 25 The decision to opt for a Japanese-made transmission led to the closure of the Woodville, South Australia assembly plant. This came after Holden reorganised and recapitalised the business in 1985; separating the engine and car manufacturing divisions in the process.Robinson (2006), p. 27 Car bodies were now manufactured at Elizabeth, South Australia, with engines confined to a single plant in Port Melbourne, Victoria. The engine manufacturing business was successful, building four-cylinder Family II engines for use in cars built overseas.Holden Reaches Golden Milestone With 50 Years Of Exports. AutoWeb. Web Publications (2004-11-09). Retrieved on 2007-08-16. Confident by the apparent sign of turnaround, General Motors paid off Holden\'s mounted losses of AU$780 million on December 19 1986. The final phase of the Commodore\'s recovery strategy involved the 1988 VN, a significantly wider model powered by the American-designed 3.8 litre Buick V6 engine.Robinson (2006), p. 23, 26–27
Holden began to sell the subcompact Suzuki Swift-based Barina in 1985.Davis, Kennedy, Kennedy (Part Two), p. 91 In the same year, Nissan Pulsar hatchbacks were rebadged as the Holden Astra, as a result of a deal with Nissan.Earl (2002), p. 29 This arrangement ceased in 1988 when Holden entered a new alliance with Toyota, forming a new company: United Australian Automobile Industries (UAAI).Earl (2002), p. 27 UAAI resulted in Holden selling rebadged versions of Toyota\'s Corolla and Camry, as the Holden Nova and Apollo respectively, with Toyota re-branding the Commodore as the Toyota Lexcen.Earl (2002), p. 27–28
The Holden Astra replaced the widely unpopular Nova, the result of a government-backed model sharing scheme.
The company changed throughout the 1990s, increasing its Australian market share from 21.0 percent in 1991 to 28.2 percent in 1999.Sales and Share of Australian Market Archive (1991-2002). General Motors. Retrieved on 2007-11-21. Besides manufacturing Australia\'s bestselling car, which was exported in significant numbers, Holden continued to export many locally produced engines to power cars made elsewhere. In this decade, Holden adopted a strategy of importing cars it needed to offer a full range of competitive vehicles.GM Global Operations: Australia. General Motors. Archived from the original on 2005-10-25.
On April 26, 1990, GM\'s New Zealand subsidiary, Holden New Zealand, announced that production at the assembly plant based in Petone would be phased out and that vehicles would be imported duty-free.Heart of Holden - Holden Heritage. Holden New Zealand. Retrieved on 2007-05-27. During the 1990s Holden, other Australian automakers and trade unionists pressured the Australian Government to halt the lowering of car import tariffs. By 1997, the federal government had already cut tariffs to 22.5 percent from 57.5 percent ten years earlier, and by 2000 were planning to reduce this even further down to 15 percent. Holden was critical, saying that Australia\'s population was not large enough, and that the changes could tarnish the local industry.Richardson, Michael (1997-04-24). Automakers Say Cuts in Duties Would Maim Industry : Tussle on Tariffs in Australia. International Herald Tribune. The New York Times Company. Retrieved on 2007-11-23.
Holden re-introduced its defunct Statesman name in 1990, this time under the Holden marque, as the Statesman and Caprice. For 1991, Holden updated their Statesman and Caprice with a range of improvements, including the introduction of anti-lock brakes, a first for an Australian-built car. This feature was added to short-wheelbase Commodore range in 1992.Davis, Kennedy, Kennedy (Part Two), p. 103–104 Another returning variant was the full-size utility, this time based on the Commodore.Robinson (2006), p. 26–27 The VN Commodore received a major facelift in 1993 with the VR. Compared to the VN, approximately 80 percent of car was new. Exterior changes brought an overall smoother body and a "twin-kidney" grille—a Commodore styling trait which remained until the 2002 VY model.Smith, Graham (2002-09-06). 1993 Holden VR Commodore. Herald Sun. News Limited. Retrieved on 2008-03-02. The Buick-sourced V6 engine, produced locally, powered the Commodore range, as did the 5.0 litre V8 engine, replaced in 1999 by a 5.7 litre unit.Davis, Kennedy, Kennedy (Part Three), p. 017
The UAAI badge-engineered cars first introduced in the 1980s sold poorly, but the Holden Commodore, Toyota Camry, and Corolla were all successful when sold under their original nameplates.Car review - Holden Nova 5-dr hatch. GoAuto. John Mellor. Retrieved on 2007-05-13. UAAI was dissolved in 1996, and Holden returned selling to GM products. The Holden Astra and Vectra, both designed by Opel in Germany, replaced the Toyota-sourced Holden Nova and Apollo. This came after the 1994 introduction of the Opel Corsa replacing the already available Suzuki Swift as the source for the Holden Barina.Car review - Holden Barina Swing 5-dr hatch. GoAuto. John Mellor. Retrieved on 2007-05-13. Assembly of Vectra began at Elizabeth, South Australia in 1998, and these cars were exported to Japan and Southeast Asia with Opel badges.Holden Announces Next Stage Of $1 Billion Export Drive. AutoWeb. Web Publications (1999-09-08). Retrieved on 2007-09-07.Davis, Kennedy, Kennedy (Part One), p. 34 However, the Vectra did not achieve sufficient sales in Australia to justify local assembly, and reverted to being fully imported in 2000.Kennedy, Ewan (2005-06-18). Holden Vectra 1997-2004. Marque Publishing Company. Retrieved on 2008-03-05.
In August 1997, Holden introduced the all-new VT Commodore, the outcome of an AU$600 million development programme that spanned more than half a decade. The new model sported a rounded exterior body shell, improved dynamics, and many firsts for an Australian-built car. A stronger body structure increased crash safety.Newton, Bruce; Robinson, Peter; McCarthy, Mike; McKay, Peter (October 2006). "2006 Collector\'s Edition VE Commodore: The Full Story". Wheels magazine: 158. Australian Consolidated Press. A revived Monaro, based on the VT Commodore, attracted wide attention after being shown as a concept car at Australian auto shows, and it drew a large waiting list after production began. The revived Monaro was released to the Australian market in October 2001 and ceased production in 2005.Holden Waves Goodbye to Monaro. WebWombat (2005-07-21). Retrieved on 2007-06-28.
The 2006 Holden VE Commodore was the first vehicle Holden had completely designed and engineered in Australia since 1971.
Holden\'s market surge from the 1990s reversed in the 2000s. In Australia, Holden\'s market share dropped from 27.5 percent in 2000 to 15.2 percent in 2006,Sales and Share of Australian Market (2003-Present). General Motors. Retrieved on 2007-11-23. and from March 2003, no longer held the number one sales position in Australia, losing ground to Toyota. (May 2003) "Number Crunching". Wheels magazine: 181. Australian Consolidated Press. This overall downturn also affected daily production rates, which fell from 780 and 835 units per day in 2002 and 2004 respectively, to just 691 in 2005.Company Profile. GM Holden. Archived from the original on 2003-12-12.Company Profile. GM Holden. Archived from the original on 2005-06-15.Company Profile. GM Holden. Archived from the original on 2006-11-24. Holden\'s profits during the 2000s also decreased; the company recorded a combined gain of AU$842.9 million between 2002 and 2004, and a loss of AU$290 million between 2005 and 2006. Factors contributing to the loss included the development of an all-new model, the strong Australian dollar and the cost of reducing the workforce at the Elizabeth plant, including the loss of 1,400 jobs after the closure of the third-shift assembly line in 2005, after just two years in operation.Holden Posts $146 Million Loss. CarAdvice.com.au (2007-06-18). Retrieved on 2007-11-23.Mitsubishi to cut more jobs. The Age. Fairfax Media (2006-01-20). Retrieved on 2007-11-23. Holden caused controversy in 2005 with their "You Pay What We Pay" television advertisement, which ran between October and December 2005. The campaign publicised that "For the first time ever, all Australians can enjoy the financial benefit of Holden Employee Pricing". However, this did not include a discounted dealer delivery fee and savings on factory fitted options and accessories that employees received. At the same time, employees were given a further discount of between 25 and 29 percent on selected VZ Commodore and WL Statesman models.Holden employee pricing backfires. Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (2006-04-19). Retrieved on 2008-01-28.
The 1997 VT Commodore received its first major update in 2002 with the VY series.Davis, Kennedy, Kennedy (Part Three), p. 114 A mildly facelifted VZ was launched in 2004, introducing GM\'s High Feature engine, known as the Alloytec V6. This was built at Holden\'s Fishermens Bend plant in Victoria, which opened in 2003 capable of producing 900 engines per day. The plant has reportedly added AU$5.2 billion to the Australian economy; exports account for about AU$450 million annually.Premier Opens New Holden Engine Plant. State of Victoria (2003-11-05). Retrieved on 2007-11-21. After the VZ, the High Feature engine was applied to the all-Australian VE Commodore, in contrast to previous generations\' Opel-sourced platforms adapted both mechanically and in size for the local market.Norris (2006), p. 104 Throughout the 1990s, Opel had also been the source of many Holden but to increase profitability, Holden looked to the South Korean Daewoo brand for replacements after acquiring a 44.6 percent stake in the company in 2002.Spanner in the works. The Sun-Herald. Fairfax Media (2005-02-01). Retrieved on 2007-07-07. Holden had already established close research and design links with Daewoo, with whom it provided the large Statesman model.The Statesman Goes To South Korea. Next Car (2005-04-18). Retrieved on 2007-11-25. In 2005, the Opel-sourced Barina was replaced by the Daewoo Kalos, which continued to be sold under the Barina nameplate.Carey, John (November 2005). "Holden Barina: Korea-built mini goes large on value". Wheels magazine: 131. Australian Consolidated Press. The Viva, based on the Daewoo Lacetti, replaced the entry-level Holden Astra Classic, although a new Astra launched in 2004 was offered as more of an up-market model.Carey, John (November 2005). "Holden Viva: Better than when it was a Daewoo. Just". Wheels magazine: 128–129. Australian Consolidated Press. In 2006 Holden introduced the Captiva, a crossover SUV manufactured by Daewoo. After discontinuing the Frontera and Jackaroo in 2003, Holden was only left with one four-wheel drive model: the Adventra, a Commodore-based station wagon.Ponchard, Nathan (2006-11-01). Holden Captiva. Australian Consolidated Press. Retrieved on 2007-05-24. The third Holden model to be replaced with a South Korean alternative was the Vectra, replaced by the mid-size Epica in April 2007.Newton, Bruce (June 2007). "Sneer Miss". Wheels magazine: 104–108. Australian Consolidated Press.
| Holden, a subsidiary of General Motors, automobile timeline, 1980s–present | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Type | 1980s | 1990s | 2000s | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | |
| Subcompact | Barina | Barina | Barina | Barina | Barina | Barina | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Gemini | Gemini | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Compact | Viva | Viva | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Astra | Astra | Nova | Nova | Astra | Astra | Astra | Astra | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Mid-size | Camira | Apollo | Apollo | Vectra | Vectra | Epica | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Commodore | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Full-size | Commodore | Commodore | Commodore | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Statesman | Statesman | Statesman | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sports | Piazza | Calibra | Tigra | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Monaro | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Utility | Rodeo | Rodeo | Rodeo | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Kingswood | Commodore | Ute | Ute | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1 Tonne | One tonner | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Crewman | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Van | Scurry | Combo | Combo | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Shuttle | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Compact MPV | Zafira | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Mini SUV | Drover | Cruze | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Mid-size SUV | Frontera | Frontera | Adventra | Captiva | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Jackaroo | Jackaroo | Jackaroo | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Full-size SUV | Suburban | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| List of Holden vehicles | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Vehicle sales | Units |
|---|---|
| Passenger vehicles | 108,392 |
| Light commercial vehicles | 33,554 |
| Sport utility vehicles | 4,565 |
| Total | 146,511 |
| Vehicle production | Units |
| Total vehicle production | 126,677 |
| Daily vehicle production | 520 |
| Engine production | Units |
| Family II | 166,000 |
| High Feature | 137,000 |
| Total | 303,000 |
As of 2008, chairman and managing director Mark Reuss heads operations at Holden. Executives of secondary departments include William Lesner, Alison Terry, Ian McCleave, Tony Hyde, Tony Stolfo, Alan Batey, Rodney Keane, Scott Sandefur, Pierre Matthee, Gene Stefanyshyn, Raymundo Garza, Mark Bernhard, and Fiona Harden. Vehicles are sold countrywide through the Holden Dealer Network (310 authorised stores and 12 service centres), which employs more than 13,500 people.
Since the 1960s, Holden models have been a staple of domestic touring car racing, and the quasi-factory Holden Racing Team (HRT) has successfully participated in V8 Supercar racing.Holden Racing Team History. Holden Special Vehicles. Archived from the original on 2006-08-23. In 1987, Holden Special Vehicles (HSV) was formed in partnership with Tom Walkinshaw, who primarily manufactures modified, high-performance Commodore variants.HSV History & Background. Holden Special Vehicles. Archived from the original on 2005-07-22. To further reinforce the brand, HSV introduced the HSV Dealer Team into the V8 Supercar fold in 2005 under the naming rights of HSV Toll Racing.Toll and HSV Dealer Team confirm V8 Supercar alliance. HSV Dealer Team (2005-11-21). Retrieved on 2008-02-20.
The logo, or "Holden lion and stone" as it is known, has played a vital role in establishing Holden\'s identity. In 1928, Holden\'s Motor Body Builders appointed Rayner Hoff to design the emblem. The logo refers to a prehistoric fable, in which observations of lions rolling stones led to the invention of the wheel. With the 1948 launch of the 48-215, Holden revised its logo and commissioned another redesign in 1972 to better represent the company.Wright, John (May 2004). "Badgeology". Wheels magazine: 152. Australian Consolidated Press. The emblem was reworked once more in 1994.The Story of the Holden Lion. GM Holden. Retrieved on 2007-07-12.
Sales in the Australian market between 1991 and 2006
Holden began to export vehicles in 1954, sending the FJ to New Zealand.Tuckey (2003), p. 120 Exports to New Zealand have continued ever since, but to broaden their export potential, Holden began to cater their Commodore, Monaro and Statesman models for both right- and left-hand drive markets. The Middle East is now Holden\'s largest export market, with the Commodore sold as the Chevrolet Lumina since 1998, and the Statesman since 1999 as the Chevrolet Caprice. Commodores are also sold as the Chevrolet Lumina in Brunei, Fiji and South Africa, to Brazil as the Chevrolet Omega and to North America as the Pontiac GTO.Vehicle Exports. GM Holden. Retrieved on 2008-02-28. The long-wheelbase Statesman model was sold previously in China as the Buick Royaum, before being replaced by the Statesman-based Buick Park Avenue.Pettendy, Marton (2007-04-11). Holden\'s Chinese Buick. GoAuto. John Mellor. Retrieved on 2008-03-03. Beginning in 2005, Statesman exports began in South Korea, sold as the Daewoo Statesman, and later as the Daewoo L4X.Martin, Terry (2007-04-11). Seoul mates. GoAuto. John Mellor. Retrieved on 2008-03-03. Sales of the Monaro began in 2003 to the Middle East as the Chevrolet Lumina Coupe. Later on in the year, a modified version of the Monaro began selling in North America as the Pontiac GTO, and under the Monaro name through Vauxhall dealerships in the United Kingdom. This arrangedment continued through to 2005 when the car was discontinued.Very Last Holden Monaro Up For Auction. WorldCarFans.com. Black Falcon Media Group Oy (2006-02-01). Retrieved on 2008-03-03. Holden\'s move into international markets has been profitable; export revenue increased from AU$973 million in 1999 to just under $1.3 billion in 2006.Financial Results 1998 - 2003. General Motors. Retrieved on 2007-11-25.Vehicle Exports. GM Holden. Retrieved on 2007-11-26.
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