Will the Holden brand survive?

[Crazy Dazz]

Despite now owning one, I don't like Holden. Most of their cars have been rubbish.
Kinda ironic that when they finally get some decent SUVs, they go under.

As a lifelong Ford man, I'm inclined to laugh. He who laughs last, etc.

But putting that aside, its all kinda sad. Another Australian iconic brand down the dunny.

It's also a bit rude, that GM have basically said "Australia? nah, cbf, not worth the effort."

[MercuryT]

I know we are on a Ford Forum (albeit) I love Maloos, has anyone read the Keith Urban story of trying to get one to the US?

Wasn't successful but was keen!!

[MITCHAY]

A long drawn out death. Just pay the dealers what is owed and **** off! I note GMSV is officially trademarked.

It is interesting but GM is on a nose in a big way when it comes to how Holden was killed off.

As for the senate inquiry. What is the point at all, it is all gone. ****en paper pushers pushing more paper!

[jpd80]

I'm surprised that Ford doesn't have a similar arrangement to convert F150 and Super Dutys.

[hayseed]

I hope that this collection gets to stay here in Australia..

https://www.canberratimes.com.au/sto...past/?cs=14260

[bungarra]

Walked into Westside Auto wholesalers in WA the other day, line up of ZB Commodores was crazy, all dealer demos and yard stock dumped from former Holden Dealers changing brands.

Talking to one of their sales reps, he said, it was the biggest mistake they made. No one wants them and that some had come in with very low Km's and had the Opel badging on the bodies but were same year as the Commodores.

[John 13]

Originally Posted by Bossxr8

What's the go with senate inquiries? Do they have to swear an oath, and can they be charged for lying under oath? Or it nothing but a dog and pony show, and the Holden guys will lie through their teeth to protect their future employment prospects with GM, with no consequences if they do?

For what it's worth; repeating my post of some months previously. During the US "recovery" from the GFC, GM was frequently referred to as GOVERNMENT MOTORS.
We may wonder who owns them now.

[jpd80]

Originally Posted by John 13

For what it's worth; repeating my post of some months previously. During the US "recovery" from the GFC, GM was frequently referred to as GOVERNMENT MOTORS.
We may wonder who owns them now.

And if you recall, the US government sold their stock for a $10 billion loss.

[bungarra]

Holden name at closing of manufacture was (apparently) worth 140 million and GM wouldn't sell when an offer was made.

Prior to departing RHD market announcement, they offered it to PSA (Puegot) for 60 million. PSA declined as they believed without manufacturing it was worth less than 20 million.

I bet they wished they had taken the offer, allowed Holden to sink or swim under different ownership.

[janddbone]

Originally Posted by bungarra

Holden name at closing of manufacture was (apparently) worth 140 million and GM wouldn't sell when an offer was made.

Prior to departing RHD market announcement, they offered it to PSA (Puegot) for 60 million. PSA declined as they believed without manufacturing it was worth less than 20 million.

I bet they wished they had taken the offer, allowed Holden to sink or swim under different ownership.

I am surprised PSA did not jump at the chance for $20m. Especially including access to FCA platforms in future as well. Massive opportunities to enhance dealerships and save money and increase sales with what would essentially be badge engineering. (Thats all Holden was besides Commodore platfrom for years and years.)

[bungarra]

Originally Posted by janddbone

I am surprised PSA did not jump at the chance for $20m. Especially including access to FCA platforms in future as well. Massive opportunities to enhance dealerships and save money and increase sales with what would essentially be badge engineering. (Thats all Holden was besides Commodore platfrom for years and years.)

I should have worded it better, PSA offered the 20 million, GM wanted, 100 million, then dropped to 60 million, PSA declined as the manufacturing plant was already sold off. Too much cost in putting one back up.

[ozrunner]

Without doubt whatever the final cost was PSA dodged a massive bullet.

[DJR-351]

Originally Posted by DJR-351

For sale: The ultimate automotive playground?

https://www.speedcafe.com/torquecafe...ve-playground/


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Holden sells proving grounds to surprising new company

https://www.speedcafe.com/torquecafe...g-new-company/

You’ve probably never heard of VinFast, but the Vietnamese start-up just bought a big piece of Australian motoring history. The new brand, which claims to be its country’s first automotive manufacturer, has reportedly purchased the Holden proving grounds at Lang Lang in Victoria.

Lang Lang, as it was commonly referred, was a centrepiece for the development of every locally-made Holden model since it opened in 1957.

The facility, approximately an hour’s drive from Melbourne on the way to Phillip Island, consists of 44km of testing roads including both paved and unsealed, the famous 4.7km high-speed bowl and a number of engineering buildings inside its 877-hectares. Since the end of the locally-made Holden Lang Lang has been used by General Motors to help develop models for the rest of the world, including the V6 engines in current Cadillac models.



According to a report from Motoring, VinFast has closed on a deal to buy the facility as it looks to expand its current model line-up and move beyond its domestic market. VinFast was founded by Vietnam’s richest man, Pham Nhat Vuong, who became his nation’s first billionaire property developer through his Vingroup business.

VinFast only began operations in 2017 and has relied on help from a number of partners, including General Motors, which opened the door for the sale of the Lang Lang proving grounds.

The deal was seemingly in the works for months, with the company had already establishing VinFast Engineering Australia in February and hiring a number of former Holden, Ford and Toyota engineers left unemployed by the local industry’s demise.

Despite only operating for three years VinFast has already unveiled four models (based off BMW 5-Series and X5 architecture) and has plans to introduce its first electric vehicle. There’s no confirmation if VinFast will sell its cars in Australia, with the company publicly declaring the US market its first priority.

[DFB FGXR6]

Iconic Holden dealer switches to Ford.

https://www.caradvice.com.au/904818/...vgQO6cheYaIIP4

[hayseed]

Not Long left Now..
https://www.drive.com.au/news/holden...trackLink=SMH3

[lumen8]

Originally Posted by hayseed

Not Long left Now..
https://www.drive.com.au/news/holden...trackLink=SMH3

I followed the link and got a pop up asking me this...

"Hello! We are currently working with dealers to clear a high volume of new car stock. Can I ask what make and model are you interested in?"

I shouldve responded... HK monaro.

I think Holden would sell more of those if they had them, than ZB's .

[Syndrome]

Bye bye.

https://www.caradvice.com.au/920758/...-january-2021/

On a side note:

My brother's MY12 VE SS redline won't start. He has to wait a month before any of the remaining Holden service centers can look at. He always was a Richardhead so I'm lolling at his misfortune.

[Mechan1k]

So with this .... we know the answer now.
This thread pretty much has run its course.