Ever wondered what sets Australia’s best Holden car manufacturers apart? When you’re searching for quality, reliability, and a touch of automotive pride, choosing the right factory can make all the difference. With so many options out there, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But finding a top-tier supplier means getting better performance, smoother service, and real value for your investment. Ready to see which factories stand out from the crowd? Dive into our comparison to make your decision easy!
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Holden stopped making cars in Australia five years ago — what happened …
Product Details:
Holden manufactured cars in Australia for decades, including models like the Commodore, Monaro, and export versions such as the Pontiac GTO. The company ceased local car manufacturing in 2017, marking the end of mass car manufacturing in Australia.
Technical Parameters:
– Commodore and Monaro models produced
– Export Pontiac GTOs built at the Adelaide plant
– Assembly lines with conveyor belt systems for vehicle manufacturing
Application Scenarios:
– Private transportation for Australian consumers
– Export vehicles for international markets (e.g., Pontiac GTO)
– Motorsport and car enthusiast racing events
Pros:
– Long-standing manufacturing heritage with over four decades of operation at
– Produced best-selling and iconic Australian vehicles like the Commodore
– Created strong workplace communities fostering lifelong relationships
Cons:
– Cessation of local car manufacturing led to widespread job losses and
– Closure marked the end of mass vehicle manufacturing capability in Australia
Holden ended local manufacturing 5 years ago today – WhichCar
Product Details:
Holden was known for manufacturing vehicles in Australia, including iconic models like the Holden Commodore. The company ceased local production in October 2017, marking the end of Australian-made Holden cars.
Technical Parameters:
– Holden Commodore models such as the VF II Redline featured a 6.2-litre LS3 V8
– Local production lines included vehicle body assembly, engine manufacturing,
– Australian-made Holdens incorporated locally engineered suspension tuning for
Application Scenarios:
– Everyday personal and family transportation
– Performance driving and car enthusiast events
– Utilitarian use such as utes (utility vehicles) for trades or rural work
Pros:
– Vehicles were engineered specifically for Australian roads and driving
– Holden’s local manufacturing provided jobs and contributed to the Australian
– Holden cars had a strong community and enthusiast following
Cons:
– Cessation of local manufacturing led to loss of jobs and end of uniquely
– Discontinuation resulted in reduced availability of spare parts and support for
Why Did Holden Stop Manufacturing In Australia?
Product Details:
Holden offers imported vehicles in Australia, primarily as an importer and distributor of cars from other GM brands after ceasing local manufacturing in 2017. Previously, Holden was known for iconic models like the Commodore and Kingswood, which were large sedans and Australian-made cars.
Application Scenarios:
– General personal and family transportation in Australia
– Use by consumers seeking vehicles from legacy Holden or GM brands
Pros:
– Maintains the Holden brand’s presence in Australia through imported vehicles
– Leverages GM’s global supply for wider variety and competitive pricing
Cons:
– No longer offers locally-manufactured or uniquely Australian vehicles
– Shift away from large sedans to imported models that may not cater to all
Holden – Australian History
Product Details:
Holden was an Australian automotive manufacturer producing automobiles, carriages (historical), and motor vehicle bodies. Key products included the Holden 48-215 (FX), the Commodore series, and various vehicles for both public and military use.
Technical Parameters:
– Holden 48-215 (FX) based on a Chevrolet design, adapted for Australian
– VB Commodore (1978) was the first mainstream Holden car to feature
– Production of major airframe assemblies for aircraft (e.g., Beaufort Bomber,
– Manufacture of ordnance: 2-pdr. and 6-pdr. Anti-Tank Guns, 25-pdr. Gun
Application Scenarios:
– Personal transportation for Australian consumers (cars like the FX and
– Australian motorsport (notably with performance vehicles like the Commodore)
– Military support during WWII (production of munitions, engines, marine vessels,
– Export to overseas markets (from the 1980s onward)
Pros:
– Durability and reliability, especially under Australian conditions
– Affordability and spaciousness of key models (e.g., FX)
– Strong branding and extensive dealer network ensuring high market dominance
– Major role in industrial growth and national defense with versatile
Cons:
– Declining demand for large cars in the 21st century
– Faced increasing competition from global automotive brands
– Ceased local manufacturing in 2017 and entirely closed brand by 2020
Holden’s manufacturing history: 1856-2017 – Car News – CarsGuide
The Closure of the Holden Factory in Australia
Product Details:
Holden (subsidiary of General Motors) formerly produced vehicles in Australia, including the Commodore SSV Redline, SV6 Black Edition, and the Holden Lexcen. Australian-made models from other major brands such as Ford (Falcon XR6 Turbo) and Toyota (Camry, Aurion, Corolla, Avalon) were also manufactured locally until the industry shifted to imports after factory closures in 2016-2017.
Technical Parameters:
– Holden Commodore SSV Redline: Final Australian-built performance sedan.
– Holden SV6 Black Edition: Limited edition model based on the SV6 trim.
– Holden Lexcen: Mid-sized sedan based on a rebadged Volkswagen Passat,
– Ford Falcon XR6 Turbo: Sports sedan with turbocharged engine, manufactured
Application Scenarios:
– Personal transportation, especially sedans and performance vehicles for
– Fleet and family use (Camry, Aurion, Commodore, Falcon).
– Collectible and enthusiast market (e.g., HSV GTSR W1 at auction).
Pros:
– Vehicles designed specifically for Australian conditions and consumer
– Some models offered strong performance and local innovation (e.g., Commodore,
– Local production supported domestic jobs and automotive industry expertise.
Cons:
– High production costs compared to imported vehicles, making local cars less
– Small domestic market limited economies of scale and profitability.
– Intense competition from more affordable and fuel-efficient imported cars.
– Declining government support (removal of subsidies) undermined financial
Why did Holden shut down? – Ridgebackbodies
Product Details:
Holden was an automobile manufacturer producing a range of vehicles including V6/V8 powered sedans, wagons, utes, and rebranded models sourced from Opel and Daewoo platforms. Models included the Holden Commodore, Astra, Barina, Captiva, Colorado, Cruze, and others.
Technical Parameters:
– Produced right-hand-drive vehicles tailored for Australian and New Zealand
– Notable for V8-powered, rear-wheel-drive performance vehicles (Commodore series)
– Later models shifted to smaller, more affordable cars based on Opel and Daewoo
– Service and parts support for ten years offered after discontinuation
Application Scenarios:
– Personal and family transportation (sedans, wagons, utes)
– Performance car enthusiasts (V8 Commodores and related models)
– Small car and SUV market for affordable mobility
Pros:
– Historical reputation for performance-oriented vehicles popular in Australia
– Service and warranty support maintained for ten years after discontinuation
– Wide availability of sedan, wagon, ute, and SUV models
Cons:
– Product line became fragmented with rebranded foreign models, losing cultural
– Inferior product innovation compared to Asian competitors in small cars and
– Cost-cutting led to perceived decline in quality and brand authenticity
– Brand failed to meet evolving consumer expectations and market trends
Holden timeline: Post-Australian manufacturing
Product Details:
Holden’s product lineup in its final years included imported vehicles such as the ZB Commodore (rebadged Opel/Vauxhall Insignia Grand Sport), Holden Equinox (rebadged Chevrolet Equinox), Colorado SportsCat by HSV (enhanced pickup truck), Holden Astra (European-sourced hatchback), and the Spark (micro car rebadged from Chevrolet). After ceasing local Australian manufacturing in 2017, Holden shifted focus to SUV and imported vehicles before discontinuing operations entirely.
Technical Parameters:
– ZB Commodore: European-sourced, available as liftback, sports wagon,
– Equinox: Mid-sized SUV, rebadged Chevrolet model, petrol or diesel options,
– Colorado SportsCat by HSV: Enhanced hardware (raised springs, MTV dampers,
– Spark: Micro car, 7.0-inch infotainment system, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto,
Application Scenarios:
– Family transportation (ZB Commodore, Equinox, Spark)
– Performance and enthusiast driving (Commodore VXR, HSV Colorado SportsCat)
– Professional and police fleet use (previously Commodore, briefly continued with
– Urban commuting and budget-conscious buyers (Spark)
Pros:
– Modern features in imported vehicles (e.g., advanced safety and infotainment
– Competitive pricing relative to market rivals, especially for Equinox and Spark
– Shift to agency sales model offering fixed pricing and convenient online
– Dealer network and proving ground were upgraded to better suit Australian
Cons:
– Imports failed to reach the sales success of locally-made vehicles, with models
– Loss of brand loyalty due to departure from Australian manufacturing and
– Low resale value for certain imported models like ZB Commodore and Astra
– Models such as Colorado SportsCat and Spark lacked popularity against
Elizabeth powered car manufacturing for five decades. Now it is eyeing …
Product Details:
The company (General Motors Holden) manufactured cars at its Elizabeth plant in Adelaide for over 50 years, with the factory being a hub for car manufacturing in Australia. The broader Australian manufacturing sector also produced furniture, clothing, and various industrial products, but has since seen significant offshoring of these industries. Currently, government policy encourages a shift toward manufacturing in clean energy technologies as part of the ‘Future Made in Australia’ initiative.
Application Scenarios:
– Manufacturing of automobiles for domestic and export markets
– Production of furniture and clothing items before offshoring
– Proposed future scenario: Clean energy technology manufacturing under
Pros:
– Manufacturing introduces more complexity and resilience to the national economy
– Local manufacturing reduces vulnerability to global supply chain shocks and
– Government support for manufacturing aims to create new jobs and restore
Cons:
– Significant decline in domestic manufacturing, with most sectors offshored
– Loss of jobs and economic activity following plant closures
– Current manufacturing represents less than six per cent of Australia’s GDP, one
Holden – Wikicars
Product Details:
Holden is an iconic Australian automotive manufacturer, historically producing a range of vehicles including sedans, wagons, utes (pickups), sports coupes, and mid-size cars. Models were often tailored to Australian conditions and included both locally designed/produced cars (e.g., Commodore, Kingswood, Torana) and vehicles sourced or co-developed with global General Motors brands.
Technical Parameters:
– First mass-market Holden 48/215 (1948): 132 in³ (2.15 L) engine, medium-sized
– Torana LH/LX series (1974–1978): choice of 1.9 L OHC (four-cylinder), 2.8 L/3.3
– Commodore series: introduced with V6 and V8 options; 3800 ECOTEC V6 engine
– Produced first coupe-utility (1934); developed station wagons and luxury models
Application Scenarios:
– Personal and family transport (sedans, wagons, hatchbacks)
– Commercial and work vehicles (utilities/utes, pickups)
– Sport and performance driving (Monaro coupe, Torana performance variants)
– Export markets, especially in New Zealand, South Africa, Indonesia, Trinidad
Pros:
– Vehicles designed for Australian conditions: simple, rugged, and reliable.
– Strong performance and affordable pricing aided by local production and tariff
– Historically led the market with new safety features (first mass seat belts,
– Wide range of models catering to diverse customer needs, including performance,
Cons:
– Some models (e.g., four-cylinder Torana/Sunbird) noted as sluggish and
– Styling and mechanical sophistication sometimes lagged compared to
– Increased competition from global manufacturers from the 1960s challenged local
Comparison Table
Company | Product Details | Pros | Cons | Website |
---|---|---|---|---|
Holden stopped making cars in Australia five years ago — what happened … | Holden manufactured cars in Australia for decades, including models like the | Long-standing manufacturing heritage with over four decades of operation at | Cessation of local car manufacturing led to widespread job losses and | www.abc.net.au |
Holden ended local manufacturing 5 years ago today – WhichCar | Holden was known for manufacturing vehicles in Australia, including iconic | Vehicles were engineered specifically for Australian roads and driving | Cessation of local manufacturing led to loss of jobs and end of uniquely | www.whichcar.com.au |
Why Did Holden Stop Manufacturing In Australia? | Holden offers imported vehicles in Australia, primarily as an importer and | Maintains the Holden brand’s presence in Australia through imported | No longer offers locally-manufactured or uniquely Australian vehicles Shift | learnchronicle.com |
Holden – Australian History | Holden was an Australian automotive manufacturer producing automobiles, | Durability and reliability, especially under Australian conditions Affordability | Declining demand for large cars in the 21st century Faced increasing | australianhistory.net |
Holden’s manufacturing history: 1856-2017 – Car News – CarsGuide | www.carsguide.com.au | |||
The Closure of the Holden Factory in Australia | Holden (subsidiary of General Motors) formerly produced vehicles in Australia, | Vehicles designed specifically for Australian conditions and consumer | High production costs compared to imported vehicles, making local cars less | www.sellanycarfast.com.au |
Why did Holden shut down? – Ridgebackbodies | Holden was an automobile manufacturer producing a range of vehicles including | Historical reputation for performance-oriented vehicles popular in | Product line became fragmented with rebranded foreign models, losing cultural | www.ridgebackbodies.com.au |
Holden timeline: Post-Australian manufacturing | Holden’s product lineup in its final years included imported vehicles such as | Modern features in imported vehicles (e.g., advanced safety and infotainment | Imports failed to reach the sales success of locally-made vehicles, with models | henryman.net |
Elizabeth powered car manufacturing for five decades. Now it is eyeing … | The company (General Motors Holden) manufactured cars at its Elizabeth plant in | Manufacturing introduces more complexity and resilience to the national | Significant decline in domestic manufacturing, with most sectors offshored Loss | www.abc.net.au |
Holden – Wikicars | Holden is an iconic Australian automotive manufacturer, historically producing | Vehicles designed for Australian conditions: simple, rugged, and reliable | Some models (e.g., four-cylinder Torana/Sunbird) noted as sluggish and | wikicars.org |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How can I find Holden car manufacturing factories or manufacturers in Australia?
Start by searching online directories of automotive manufacturers, trade associations, and business-to-business platforms. The Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association is also a helpful resource. Networking at local automotive trade shows or expos can connect you with reputable suppliers.
Are any Holden manufacturing plants still operational in Australia?
Holden ceased its manufacturing operations in Australia in 2017. Although official Holden plants no longer produce cars, some still operate as parts suppliers, or have been repurposed by other automotive companies for different manufacturing purposes.
What should I look for when choosing a Holden car parts manufacturer in Australia?
Check for a valid business license, a good reputation, and positive client reviews. Ensure they have strong quality control standards, reliable delivery timelines, and offer after-sales support. It’s also helpful to request product samples or visit the facility if possible.
Can I get custom manufacturing for Holden vehicles or parts in Australia?
Yes, several Australian manufacturers and workshops specialize in custom automotive parts, including those for Holden cars. Discuss your specific needs beforehand and check that the supplier can meet the required specifications and quality standards.
Is it possible to find original Holden parts from Australian manufacturers?
Some Australian suppliers still carry or produce certified genuine or OEM-compatible Holden parts. However, availability may vary, as production has stopped. Always inquire about the authenticity and warranty of the parts before purchasing.