The Australian built Holden Commodore, Holden Ute and Holden Cruze is dead. Holden has announced that it will cease vehicle and engine manufacturing in Australia and significantly reduce its engineering operations by the end of 2017.
“We are completely dedicated to strengthening our global operations while meeting the needs of our customers,” said GM Chairman and CEO Dan Akerson.
“The decision to end manufacturing in Australia reflects the perfect storm of negative influences the automotive industry faces in the country, including the sustained strength of the Australian dollar, high cost of production, small domestic market and arguably the most competitive and fragmented auto market in the world.”
Holden expects 2900 jobs to go over the coming four years, 1,600 from the Elizabeth vehicle manufacturing plant and approximately 1,300 from Holden’s Victorian workforce. Holden expects to continue to have some present in Australia beyond 2017, comprising a national sales company, a national parts distribution centre and a global design studio.
“This has been a difficult decision given Holden’s long and proud history of building vehicles in Australia,” said Devereux. “We are dedicated to working with our teams, unions and the local communities, along with the federal and state governments, to support our people.” said Mike Devereux GM Holden Chairman and Managing Director.
