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Old 12-11-2013, 10:24 PM   #1
BigElm
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Default Holden to cease manufacturing operations in Australia by 2017, Toyota to follow..?

Holden to cease manufacturing operations in Australia by 2017

Holden workers on the assembly line for the VF Commodore at Elizabeth in South Australia.

Australia's entire car making industry and tens of thousands of jobs have been thrown into doubt by Holden's decision to close down.

Nearly 3,000 Holden workers are set to lose their jobs over the next four years as the iconic manufacturer winds down its Australian manufacturing operations.

The decision has prompted Toyota - the only other car manufacturer in Australia - to warn it will put "unprecedented pressure" on its ability to build cars in the country too.

General Motors Holden has announced the company will stop making vehicles by the end of 2017 - ending 65 years of building cars in Australia.

Key points
Holden to end its manufacturing in Australia by end of 2017.
Holden says 2,900 positions will be impacted over the next four years.
Blamed the high Australian dollar, high cost of production, and small fragmented market.
Will retain sales division, parts distribution, and a global design studio.
33,000 people employed in the automotive components sector are likely to also be affected.

The decision means 2,900 people will lose their jobs - 1,600 from the manufacturing plant in South Australia and 1,300 in Victoria.

Prime Minister Tony Abbott says it is "dark day" for manufacturing in Australia.

"This is a dark day but there will be better days ahead," he told Parliament upon his return from South Africa, where he attended the Nelson Mandela memorial service.

"It is my determination ... to work with the people of Australia to ensure that the strengths of our society continue to be built on."

He said in the coming days the Government will be announcing measures "that will build on the strengths that we have, and which will offer hope for the people of the regions impacted".

"It will be a considered package of measures designed to rebuild confidence in the long-term economic future of those regions, in the long-term future of manufacturing in this country," he said.

Holden general manager Mike Devereux delivered the news to workers in Adelaide's Elizabeth plant.

"This is an incredibly difficult day for everybody at Holden, given our long and proud history of building cars in Australia," he told a media conference.

"But make no mistake, we have looked at every possible option to build our next generation cars here in this country to replace our existing models."

The decision has been met with regret by the premiers of South Australia and Victoria and by Deputy Prime Minister Warren Truss.

Look back on history of Holden since its beginnings more than 150 years ago
Holden's exit will be felt for generations, an expert warns

Mr Truss, who yesterday demanded an urgent clarification from the company about its future, told Federal Parliament he had spoken to Mr Devereux shortly before the decision became public.

"We regret the fact that GM is to phase down its operations in this country," he said.

"Holden has been an iconic national brand for Australians, a part of our heritage, which meant a great deal to Australians over several generations."

Victorian Premier Denis Napthine described Holden's decision as "terrible news" and is due to meet Mr Abbott in Canberra on Thursday.

He says he will be asking the Government for a substantial assistance package to re-train workers at Holden.

South Australian Premier Jay Weatherill described the closure as a "body blow" to his state, "not just economically but socially".

Opposition Leader Bill Shorten described it as a "devastating" announcement, accusing the Government of failing workers by refusing to give Holden any more taxpayer funding.

"There has been a game of high-stakes political poker played, and unfortunately the bluff was called and the losers are thousands of Australian automotive workers and their families," he said.

"Holden said very clearly yesterday that a decision had not been made. Something has changed in the past 24 hours.

"They were told by the Federal Government of Australia, who were elected to govern for all, that there would be no more support and no more investment, and I believe that Holden were pushed."


The Holden boss cited a range of economic factors, but would not speculate on whether the government's move to rule out financial assistance had played any role.

"Australia's automotive industry is up against a perfect storm of negative influences, including the sustained strength of the Aussie dollar against almost all major trading currencies, the relatively high cost of production and the relatively small scale of the local domestic market," Mr Devereux said.

And he painted a bleak picture for the wider industry, saying that "building cars in this country is just not sustainable".


Toyota now determining its 'next steps'

Toyota, which employs 4,200 people in Australia, has flagged the difficulties Holden's departure will cause.

More news and vids: http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-12-1...y-2017/5150034
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Old 12-12-2013, 01:25 AM   #2
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I guess that leaves Subaru.
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Old 12-12-2013, 02:42 AM   #3
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Wait, where is the SS going to be made?
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Old 12-12-2013, 08:19 AM   #4
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It's part of GMs restructuring/reorganizing. Most of Holden product come out of Europe and Asia. Holden has a full range from compact thru light truck.

I think only the Commodore was made in Australia so that will move.

Peace,

Greg
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Old 12-12-2013, 08:57 AM   #5
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Ford is out too, correct?
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Old 12-12-2013, 09:33 AM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Indocti Discant View Post
I guess that leaves Subaru.
YES!!!

I wonder how many people even know about that time when everyone thought it was an Australian company... or still think that now >.>
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Old 12-12-2013, 10:24 AM   #7
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Crikey!
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Old 12-12-2013, 08:20 PM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by a2cpc View Post
Ford is out too, correct?
Yes..
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Old 12-13-2013, 01:46 AM   #9
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Originally Posted by b4wantab View Post
It's part of GMs restructuring/reorganizing. Most of Holden product come out of Europe and Asia. Holden has a full range from compact thru light truck.

I think only the Commodore was made in Australia so that will move.

Peace,

Greg
pretty sure this is incorrect.

Product in Europe is Opel and Vauxhall. The Asian product is mostly badge engineered product.
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Old 12-13-2013, 08:39 AM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Indocti Discant View Post
pretty sure this is incorrect.

Product in Europe is Opel and Vauxhall. The Asian product is mostly badge engineered product.
Most of the Holden product is badge engineered Opel/Vaxhall product with the exception of the Commodore/Ute. The whole Australian operation is only 3,000 workers. I don't see that making more than one product line, the Commodore and it's pickup version the Ute.

I think they still offer a light duty Iszuz delivery truck with a Holden badge also.

Peace,

Greg
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Old 12-13-2013, 09:15 AM   #11
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Crikey!
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Old 12-14-2013, 09:56 PM   #12
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Originally Posted by b4wantab View Post
Most of the Holden product is badge engineered Opel/Vaxhall product with the exception of the Commodore/Ute. The whole Australian operation is only 3,000 workers. I don't see that making more than one product line, the Commodore and it's pickup version the Ute.

I think they still offer a light duty Iszuz delivery truck with a Holden badge also.

Peace,

Greg
thats not different from what I am saying. Just semantics with difference being that that Holden Product = actually manufactured by Holden and not rebadged.

cheers.
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Old 12-18-2013, 09:47 PM   #13
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I got this email yesterday. Makes me sad

Quote:
As a valued Holden customer I wanted to personally contact you regarding the recent announcement that Holden will cease manufacturing in Australia in 2017. At this time all Holden vehicles will become fully imported.

It has not been an easy time for Holden. I can honestly tell you that we considered every possible option in an effort to retain our Commodore and Cruze manufacturing operations in Australia. But in reality, it just didn’t add up.

As with every test we’ve faced during our 100-plus-year history, we are determined to rise to the challenge and hold our position as the iconic automotive brand in Australia.

So in short, I’m telling you that the Holden brand is here to stay.

For you as a Holden customer nothing changes. Servicing and the availability of parts are all unaffected by this announcement, as are our warranty and roadside assistance programs. Together with our network of over 230 dealers nationwide, we will continue to provide you with exceptional service and support.

Our range of vehicles will be built via world-class platforms that leverage the scale and expertise of GM’s global product team, just as many of our popular models are now. The local Holden Design Centre that has created and influenced so many famous Australian cars will continue to play a major role in the design of Holden vehicles sold in Australia as well as vehicles destined for all corners of the globe.

Our rich history remains in the heart and soul of every Holden produced now and in the future. We’re known for cars that are exciting to drive, at the forefront of technology and that offer great value. All supported by a dealer network that provides excellent service. This is what we do best and this will not change.

We remain focused on securing a bright future for our brand and our customers in Australia.

Holden is here to stay and I thank you for your ongoing support.

If you require further information, please contact your Holden Dealer or Customer Care on 1800 033 349.



Mike Devereux
Chairman and Managing Director
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Old 12-24-2013, 11:34 AM   #14
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Makes me feel better for having purchased my '05 GTO a couple of years ago now. A sad day indeed.
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Old 12-30-2013, 11:24 AM   #15
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Maybe the Australian facilities can start making guns. Oh wait.
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Old 02-17-2020, 06:46 AM   #16
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Default General Motors axes Australia's Holden brand

Historic marque retired after more than a century of vehicle production, with 600 job losses expected



Quote:


he Holden brand will be axed by parent company General Motors (GM) by the end of 2021, ending the storied Australian brand’s 164-year history.

The company, founded in Melbourne in 1856, has been owned by GM since 1931. It dominated the Australian and New Zealand car markets for decades, but its market share slipped dramaticlly in recent years and it began to post heavy losses. In 2017, GM shut down Holden's manufacturing operations in Australia, leaving the firm selling a mix of imported and rebadged Opel and GM machines.

Julian Blissett, GM International Operations’ senior vice president, said that Holden would be “retired” because GM felt the investment required to make it competitive in the Australian and New Zealand markets outweighed the likely return. The American car-making giant said the decision was part of its efforts to "transform its international operations".

“Through its proud 160-year history, Holden has not only made cars, it has been a powerful driver of the industrialisation and advancement of Australia and New Zealand,” said Blissett. “Over recent years, as the industry underwent significant change globally and locally, we implemented a number of alternative strategies to try to sustain and improve the business, together with the local team.

“After comprehensive assessment, we regret that we could not prioritise the investment required for Holden to be successful for the long term in Australia and New Zealand, over all other considerations we have globally. This decision is based on global priorities and does not reflect the hard work, talent and professionalism of the Holden team.”

Blissett said GM’s would focus its future growth strategy in Australia and New Zealand on speciality vehicles, working with a number of partners.

Munich’s most powerful baby estate is immensely capable and well-appointed -...
GM boss Mary Berra added: “I’ve often said that we will do the right thing, even when it’s hard, and this is one of those times. We are restructuring our international operations, focusing on markets where we have the right strategies to drive robust returns, and prioritising global investments that will drive growth in the future of mobility, especially in the areas of EVs and AVs."

In response, Australian prime minister Scott Morrison said that he was "disappointed but not surprised. But I am angry, like I think many Australians would be." He added: "Australian taxpayers put millions into this multinational company. They let the brand just wither away on their watch. Now they are leaving it behind."

GM Holden’s managing director, Kristian Aquilina, pledged to give the brand a "dignified and respectful wind-down" before operations cease in 2021. He added: ““Holden will always have a special place in the development of our countries. As Australia and New Zealand grew, Holden was a part of the engine room fuelling that development.

“Today’s announcement will be felt deeply by the many people who love Holdens, drive Holdens and feel connected to our company, which has been with us for 160 years and is almost ubiquitous in our lives."

GM is aiming to refocus its international business around its "core markets" of South America, the Middle East and South Korea, with Blissett adding: “In markets where we don’t have significant scale, such as Japan, Russia and Europe, we are pursuing a niche presence by selling profitable, high-end imported vehicles – supported by a lean GM structure."

GM has also announced that it will sell its manufacturing plant in Thailand to Chinese firm Great Wall Motors and withdraw the Chevrolet brand from that country.

A brief history of Holden

James Alexander Holden, who emigrated to Australia from Walsall, England in 1852, founded his eponymous company as a saddlery in 1856. His grandson, Edward Holden, joined the firm in 1905 and, due to his interest in cars, it expanded into automobile repair work in 1908. That progressed to more extensive coachbuild work, and Holden expanded after the war to produce car bodies for the Australian market for both Ford and GM.

In 1931, GM bought Holden and merged the firm with its Australian arm. That quickly led to Holden opening a second factory in Port Melbourne. After the Second World War, the Australian government pushed an initiative to develop an Australian-designed and built car, with the resulting vehicle – simply called the Holden – launched in 1948.

Holden soon dominated the Australian market – accounting for around half of all sales in the country in the late 1950s – helped by a range that included the V8-powered Monaro, a range of Utes and the Commodore, its most popular model that launched in 1978.

But Holden's market lead in Australia slipped as Japanese and Korean rivals began to enter the market. In 2013 GM announced Holden would cease production in Australia in 2017, due to the high costs of manufacturing in the country.

In 2019 Holden sold 60,751 cars in Australia, a fall of 32% year-on-year that put it in sixth plance on the sales charts. Market leader Toyota sold 217,061 models.
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Old 02-17-2020, 08:49 AM   #17
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Well it happened to Saab, and Saturn, and Pontiac, and Oldsmobile. GM's been cutting brands for a while now. Opel/Vauxhall got sold.
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Old 02-17-2020, 12:44 PM   #18
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Should have sold it to the Chinese.
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Old 02-17-2020, 12:56 PM   #19
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Should have sold it to the Chinese.
**** no.

Auto manufacturers should start selling themselves to the Koreans. If they can do what they have done to Hyundai / Kia over the last 10 years to Holden and others, it would be awesome.

Don’t sell **** to China
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