Holden has announced a major new vehicle launch program which includes 24 major new vehicle launches and 36 new powertrain combinations over the next five years.
“Holden is accessing GM’s global operations to assemble its biggest and best ever product line-up. This new model onslaught will ensure Holden has world-class products in every major segment – a true customer-driven product strategy,” said Stefan Jacoby, GM executive vice president and president of GM International.
Among the new models, the executive confirmed the all-new Barina Spark in the first quarter of 2016, a global Captiva replacement and another new “world-class SUV.” These new models add to the already announced Cascada convertible, Astra hatch and Insignia sedan, all scheduled to launch this year. The executive also confirmed that the Commodore nameplate will live on with Holden’s next-generation large car and that Holden will have a “true sports car” in its future product portfolio.
Jacoby added that Holden vehicles will continue to be tuned and tested for Australian conditions and customers, with the company keeping its famous Lang Lang Proving Ground in Victoria. More importantly, more than one-third of Holden’s future products will be sourced from Europe. Despite that, Holden’s Global Design center will continue to contribute to local and global product programs.
Jacoby also announced the appointing of Mark Bernhard as Chairman and Managing Director. A former CFO of GM Holden, Bernhard’s current position is Vice President and CFO of Shanghai GM. “Mark’s knowledge of GM Holden, our region and GM’s global operations will serve him well in his new role. He will champion the ongoing transition of GM Holden to a National Sales Company and the repositioning of the Holden brand for long-term growth and profitability,” Stefan Jacoby said.
Mark Bernhard will take over as Holden chairman in the third quarter of this year.
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