After learning the sad truth that GM would be pulling out of Australia as a manufacturer of automobiles, there were several loose ends that needed clarifying in regards to the outcome of the situation and solutions to, well, make the best of it. Now we hear that after the 2017 pullout, all Holden dealerships could be rebadged as Chevrolet dealerships and sell accordingly-badged cars there.
All models would be imports from other markets, and for all intents and purposes, the Holden name would officially be dead at this point, despite the fact that Mike Devereux, the boss of Holden, said: “Holden is here to stay. Holden has been a part of Australia’s past … and it will part of its future for decades to come,” adding that it “is one of the most valuable brands in Australia. We are committed to the brand for the long term. The brand is going to be a part of the fabric of this country for a very long time.”
However, on the other side of the fence, an insider also quoted by News Australia did say that it “will now be the biggest fight ever to save the Holden brand from being shelved… Every time there is a new boss of Holden or a new head of General Motors, the question is asked, ‘Why do we still have the Holden brand in Australia?”
Another insider explained to our source that the decision to give up on the Holden name could also be taken on account of the damaged image caused by the recent events and virtually unavoidable closure of production sites.
By Andrei Nedelea
PHOTO GALLERY
VIDEO