Australian’s love meat pies, kangaroos, football and Holden’s.
The iconic car brand will be leaving our shores by the end of 2021. The shock decision comes less than 3 years after the automaker ceased Australian manufacturing.
The brand has experienced years of declining sales with the final straw being in September 2019, when they posted a monthly sales result lower then when the first car rolled off the production line in 1948.
When General Motors, the parent company to Holden, announced it would stop manufacturing in Australia in 2013, the plan was to bring in replacement vehicles from around the world. Since then, GM has pulled out of other right-hand drive markets including the UK and Japan, leaving Australia and New Zealand on their own.
The Holden brand itself doesn’t exist outside of Australia and NZ, making it tough to compete marketing wise against global giants like Toyota, Hyundai and Volkswagen. Customers are choosing to buy other brands over Holden, its market share in January this year represented 3.7% compared to 21.6% in 2002, the last time they were on top.
How will this affect the thousands of Holden owners?
Holden says it will establish a national aftersales network to support existing customers for at least the next 10 years. All current Holden dealers will be offered the opportunity to transition to Holden authorised service outlets.
All warranties on Holden vehicles are still valid as the Australian consumer law requires that a brand supports its products for at least seven years, while GM have states it will extend warranty and service support for 10 years.
Should there be a recall, GM stated “Holden and its aftersales network will continue to handle any recalls or safety-related issues if they arise, working with appropriate governmental agencies”.
Will this affect my lease?
No, the closure of Holden will not affect your lease. As Holden have stated they will honor all existing warranties and guarantees, honor all free scheduled servicing offers, provide ongoing call center support and provide servicing and spare parts for at least 10 years.
Holden out for a great deal?
Holden cars are the cheapest they’ll ever be and as the company states, only available while stocks last. There are clearance sales on at all Holden dealerships with massive discounts on vehicles usually only seen during the plate clearance sales.
Savings of anywhere between $1000 and $10,000 are expected across the Holden range, including the Colorado ute and the Trax, Equinox, Acadia and Trailblazer SUVs, plus the already discounted Commodore and Astra.
The time to buy your new Holden is now!!!
If you’re interested in a Holden or have any questions about your lease, contact us now on 1800 501 703 or novated@remunerator.com.au.