By Juliano Oliveira
Holden car owners were taken by surprise with the announcement the company would wind up its activities in Australia.
The brand had been acting as an arm of General Motors (US) in Oceania for decades. The lack of prospects for long-term competitiveness, coupled with highly fragmented right-hand-drive domestic markets, was crucial to its closure.
The national sales company area; design, engineering, car sharing, Holden financial services have been impacted by the decision.
In a statement, it was ensured the company “will immediately begin working with our dealer partners across Australia and New Zealand to implement an orderly transition, including support for our existing customers.”
According to Holden, for the next 10 years, a national aftersales network will be supporting existing customers, including warranty, service, spare parts and any required recall or field actions.
“Holden and its aftersales network will also continue to handle any recalls or safety-related issues if they arise, working with the appropriate governmental agencies.”
All current Holden dealers will be offered the opportunity to transition to Holden authorised service outlets.