A Holden car was an Australian-made vehicle, famously known as the "lion of Australia," but the brand was discontinued in 2020. It was a subsidiary of General Motors (GM) and was iconic in Australia and New Zealand for producing a wide range of vehicles, from rugged utility vehicles (utes) and family sedans to high-performance V8 muscle cars. For decades, Holden was a symbol of national pride, but shifting market preferences towards SUVs and the high cost of local manufacturing led GM to retire the brand. Today, existing Holdens are still on the road, supported by a service network, but no new models are being produced.
The brand's history is deeply intertwined with Australian culture. Starting as a saddle manufacturer in 1856, Holden began building car bodies in the early 20th century and became fully owned by GM in 1931. Its heyday was marked by models developed specifically for Australian conditions, like the Commodore and the Commodore Ute, which were praised for their durable chassis tuning and powerful engines.
However, the dominance of imported vehicles and the end of local manufacturing in 2017 signaled the beginning of the end. The final nail in the coffin was GM's decision to withdraw the Holden brand entirely, refocusing its right-hand-drive market strategy. For current owners, parts and service support are now handled by a network of former Holden dealerships, though long-term support remains a consideration for buyers looking at used models. The legacy of Holden now lives on as a cherished part of automotive history.
