THE LAST ROAR
General Motors announced the final nail in the Holden brand’s coffin not long before the world was gripped by COVID-19, and as you can imagine both have been the topic of many conversations since. I’ve been really interested to hear the various opinions on the Holden matter, in part because it seems like my own opinion is different to most. I like that, not because I’m a stirrer, but because it’s great to have different views on things as it creates robust discussion.
The big talking point is the fact that Holden/GM will only be supplying new parts for 10 years … Everyone seems up in arms about that, but as far as I’m aware, most manufacturers only make/stock new parts for around that long anyway. Sure, there’s probably the odd exception, but once a vehicle gets to that age, the aftermarket industry generally has a good supply of consumable parts available. When was the last time someone with a VZ Commodore, for example, bought a ball joint from their local Holden dealer (yes, I know a VZ is older than 10 years, but the VE range was in production until 2013, so too new)? The ZB Commodore range — regardless of if you consider it a real Commodore or not — is produced for many more countries than just NZ and Australia, and is available around the globe both left and right hook under a number of different names, so I can assure you parts won’t be drying up any time soon. People stating that the prices will go up for old parts are dreaming. Again, Holden hasn’t been manufacturing new items for VK Commodores or EH Holdens for many years, so the availability of them doesn’t change. Maybe I’m wrong, and the world truly is ending … but I’m yet to be convinced.
On the bright side, HSV, which is not owned by General Motors, is as strong as ever, still producing high-performance vehicles as it always has, except now they’re examples originally manufactured in America rather than Australia.
It’s my opinion, based completely on assumption rather than actual facts or knowledge, that while the majority of the country’s 31Holden dealerships will close or pick up new franchises, a select few — perhaps the existing eight HSV dealers — will continue to sell HSV products along with (fingers crossed) Chevrolets such as the C8 Corvette. There’s mixed reports at the time of writing of GM’s plans for the C8, and if it will still be manufactured in right-hand drive as previously announced. I’m of the theory though, that while New Zealand and Australia are right-hand drive countries, they’re not the only right-hand-drive markets for the Corvette. It’s been stated — rightly or wrongly — that plans to sell the Corvette in Japan next year are still on track, along with the UK market. So, while I agree it’s sad that our local hero is being put to rest, especially for those working for the brand both here and abroad, it’s not all bad news for us as purveyors of highperformance vehicles or GM products.
We’ve thrown together a few pages of our previous Holden ownership experiences in this issue, and you can guarantee that the end of the brand won’t stop people from putting together kick-arse Holdens like this month’s cover car! Long live that passion.