Special editions mark end of era

While it had been well signalled, it was sad nonetheless when the final closure date of Holden’s last Australian production plant was confirmed just over a week ago.

The end of the Australian- built Commodore, and with it the demise of large rear- wheel- drive Aussie sedans, station- wagons and utes, is a significant Transtasman motor industry milestone.

Reaction on social media to the closure announcement suggests the decades of tribal loyalty to the big V8s is well embedded among millennials in this part of the world.

The plant is scheduled to close on October 20, and the release of the last special- edition Director, Magnum and Motorsport Commodore models this week highlights the closure finality .

Ford and General Motors Holden have been working overtime to make the transition to new models as smooth as possible but the final Australian- built Commodores and Falcons are destined to become collector editions. TONY VERDON

Regional Motoring Editor Colin Smith has driven the new Commodores on a race track. You can read what he thinks about them on page 27.

Editor at Large Liz Dobson has driven the new Holden Astra sedan in its Chevrolet Cruze guise, in Nashville. The success or otherwise of that model will play a part in Holden’s transformation from manufacturer to importer/ distributor.

The rise and rise of 16- year- old Marcus Armstrong in the motorsport world features in Matthew Hansen’s profile on page 13, and in Bob McMurray’s column on page 37. McMurray and Hansen suggest this kid has what it takes to make it into the big league of international motorsport. Keep an eye on his progress at Teretonga in this weekend’s round of the Toyota Series, at Driven. co. nz. ABOUT US Editor Tony Verdon Editor at Large Liz Dobson Contributors Colin Smith, Matthew Hansen, Jacqui Madelin, Bob McMurray, Cameron Officer, Donna McIntyre, David Kavermann Cover design Jennifer Adams Advertising Todd Fuller 021 986027 todd. fuller@ nzme. co. nz Cover photo Supplied