Holden secure in NZ

Holden New Zealand says the marque is here to stay and its vehicles will be arriving on these shores well into the future. Last week, General Motors (GM) announced manufacturing in Australia would end by the end of 2017, but Holden NZ has assured the market its favourite cars will be coming here after that happens. Holden NZ is keen to allay any fears about the marque after the announcement across the Tasman. “The news manufacturing is to cease in Australia is incredibly sad especially for some of our colleagues but our loyal customers need not worry,” says managing director Jeff Murray. “We’ll continue to provide some of the best vehicles produced by GM and provide new and upgraded variants.” He describes 2013 as one of the busiest years ever for the marque with a number of new models launched. “We’re one of the fastest-growing auto brands in New Zealand and our line-up is the best it’s ever been,” says Murray. “We’re enthused and excited about our future and continuing to sell a range of vehicles.” He says the decision to end car-making in Australia was difficult for GM with Holden working to ensure its employees in Adelaide and Melbourne receive the support they need. Soon to depart GM, Holden chairman Mike Devereux has reaffirmed the parent company’s continued support for the lion and stone in the region, but has expressed concerns about the Australian economy. He says: “What are we going to do with the talented workers who will need to transition to other work? How will the economy prosper going forward? The parliament of this country [Australia] should focus on these issues because we should be focusing on national interests. “We have a world-class product in the VF Commodore. We’ve just launched it in the US and the American media is raving about what’s one of the finest products to come out of Australia.” In the meantime, Holden will continue to produce cars for Kiwi buyers, whether they are built in Australia or at one of GM’s 160 manufacturing plants around the world.