Isuzu Trucks to keep rolling in NZ

General Motors’ decision to ditch Holden will have no effect on the company’s distribution agreement with Isuzu Trucks in New Zealand.

Ed Finn, general manager of corporate affairs, says Holden NZ will continue to distribute the trucks – it’s “business as usual” on that front.

“The situation for Isuzu Trucks in New Zealand, following the announcement, remains unchanged,” he says. “It’s our intention to continue to honour our obligations under the current Isuzu distribution agreement. We believe current Isuzu sales and after-sales operations in New Zealand will augment our remaining Holden after-sales network operations.”

Holden’s sales, design and engineering operations will wind down by 2021 in Australasia, and it’s also the end for Holden Financial Services and Maven across the ditch.

There are about 800 Holden employees in both countries, with Australia and New Zealand, with 185 dealers in Australia and 31 in New Zealand, according to the marque. Staff will receive exit and transition packages, while work will soon get under way on ending dealer arrangements. Some will be offered the chance to remain parts and service outlets.

A detailed analysis of investment needed for Holden to be competitive in the future was completed before the decision to scrap it was made, says GM. But factors against the business case for more investment included highly fragmented right-hand-drive (RHD) markets, economics to support growing the marque and returns on investment.

GM intends to focus its strategy in New Zealand and Australia on speciality vehicles, and says it will work with its partners on developing plans. So far, there has been a lack of specific details on this, but it may hinge around selling its US sports cars converted to RHD by HSV teaming up with Walkinshaw Performance.