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Senator takes aim at Holden

Australian politician pulls no punches as he fires off a letter to Holden boss ahead of inquiry.
Posted on 17 April, 2020
Senator takes aim at Holden

An Australian politician is questioning whether General Motors has any “credible intent” to settle its compensation dispute with Holden dealers across the ditch.

Queensland Senator James McGrath, deputy chairman of the Senate committee investigating the brand’s withdrawal from Australia and its treatment of dealers, has sent a letter to Holden boss Kristian Aquilina.

McGrath, pictured, suggests GM does not appear to have acted in good faith with Holden dealers and employees “for some years”. A copy of the correspondence has also been sent to the US car giant’s chief executive Mary Barra.

In the letter, the politician questions why Holden was not engaging with the legal representative of the 185 Australia dealers who have rejected GM’s offer of compensation, reports GoAutoNews.

McGrath is also concerned about claims from Holden retailers that GM engaged in misleading conduct.

The senator’s comments appear to be putting Holden on notice that its executives can expect a grilling during the Senate inquiry on assertions made in a letter Aquilina sent to federal politicians and senators in March.

Aquilina disputed suggestions from the Holden Dealer Council that the brand’s axing by the end of this year will lead to 9,000 job losses and suggested only 650 showroom staff in Australia will be affected.

“I trust that all claims in your letter will be substantiated,” McGrath says.

The deadline for submissions to the Senate inquiry is June 25.