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{{otheruses1|the Australian automaker}}
{{Infobox Company
| company_name = GM Holden Ltd
| company_logo = [[Image:Holden logo.png|200px]]
| company_type = Private
| foundation = 1856
| location = [[Port Melbourne, Victoria]], [[Australia]]
| key_people = Mark Reuss<br /><small>''Chairman and Managing Director''</small>
| industry = [[Automotive industry|Automotive]]
| products = [[Automobile]]s<br />[[Engine]]s
| num_employees = 6500 (November 2007)
| parent = [[General Motors]]
| homepage = [http://www.holden.com.au/ www.holden.com.au]
}}

'''GM Holden Ltd''' is an [[Australia]]n [[automobile]] maker based in [[Port Melbourne, Victoria]]. The company was originally independent, but since 1931 has been a subsidiary of [[General Motors]] (GM). Holden has taken charge of vehicle operations for GM in [[Australasia]] and, on behalf of GM, holds partial ownership of [[GM Daewoo]] in [[South Korea]]. Over the years, Holden has offered a broad range of locally produced vehicles, supplemented by imported GM models. In the past, Holden has offered [[Badge engineering|badge engineered]] [[Isuzu]], [[Nissan Motors|Nissan]], [[Suzuki]] and [[Toyota]] models in sharing arrangements.

Holden [[Bodywork|bodyworks]] are manufactured at [[Elizabeth, South Australia]], and engines are produced at Port Melbourne, Victoria. Historically, production or assembly plants were operated in all mainland [[States and territories of Australia|states of Australia]]: [[Acacia Ridge, Queensland]]; [[Dandenong, Victoria]]; [[Mosman Park, Western Australia]]; [[Pagewood, New South Wales]]; and [[Woodville, South Australia]]. Until 1990, GM's New Zealand subsidiary [[Holden New Zealand]] operated a plant based in [[Trentham, New Zealand|Trentham]], with a plant in [[Petone]] running until 1984. The consolidation of car production at Elizabeth, South Australia, was completed in 1988, but some assembly operations continued at Dandenong until 1996.

Although Holden's involvement in exports has fluctuated since the 1950s, the declining sales of large cars in Australia has led the company to look to international markets to increase profitability; in 2006, exports alone accounted for almost [[Australian dollar|AU$]]1.3&nbsp;billion in earnings.

== History of the marque ==
=== Early history ===
In 1852, James Alexander Holden emigrated to [[South Australia]] from [[England]] and in 1856 established ''J.A. Holden & Co'', a saddlery business in [[Adelaide]].<ref>Davis, Kennedy, Kennedy (Part One), p. 16</ref> [[Edward Holden]], James' son, joined the firm in 1905 with an interest in automobiles.<ref>{{cite web | last = Hancock | first = Joan | coauthors = Richards, Eric | url = http://www.adb.online.anu.edu.au/biogs/A090705b.htm | title = Holden, Sir Edward Wheewall (1885 - 1947) | work = [[Australian Dictionary of Biography]] | publisher = [[Melbourne University Publishing]] | accessdate = 2007-05-18}}</ref> From there, the firm evolved through various partnerships and, in 1908, Holden and Frost moved into the business of minor repairs to car upholstery.<ref name = "Holden History">{{cite web | url = http://www.uniquecarsandparts.com.au/history_holden.htm | title = Holden History | publisher = Unique Cars and Parts | accessdate = 2007-06-12}}</ref> The company began to produce complete motorcycle sidecar bodies in 1913, and Edward experimented with fitting bodies to different types of carriages.<ref name = "milestones">{{cite web | url = http://media.gm.com/aus/holden/en/company/history/history_milestones.html | title = Holden Company Milestones | publisher = [[General Motors]] | accessdate = 2007-05-19}}</ref> After 1917, wartime trade restrictions led the company to start full-scale production of vehicle body shells. J.A. Holden founded a new company in 1919, ''Holden's Motor Body Builders Ltd'' (HMBB) specialising in car bodies. By 1923, HMBB were producing 12,000&nbsp;units per year.<ref name = "Holden History"/> It is interesting to note that during this time, HMBB was the first company to assemble bodies for [[Ford Motor Company of Australia|Ford Australia]] until their [[Geelong, Victoria]], plant was completed.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.pc.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0004/25843/sub048.pdf | title = Submission to Automotive Enquiry | work = [[Productivity Commission]] | publisher = [[Government of Australia]] | accessdate = 2008-07-17}}</ref> From 1924, HMBB became the exclusive supplier of car bodies for GM in Australia, with manufacturing taking place at the new Woodville, South Australia plant.<ref name = "The Holden car in Australia">{{cite web | url = http://www.cultureandrecreation.gov.au/articles/holdencar/index.htm | title = The Holden car in Australia | publisher = [[Government of Australia]] | accessdate = 2007-12-04}}</ref> These bodies were made to suit a number of [[chassis]] imported from manufacturers such as [[Chevrolet]] and [[Dodge]].<ref name = "Holden History"/> The [[Great Depression]] era led to a substantial downturn in production, from 34,000&nbsp;units annually in 1930 to just 1,651&nbsp;units one year later.<ref name = "Holden History"/> In 1931, General Motors purchased the business and formed ''General Motors–Holden's Ltd''.<ref>Davis, Kennedy, Kennedy (Part One), p. 6</ref> Since then, two name changes have occurred: the first, in 1998, changed the name to ''Holden Ltd'', and the second, in May 2005, to ''GM Holden Ltd''.<ref>Davis, Kennedy, Kennedy (Part One), p. 9</ref>

=== 1940s ===
[[Image:1951-1953 Holden 50-2106 01.jpg|thumb|right|The Holden 50-2106 utility launched in 1951, three years after the [[Holden 48-215|48-215]] sedan.]]

Holden's first full-scale car factory in [[Port Melbourne, Victoria]], was completed in 1936, with construction beginning in 1939 on a new plant in [[Pagewood, New South Wales]].<ref name = "milestones"/> However, [[World War II]] delayed car production with efforts shifted to the construction of vehicle bodies, [[field gun]]s, [[aircraft]] and engines.<ref name = "The Holden car in Australia"/> Before the war ended, the [[Government of Australia|Australian Government]] took steps to encourage an Australian automotive industry.<ref>{{cite web | date = [[2007-08-22]] | url = http://www.holden.co.nz/news/article/114 | title = The Holden Ute History | publisher = [[Holden New Zealand]] | accessdate = 2008-02-26}}</ref> Both General Motors and [[Ford Motor Company|Ford]] provided studies to the Australian Government outlining the production of the first Australian designed car. Ford's proposal was the government's first choice, but required substantial financial assistance. General Motors' study was ultimately chosen because of its low level of government intervention.<ref name = "NAA">{{cite web | url = http://www.naa.gov.au/The_Collection/transport/road.html | title = Road transport | publisher = [[National Archives of Australia]] | archiveurl = http://web.archive.org/web/20051025213951/http://www.naa.gov.au/The_Collection/transport/road.html | archivedate = 2005-10-25}}</ref> After the war, Holden returned to producing vehicle bodies, this time for [[Buick]], [[Chevrolet]], [[Pontiac]] and [[Vauxhall Motors|Vauxhall]].<ref>{{cite encyclopedia | url = http://www.fundinguniverse.com/company-histories/Holden-Ltd-Company-History.html | title = Holden Ltd.| encyclopedia = International Directory of Company Histories | volume = 62 | year = 2004 | editor = Grant, Tina | publisher = [[Thomson Gale]] | accessdate = 2008-02-28}}</ref> Before this however, Holden continued to pursue the goal of producing an Australian car. This involved compromise with General Motors, as Holden's managing director, [[Laurence Hartnett]], favoured development of a local design, while GM preferred to see an American design as the basis for "Australia's Own Car".<ref>Loffler (2006), p. 5–7</ref> In the end, the design was based on a previously rejected post-war Chevrolet proposal.<ref>Loffler (2000), p. 5</ref> The Holden was launched in 1948, creating long waiting lists extending through 1949 and beyond.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.holden.com.au/www-holden/jsp/corporateinfo/history/chifley.jsp | title = The Birth of 'Australia's Own Car' | publisher = GM Holden | accessdate = 2008-03-05}}</ref> Although officially designated "[[Holden 48-215|48-215]]", the car was marketed simply as the "Holden".<ref>{{cite web | date = 1948 | url = http://www.uniquecarsandparts.com.au/gallery/pdf/Holden_48215.pdf | format = PDF | title = Holden – General Motors new Australian car | publisher = General Motors–Holden's | accessdate = 2008-03-02}}</ref> The unofficial usage of the name "FX" originated within Holden, referring to the updated suspension 48-215 of 1953.<ref>Loffler (2002), p. 4</ref>

=== 1950s ===
During the 1950s, Holden dominated the Australian car market. General Motors invested heavily in production capacity, which allowed the company to meet increased post-war demand for motor cars.<ref name = "milestones"/> Less expensive four-cylinder cars did not offer Holden's ability to deal with rugged rural areas.<ref name = "NAA"/><ref>Davis, Kennedy, Kennedy (Part One), p. 38</ref> [[Holden 48-215|48-215]] sedans were produced in parallel with the [[Holden 48-215|50-2106]] [[coupé utility]] from 1951; the latter was known [[Colloquialism|colloquially]] as the "ute" and became ubiquitous in Australian [[rural]] areas as the workhorse of choice. Production of both the ute and sedan continued with minor changes until 1953, when they were replaced by the facelifted [[Holden FJ|FJ]] model, introducing a third [[panel van]] [[Car body style|body style]].<ref>{{cite web | date = [[2001-04-24]] | url = http://www.autoweb.com.au/A_53869/cms/newsarticle.html | title = An Aussie Icon Turns 50 - The Holden Ute: 1951 - 2001 | work = AutoWeb | publisher = Web Publications | accessdate = 2007-05-30}}</ref> The FJ was the first major change to the Holden since its 1948 introduction. Over time it gained iconic status and remains one of Australia's most recognisable automotive symbols.<ref>Davis, Kennedy, Kennedy (Part One), p. 40</ref> A new horizontally slatted [[grille]] dominated the front-end of the FJ, which had other trim changes, along with a large rear window, but no changes were made to the body panels.<ref>Loffler (2002), p. 5</ref> Although little changed from the 48-215, marketing campaigns and price cuts kept FJ sales steady until a completely redesigned model was launched.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.nma.gov.au/collections/collection_highlights/australian_society_and_history_since_1788/fj_holden/ | title = FJ Holden, 1953-1956 | publisher = [[National Museum of Australia]] | accessdate = 2008-03-04}}</ref> At the 2005 [[Australian International Motor Show]] in [[Sydney]], Holden paid homage to the FJ with the [[Holden Efijy|Efijy]] [[concept car]].<ref>{{cite journal | last = Carey | first = John | month = November | year = 2005 | title = Holden Efijy | journal = [[Wheels magazine]] | pages = 16 | publisher = [[ACP Magazines]]}}</ref> Holden's next model, the FE, launched in 1956; offered in a new [[station wagon]] body style dubbed "Station Sedan" in the company's sales literature.<ref>{{cite web | date = [[1998-03-24]] | url = http://www.autoweb.com.au/A_50400/cms/newsarticle.html | title = Golden Holden Oldies - The FE Holden: 1956 | work = AutoWeb | publisher = Web Publications | accessdate = 2008-03-06}}</ref> Strong sales continued in Australia, and Holden achieved a market share of more than 50&nbsp;percent in 1958 with the revised FC model.<ref>Wright (1998), p. 117</ref> This was the first Holden to be tested on the new ''Holden Proving Ground'' based in [[Lang Lang, Victoria]].<ref>{{cite web | date = [[1997-10-14]] | url = http://www.autoweb.com.au/A_50167/cms/newsarticle.html | title = Holden's Lang Lang Proving Ground Passes Forty-Year Milestone | work = AutoWeb | publisher = Web Publications | accessdate = 2008-03-06}}</ref> The opening of the [[Dandenong, Victoria]], production facility in 1956 brought further jobs; by 1959 Holden employed 19,000 workers country-wide.<ref>{{cite web | date = [[1959-11-02]] | url = http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,892818,00.html | title = The New Blokes | work = [[The Times]] | publisher = [[Time Inc.]] | accessdate = 2007-11-23}}</ref>

[[Image:1961-1962 Holden EK Special Station Sedan 01.jpg|thumb|left|The EK was Holden's response to the [[Ford Falcon (Australia)|Ford Falcon]], and was available with automatic transmission.]]

=== 1960s ===
In the 1960s, Holden faced serious competition for the first time; its major competitors began to import cars.<ref>Wright (1998), p. 121</ref> Holden in 1960, introduced its third major new model, the FB. The car's style was inspired by 1950s’ Chevrolets, with [[tailfin]]s and a wrap-around [[windshield]] with "dog leg" [[Pillar (car)|A-pillars]]. By the time it was introduced, many considered the appearance dated. Much of the motoring industry at the time noted that the adopted style did not translate well to the more compact Holden.<ref>Wright (1998), p. 122</ref> The FB became the first Holden that was adapted for [[Traffic directionality|left-hand-drive]] markets, enhancing its export potential.<ref>Davis, Kennedy, Kennedy (Part One), p. 46</ref> In 1960, [[Ford Motor Company|Ford]] unveiled the new [[Ford Falcon (Australia)|Falcon]] in Australia, only months after its introduction in the United States. To Holden's advantage, the Falcon was not durable, particularly in the front suspension, making it ill-suited for [[Environment of Australia|Australian conditions]].<ref>Wright (1998), p. 133–134</ref> In response to the Falcon, Holden introduced the facelifted EK in 1961; the new model featured two-tone paintwork and optional [[automatic transmission]].<ref>Davis, Kennedy, Kennedy (Part One), p. 48</ref> An all-new EJ model came in 1962, debuting the new luxury oriented "Premier" model.<ref>Wright (1998), p. 135</ref> The [[Holden EH|EH]] update came a year later brining the new [[Holden Red motor|''Red'' motor]], providing better performance than the previous [[Holden Grey motor|''Grey'' motor]].<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.uniquecarsandparts.com.au/holden_red_motor.htm | title = Holden 6 Cylinder Red Motor | publisher = Unique Cars and Parts | accessdate = 2007-05-09}}</ref> After the slow-selling HD series of 1965, Holden responded with the HR in 1966, selling over 250,000&nbsp;units in two years. Changes came in the form of new front and rear styling and higher-capacity engines. More significantly, the HR fitted standard front [[seat belt]]s; Holden thus became the first Australian automaker to provide the safety device as standard equipment across all models.<ref>Davis, Kennedy, Kennedy (Part Two), p. 57</ref> This coincided with the completion of the production plant in [[Acacia Ridge, Queensland]].<ref name = "milestones"/>

[[Image:1968-1971 Holden Brougham 01.jpg|thumb|right|The [[Holden Brougham]] (1968–1971) was Holden's first full-size luxury vehicle; based on the mainstream [[Holden Kingswood|Kingswood]].]]

Holden began assembling the [[Compact car|compact]] HA series [[Vauxhall Viva]] in 1964. This was superseded by the [[Holden Torana]] in 1967, a development of the Viva ending Vauxhall production in Australia.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.uniquecarsandparts.com.au/car_info_holden_torana_hb.htm | title = Holden Torana HB | publisher = Unique Cars and Parts | accessdate = 2008-03-06}}</ref> Holden offered the LC, a Torana with new styling, in 1969 with the availability of Holden's six-cylinder engine. In the development days, the six-cylinder Torana was reserved for [[Auto racing|motor racing]], but research had shown that there was a business case for such a model.<ref>Wright (1998), p. 191–192</ref>

Holden's association with the manufacture of Chevrolets and [[Pontiac]]s ended in 1968, coinciding with Holden's next major new model, the HK.<ref>Davis, Kennedy, Kennedy (Part One), p. 5, 31</ref> This included Holden's first [[V8 engine]], a [[Chevrolet]] engine imported from the United States.<ref>Davis, Kennedy, Kennedy (Part Two), p. 59</ref> Models based on the HK series included an extended-length prestige model, the [[Holden Brougham|Brougham]], and a two-door [[coupé]], the [[Holden Monaro|Monaro]].<ref>Davis (1987), p. 102</ref> The mainstream [[Holden Special]] was rebranded the [[Holden Kingswood|Kingswood]], and the basic [[Fleet vehicle|fleet model]], the [[Holden Standard|Standard]], became the [[Holden Kingswood|Belmont]].<ref>Wright (1998), p. 171</ref> The first Australian-designed and mass-produced V8 engine debuted in the Hurricane concept of 1969, before being applied to facelifted HT model. This was available in two capacities: {{convert|253|cuin|L|1|lk=in}} referred to as a 4.2L and {{convert|308|cuin|L|1}}.<ref>{{cite web | date = [[1999-06-28]] | url = http://www.autoweb.com.au/A_51435/cms/newsarticle.html | title = Holden Employees Farewell The Last Aussie-Built V8 | work = AutoWeb | publisher = Web Publications | accessdate = 2008-03-05}}</ref>

Despite the arrival of serious competitors—namely, the Ford Falcon, [[Chrysler Valiant]], and [[Japan]]ese cars—in the 1960s, Holden's locally produced large six- and eight-cylinder cars remained Australia's top-selling vehicles. Sales were boosted by exporting the Kingswood sedan, station wagon, and utility body styles to places such as [[Indonesia]], [[Trinidad and Tobago]], and [[South Africa]] in [[complete knock down]] form.<ref>Davis, Kennedy, Kennedy (Part One), p. 31</ref>

[[Image:1971-1974 Holden HQ Kingswood sedan 01.jpg|thumb|left|Holden's HQ series sold in record numbers, with more than 480,000&nbsp;units shifted throughout the car's lifetime.]]

=== 1970s ===
In 1970, Holden transformed the Woodville, South Australia, factory into an AU$16.5&nbsp;million ''Tri-Matic'' automatic transmission plant.<ref name = "milestones"/> The new three-speed transmission debuted in the HG series.<ref>Wright (1998), p. 194</ref> The following year, Holden launched the new [[Holden Kingswood#HQ|HQ]] series.<ref name = "Strauss 11">Strauss (1998), p. 11</ref> At this time, the company was producing all of its passenger cars in Australia, and every model was of Australian design; however, by the end of the decade, Holden was producing cars based on overseas designs. The HQ was thoroughly re-engineered, featuring a perimeter frame and semi-[[monocoque]] (unibody) construction. Other firsts included an all-coil suspension and an extended wheelbase for station wagons, while the utilities and panel vans retained the traditional coil/leaf suspension configuration.<ref>{{cite web | date = [[1998-10-26]] | url = http://www.autoweb.com.au/A_50813/cms/newsarticle.html | title = Golden Holden Oldies - Stars of the Seventies | work = AutoWeb | publisher = Web Publications | accessdate = 2008-03-05}}</ref> The series included the new prestige [[Statesman (automobile)|Statesman]] brand, which also had a longer wheelbase replacing the [[Holden Brougham|Brougham]].<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.goauto.com.au/mellor/mellor.nsf/story2/0BF19BA5E77986D6CA256D2100149EA4 | title = Car review - Holden Statesman V6 sedan | work = GoAuto | publisher = John Mellor | accessdate = 2008-03-05}}</ref> The Statesman remains noteworthy because it was not marketed as a "Holden", but rather a "Statesman";<ref>{{cite journal | last = Luck | first = Rob | month = September | year = 1971 | title = Bold New Breed | journal = [[Motor (magazine)|Modern Motor]] | pages = 62 | publisher = Modern Magazines (Holdings)}}</ref> this model was also exported as a Chevrolet to foreign markets. The HQ framework led to a new generation of two-door [[Holden Monaro|Monaros]], and, despite the introduction of the similar sized competitors, the HQ range became the top-selling Holden of all time, with 485,650&nbsp;units sold in three years.<ref>Davis, Kennedy, Kennedy (Part Two), p. 67–68</ref> The HQ series was uplifted in 1974 with the introduction of the HJ, heralding new front panel styling and a revised rear fascia.<ref>Wright (1998), p. 226</ref> This new bodywork was to remain, albeit with minor upgrades through the HX and HZ series.<ref>Wright (1998), p. 340–341</ref> Detuned engines adhering to government [[emission standard]]s were brought in with the HX series, whilst the HZ brought considerably improved [[Car handling|road handling]] and comfort with the introduction of "Radial Tuned Suspension" (RTS).<ref>Wright (1998), p. 239–241</ref>

During this decade, development of the Torana continued with the larger LH series of 1974, offered only as a four-door sedan.<ref name = "Wright 340">Wright (1998), p. 340</ref> The LH Torana was one of the few cars worldwide engineered to occupy four-, six-and eight-cylinder engines.<ref>Wright (1998), p. 198</ref> This trend continued until Holden introduced the [[Holden Sunbird|Sunbird]] in 1976; essentially the four-cylinder Torana with a new name.<ref name = "Wright 340"/> Designated LX, both the Sunbird and Torana introduced a three-door hatchback variant.<ref>Wright (1998), p. 244</ref> During its production run, the Torana achieved legendary racing success in Australia, achieving victories at the [[Mount Panorama Circuit]] in [[Bathurst, New South Wales]].<ref>{{cite web | date = [[1998-11-04]] | url = http://www.autoweb.com.au/A_50858/cms/newsarticle.html | title = Golden Holden Oldies - The Holden Torana (1967-78) - A Bathurst Legacy | work = AutoWeb | publisher = Web Publications | accessdate = 2008-06-09}}</ref>

[[Image:1978-1980 Holden VB Commodore 01.jpg|thumb|right|The [[Holden Commodore|Commodore]] followed the success of its forebear, the [[Holden Kingswood|Kingswood]], becoming Holden's bestselling vehicle to date.]]

In 1975, Holden introduced the [[Subcompact car|subcompact]] [[Isuzu Gemini|Gemini]], the Australian version of the "[[GM T platform|T-Car]]", based on the [[Opel Kadett]] C. The Gemini was an overseas design developed jointly with [[Isuzu]], GM's Japanese affiliate; and was powered by a 1.6&nbsp;litre four-cylinder engine.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.uniquecarsandparts.com.au/car_info_holden_gemini_tx.htm | title = Holden Gemini TX | publisher = Unique Cars and Parts | accessdate = 2007-05-11}}</ref> Fast becoming a popular car, the Gemini rapidly attained sales leadership in its class, and the nameplate lived on until 1987.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.uniquecarsandparts.com.au/car_info_holden_gemini_rb.htm | title = Holden Gemini RB | publisher = Unique Cars and Parts | accessdate = 2007-05-11}}</ref>

Holden's most popular car to date, the [[Holden Commodore|Commodore]], was introduced in 1978 as the [[Holden VB Commodore|VB]].<ref>Tuckey (1999), p. 27</ref> The new family car was loosely based on the [[Opel Rekord]] E body shell, but with the front from the [[Opel Senator]] grafted to accommodate the larger Holden six-cylinder and V8 engines. Initially, the Commodore maintained Holden's sales leadership in Australia.<ref>Tuckey (1999), p. 33</ref> However, some of the compromises resulting from the adoption of a design intended for another market hampered the car's acceptance. In particular, it was narrower than its predecessor and its Falcon rival, making it less comfortable for three rear-seat passengers.<ref name = "Robinson 22, 26-27">Robinson (2006), p. 23, 26–27</ref>

Holden discontinued the Torana in 1979 and the Sunbird in 1980. After the 1978 introduction of the Commodore, the Torana became the "in-between" car, surrounded by the smaller and more economical [[Isuzu Gemini|Gemini]] and the larger, more sophisticated Commodore. The closest successor to the Torana was the [[Holden Camira|Camira]], released in 1982 as Australia's version of GM's medium-sized "[[GM J platform|J-Car]]".<ref name = "Robinson 24">Robinson (2006), p. 24</ref>

[[Image:Holden Calais (1988-1991 VN series) 02.jpg|thumb|left|The second generation [[Holden Commodore|Commodore]] ''([[Holden VN Commodore#Calais|VN Calais]] pictured)'' overcame the previous generations' width problems.]]

=== 1980s ===
The 1980s were challenging for Holden and the Australian car industry. The Australian Government tried to revive the industry with the [[Button car plan]], which encouraged car makers to focus on producing fewer models at higher, more economical volumes, and to export cars.<ref>Wright (1998), p. 277</ref> The decade opened with the shut-down of the [[Pagewood, New South Wales]] production plant and introduction of the light commercial [[Holden Rodeo|Rodeo]], sourced from Isuzu in Japan.<ref name = "milestones"/> The Rodeo was available in both two- and four-wheel drive [[chassis cab]] models with a choice of [[Gasoline|petrol]] and [[diesel]] powerplants.<ref>Davis, Kennedy, Kennedy (Part Two), p. 82</ref> The range was updated in 1988 with the TF series, based on the [[Isuzu TF]].<ref name = "milestones"/>

Holden introduced the new [[Holden Kingswood#WB|WB]] series utilities, panel vans and limousines in 1980. However, the design, based on the HQ and updated [[Holden Kingswood#HJ|HJ]], [[Holden Kingswood#HX|HX]] and [[Holden Kingswood#HZ|HZ]] models from the 1970s could not compete with similar models in [[Ford Motor Company|Ford's]] lineup. Thus, Holden abandoned those [[Car classification|vehicle classes]] all together in 1984.<ref name = "Strauss 11"/> Sales of the [[Holden Commodore|Commodore]] also fell, with the effects of the [[1979 energy crisis]] lessening, and for the first time the Commodore lost ground to the [[Ford Falcon (Australia)|Ford Falcon]]. Sales in other segments also suffered when competition from Ford intensified, and other Australian manufacturers: [[Mitsubishi Motors Australia|Mitsubishi]], [[Nissan Motors|Nissan]] and [[Toyota]] gained market share.<ref>{{cite web | last = Kenwright | first = Joe | date = [[2006-07-29]] | url = http://editorial.carsales.com.au/car-review/1916079.aspx | title = Crossing the Lion | publisher = carsales.com.au | accessdate = 2007-06-16}}</ref> When released in 1982, the [[Holden Camira|Camira]] initially generated good sales, which later declined because buyers considered the 1.6&nbsp;litre engine underpowered, and the car's build and ride quality below-average.<ref name = "Robinson 24"/> The Camira lasted just seven years, and contributed to Holden's accumulated losses of over AU$500&nbsp;million by the mid-1980s.<ref>Robinson (2006), p. 26</ref>

[[Image:1983-1984 Statesman WB II Caprice 01.jpg|thumb|The [[Statesman (automobile)|Statesman]] marque lasted until 1984, when Holden abandoned the full-size luxury segment.]]

In 1984, Holden introduced the [[Holden VK Commodore|VK Commodore]], with significant styling changes from the previous [[Holden VH Commodore|VH]]. The Commodore was next updated in 1986 as the [[Holden VL Commodore|VL]], which had new front and rear styling.<ref>Davis, Kennedy, Kennedy (Part Two), p. 89–94</ref> Controversially, the VL was powered by the {{auto L|3.0}} [[Nissan RB engine#RB30|Nissan ''RB30'']] six-cylinder engine and had an electronically controlled four-speed automatic transmission. The engine change was necessitated by the legal requirement that all new cars sold in Australia after 1986 had to consume unleaded petrol.<ref>{{cite web | date = [[2007-06-21]] | url = http://www.epa.qld.gov.au/environmental_management/air/caring_for_our_air/ | title = Caring for our air | publisher = [[Government of Queensland|State of Queensland]] | accessdate = 2007-07-11}}</ref> Because it was infeasible to convert the existing six-cylinder engine to run on unleaded fuel, the Nissan engine was chosen as the best engine available. However, changing exchange rates caused the cost of the engine and transmission to double over the life of the VL.<ref>Robinson (2006), p. 25</ref> The decision to opt for a Japanese-made transmission led to the closure of the Woodville, South Australia assembly plant. This came after Holden reorganised and recapitalised the business in 1985; separating the engine and car manufacturing divisions in the process.<ref name = "Robinson 27">Robinson (2006), p. 27</ref> For the most part, car bodies were now manufactured at [[Elizabeth, South Australia]], with engines confined to a single plant in [[Port Melbourne, Victoria]]. The engine manufacturing business was successful, building four-cylinder ''[[GM Family II engine|Family II]]'' engines for use in cars built overseas.<ref>{{cite web | date = [[2004-11-09]] | url = http://www.autoweb.com.au/A_103082/cms/newsarticle.html | title = Holden Reaches Golden Milestone With 50 Years Of Exports | work = AutoWeb | publisher = Web Publications | accessdate = 2007-08-16}}</ref> Confident by the apparent sign of turnaround, General Motors paid off Holden's mounted losses of AU$780&nbsp;million on [[December 19]] [[1986]].<ref name = "Robinson 27"/> The final phase of the Commodore's recovery strategy involved the 1988 [[Holden VN Commodore|VN]], a significantly wider model powered by the American-designed 3.8&nbsp;litre [[Buick V6 engine]].<ref name = "Robinson 22, 26-27"/>

Holden began to sell the subcompact [[Suzuki Swift]]-based [[Holden Barina|Barina]] in 1985.<ref>Davis, Kennedy, Kennedy (Part Two), p. 91</ref> In the same year, [[Nissan Pulsar]] hatchbacks were rebadged as the [[Holden Astra]], as a result of a deal with Nissan.<ref>Earl (2002), p. 29</ref> This arrangement ceased in 1988 when Holden entered a new alliance with Toyota, forming a new company: [[United Australian Automobile Industries]] (UAAI). UAAI resulted in Holden selling rebadged versions of Toyota's [[Toyota Corolla|Corolla]] and [[Toyota Camry|Camry]], as the [[Holden Nova]] and [[Holden Apollo|Apollo]] respectively, with Toyota re-branding the Commodore as the Toyota Lexcen.<ref>Earl (2002), p. 27–28</ref>

[[Image:2002 Holden TS Astra CD.jpg|thumb|left|The [[Holden Astra]] replaced the slow selling [[Holden Nova|Nova]], the result of a [[Button car plan|government-backed model sharing scheme]].]]

=== 1990s ===
The company changed throughout the 1990s, increasing its Australian market share from 21&nbsp;percent in 1991 to 28.2&nbsp;percent in 1999.<ref name = "Sales and Share of Australian Market Archive (1991-2002)">{{cite web | url = http://media.gm.com/aus/holden/en/company/finance/fin_sales_share_ARCHIVE.html | title = Sales and Share of Australian Market Archive (1991-2002) | publisher = [[General Motors]] | accessdate = 2007-11-21}}</ref> Besides manufacturing Australia's bestselling car, which was exported in significant numbers, Holden continued to export many locally produced engines to power cars made elsewhere. In this decade, Holden adopted a strategy of importing cars it needed to offer a full range of competitive vehicles.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.gm.com/company/corp_info/global_operations/asia_pacific/aust.html | title = GM Global Operations: Australia | publisher = [[General Motors]] | archiveurl = http://web.archive.org/web/20070427004252/http://www.gm.com/company/corp_info/global_operations/asia_pacific/aust.html | archivedate = 2005-10-25}}</ref>

On [[April 26]], [[1990]], GM's New Zealand subsidiary, [[Holden New Zealand]], announced that production at the assembly plant based in [[Trentham, New Zealand|Trentham]] would be phased out and that vehicles would be imported [[Duty (economics)|duty]]-free. This came after the 1984 closure of the [[Petone]] assembly line due to low output volumes.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.holden.co.nz/heart/heritage/ | title = Heart of Holden - Holden Heritage | publisher = [[Holden New Zealand]] | accessdate = 2007-05-27}}</ref> During the 1990s Holden, other Australian automakers and [[trade union]]ists pressured the Australian Government to halt the lowering of car import [[tariff]]s. By 1997, the federal government had already cut tariffs to 22.5&nbsp;percent from 57.5&nbsp;percent ten years earlier, and by 2000 were planning to reduce this even further down to 15&nbsp;percent. Holden was critical, saying that Australia's population was not large enough, and that the changes could tarnish the local industry.<ref>{{cite web | last = Richardson | first = Michael | date = [[1997-04-24]] | url = http://www.iht.com/articles/1997/04/24/cars.t_0.php | title = Automakers Say Cuts in Duties Would Maim Industry : Tussle on Tariffs in Australia | work = [[International Herald Tribune]] | publisher = [[The New York Times Company]] | accessdate = 2007-11-23}}</ref>

Holden re-introduced its defunct [[Statesman (automobile)|Statesman]] name in 1990, this time under the Holden marque, as the [[Holden Statesman|Statesman and Caprice]]. For 1991, Holden updated the Statesman and Caprice with a range of improvements, including the introduction of four-wheel [[Anti-lock braking system|anti-lock brakes]],<ref>Wright (1998), p. 343</ref> although a rear-wheel system had been standard on the Statesman Caprice from March 1976.<ref name = "Wright 340"/> This feature was added to short-wheelbase Commodore range in 1992.<ref>Davis, Kennedy, Kennedy (Part Two), p. 103–104</ref> Another returning variant was the full-size utility, this time based on the Commodore.<ref>Robinson (2006), p. 26–27</ref> The [[Holden VN Commodore|VN Commodore]] received a major facelift in 1993 with the [[Holden VR Commodore|VR]]. Compared to the VN, approximately 80&nbsp;percent of car was new. Exterior changes brought an overall smoother body and a "twin-kidney" [[grille]]—a Commodore styling trait which remained until the 2002 [[Holden VY Commodore|VY]] model.<ref>{{cite web | last = Smith | first = Graham | date = [[2002-09-06]] | url = http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,20384,5037260-26236,00.html | title = 1993 Holden VR Commodore | work = [[Herald Sun]] | publisher = [[News Limited]] | accessdate = 2008-03-02}}</ref> Holden introduced the all-new [[Holden VT Commodore|VT Commodore]] in 1997, the outcome of an AU$600&nbsp;million development programme that spanned more than half a decade. The new model sported a rounded exterior body shell, improved dynamics, and many firsts for an Australian-built car. A stronger body structure increased crash safety.<ref>McCarthy, McKay, Newton, Robinson (2006), p. 158</ref> A revived [[Holden Monaro|Monaro]], based on the VT Commodore, attracted world wide attention after being shown as a concept car at Australian [[auto show]]s, and it drew a large waiting list after production began. The revived Monaro was released to the Australian market in 2001 and ceased production in 2005.<ref>{{cite web | date = [[2005-07-21]] | url = http://www.webwombat.com.au/motoring/news_reports/holden-monaro-cv8-z.htm | title = Holden Waves Goodbye to Monaro | publisher = WebWombat | accessdate = 2007-06-28}}</ref> The [[Buick]]-sourced [[V6 engine]], produced locally, powered the Commodore range, as did the {{auto L|5.0}} V8 engine, replaced in 1999 by a {{auto L|5.7}} unit.<ref>Davis, Kennedy, Kennedy (Part Three), p. 11</ref>

The UAAI badge-engineered cars first introduced in the 1980s sold poorly, but the Holden Commodore, Toyota Camry, and Corolla were all successful when sold under their original nameplates.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.goauto.com.au/mellor/mellor.nsf/story2/60DB5F93CC0B207FCA256D21001310D6 | title = Car review - Holden Nova 5-dr hatch | work = GoAuto | publisher = John Mellor | accessdate = 2007-05-13}}</ref> UAAI was dissolved in 1996, and Holden returned selling to GM products.<ref name = "Robinson 27"/> This signalled the closure of the [[Dandenong, Victoria]] facility, the sole plant for Corolla and Nova production.<ref>Wright (1998), p. 294</ref> The [[Holden Astra]] and [[Opel Vectra|Vectra]], both designed by [[Opel]] in [[Germany]], replaced the Toyota-sourced Holden Nova and Apollo. This came after the 1994 introduction of the [[Opel Corsa]] replacing the already available [[Suzuki Swift]] as the source for the [[Holden Barina]].<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.goauto.com.au/mellor/mellor.nsf/story2/D928D7E37EE64519CA256D210003F9D7 | title = Car review - Holden Barina Swing 5-dr hatch | work = GoAuto | publisher = John Mellor | accessdate = 2007-05-13}}</ref> Assembly of Vectra began at Elizabeth, South Australia in 1998, and these cars were exported to [[Japan]] and [[Southeast Asia]] with Opel badges.<ref name = "Holden Announces Next Stage Of $1 Billion Export Drive">{{cite web | date = [[1999-09-08]] | url = http://www.autoweb.com.au/A_51613/cms/newsarticle.html | title = Holden Announces Next Stage Of $1 Billion Export Drive | work = AutoWeb | publisher = Web Publications | accessdate = 2007-09-07}}</ref><ref>Davis, Kennedy, Kennedy (Part One), p. 34</ref> However, the Vectra did not achieve sufficient sales in Australia to justify local assembly, and reverted to being fully imported in 2000.<ref>{{cite web | last = Kennedy | first = Ewan | date = [[2005-06-18]] | url = http://www.marque.com.au/usedcars/050815_Holden_Vectra.htm | title = Holden Vectra 1997-2004 | publisher = Marque Publishing Company | accessdate = 2008-03-05}}</ref>

[[Image:2007 Holden VE Commodore Omega 01.jpg|thumb|The [[Holden VE Commodore|VE Commodore]] of 2006, Holden's first vehicle to be completely designed and engineered in Australia since 1971 [[Holden Kingswood#HQ|HQ series]].]]

=== 2000s ===
Holden's market surge from the 1990s reversed in the 2000s. In Australia, Holden's market share dropped from 27.5&nbsp;percent in 2000 to 15.2&nbsp;percent in 2006.<ref name = "Sales and Share of Australian Market Archive (1991-2002)"/><ref>{{cite web | url = http://media.gm.com/aus/holden/en/company/finance/fin_sales_share.html | title = Sales and Share of Australian Market (2003-Present) | publisher = [[General Motors]] | accessdate = 2007-11-23}}</ref> From March 2003, Holden no longer held the number one sales position in Australia, losing ground to [[Toyota]].<ref>{{cite journal | month = May | year = 2003 | title = Number Crunching | journal = [[Wheels magazine]] | pages = 181 | publisher = [[ACP Magazines]]}}</ref> This overall downturn affected Holden's profits; the company recorded a combined gain of AU$842.9&nbsp;million between 2002 and 2004, and a loss of AU$290&nbsp;million between 2005 and 2006.<ref>{{cite web | date = [[2007-06-18]] | url = http://www.caradvice.com.au/3250/holden-posts-146-million-loss/ | title = Holden Posts $146 Million Loss | publisher = CarAdvice.com.au | accessdate = 2007-11-23}}</ref> Factors contributing to the loss included the development of an all-new model, the strong [[Australian dollar]] and the cost of reducing the workforce at the Elizabeth plant, including the loss of 1,400&nbsp;jobs after the closure of the third-shift assembly line in 2005, after just two years in operation.<ref>{{cite web | date = [[2006-01-20]] | url = http://www.theage.com.au/news/Business/Mitsubishi-to-cut-250-jobs-says-union/2006/01/20/1137553752787.html | title = Mitsubishi to cut more jobs | work = [[The Age]] | publisher = [[Fairfax Media]] | accessdate = 2007-11-23}}</ref> Holden fared better in 2007, posting an AU$6&nbsp;million loss.<ref>{{cite web | last = Pettendy | first = Marton | date = 2008-07-30 | url = http://www.goauto.com.au/mellor/mellor.nsf/story2/D0F21ACCD85E4C94CA25749500261F3B | title = GM Holden posts a $6 million loss for 2007 as domestic and export sales slow | work = GoAuto | publisher = John Mellor | accessdate = 2008-07-30}}</ref> Holden caused controversy in 2005 with their [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L19CaoXBCaE Holden Employee Pricing] [[television advertisement]], which ran between October and December 2005. The campaign publicised that "For the first time ever, all Australians can enjoy the financial benefit of Holden Employee Pricing". However, this did not include a discounted dealer delivery fee and savings on factory fitted options and accessories that employees received. At the same time, employees were given a further discount between 25 and 29&nbsp;percent on selected models.<ref>{{cite web | date = [[2006-04-19]] | url = http://www.accc.gov.au/content/index.phtml/itemId/732368/fromItemId/2332 | title = Holden employee pricing backfires | publisher = [[Australian Competition and Consumer Commission]] | accessdate = 2008-01-28}}</ref>

The [[Holden VT Commodore|VT Commodore]] received its first major update in 2002 with the [[Holden VY Commodore|VY]] series. A mildly facelifted [[Holden VZ Commodore|VZ]] model launched in 2004, introducing the GM ''[[GM High Feature engine|High Feature]]'' engine.<ref>McCarthy, McKay, Newton, Robinson (2006), p. 159</ref> This was built at the [[Port Melbourne, Victoria]] facility completed in 2003, with a maximum output 900 engines per day. This has reportedly added AU$5.2&nbsp;billion to the [[Economy of Australia|Australian economy]]; exports account for about AU$450&nbsp;million alone.<ref>{{cite web | date = [[2003-11-05]] | url = http://www.premier.vic.gov.au/newsroom/news_item_archive.asp?id=323 | archiveurl = http://web.archive.org/web/20040106180213/http://www.premier.vic.gov.au/newzsroom/news_item_archive.asp?id=323 | archivedate = 2004-01-06 | title = Premier Opens New Holden Engine Plant | publisher = [[Government of Victoria|State of Victoria]]}}</ref> After the VZ, the ''High Feature'' engine powered the all-new [[Holden VE Commodore|VE Commodore]]. In contrast to previous models, the VE no longer utilises an [[Opel]]-sourced [[Automobile platform|platform]] adapted both mechanically and in size.<ref>Robinson (2006), p. 34–35, 55–56</ref> Throughout the 1990s, Opel had also been the source of many Holden models. To increase profitability, Holden looked to the [[South Korea]]n [[GM Daewoo|Daewoo]] brand for replacements after acquiring a 44.6&nbsp;percent stake in the company in 2002.<ref>{{cite web | date = [[2005-02-01]] | url = http://www.drive.com.au/Editorial/ArticleDetail.aspx?ArticleID=9144&vf=1 | title = Spanner in the works | work = [[The Sun-Herald]] | publisher = [[Fairfax Media]] | accessdate = 2007-07-07}}</ref> The first of such models, the [[Holden Barina|Barina]] was replaced by the [[Daewoo Kalos]] in 2005, still under the Barina nameplate.<ref>{{cite journal | last = Carey | first = John | month = November | year = 2005 | title = Holden Barina: Korea-built mini goes large on value | journal = [[Wheels magazine]] | pages = 131 | publisher = [[ACP Magazines]]}}</ref> The following year, the Viva, based on the [[Daewoo Lacetti]], replaced the entry-level [[Holden Astra]] Classic, although a new Astra came about in 2004.<ref>{{cite journal | last = Carey | first = John | month = November | year = 2005 | title = Holden Viva: Better than when it was a Daewoo. Just | journal = [[Wheels magazine]] | pages = 128–129 | publisher = [[ACP Magazines]]}}</ref> The [[Holden Captiva|Captiva]] [[crossover SUV]] came next in 2006. After discontinuing the [[Holden Frontera|Frontera]] and [[Isuzu Bighorn|Jackaroo]] models in 2003, Holden was only left with one [[all-wheel drive]] model: the [[Holden Adventra|Adventra]], a Commodore-based station wagon.<ref>{{cite journal | last = Ponchard | first = Nathan | month = November | year = 2006 | url = http://www.wheelsmag.com.au/wheels/site/articleIDs/5AF5DC88746CD7A0CA25725900163A60?open&template=domWheels | title = At last, Holden finds a Seoul mate | journal = [[Wheels magazine]] | pages = 106–112 | publisher = [[ACP Magazines]] | accessdate = 2007-05-24}}</ref> The fourth model to be replaced with a South Korean alternative was the [[Opel Vectra|Vectra]], by the mid-size [[Daewoo Tosca|Epica]] in 2007.<ref>{{cite journal | last = Newton | first = Bruce | month = June | year = 2007 | title = Sneer Miss | journal = [[Wheels magazine]] | pages = 104–108 | publisher = [[ACP Magazines]]}}</ref> As a result of the split between GM and [[Isuzu]], Holden in 2008 lost of the naming rights to the "Rodeo" nameplate. Consequently, the [[Holden Rodeo]] was facelifted and sold as the [[Isuzu D-Max|Holden Colorado]].<ref>{{cite web | last = Stanford | first = James | date = [[2008-07-01]] | url = http://www.goauto.com.au/mellor/mellor.nsf/story2/FEF201F0B47FC07FCA2574790020E81C | title = Colorado cuts loose | work = GoAuto | publisher = John Mellor | accessdate = 2008-07-04}}</ref>

{{Holden timeline}}

== Corporate affairs and identity ==
[[Image:Holden logo history.png|thumb|left|Holden logos from 1928 ''(left)'' and 1972 ''(right)''.]]

{| class="wikitable" table align="right" style="margin-left: 1em"
|+ 2006 sales and production<ref name = "profile">{{cite web | url = http://www.holden.com.au/www-holden/jsp/corporateinfo/companyprofile/companyprofile.jsp | title = Holden: Company Profile | publisher = GM Holden | accessdate = 2007-10-30}}</ref>
! style="background:#e8f4f8;" | Vehicle sales
! style="background:#e8f4f8;" | Units
|-
| Passenger vehicles || 108,392
|-
| [[Light commercial vehicle]]s || 33,554
|-
| [[Sport utility vehicle]]s || 4,565
|-
| style="text-align:right;" | '''Total''' || '''146,511'''
|-
! style="background:#e8f4f8;" | Vehicle production
! style="background:#e8f4f8;" | Units
|-
| Total vehicle production || 126,677
|-
| Daily vehicle production || 520
|-
! style="background:#e8f4f8;" | Engine production
! style="background:#e8f4f8;" | Units
|-
| ''[[GM Family II engine|Family II]]'' || 166,000
|-
| ''[[GM High Feature engine|High Feature]]'' || 137,000
|-
| style="text-align:right;" | '''Total''' || '''303,000'''
|}

As of 2008, chairman and managing director Mark Reuss heads operations at Holden. Executives of secondary departments include William Lesner, Alison Terry, Ian McCleave, Tony Hyde, Tony Stolfo, Alan Batey, Rodney Keane, Scott Sandefur, Pierre Matthee, Gene Stefanyshyn, Raymundo Garza, Mark Bernhard, and Fiona Harden. Vehicles are sold countrywide through the Holden Dealer Network (310 authorised stores and 12 service centres), which employs more than 13,500&nbsp;people.<ref name = "profile"/>

Since the 1960s, Holden models have been a staple of domestic [[touring car racing]], and the quasi-factory [[Holden Racing Team]] (HRT) has successfully participated in [[V8 Supercars|V8 Supercar]] racing.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.hsv.com.au/racing/2004/history/history.htm | title = Holden Racing Team History | publisher = [[Holden Special Vehicles]] | archiveurl = http://web.archive.org/web/20060823045603/http://www.hsv.com.au/racing/2004/history/history.htm | archivedate = 2006-08-23}}</ref> In 1987, [[Holden Special Vehicles]] (HSV) was formed in partnership with Tom Walkinshaw, who primarily manufactures modified, high-performance Commodore variants.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.hsv.com.au/studentpack/spackhistory.htm | title = HSV History & Background | publisher = [[Holden Special Vehicles]] | archiveurl = http://web.archive.org/web/*/http://www.hsv.com.au/studentpack/spackhistory.htm | archivedate = 2005-07-22}}</ref> To further reinforce the brand, HSV introduced the [[HSV Dealer Team]] into the V8 Supercar fold in 2005 under the naming rights of HSV Toll Racing.<ref>{{cite web | date = [[2005-11-21]] | url = http://www.hsvdt.com.au/hsvdt_new/2006/news/toll_hsvdt_release.asp | title = Toll and HSV Dealer Team confirm V8 Supercar alliance | publisher = [[HSV Dealer Team]] | accessdate = 2008-02-20}}</ref>

The logo, or "Holden lion and stone" as it is known, has played a vital role in establishing Holden's identity. In 1928, Holden's Motor Body Builders appointed [[Rayner Hoff]] to design the emblem. The logo refers to a [[prehistory|prehistoric]] fable, in which observations of [[lion]]s rolling stones led to the invention of the wheel. With the 1948 launch of the [[Holden 48-215|48-215]], Holden revised its logo and commissioned another redesign in 1972 to better represent the company.<ref>{{cite journal | last = Wright | first = John | month = May | year = 2004 | title = Badgeology | journal = [[Wheels magazine]] | pages = 152 | publisher = [[ACP Magazines]]}}</ref> The emblem was reworked once more in 1994.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.holden.com.au/www-holden/jsp/corporateinfo/history/history.jsp?link=symbol | title = The Story of the Holden Lion | publisher = GM Holden | accessdate = 2007-07-12}}</ref>

[[Image:GM Holden Ltd sales in the Australian market 1991-2006.png|thumb|left|Sales in the Australian market between 1991 and 2006]]

=== Exports ===
Holden began to export vehicles in 1954, sending the [[Holden FJ|FJ]] to New Zealand.<ref>Tuckey (2003), p. 120</ref> Exports to New Zealand have continued ever since, but to broaden their export potential, Holden began to cater their [[Holden Commodore|Commodore]], [[Holden Monaro|Monaro]] and [[Holden Statesman|Statesman]] models for both right- and left-hand drive markets. The [[Middle East]] is now Holden's largest export market, with the Commodore sold as the [[Chevrolet Lumina#1999–present (Middle East)|Chevrolet Lumina]] since 1998, and the Statesman since 1999 as the [[Chevrolet Caprice#1999–present (Middle East)|Chevrolet Caprice]].<ref name = "Holden Announces Next Stage Of $1 Billion Export Drive"/> Commodores are also sold as the Chevrolet Lumina in [[Brunei]], [[Fiji]] and [[South Africa]], to [[Brazil]] as the [[Chevrolet Omega]] and to [[North America]] as the [[Pontiac GTO]].<ref name = "profile"/><ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.holden.com.au/www-holden/jsp/corporateinfo/exports/exports.jsp?link=vehicle | title = Vehicle Exports | publisher = GM Holden | accessdate = 2008-02-28}}</ref> The long-wheelbase Statesman model was sold previously in [[People's Republic of China|China]] as the Buick Royaum, before being replaced by the Statesman-based [[Buick Park Avenue#Shanghai-GM Buick Park Avenue|Buick Park Avenue]].<ref>{{cite web | last = Pettendy | first = Marton | date = [[2007-04-11]] | url = http://www.goauto.com.au/mellor/mellor.nsf/story/FFABEC624C07CD29CA2572BA001E9522?OpenDocument&Highlight=2,buick | title = Holden's Chinese Buick | work = GoAuto | publisher = John Mellor | accessdate = 2008-03-03}}</ref> Beginning in 2005, Statesman exports began in [[South Korea]], sold as the Daewoo Statesman, and later as the Daewoo L4X.<ref>{{cite web | last = Martin | first = Terry | date = [[2007-04-11]] | url = http://www.goauto.com.au/mellor/mellor.nsf/story/6780E3E2496BF0FACA2572BA000D440E?OpenDocument&Highlight=2,buick | title = Seoul mates | work = GoAuto | publisher = John Mellor | accessdate = 2008-03-03}}</ref> Sales of the Monaro began in 2003 to the Middle East as the Chevrolet Lumina Coupe. Later on in the year, a modified version of the Monaro began selling in North America as the [[Pontiac GTO]], and under the Monaro name through [[Vauxhall Motors|Vauxhall]] dealerships in the United Kingdom. This arrangement continued through to 2005 when the car was discontinued.<ref>{{cite web | date = [[2006-02-01]] | url = http://www.worldcarfans.com/2060201.003/very-last-holden-monaro-up-for-auction | title = Very Last Holden Monaro Up For Auction | work = WorldCarFans.com | publisher = Black Falcon Media Group Oy | accessdate = 2008-03-03}}</ref> Holden's move into international markets has been profitable; export revenue increased from AU$973&nbsp;million in 1999 to just under $1.3&nbsp;billion in 2006.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://media.gm.com/aus/holden/en/company/finance/fin_results.html | title = Financial Results 1998 - 2003 | publisher = [[General Motors]] | accessdate = 2007-11-25}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.holden.com.au/www-holden/jsp/corporateinfo/exports/exports.jsp?link=vehicle | title = Vehicle Exports | publisher = GM Holden | accessdate = 2007-11-26}}</ref>

== Notes ==
{{Reflist|colwidth=30em}}

== References ==
{{Commons cat}}

* {{cite journal | last = Davis | first = Tony | coauthors = Kennedy, Alistair; Kennedy, Ewan | year = 2007 | month = February | url = http://www.holden.com.au/www-holden/jsp/corporateinfo/history/history.jsp?link=historical | title = The Holden Heritage - 13th Edition | location = [[Port Melbourne, Victoria]] | publisher = GM Holden | accessdate = 2008-03-18}}
**[http://www.holden.com.au//images/sc18_downloads/brochures/Holden_Heritage_Part_One.pdf Part One], [http://www.holden.com.au//images/sc18_downloads/brochures/Holden_Heritage_Part_Two.pdf Part Two], [http://www.holden.com.au//images/sc18_downloads/brochures/Holden_Heritage_Part_Three.pdf Part Three] (PDF).
* {{cite book | last = Earl | first = Peter | year = 2002 | url = http://books.google.com/books?id=RUi7FJ4pRsEC&printsec=frontcover | title = Information, Opportunism and Economic Coordination | location = [[Cheltenham]], [[United Kingdom]] | publisher = Edward Elgar Publishing | pages = 296 | isbn = 1840647388}}
* {{cite book | last = Loffler | first = Don | year = 2000 | url = http://books.google.com/books?id=0oAgle4GyhkC&printsec=frontcover | title = Still Holden Together: Stories of the First Holden Model | location = [[Kent Town, South Australia]] | publisher = Wakefield Press | pages = 304 | isbn = 1862545316}}
* {{cite book | last = Loffler | first = Don | year = 2002 | url = http://books.google.com/books?id=gwbJvgFxHpcC&printsec=frontcover | title = The FJ Holden: A Favorite Australian Car | location = Kent Town, South Australia | publisher = Wakefield Press | pages = 276 | isbn = 9781862545830}}
* {{cite book | last = Loffler | first = Don | origyear = 1998 | year = 2006 | title = She's a Beauty!: The Story of the First Holdens | edition = New Enlarged Edition | location = Kent Town, South Australia | publisher = Wakefield Press | pages = 310 | isbn = 1862547343}}
* {{cite journal | last = McCarthy | first = Mike | coauthors = McKay, Peter; Newton, Bruce; Robinson, Peter | month = October | year = 2006 | title = 2006 Collector's Edition VE Commodore: The Full Story | journal = [[Wheels magazine]] | pages = 164 | publisher = [[ACP Magazines]]}}
* {{cite book | last = Robinson | first = Peter | year = 2006 | title = AutoBiography: The inside story of Holden's all-new VE Commodore | location = [[Woolloomooloo, New South Wales]] | publisher = Focus Publishing | pages = 224 | isbn = 1921156104}}
* {{cite book | last = Strauss | first = Richard | url = http://books.google.com/books?id=adpM6Keia8oC&printsec=frontcover | title = Up for Rego: A Social History of the Holden Kingswood | location = [[North Melbourne, Victoria]] | publisher = [[Pluto Press]] Australia | year = 1998 | pages = 106 | isbn = 1864030542}}
* {{cite book | last = Tuckey | first = Bill | year = 1999 | title = Commodore Lion King: Celebrating 21 Years | location = [[Middle Park, Victoria]] | publisher = Quil Visual Communications | pages = 252 | isbn = 0646382314}}
* {{cite book | last = Tuckey | first = Bill | year = 2003 | title = Australians and Their Cars: 100 Years of Motoring | location = [[Woolloomooloo, New South Wales]] | publisher = Focus Publishing | pages = 160 | isbn = 1920683364}}
* {{cite book | last = Wright | first = John | year = 1998 | title = Heart of the Lion: The 50 Year History of Australia's Holden | location = [[Crows Nest, New South Wales]] | publisher = [[Allen & Unwin]] | pages = 359 | isbn = 1864487445}}

{{General Motors brands}}
{{Featured article}}

[[Category:Australian brands]]
[[Category:Car manufacturers]]
[[Category:Companies established in 1856]]
[[Category:General Motors]]
[[Category:Holden|*]]
[[Category:Motor vehicle companies]]
[[Category:Motor vehicle manufacturers of Australia]]
[[Category:General Motors marques]]

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Revision as of 16:23, 4 August 2008

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