122-638: The Holden Astra is a small car formerly marketed by Holden . The first couple of generations of Astra were made only for Australia, and was a derivative of the locally produced Nissan Pulsar . With the Button car plan coming into effect, it was replaced by the Holden Nova , a rebadged Toyota Corolla . In 1995, Holden commenced selling the TR Astra in New Zealand. The TR was a rebadged version of
244-543: A 147-kilowatt (197 hp) 2.0-litre turbo engine became available. The standard Astra was only available with a 1.8-litre 16-valve engine, and lived on until 2005 as the Holden Astra Classic, alongside the new model. The philosophy behind this was for Holden to remain competitive in the market until the cheaper Viva model was introduced. In accordance to the Monash University 's 2008 update to
366-825: A A$ 149 million government grant to build a localised version of the Chevrolet Cruze in Australia from 2011, Holden in 2009 announced that it would initially import the small car unchanged from South Korea as the Holden Cruze. Following the government grant announcement, Kevin Rudd , Australia's Prime Minister at the time, stated that production would support 600 new jobs at the Elizabeth facility; however, this failed to take into account Holden's previous announcement, whereby 600 jobs would be shed when production of
488-415: A Wankel engine is 3 times smaller than the physical displacement, but this is compensated by the fact that the shaft has 3 times the rotational speed of the rotor. The nominal displacement is the swept volume of a single chamber. Historically, many car model names have included their engine displacement. Examples include the 1923–1930 Cadillac Series 353 (powered by a 353 Cubic inch /5.8-litre engine), and
610-413: A comparative nominal displacement for variant engine types. In several countries fees and taxes levied on road vehicles by transport authorities are scaled in proportion to engine displacement. In countries where this is practised, vehicle manufacturers often seek to increase power output through higher-revving engines or turbocharging , instead of increasing the displacement. Examples of countries where
732-591: A digital instrument cluster. Along with refreshed upholstery and interior trims, a new colour Nautic Blue was added across the range. However, the LED matrix lights offered as an option on pre-facelift cars is no longer available. Instead a static LED headlight is offered as standard on R, RS and RS-V. Sales of the BK Astra commenced in November 2016. Initially being a slow seller, with a manual transmission hatchback being
854-749: A five-speed manual or a three-speed automatic . Compared to the N12 Pulsar, the Astra LB sported a distinctive grille , the work of Australian stylist Paul Beranger housing the Holden lion insignia in the centre. Also unique were Astra-only tail lamps , badging and decals. A revised LC model was released in April 1986. Unleaded-fuel requirements uprated the engine displacement to 1.6 litres, power to 60 kilowatts (80 hp) and torque to 124 newton-metres (91 ft⋅lbf). Model and trim changes were also
976-504: A lack of Australian identity and internal company competition, decreasing the brand recognition and desirability of Holden in its domestic market. This led to the announcement, on 11 December 2013, that Holden would cease vehicle and engine production by the end of 2017. On 29 November 2016, engine production at the Fishermans Bend plant was shut down. On 20 October 2017, production of the last Holden designed Commodore ceased and
1098-465: A large four-storey factory on the site. By 1923, HMBB were producing 12,000 units per year. During this time, HMBB assembled bodies for Ford Motor Company of Australia until its Geelong plant was completed. From 1924, HMBB became the exclusive supplier of car bodies for GM in Australia, with manufacturing taking place at the new Holden Woodville Plant (which was actually in the adjacent suburb of Cheltenham ). These bodies were made to suit
1220-539: A market share of more than 50% in 1958 with the revised FC model. This was the first Holden to be tested on the new Lang Lang Proving Ground in Lang Lang, Victoria . In 1957, Holden's export markets grew to 17 countries, with new additions including Indonesia, Hong Kong, Singapore, Fiji, Sudan, the East Africa region, and South Africa. Indonesian market cars were assembled locally by P.T. Udatin. The opening of
1342-557: A number of chassis imported from manufacturers including Austin , Buick , Chevrolet , Cleveland , Dodge , Essex , Fiat , Hudson , Oakland , Oldsmobile , Overland , Reo , Studebaker and Willys-Knight . In 1926, General Motors (Australia) Limited was established with assembly plants at Newstead, Queensland ; Marrickville, New South Wales ; City Road, Melbourne, Victoria ; Birkenhead, South Australia ; and Cottesloe, Western Australia using bodies produced by HMBB and imported complete knock down chassis. In 1930 alone,
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#17327729693041464-516: A part of the update, including a new grille insert, and the addition of an SL model positioned below the SL/X and SL/E levels. The Used Car Safety Ratings, published in 2008 by Monash University , found that first generation Astras (LB/LC) provide a "significantly worse than average" level of occupant safety protection in the event of an accident . Two trim levels, the SL/X and the SL/E were offered in
1586-557: A partner and effectively managed the company. In 1885, German-born H. A. Frost joined the business as a junior partner and J. A. Holden & Co became Holden & Frost Ltd. Edward Holden , James' grandson, joined the firm in 1905 with an interest in automobiles. From there, the firm evolved through various partnerships, and in 1908, Holden & Frost moved into the business of minor repairs to car upholstery. The company began to re-body older chassis using motor bodies produced by F. T. Hack and Co from 1914. Holden & Frost mounted
1708-661: A range of Opel-derived cars comprising the Astra VXR and Insignia VXR (both based on the OPC models sold by Vauxhall) and Cascada . Later that year, Holden also announced plans to sell the European Astra and the South Korean Cruze alongside each other from 2017. Engine displacement Engine displacement is the measure of the cylinder volume swept by all of the pistons of a piston engine , excluding
1830-534: A result of GM's toying with the Wankel rotary engine , as used by Mazda of Japan, an export agreement was initiated in 1975. This involved Holden exporting with powertrains , HJ, and later, HX series Premiers as the Mazda Roadpacer AP . Mazda then fitted these cars with the 13B rotary engine and three-speed automatic transmission. Production ended in 1977, after just 840 units sold. Development of
1952-420: A steady decline. Total Holden sales peaked in 2002 at 178 392 vehicles and were stable up to 2005 before declining for the rest of the decade and the next. This downturn affected Holden's profits; the company recorded a combined gain of A$ 842.9 million from 2002 to 2004, and a combined loss of A$ 290 million from 2005 to 2006. Factors contributing to the loss included the development of an all-new model,
2074-754: A three-door hatchback variant. A final UC update appeared in 1978. During its production run, the Torana achieved legendary racing success in Australia, achieving victories at the Mount Panorama Circuit in Bathurst, New South Wales. In 1975, Holden introduced the compact Gemini , the Australian version of the " T-car ", based on the Opel Kadett C. The Gemini was an overseas design developed jointly with Isuzu, GM's Japanese affiliate; and
2196-484: Is usually expressed using the metric units of cubic centimetres (cc or cm , equivalent to millilitres ) or litres (l or L), or – particularly in the United States – cubic inches (CID, cu in, or in ). The overall displacement for a typical reciprocating piston engine is calculated by multiplying together three values; the distance travelled by the piston (the stroke length ),
2318-691: The High Feature engine. This was built at the Fishermans Bend facility completed in 2003, with a maximum output of 900 engines per day. This has reportedly added A$ 5.2 billion to the Australian economy; exports account for about A$ 450 million alone. After the VZ, the High Feature engine powered the all-new Holden Commodore (VE) . In contrast to previous models, the VE no longer used an Opel-sourced platform adapted both mechanically and in size, but
2440-516: The 2019 TCR Australia Touring Car Series with two Holden Astras driven by Chelsea Angelo and Alex Rullo . Holden Holden , formerly known as General Motors-Holden , was an Australian subsidiary company of General Motors . Founded in Adelaide, South Australia , it was an automobile manufacturer , importer, and exporter that sold cars under its own marque in Australia. In its last three years, it switched entirely to importing cars. It
2562-623: The Adventra , a Commodore-based station wagon. The fourth model to be replaced with a South Korean alternative was the Vectra by the mid-size Epica in 2007. As a result of the split between GM and Isuzu, Holden lost the rights to use the "Rodeo" nameplate. Consequently, the Holden Rodeo was facelifted and relaunched as the Colorado in 2008. Following Holden's successful application for
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#17327729693042684-756: The Daewoo Kalos , replaced the Opel Corsa as the source of the Barina. In the same year, the Viva, based on the Daewoo Lacetti , replaced the entry-level Holden Astra Classic, although the new-generation Astra introduced in 2004 continued on. The Captiva crossover SUV came next in 2006. After discontinuing the Frontera and Jackaroo models in 2003, Holden was only left with one all-wheel drive model:
2806-566: The Dandenong , Melbourne , production facility in 1956 brought further jobs; by 1959, Holden employed 19,000 workers country-wide. In 1959, complete knock-down assembly began in South Africa and Indonesia. In 1960, Holden introduced its third major new model, the FB . The car's style was inspired by 1950s Chevrolets, with tailfins and a wrap-around windscreen with "dog leg" A-pillars . By
2928-618: The Family II engine ceased in late 2009. In March 2012, Holden was given a $ 270 million lifeline by the Australian Federal Government (Labor Party of Australia) along with the South Australian and Victorian state governments. In return, Holden planned to inject over $ 1 billion into car manufacturing in Australia. They estimated the new investment package would return around $ 4 billion to
3050-557: The HR was introduced, including changes in the form of new front and rear styling and higher-capacity engines. More significantly, the HR fitted standard front seat belts; Holden thus became the first Australian automaker to provide the safety device as standard equipment across all models. This coincided with the completion of the production plant in Acacia Ridge, Queensland . By 1963, Holden
3172-598: The Holden Astra , as a result of a deal with Nissan. This arrangement ceased in 1989 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 Corolla and Camry , as the Holden Nova and Apollo respectively, with Toyota re-branding the Commodore as the Lexcen. The company changed throughout
3294-416: The Holden Astra . On 31 August 2009, Holden confirmed that the cessation of Astra imports would become permanent, with no intention of further imports of either the then current AH series or the next generation car. Holden stated their small car efforts would now be focused on the new Cruze, instead of the unsuccessful Astra. Special editions The Opel Astra OPC (with Vauxhall's V-grille and VXR badge)
3416-660: The Holden Viva , a rebadged Daewoo Lacetti . Between 2003 and 2004, the Holden Viva was marketed in Australia as a Daewoo Lacetti before Holden withdrew the brand from Australia due to unsustainably poor sales amid quality & reliability issues. Like the previous generation, the AH series was found to provide an "average" level of safety according to the 2008 Used Car Safety Ratings. At launch, AH Astras came with front- and side-impact airbags as standard inclusions, allowing
3538-597: The Opel Astra , which had been sold locally as an Opel since 1993. Holden discontinued the Nova line in Australia in favour of Opel's TR. Following its implementation as an Opel, it quickly became successful in its TS (1998) generation, where it came close to becoming Australia's best selling small car. The AH (2004) continued its success, before Holden discontinued Opel-sourced product range, replacing Astra with GM Daewoo's Cruze. On 1 May 2014, Holden announced plans to import
3660-571: The Statesman WB limousines were introduced in 1980. However, the designs, based on the HQ and updated HJ, HX and HZ models from the 1970s were less competitive than similar models in Ford's lineup. Thus, Holden abandoned those vehicle classes altogether in 1984. Sales of the Commodore also fell, with the effects of the 1979 energy crisis lessening, and for the first time the Commodore lost ground to
3782-456: The circular area of the cylinder, and the number of cylinders in the whole engine. The formula is: Using this formula for non-typical types of engine, such as the Wankel design and the oval-piston type used in Honda NR motorcycles, can sometimes yield misleading results when attempting to compare engines. Manufacturers and regulators may develop and use specialised formulae to determine
Holden Astra - Misplaced Pages Continue
3904-412: The combustion chambers . It is commonly used as an expression of an engine's size, and by extension as an indicator of the power (through mean effective pressure and rotational speed ) an engine might be capable of producing and the amount of fuel it should be expected to consume. For this reason displacement is one of the measures often used in advertising, as well as regulating, motor vehicles. It
4026-693: The "/" symbol, as in SL/X. Besides this anomaly, the LD range mirrored that of the LC Astra: In September 1988, Holden Special Vehicles (HSV) launched the HSV Astra SV1800 , which was a tuned version of the LD Astra. 65 vehicles were produced, consisting of 30 hatchbacks and 35 sedans. Upgrades from the standard Astra were limited to cosmetic and suspension changes, with both "Stage 1" and "Stage 2" suspension setups offered. In 1995,
4148-479: The "Holden". The unofficial usage of the name "FX" originated within Holden, referring to the updated suspension on the 48–215 of 1953. During the 1950s, Holden dominated the Australian car market. GM invested heavily in production capacity, which allowed the company to meet increased postwar demand for motor cars. Less expensive, four-cylinder cars did not offer Holdens the ability to deal with rugged rural areas. Holden 48–215 sedans were produced in parallel with
4270-617: The 1950s, the declining sales of large sedan cars in Australia led the company to look to international markets to increase profitability. In 2013, Holden revealed it received A$ 2.17 billion in Federal Government assistance in the past 12 years, the amount was much larger than expected. Holden blamed a strong Australian currency, high manufacturing costs and a small domestic market among the reasons for exit of local manufacturing. The Australian population also blamed GM's consistent mishandling of rebadging Holden's lineup leading to
4392-597: The 1963–1968 BMW 1800 (a 1.8-litre engine) and Lexus LS 400 with a 3,968 cc engine. This was especially common in US muscle cars , like the Ford Mustang Boss 302 and 429, and later GT 5.0L, The Plymouth Roadrunner 383, and the Chevrolet Chevelle SS 396 and 454. However, trends towards downsizing and hybrid/electric drivetrains since 2010 have resulted in far fewer model names being based on
4514-495: The 1970s, Holden ran an advertising jingle "Football, Meat Pies, Kangaroos, and Holden cars", a localised version of the "Baseball, Hot Dogs, Apple Pies, and Chevrolet" jingle used by GM's Chevrolet division in the United States. 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 Gemini and
4636-455: The 1990s, increasing its Australian market share from 21 percent in 1991 to 28.2 percent in 1999. Besides manufacturing Australia's best selling 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. During 1998, General Motors-Holden's Ltd name
4758-637: The 5.7-litre LS unit. The UAAI badge-engineered cars first introduced in 1989 sold in far fewer numbers than anticipated, but the Holden Commodore, Toyota Camry, and Corolla were all successful when sold under their original nameplates. The first generation Nova and the donor Corolla were produced at Holden's Dandenong, Victoria facility until 1994. UAAI was dissolved in 1996, and Holden returned to selling only GM products. The Holden Astra and Vectra , both designed by Opel in Germany, replaced
4880-568: The 50-2106 coupé utility from 1951; the latter was known colloquially as the "ute" and became ubiquitous in Australian rural areas as the workhorse of choice. Production of both the utility and sedan continued with minor changes until 1953, when they were replaced by the facelifted FJ model, introducing a third panel van body style. 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. A new horizontally slatted grille dominated
5002-494: The 6.213 km (3.861 mi) Mount Panorama Circuit , a total distance of 1,422.77 km (884 mi). The sixth generation Astra is based on General Motors' Delta II platform and went on sale in 2015. The same car was part of a failed attempt by Opel to establish itself in Australia between 2012 and 2013. The range included the Astra GTC, GTC Sport and VXR three-door hatchbacks, sold at significant lower prices than
Holden Astra - Misplaced Pages Continue
5124-687: The Astra hatch and sedan which are produced in Poland and South Korea respectively, the Astra Wagon is produced at Vauxhall's Ellesmere Port manufacturing facility in the UK. The new Cruze-based BL Astra sedan was released in June 2017 with four models forming the lineup, but instead being referred to as LS, LS+, LT and LTZ. Whilst the Astra hatch is available with either 1.4-litre turbo or 1.6-litre turbo engines,
5246-541: The Astra sedan is only available with the 1.4-litre turbo, and the six-speed manual is limited to the base LS model, with all other models having a standard six-speed automatic transmission. In 2017, Holden released a station wagon to complement the BK Astra hatchback. It was based on the Vauxhall Astra sportwagon sold in the United Kingdom. On 10 December 2019, Holden announced it would be discontinuing
5368-517: The Astra to receive a three-star ANCAP crash safety rating. Holden suspended importation of the AH Astra on 20 April 2009, citing currency fluctuations, perceived poor resale value and build quality problems. Holden's import cessation, which resulted in no Astras arriving during June and July 2009, coincided with the introduction of the Holden Cruze , reported to be the direct replacement for
5490-491: The Astra, (and Commodore), nameplates. They cited a lack of sales drive in each of the respective categories, turning instead to develop their SUV and Ute range. In late 2019, despite the announcement that Holden would be exiting the market in 2020, the MY20 Astra facelift was announced. For MY20 changes included a revised from bumper and grill, new alloy wheel designs, updated infotainment system, wireless phone charging and
5612-672: The Astra-Pulsar models. Badged as 1.6 and 1.8 injection, respectively, the term "injection" denoted the utilisation of fuel injection . In July 1989, all associations with Nissan were severed and a new agreement between Toyota was formed. This relationship, known as the United Australian Automobile Industries (UAAI) was a continuation of the Australian Government 's Button Plan that started with Nissan. Nissan continued to use
5734-543: The Australian Government to halt the lowering of car import tariffs. By 1997, the federal government had already cut tariffs to 22.5 percent, from 57.5 percent ten years earlier; by 2000, a plan was formulated to reduce the tariffs to 15 percent. Holden was critical, saying that Australia's population was not large enough, and that the changes could tarnish the local industry. Holden reintroduced its defunct Statesman title in 1990—this time under
5856-577: The Australian economy and see GM Holden continue making cars in Australia until at least 2022. In mid-2013, Holden sought a further A$ 265 million, in addition to the A$ 275 ;million that was already committed by the Federal, South Australian and Victorian governments to remain viable as a car manufacturer in Australia. A source close to Holden informed the Australian news publication that
5978-409: 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. GM's study was ultimately chosen because of its low level of government intervention. After the war, Holden returned to producing vehicle bodies, this time for Buick, Chevrolet, Pontiac, and Vauxhall. The Oldsmobile Ace
6100-432: The Button plan or local equivalent never existed in New Zealand, the two initial generations of Holden Astra (LB/LC and LD) were thus never available in that market. Like the two previous generations, TR Astras were assessed in the 2008 Used Car Safety Ratings, and shown to provide an "average" level of protection. In September 1998, the Astra was replaced again with a German Opel-engineered, Belgium-built version. Known as
6222-437: The Commodore's recovery strategy involved the 1988 VN , a significantly wider model powered by the American-designed, Australian-assembled 3.8-litre Buick V6 engine . Holden began to sell the subcompact Suzuki Swift -based Barina in 1985. The Barina was launched concurrently with the Suzuki -sourced Holden Drover , followed by the Scurry later on in 1985. In the previous year, Nissan Pulsar hatchbacks were rebadged as
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#17327729693046344-415: The Dandenong line on 25 October 1962. Following the Chevrolet V8 fitted to the HK, the first Australian-designed and mass-produced V8, the Holden V8 engine debuted in the Hurricane concept of 1969 before fitment to facelifted HT model . This was available in two capacities: 253 and 308 cubic inches (4.1 and 5.0 L). Late in HT production, use of the new Tri-Matic automatic transmission, first seen in
6466-420: The Elizabeth plant was shut down. Holden produced nearly 7.7 million vehicles. On 17 February 2020, General Motors announced that the Holden marque would be retired by 2021. On 30 October 2020, the GM Australia Design Studio at Fishermans Bend was shut down. Holden has been replaced by GM Specialty Vehicles (GMSV), which imports the Chevrolet Silverado and the Chevrolet Corvette . The parts supplier known as
6588-502: The Ford Falcon. Sales in other segments also suffered when competition from Ford intensified, and other Australian manufacturers: Mitsubishi , Nissan and Toyota gained market share. When released in 1982, the Camira initially generated good sales, which later declined because buyers considered the 1.6-litre engine underpowered, and the car's build and ride quality below-average. The Camira lasted just seven years, and contributed to Holden's accumulated losses of over A$ 500 million by
6710-438: The Holden Astra name was used again, this time in New Zealand for a model based on the Opel Astra F , Opel being the General Motors subsidiary in Germany. Imported from Vauxhall 's Ellesmere Port plant in the UK, this third-generation Astra model and was sold as a four-door sedan, five-door hatchback and five-door wagon. Holden in Australia did not sell the Opel-based Astra, known as the TR series, until September 1996, after
6832-418: The Holden Trade Club was renamed GM Trade Parts. An extensive Holden service network continues to help maintain the many Holdens that remain in operation in Australia. In 1852 James Alexander Holden emigrated to South Australia from Walsall , Staffordshire, U.K, and in 1856 established J. A. Holden & Co. , a saddlery business in Adelaide . In 1879 J. A. Holden's eldest son Henry James Holden , became
6954-414: The Holden engines until 1991 before replacing their N13 Pulsar line with the N14, while at the same time entering a new model sharing alliance with Ford . The Used Car Safety Ratings evaluation from 2008 found that LD series Astras provide a "worse than average" level of occupant protection in the event of an accident. Of the three trim specifications offered, the SLX and SLE nameplates no longer featured
7076-430: The Holden marque, as the Statesman and Caprice . For 1991, Holden updated the Statesman and Caprice with a range of improvements, including the introduction of four-wheel anti-lock brakes (ABS); although, a rear-wheel system had been standard on the Statesman Caprice from March 1976. ABS was added to the short-wheelbase Commodore range in 1992. Another returning variant was the full-size utility, and on this occasion it
7198-433: The Kingswood sedan, station wagon, and utility body styles to Indonesia, Trinidad and Tobago, Pakistan, the Philippines, and South Africa in complete knock-down form. Holden launched the new HQ series in 1971. 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
7320-446: The LB Astra series, although a basic SL model arrived in 1986 with the LC upgrade. For the second generation LD Astra, the Nissan Pulsar was again used as the basis, this time using the latest N13 series. Unlike before, the LD was the result of a proper joint venture development programme. That is, Nissan provided the bodywork and Holden supplied powertrains for fitment in both applications. Launched concurrently in July 1987, both
7442-411: The LB series was a badge engineered Nissan Pulsar (N12). The Pulsar, a Japanese designed model, sold alongside the unique to Australia Astra line-up. The Pulsar for Australia was assembled in Clayton, Victoria ; however, for the Astra the body panels were pressed at Holden's Elizabeth, South Australia facility. Unlike its Nissan counterpart, the Astra was only offered as a five-door hatchback , with
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#17327729693047564-421: The LC Torana was phased in as Powerglide stock was exhausted, but Holden's official line was that the HG of 1971 was the first full-sized Holden to receive it. Despite the arrival of serious competitors—namely, the Ford Falcon, Chrysler Valiant , and Japanese 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
7686-436: The LD Astra and N13 Pulsar were offered in four-door sedan and five-door hatchback body styles . Outside of Australia though, three-door hatchback and station wagon body variants of the Nissan were also available. Both 1.6 (55 kilowatts (74 hp); 135 newton-metres (100 ft⋅lbf)) and 1.8-litre (79 kilowatts (106 hp); 151 newton-metres (111 ft⋅lbf)) displacements of Holden's Family II engine were offered in
7808-475: The Opel Astra J GTC and Opel Astra J OPC with Holden badges to Australia and New Zealand, and the following generation replaced the Cruze officially in 2017. In late 2016 a new Holden Astra range was released comprising rebadged European Vauxhall/Opel Astra hatchbacks, (coded the BK series). This was followed in 2017 by rebadged Chevrolet Cruze sedans (coded BL), and rebadged Vauxhall Astra wagons (coded BK). The original Holden Astra, introduced in August 1984 as
7930-442: The TS Astra, it was equipped with either a 90-kilowatt (120 hp) 1.8- or a 2.2-litre petrol engine and was offered in City, CD, CDX, SXi and SRi specifications. The SRi was three-door hatchback only, and the standard Astra was only available with a 1.8-litre 16-valve engine. Models with a 5-stud wheel pattern have the ABS option factory-installed. The Astra CD gained 15-inch alloy wheels as standard equipment in circa 1999, replacing
8052-408: The Torana continued in with the larger mid-sized LH series released in 1974, offered only as a four-door sedan. The LH Torana was one of the few cars worldwide engineered to accommodate four-, six-, and eight-cylinder engines. This trend continued until Holden introduced the Sunbird in 1976, essentially the four-cylinder Torana with a new name. Designated LX, both the Sunbird and Torana introduced
8174-454: 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. Sales of the full-size Holden Suburban SUV sourced from Chevrolet commenced in 1998—lasting until 2001. Also in 1998, local assembly of the Vectra began at Elizabeth, South Australia. These cars were exported to Japan and Southeast Asia with Opel badges. However,
8296-467: The Used Car Safety Ratings, TS Astra models were rated "better than average" in the field of crash safety protection. The fifth generation AH Astra, based on GM's T platform Opel Astra H was launched in November 2004 as a five-door hatchback only, manufactured in Belgium, selling alongside a Polish-built Astra TS sedan and hatchback. The sedan and hatchback TS Astra models carried an "Astra Classic" badge, but were finally dropped in late 2005, replaced by
8418-501: The Vectra did not achieve sufficient sales in Australia to justify local assembly, and reverted to being fully imported in 2000. In the 1990s, Holden's share of the Australian market surged and peaked at 27.5 percent in 2000 before declining to 15.2 percent in 2006. From March 2003, Holden no longer held the number one sales position in Australia, losing ground to Toyota. Commodore sales had peaked in 1998 at 94 642 vehicles and were relatively stable up to 2004 before going into
8540-440: The basic fleet model , the Standard , became the Belmont. On 3 March 1969, Alexander Rhea , managing director of General Motors-Holden's at the time, was joined by press photographers and the Federal Minister of Shipping and Transport, Ian Sinclair as the two men drove the two-millionth Holden, an HK Brougham, off the production line. This came just over half a decade since the one-millionth car, an EJ Premier sedan, rolled off
8662-486: The body, and painted and trimmed it. The company began to produce complete motorcycle sidecar bodies after 1913. After 1917, wartime trade restrictions led the company to start full-scale production of vehicle body shells. H. J. Holden founded a new company in late 1917, and registered Holden's Motor Body Builders Ltd (HMBB) on 25 February 1919, specialising in car bodies and using the former F. T. Hack & Co facility at 400 King William Street in Adelaide before erecting
8784-402: The car company is losing money on every vehicle that it produces and consequently initiated negotiations to reduce employee wages by up to A$ 200 per week to cut costs, following the announcement of 400 job cuts and an assembly line reduction of 65 (400 to 335) cars per day. From 2001 to 2012, Holden received over A$ 150 million a year in subsidy from Australian government. The subsidy from 2007
8906-484: The company in 2002 as a representative of GM. This was increased to 50.9 percent in 2005, but when GM further increased its stake to 70.1 percent around the time of its 2009 Chapter 11 reorganisation , Holden's interest was relinquished and transferred to another (undisclosed) part of GM. The commencement of the Holden-branded Daewoo models began with the 2005 Holden Barina, which based on
9028-511: The country under Holden management. In the postwar period, this decentralisation was slowly reduced and, by 1989, the consolidation of final assembly at Elizabeth in South Australia was largely completed, except for some operations that continued at Dandenong until 1994. Engine manufacturing was consolidated at Fishermans Bend , which was expanded to supply markets overseas. Although Holden's involvement in exports had fluctuated from
9150-461: The development days, the six-cylinder Torana was reserved for motor racing, but research had shown a business case existed for such a model. The LC Torana was the first application of Holden's new three-speed Tri-Matic automatic transmission. This was the result of Holden's A$ 16.5 million transformation of the Woodville, South Australia, factory for its production. Holden's association with
9272-666: The dissolution of Australian Government Button car plan . This resulted in the collapse of UAAI , the Holden-Toyota alliance, and as result Holden opted to return to marketing rebadged General Motors vehicles. Between 1989 and 1996, the Astra's role was fulfilled by the Nova , Holden's version of Toyota's Corolla ( E90 and E100 ). Unlike New Zealand, the wagon was not offered. During this period of badge engineering in Australia, General Motors New Zealand had used Opel as one of its main marques alongside Holden and Isuzu . Because
9394-426: The early 1990s. The plants had belonged to General Motors from 1926 until 1990 in an earlier and quite separate operation from GM's Holden operations in Australia. Holden's production became increasingly concentrated in South Australia and Victoria after World War II . However, Holden had factories in all five mainland states of Australia when GM took over in 1931, due to the combining of Holden and GM factories around
9516-487: The end of 2017. As a result, 2,900 jobs would be lost over four years. Beyond 2017 Holden's Australian presence would consist of a national sales company, a parts distribution centre and a global design studio. In May 2014, GM reversed their decision to abandon the Lang Lang Proving Ground and decided to keep it as part of its engineering capability in Australia. In 2015, Holden again began selling
9638-794: The engine locally for the Camira model, and to export markets - primarily to GM's plants in Europe for installation in Opel/Vauxhall vehicles. While GM Australia's commercial vehicle range had originally been mostly based on Bedford products, these had gradually been replaced by Isuzu products as the Bedford brand was being retired in Britain. This process began in the 1970s and by 1982 Holden's commercial vehicle arm no longer offered any Bedford products. The new Holden WB commercial vehicles and
9760-612: The firm, largely through the use of public relations , a then novel form of business communication which was imported to Australia through the formation of General Motors (Australia) Limited. Throughout the 1920s, Holden also supplied 60 W-class tramcar bodies to the Melbourne & Metropolitan Tramways Board , of which several examples have been preserved in both Australia and New Zealand. Holden's second full-scale car factory, located in Fishermans Bend ( Port Melbourne ),
9882-525: The four-wheel drive Jackaroo (1981), the Shuttle (1982) van and the Piazza (1986) three-door sports hatchback. The second generation Holden Gemini from 1985 was also based on an Isuzu design, although, its manufacture was undertaken in Australia. In 1981, the Fishermans Bend engine plant began production of the Family II - part of a global engine programme for GM's compact vehicles. The plant supplied
10004-602: The front end of the FJ, which received various other trim and minor mechanical revisions. In 1954, Holden began exporting the FJ to New Zealand. Although little changed from the 48–215, marketing campaigns and price cuts kept FJ sales steady until a completely redesigned model was launched. At the 2005 Australian International Motor Show in Sydney, Holden paid homage to the FJ with the Efijy concept car . Commercial success underpinned
10126-544: The introduction of the HJ , heralding new front-panel styling and a revised rear fascia. This new bodywork was to remain, albeit with minor upgrades, through the HX and HZ series. Detuned engines adhering to government emission standards were brought in with the HX series, whilst the HZ brought considerably improved road handling and comfort with the introduction of radial-tuned suspension. As
10248-585: The larger Holden six-cylinder and V8 engines. Initially, the Commodore maintained Holden's sales leadership in Australia. 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. With the abandonment of left-hand drive markets, Holden exported almost 100,000 Commodores to markets such as New Zealand, Thailand, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Indonesia, Malta and Singapore. During
10370-526: The larger, more sophisticated Commodore. The closest successor to the Torana was the Camira , released in 1982 as Australia's version of GM's medium-sized " J-car ". The 1980s were challenging for Holden and the Australian automotive 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. The decade opened with
10492-450: The life of the VL. The decision to opt for a Japanese-made transmission led to the closure of the Woodville, South Australia assembly plant. Emboldened by the apparent sign of turnaround, GM paid off Holden's mounted losses of A$ 780 million on 19 December 1986. At GM headquarters' request, Holden was then reorganised and recapitalised, separating the engine and car manufacturing divisions in
10614-581: The lineup: R, RS and RS-V. Holden had later added an R+ grade which includes the autonomous safety pack. Only a six-speed manual was available from launch on the 1.6-litre turbo models, with the automatic becoming available in March 2017. A wagon variant of the Astra hatch launched in October 2017, available in LS+ and LT trims, with an exclusive 1.4-litre turbo engine mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. Unlike
10736-667: The manufacture of Chevrolets and Pontiacs ended in 1968, coinciding with the year of Holden's next major new model, the HK . This included Holden's first V8 engine , a Chevrolet engine imported from Canada. Models based on the HK series included an extended-length prestige model, the Brougham ; and a two-door coupé , the Monaro . The mainstream Holden Special was rebranded the Kingswood , and
10858-454: The matter. The engine change was necessitated by the legal requirement that all new cars sold in Australia after 1986 had to consume unleaded petrol. Because it was unfeasible to convert the existing six-cylinder engine to run on unleaded fuel, the Nissan engine was chosen as the best engine available. However, changing currency exchange rates doubled the cost of the engine and transmission over
10980-586: The mid-1980s. In 1984, Holden introduced the VK Commodore , with significant styling changes from the previous VH . The Commodore was next updated in 1986 as the VL , which had new front and rear styling. Controversially, the VL was powered by the 3.0-litre Nissan RB30 six-cylinder engine and had a Nissan-built, electronically controlled four-speed automatic transmission. Holden even went to court in 1984 to stop local motoring magazine Wheels from reporting on
11102-498: The new 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 Australian conditions. In response to the Falcon, Holden introduced the facelifted EK series in 1961; the new model featured two-tone paintwork and optional Hydramatic automatic transmission. A restyled EJ series came in 1962, debuting
11224-475: The new luxury oriented Premier model. The EH update came a year later, bringing the new Red motor , providing better performance than the previous Grey motor . The HD series of 1965 had the introduction of the Powerglide automatic transmission. At the same time, an "X2" performance option with a more powerful version of the 179-cubic-inch (2.9 L) six-cylinder engine was made available. In 1966,
11346-562: The only model, sales picked up with the 2017 introduction of an automatic transmission, as well as sedan and wagon variants. As of June 2018, Holden announced that the best-selling Astra Sedan variant sales would be ended due to supply issues from the GM Korea's Gunsan manufacturing plant, and the Astra Wagon variant sales was to be ended due to slow sales. Both variants remained listed on Holden's website until remaining inventory sold out and discontinued entirely. Kelly Racing are competing in
11468-409: The outcome of a A$ 600 million development programme that spanned more than five years. The new model featured a rounded exterior body shell, improved handling and many firsts for an Australian-built car. Also, a stronger body structure increased crash safety. The locally produced Buick-sourced V6 engine powered the Commodore range, as did the 5.0-litre Holden V8 engine, and was replaced in 1999 by
11590-471: The preceding Opel models. The VXR featured a turbocharged 2.0 L direct injection engine with a power of 206 kW (280 PS; 276 hp) and torque of 400 N⋅m (300 lb⋅ft). Holden announced in early 2015 that the fifth-generation Opel Astra will be sold in Australia, from 2016 with the Holden Cruze 's future uncertain. In late 2015, Holden announced that the Astra and second-generation Cruze will be sold alongside each other. In January 2017 it
11712-493: The process. This involved the splitting of Holden into Holden's Motor Company (HMC) and Holden's Engine Company (HEC). For the most part, car bodies were now manufactured at Elizabeth, with engines as before, confined to the Fishermans Bend plant in Port Melbourne, Victoria. The engine manufacturing business was successful, building four-cylinder Family II engines for use in cars built overseas. The final phase of
11834-630: The production line's closure in 2016. Holden's ultimate survival, though, depended on continued negotiations with the Federal Government—to secure funding for the period from 2016 to 2022—and the final decision of the global headquarters in Detroit, US. Following an unsuccessful attempt to secure the extra funding required from the new Liberal/National coalition government, on 11 December 2013, General Motors announced that Holden would cease engine and vehicle manufacturing operations in Australia by
11956-505: The resettling to the new Holden headquarters on 191 Salmon Street, Port Melbourne, Victoria. Holden caused controversy in 2005 with their Holden Employee Pricing television advertisement, which ran from October to December 2005. The campaign publicised, "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
12078-524: The rise of Holden as a cultural icon, as the Holden car became synonymous with the 'Australian way of life', coming to symbolise the stability of post-war Australian capitalism. 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. In the same year, Holden commenced exports to Malaya , Thailand, and North Borneo . Strong sales continued in Australia, and Holden achieved
12200-404: The road taxes are based upon engine displacement: Wankel engines are able to produce higher power levels for a given displacement. Therefore, they are generally taxed as 1.5 times their stated physical displacement (1.3 litres becomes effectively 2.0, 2.0 becomes effectively 3.0), although actual power outputs can be higher than suggested by this conversion factor. The nominal displacement of
12322-586: The same time, employees were given a further discount of 25 to 29 percent on selected models. Holden revived the Monaro coupe in 2001. Based on the Commodore VX architecture, the coupe attracted worldwide attention after being shown as a concept car at Australian auto shows. The VX Commodore received its first major update in 2002 with the VY series. A mildly facelifted VZ model launched in 2004, introducing
12444-612: The shut-down of the Pagewood, New South Wales production plant and introduction of the light commercial Rodeo , sourced from Isuzu in Japan. The Rodeo was available in both two- and four-wheel drive chassis cab models with a choice of petrol and diesel powerplants. The range was updated in 1988 with the TF series, based on the Isuzu TF . Other cars sourced from Isuzu during the 1980s were
12566-446: The steel wheels with hubcaps previously standard. The TS Astra model change followed that of the Opel Astra G range, including the sedan, hatchback and convertible. However, the coupé by Bertone was not offered with a Holden badge. The drivetrain was identical to other cars in the Astra lineup, and as such, was not a bona-fide sports car. Like the Astra F, the Astra G was available as a wagon in New Zealand, but not Australia. In 2003,
12688-677: The still independent Woodville plant built bodies for Austin, Chrysler , DeSoto , Morris , Hillman , Humber , Hupmobile , and Willys-Overland , as well as GM cars. The last of this line of business was the assembly of Hillman Minx sedans in 1948. The Great Depression led to a substantial downturn in production by Holden, from 34,000 units annually in 1930 to just 1,651 units one year later. In 1931, GM purchased HMBB and merged it with General Motors (Australia) Pty Ltd to form General Motors-Holden's Ltd (GM-H). Its acquisition of Holden allowed General Motors to inherit an Australian identity, which it used to cultivate nationalist appeal for
12810-499: The strong Australian dollar and the cost of reducing the workforce at the Elizabeth plant, including the loss of 1,400 jobs after the closure of the third-shift assembly line in 2005, after two years in operation. Holden fared better in 2007, posting an A$ 6 million loss. This was followed by an A$ 70.2 million loss in the 2008, an A$ 210.6 million loss in 2009, and a profit of A$ 112 million in 2010. On 18 May 2005, "Holden Ltd" became "GM Holden Ltd", coinciding with
12932-534: The three-door hatchback and four-door sedan body styles omitted from the range due to fears they would overlap with Nissan's own Pulsar range. However, Holden's continuation of the Gemini sedan range in 1985 was the nearest equivalent of this in the range. The only engine available was a Nissan-designed 1.5-litre engine, locally manufactured, this engine produced 52 kilowatts (70 hp) and 115 newton-metres (85 ft⋅lbf) of torque . Transmission options were
13054-472: 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. The FB became the first Holden that was adapted for left-hand drive markets, enhancing its export potential, and as such was exported to New Caledonia, New Hebrides , the Philippines, and Hawaii. In 1960, Ford unveiled
13176-428: Was also produced from 1946 to 1948. From here, Holden continued to pursue the goal of producing an Australian car. This involved compromise with GM, 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". In the end, the design was based on a previously rejected postwar Chevrolet proposal. The Holden
13298-528: Was based on the Commodore. The VN Commodore received a major facelift in 1993 with the VR —compared to the VN, approximately 80 percent of the car model was new. Exterior changes resulted in a smoother overall body and a "twin-kidney" grille—a Commodore styling trait that remained until the 2002 VY model and, as of 2013, remains a permanent staple on HSV variants. Holden introduced the all-new VT Commodore in 1997,
13420-496: Was based on the Holden developed GM Zeta platform , that was earmarked to become a "Global RWD Architecture", until plans were cancelled due to the 2007/08 global financial crisis . Throughout the 1990s, Opel had also been the source of many Holden models. To increase profitability, Holden looked to the South Korean Daewoo brand for replacements after acquiring a 44.6 percent stake—worth US$ 251 million—in
13542-706: Was exporting cars to Africa, the Middle East, Southeast Asia, the Pacific Islands, and the Caribbean. Holden began assembling the 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. Holden offered the LC, a Torana with new styling, in 1969 with the availability of Holden's six-cylinder engine. In
13664-541: Was founded in 1856 as a saddlery manufacturer in South Australia before moving into the automotive field in 1898. It became a subsidiary of the United States–based General Motors (GM) in 1931, when the company was renamed General Motors-Holden's Ltd . It was renamed Holden Ltd in 1998 and adopted the name GM Holden Ltd in 2005. Holden briefly owned assembly plants in New Zealand during
13786-882: Was headquartered in Port Melbourne , with major industrial operations in the states of South Australia and Victoria . The 164-year-old company ceased trading at the end of 2020. Holden's primary products were its own models developed in-house, such as the Holden Commodore , Holden Caprice , and the Holden Ute . However, Holden had also offered badge-engineered models under sharing arrangements with Nissan , Suzuki , Toyota , Isuzu , and then GM subsidiaries Opel , Vauxhall and Chevrolet . The vehicle lineup had included models from GM Korea , GM Thailand, and GM North America. Holden had also distributed GM's German Opel marque in Australia in 2012 and 2013. Holden
13908-417: Was launched in 1948, creating long waiting lists extending through 1949 and beyond. The name "Holden" was chosen in honour of Sir Edward Holden, the company's first chairman and grandson of J. A. Holden. Other names considered were "GeM", "Austral", "Melba", "Woomerah", "Boomerang", "Emu", and "Canbra", a phonetic spelling of Canberra . Although officially designated " 48-215 ", the car was marketed simply as
14030-600: Was marketed in Australia as the HSV VXR Turbo by Holden Special Vehicles from 2006 to 2009, fitted with the 177 kW (236 hp) Z20LEH engine. In July 2008, HSV released a "Nürburgring" special edition. A HSV VXR Turbo driven by Dutchman Ivo Breukers and Australians Morgan Haber and Damian Ward, won Class E for "Production (Performance)" cars at the 2013 Liqui Moly 12 Hour in Australia on 10 February. The trio finished 18th outright and covered 229 laps of
14152-408: Was more than Holden's capital investment of the same period. From 2004, Holden was only able to make a profit in 2010 and 2011. Industry Minister Kim Carr confirmed on 10 July 2013 that talks had been scheduled between the Australian government and Holden. On 13 August 2013, 1,700 employees at the Elizabeth plant in South Australia voted to accept a three-year wage freeze to decrease the chances of
14274-405: Was not marketed as a "Holden", but rather a "Statesman". The HQ framework led to a new generation of two-door Monaros, and despite the introduction of the similar-sized competitors, the HQ range became the top-selling Holden of all time, with 485,650 units sold in three years; 14,558 units were exported and 72,290 CKD kits were constructed. The HQ series was facelifted in 1974 with
14396-495: Was opened on 5 November 1936 by Prime Minister Joseph Lyons , with construction beginning in 1939 on a new plant in Pagewood , New South Wales . However, World War II delayed car production with efforts shifted to the construction of vehicle bodies, field guns, aircraft, and engines. Before the war ended, the Australian government took steps to encourage an Australian automotive industry. Both GM and Ford provided studies to
14518-623: Was powered by a 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine. Fast becoming a popular car, the Gemini rapidly attained sales leadership in its class, and the nameplate lived on until 1987. Holden's most popular car to date, the Commodore, was introduced in 1978 as the VB . 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
14640-592: Was revealed that both the Astra and Cruze would be sold together under the Astra nameplate, with Holden taking only the hatch variant of the Opel Astra as the "new Astra hatch," and the second-generation Cruze sedan imported as the "new Astra sedan." The Chevrolet Cruze hatch would not be imported by Holden, while the Opel Astra sedan was discontinued starting from the Astra K generation. The new BK Astra hatch went on sale in December 2016 with three models forming
14762-508: Was shortened to "Holden Ltd". On 26 April 1990, GM's New Zealand subsidiary Holden New Zealand announced that production at the assembly plant based in Trentham would be phased out and vehicles would be imported duty-free—this came after the 1984 closure of the Petone assembly line due to low output volumes. During the 1990s, Holden, other Australian automakers and trade unions pressured
14884-506: 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. The series included the new prestige Statesman brand, which also had a longer wheelbase, replacing the Brougham. The Statesman remains noteworthy because it
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