The Lion’s Last Breath

It’s difficult to imagine Australia without Holden.

Yes, the brand was severely wounded in the end, but its connection to life in the lucky country wasn’t going to fade this quickly. Every time you passed a Holden Dealer, a Commodore on the side of the road or an advertisement pleading with Australians to return to the familiar, it connected you to the Australia many of us grew up in.

Even if it was just for a moment.

There were many emotions tied up in the retirement of the iconic Australian automotive brand, announced by General Motors earlier this afternoon. As one last showing of Holden’s influence on Australian life, the news spread across social media faster than orders flowed in for the EH 57 years ago.

The news brought immediate concerns for what this means to those who earn a living from Holden. These were closely followed by wistful reflections on what the Holden brand meant to Australia. Jumbled in with it all were thoughts about the decision itself and whether it was too soon or too late.

However, it also brought a sense of relief.

Now, we can finally remember Holden at its best, rather than debate what should happen to the brand and why. This will take the intensity out of its fall down the sales charts, and end the speculation that became increasingly hard on those whose livelihoods depended on the brand.

I grew up in a staunchly Ford household. No Holden would ever be allowed to park in the Clark driveway. However, for it to be a Ford house, Holden needed to be there. And it needed to be strong. The despise for our greatest automotive foe, and its best-selling Commodore, was because it was bloody good.

It wouldn’t have worked any other way.

Holden reliability engineers during a test trip. Photo: Mario Turcarelli

We offer our best wishes to those facing uncertainty in the wake of this decision. We also thank every single person who has contributed to making Holden what it was.

Thank you to the people who designed and engineered the special breed of cars that wore the Holden badge.

Thank you to the many thousands of people who built Holden cars to power the journeys of their fellow Australians.

Thank you to the those who were involved in selling Holden cars at dealerships in every state and territory of Australia.

Thank you to those who serviced Holden cars, keeping them running for their drivers and passengers.

Thank you to those who steered the Holden ship behind the scenes at workstations and in meeting rooms.

Thank you to those who parted with their hard-earned cash to buy locally-made Holden cars, and helped to keep their fellow Australians in work.

And thank you to those who continue to drive Holden cars with passion and pride, preserving our automotive history for others to enjoy.

Thanks, Holden, for all the opportunities you gave to Australians.

Tristan Clark
Chasing History

Goodbye, Holden.