Holden

Holden is an Australian automaker based in Melbourne, Victoria, originally independent but now a subsidiary of General Motors

After the end of World War II, the Australian government took steps to encourage an Australian automotive industry, and persuaded General Motors to build “Australia’s own car”. The Holden 48/215 (also unofficially called the FX), introduced in 1948, was a medium-sized vehicle fitted with a 132 in³ (2.15 litre) engine, and based on a design proposed for the 1949 Chevrolet, that had been rejected as being too small for that purpose. Although not particularly mechanically or stylistically sophisticated, it was simple, rugged, more powerful than most competitors, and offered reasonable performance and fuel economy in an affordable package. Better suited to Australian conditions than its competitors, and assisted by tariff barriers, it rapidly became Australia’s best-selling car.Despite the arrival of competitors in the 1960s, Holden’s locally-produced large six and eight-cylinder cars have remained Australia’s top-selling vehicle for most of that time.

Today Holden Australia is one of the worlds leading car manufacturers for all vehicles from luxury cars upholding standards equivlent to companies such as BMW or Audi, to the hardiest 4WD’s and utes to the affordable reliable family cars. Holden has numerous awards under its belt the latest being the current Wheels Car of the year for the new VE Commodore.