Holden and the future

[Blocker]

Recent reports from GM Australia they are shedding hundred's of workers because of poor sales figures and other economic issues, plus the public outcry about the tax subsidies and financial support GM have received, what are your thoughts on the future of GM in Australia and the Australian motor manufacturing industry?


Discuss.

[HK1837]

If they built what I want i'd buy a Holden.

[Taily]

If they built what I want i'd buy a Holden.

X2. Hence the reason I'm about to sign a lease on a new (OK, it is a MY12) XR6 turbo for less than $40K.

[hj308]

I think its a very real possibility that between 10 and 20 years from now Holden manufacturing could cease to exist in this country, way too many imports and competition. As much as I am a holden tragic I wouldnt touch any of their smaller 4cyl cars (euro based) and the market seems to be either small car or 4wd both of which I think the Japanese do it better pricing for parts serving etc are more reasonable than the more expensive euro badged cars. I just wonder how it would effect Holden in the V8 Supercars I know they are all the same and its far from something you can buy from a dealer but do the rules state that has to be a car available to the public ie: Commodore from the dealers. Maybe they would have to use a American GM v8 based model similar to what Dick Johnson did when Ford stopped manufacturing V8's in the 80's and he imported I think from memory a Ford Mustang before he got into the Sierras.

[Davestown]

Just blame the people who want a level playing field (free trade), Holden just cant compete against these ginormous companies like VW Audi Mercedes who all have tariff protection for there products in Europe. Holden and Ford do not, that is why governments have been assisting them.

[RodneyHZ253]

Jennie
I am sad that this is happening but am a hypocrit as drive a jeep. Love our gt but it sits in the shed so doesn't get damaged from uncaring people at supermarkets. Ford are okay ATM with territory's. But possibly the issue is the cost of fuel. Everyone wants small cars and diesel. Loved our holden cross 8 but again fuel prices soared and it was uneconomical for Rodney to use as a work vehicle driving around jobs all day. All their small cars are off shore built both ford and Holden except perhhaps the cruz. Ford ranger is the only 4 wheel drive designed by Australians but built os and sells like hot cakes ATM what the the future will bring I am unsure but I don't think the government will be able to prop up these companies indefinitely but to a certain degree they should as they get a lot of tax back in revenue.

[HK1837]

Rodney, Ranger is a Mazda/Ford collaberation. Are you sure it is designed here? I'm almost certain it is Japanese design.

Problem is not everyone wants small cars and diesels, at least not small diesels. I'd happily have a 6L V8 TD but again they seem to think we want wheezy little 2.5-3.0L diesels. At least Toyota still run a decent V6 petrol engine in their commercials, but no-one else wants to.

[Valencia]

Im pretty sure the ranger is not an australian design or did i miss something i think most dual cabs from most brands are made in thailand

[Alien DNA]

I think people are going to start bitching and whinging they want a full size V8 sedan when Holden and Ford stop making them. 4x4s are not necessary in the city and should be banned.

What are the police vehicles and taxis going to be...Camrys and Kias??? Seriously....you'll be able to outrun the cops in a Corolla

Imported cars should be taxed through the roof to discourage buyers. Support oz built cars and before long, the quality will be on par with overseas competitors

My 2 cents for what its worth

[Absinth]

4x4s are not necessary in the city and should be banned.
My 2 cents for what its worth

Really... So you're one of "those" people huh... So why should 4wds be banned????? Surely not because they are too big.... Maybe it's the bullbars they all wear! Are we talking all 4wd vehicles or just the larger Landcruiser and Patrol variants.




As for our manufacturing industry.... It is doomed. If the Australian governments would stop taxing the arse out of average Australians to pay for their mismanagement of the country then average Australians might be able to afford more than cheap imported furniture, cars, food etc. then of course there is the user pays mentality today where we now have to pay for government and council services that our tax dollars used to pay for.

Example... In 1984 I was earning $18hr as a carpenter in Brisbane... 30 yrs later in 2014 I would earn $45hr as a carpenter in Brisbane.... That equates to a tad over 2 1/2 times my rate in 1984.

In 1984 I purchased a SR5 dual cab Hilux 4wd for $12999 on the road... In 2014 a new dual cab Hilux 4wd is close to $54590... That equates to 4 times the price in 1984.
In 1984 a new VK Commodore Berlina was $13994.. In 2014 a new Berlina is $39990.. That equates to just a tad under 3 times the price in 1984.

In Brisbane in 1984 I purchased a 700m2 block of land in Eight Mile Plains for $18000 and built a 230m2 house on that block for $64000. In 2014 a 400m2 block of land in Eight Mile Plains is $395000 and it will cost around $180000 to build a 230m2 house on it. That equates to 22 times the price of land in 1984 and 3 time the price for a house.

The cost of a house and a Commodore are the only things that have increased in line with earnings.... The price of land is just obscene and average Australians are battling to pay off their mortgage let alone afford anything other than cheap imported items.