The point that nobody has risen is that since the Rudd/Gillard government the Aussie dollar has skyrocketed and they have done little to nothing to rectify it.
For the Australian cars to survive the Aussie dollar needs to be back at 0.75 - 0.80 cents to the US dollar. This increases the the price of imports (make them less desirable to the pocket) and deceases the price of exports (Australia sells more of our own products and keeps employment).

But now with most parts being made and purchased offshore Holden would have issues. There is no easy fix and whatever the government, subsidies would have to remain in place as they always have.

It used to be cultural not to want to own "Jap Crap" of a "Womens" car - no longer!

Regards, Smooth