Holden was an Australian automobile manufacturer founded in 1856 as a saddlery business, later moving into automotive manufacturing in the early 20th century. In 1931, Holden became a subsidiary of General Motors (GM), serving as GM’s primary brand in Australia and New Zealand. Holden is best known for creating vehicles tailored to local conditions, including iconic models such as the Holden Commodore, Monaro, and Ute. For decades, Holden cars symbolized Australian identity, combining performance with practicality. The brand also had a strong motorsport presence, particularly in the V8 Supercars Championship. However, due to declining sales, rising costs, and global restructuring by GM, Holden ceased local manufacturing in 2017, and in 2020, GM announced the complete retirement of the Holden brand. Despite its closure, Holden remains a cultural icon in Australia.

25 Holden Car Brands Questions

  • When was Holden originally founded, and what was its first business?

  • How did Holden transition from saddlery to automobile production?

  • When did General Motors acquire Holden?

  • What role did Holden play in the Australian automotive industry?

  • Why is the Holden Commodore considered iconic?

  • How did the Holden Monaro influence Australian car culture?

  • What is the significance of the Holden Ute in local markets?

  • How did Holden tailor its vehicles to Australian conditions?

  • What role did Holden play in motorsport, especially V8 Supercars?

  • Why was Holden so closely tied to Australian national identity?

  • Which Holden models became popular exports?

  • How did the oil crisis and global shifts affect Holden’s strategy?

  • What challenges did Holden face in the 21st century?

  • Why did Holden end local car manufacturing in 2017?

  • When did GM decide to retire the Holden brand completely?

  • How do Australians view Holden cars today?

  • Which classic Holden models are most collectible?

  • What legacy did the Holden Commodore leave in motorsport?

  • How did Holden compete against Ford in Australia’s car market?

  • What impact did globalization have on Holden’s decline?

  • Which Holden cars were rebadged from GM’s global models?

  • How does nostalgia keep the Holden name alive today?

  • What was the cultural significance of the Holden vs. Ford rivalry?

  • How did the closure of Holden affect Australia’s auto industry?

  • What legacy has Holden left in global automotive history?