The end.
Holden has today confirmed it will stop selling Commodore and Astra models at the end of 2020, marking an end to the iconic nameplates.
All body styles of the 2019 model year ZB Commodore and BK Astra hatchbacks will remain on the market as supply slows until the end of next year.
However, the Lion badge will bring the facelifted 2020 Commodore soon which is, apparently, on sale for fleet buyers now; but the 2020 Astra will not arrive, despite being announced on its e-newsletter.
With already fledging sales at its lowest since 1948 and diminishing interest for sedans, wagons and hatchbacks, the brand will become a SUV and ute-only company, ditching the Commodore badge which first appeared in 1978.
However, it is worth noting that Holden will continue its plans to sell the performance C8 Corvette later in 2020, which will be converted to right-hand drive in Australia.
Both models are European sourced from Opel/Vauxhall which was bought by the PSA Groupe at a time when they just landed in Australia; it was already expected they would eventually be replaced by a car from General Motors, with only a contract keeping the imports alive.
Notably, the company says both the Commodore and Astra will have “spare parts supply guaranteed well into the future” to assure current customers, and the current promotion for seven-years free scheduled servicing will extend until all units are phased out.
This follows a short 18-month stint by Dave Buttner who announced his resignation from Chairman and Managing Director last week.
Holden Interim Chairman and Managing Director, Kristian Aquilina, said the focus of the new portfolio aligns with current customer needs.
“So far this year SUVs and Utes have increased to 76 percent of Holden sales, a trend we only see continuing,” Mr Aquilina said.
“The large sedan was the cornerstone of Australian and New Zealand roads for decades. But now with more choice than ever before, customers are displaying a strong preference for the high driving position, functionality and versatility of SUVs and Utes.”
“The decision to retire the Commodore nameplate has not been taken lightly by those who understand and acknowledge its proud heritage,” he said.
The company is now focusing on its upcoming 2020 Equinox mid-sized SUV, arriving in the first quarter of 2020; a 2021 upgrade for the Colorado ute in Spring 2020; and the said C8 Corvette performance coupe.
The Connected by Henry Man 