Exit Holden, Enter Cheverolet?

[EgoFG]

Originally Posted by Gadgetman

Well I think they should reboot the whole thing. Call it chev, lose the Korean crap they currently have and replace it with reasonably priced Opels. That will do them good no doubt long term.

I am reading between the lines here, but Chev/Chevy will not be officially used worldwide, rather Chevrolet.

The reason is that in China the Cherry brand grabed the 'pronunciation' rights to Chevy in China, GM agreed to this in an effort to boost their business in China.

In Au Holden will be replaced by Chevrolet (IMHO)

[jpd80]

The reason Opel crashed and burned so badly was that Holden imports occupy the same retail space
but more importantly, those Korean designed Holdens are really cost effective...

I think the product lies somewhere between bargain basement Chevrolet and too expensive Opel/Buick.

You could use a Former US brand, "Saturn" to re image GM imports into a new brand identity whilst
keeping some familiar names. That way you could mix and match GM names as needed.

[XRtowcar]

They have in the past, stuck a Holden badge on imports from Asia, Europe, USA and UK. Why stop now.

[csv8]

With the demise of Holden’s manufacturing and R&D facilities complete by 2017, General Motors is reportedly looking to kill off the Holden brand and switch over to Chevrolet instead.

According to Australia’s News Corp, the plan to shutter Holden has been around since the early days of the financial crisis, when GM wanted to kill it off along with Pontiac and Hummer. Only fierce resistance from Mark Reuss, who once headed up Holden, led to the brand being given a stay of execution.

Outgoing Holden boss Mike Devereux told News Corp that

“Holden is here to stay. Holden has been a part of Australia’s past … and it will part of its future for decades to come. Holden is one of the most valuable brands in Australia. We are committed to the brand for the long term. The brand is going to be a part of the fabric of this country for a very long time.”

But with Devereux scheduled to leave Holden for GM’s regional operations in Shanghai starting in February, 2014, Holden will lose another potential guardian.

GM insiders feel that with Holden becoming solely an importer of vehicles, there is nothing distinct about the brand, and it makes little sense to retain it. By contrast, introducing Chevrolet would allow for GM’s Australia division to take advantage of marketing efforts like the sponsorship deal with Manchester United, and avoid any negative backlash against Holden that would arise from shutting down its Australian factories.

Holden is also seen by some as having an image problem, too closely linked to Australia Rules football and other “bogan” pursuits. As part of its continued survival, Holden agreed to market the Volt as its own product, despite the fact that it is a major money-loser and sells in negligible volumes due to its high price and poor interior packaging.

Holden insiders told News Corp that ”The amount of money we’ve spent trying to defend the Holden brand to Detroit is ridiculous,” but GM executives would counter their work with photos of Holden Utes retrofitted with Chevrolet badges as proof of Holdens irrelevance.

On the retail front, re-branding dealerships would cost between $500,000 and $1,000,000 AUD, with dealers picking up half the tab. Any dealer that did not comply would risk losing their franchise.
http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/201...et-after-2017/

[290v]

I wonder if the Holden boy's will take their Chevy badges off and put Holden badges on instead MMMMMM!

[csv8]

http://www.chevrolet.com/impala-4-door-sedan.html
http://www.gminsidenews.com/forums/f...ear-you-90110/

[UberKnee]

Yeah I dont see the point in GM wasting time swapping grills over for a car brand that doesn't make any cars anymore. May as well just brand them as Chevys...and send us over some RHD Silverado's and Duramax's too.

[Moby Vic]

You'll probably get Opels and Vauxhalls. Or worse, Buicks.

[vztrt]

Originally Posted by Moby Vic

You'll probably get Opels and Vauxhalls. Or worse, Buicks.

We use to get opels, now we get GM's Korean rubbish.

[MITCHAY]

I saw 3 Chevrolet badged cars down the coast the other day. Only got a passing glance but they looked like SUV sized evaluation cars.

[buickman]

Originally Posted by Moby Vic

You'll probably get Opels and Vauxhalls. Or worse, Buicks.

I agree some very ordinary cars from Buick nowadays.
I think the blue GM signs will in time replace Holden signs after Holden is Finished manufacturing in Australia

[IMG][/IMG]

[TC200six]

Mike Devereux's personal message to customers via email.


Hi,

As a valued Holden customer I wanted to personally contact you regarding the recent announcement that Holden will cease manufacturing in Australia in 2017. At this time all Holden vehicles will become fully imported.

It has not been an easy time for Holden. I can honestly tell you that we considered every possible option in an effort to retain our Commodore and Cruze manufacturing operations in Australia. But in reality, it just didn’t add up.

As with every test we’ve faced during our 100-plus-year history, we are determined to rise to the challenge and hold our position as the iconic automotive brand in Australia.

So in short, I’m telling you that the Holden brand is here to stay.

For you as a Holden customer nothing changes. Servicing and the availability of parts are all unaffected by this announcement, as are our warranty and roadside assistance programs. Together with our network of over 230 dealers nationwide, we will continue to provide you with exceptional service and support.

Our range of vehicles will be built via world-class platforms that leverage the scale and expertise of GM’s global product team, just as many of our popular models are now. The local Holden Design Centre that has created and influenced so many famous Australian cars will continue to play a major role in the design of Holden vehicles sold in Australia as well as vehicles destined for all corners of the globe.

Our rich history remains in the heart and soul of every Holden produced now and in the future. We’re known for cars that are exciting to drive, at the forefront of technology and that offer great value. All supported by a dealer network that provides excellent service. This is what we do best and this will not change.

We remain focused on securing a bright future for our brand and our customers in Australia.

Holden is here to stay and I thank you for your ongoing support.

If you require further information, please contact your Holden Dealer or Customer Care on 1800 033 349.



Mike Devereux

Mike Devereux
Chairman and Managing Director

© 2013 GM Holden Ltd. ABN 84 006 8

I'm sure he's just reassuring people that dealers will still operate and spare parts will still be available, still doesn't guarantee the Holden name won't be dropped in distant future.

[eb2fairmont]

Drop Holden is a way of saying we don't give a **** about market share.

There is a reason why vauxhall still exists despite it being Opel .

[buickman]

Originally Posted by eb2fairmont

Drop Holden is a way of saying we don't give a **** about market share.

There is a reason why vauxhall still exists despite it being Opel .

Well there you go the Holden brand name and Logo looks like staying in Australia.
Manufacturers as in Toyota, Ford, Mazda, VW, BMW, and Hyundai and so on have only one brand name around the world but GM seem to have unique brand names in different countries with different logos .