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First Holden
The first Holden car was produced. It was the 48-215 but was known at the time simply as Holden. This car was also the first all-Australian car ever. -
Holden Utility Realesed
The Holden 50-2106 was the second type of Holden realesed and was very similir to the 48-215 but was a utility vehical. It was the first Holden ute! The two cars were produced in parallel and within a few years dominated the Australian car market. Australians liked the cars because they were 'tougher' than the European cars. -
Holden Cars Exported
Holden became so poular that they started exporting their cars to Asian countries such as Malaysia and Thailand. In this same yeat Holden also realsed a new car known as the Holden FE -
Exporting Expands
Apon the success of Asian exports Holden widened its horizens and started exporting to Africa as well. By the end of the year Holden was exporting cars to 17 countries right around the region and beyond. -
50% market share
By 1958 Holden had achieved a remarkable 50% of teh market share for cars in Australia. This a mere decade after their first car was relased. Selling this many cars meant that many people also had to impolyed to make them. By now Holden was employing over 18 000 Australians country-wide. -
Competition Arrives
In 1960 American company Ford relased the Ford Falcon in Australia and it was a family sudan. The car was not as durable as the Holden eqivalent though and so was not as successful. In that same year Holden realsed its 3rd major modal and it was called the Holden FB. -
The EH Unveiled
In 1963 Holden realsed the EH and it proved to be one of the best Holden's of all time. It was popular because of its improved performace and sporty shape. The car holds many Australian records such as fasted selling car ever. It was seen as the biggest leap in Austrlian cars since the 48-215. The car was also realsed in a station wagan version. -
HK Monaro Released
Australia's first real sports car. It had a much more powerful engine than ealier models and a more aerodynamic design. The car became a statement of national identity. It cost $2 500 when first relased but there was also a GTS version but this cost a further $1000. The car was so popular that it was in production for 11 years. -
The Cars keep coming
In 1971 the Holden HQ was released and this car proved to be the most popular Holden ever with over 485 000 made. The car was similair to the HK Monaro but was slightly bigger and more comfortable. -
Market Share Drops
After the highs of the 60s and 70s Holden's market share dropped significantly in the 80s and was a mere 21% by the end of the decade, The company would have to re-invent itslef to keep up with the times if it wanted to be successful again. -
Commador VT Introduced
The realse of the commador turned the tables for Holden again. It was a very succesful car and is still in production today although it has been updated since. The car is known for its trademark divided grill. The car was also very successful globaly. -
Name change
The companies name was changed from General Motors-Holden's Ltd to Holden Ltd. -
Market share on the up
By the end of the century Holden was selling 30% of cars in Austrlia which was a good 10% than 1990. A good achievement in an increasingly competitive market. -
Brand New Holden
The Holden Commador VE was the first Holden car since 1971 to be made with a completly clean sheet. All the others were just updated models of prevoius designs. -
Government Support
After the GFC car sales around the world took a massive battering including Holden. As Holden is a uniquely Austrlian company supporting many Australian jobs the Australian governemnt gave the company support.
