Last Australian car to be made today
It’s the end of the line and the end of an era for Australian automobile manufacturing, with the last ever Australian made-cars due to roll of the production line today.
This historic, some would say sombre, occasion will make the end of what was almost a century of automotive manufacturing for Australia, and 69 years for Holden.
A handful of cars will be built before midday today as part of a private ceremony that’s expected to be attended by 1,000 Holden factory workers past and present.
This week we’re reflecting on our journey, where we’ve been and where we’re headed – all thanks to our team, loyal fans and customers. pic.twitter.com/0arFW98fUQ
— Holden (@holden_aus) October 16, 2017
The last car to be made by Holden will be a red Commodore V8 sedan and will mark the end of an industry that represented almost 50,000 jobs in Australia.
While the scene is grim, Holden announced today that 85 per cent of its workers had been able to successfully transition to a new occupation, form of study or retirement.
Holden HR director Jamie Getgood told News.com.au, “Holden and our former and current employees have been working hard together to help our people be job ready for alternative positions once they finish with us.”
"Our thoughts are with the Holden workers today..." - @AlboMp. #9Today pic.twitter.com/B4WTbE7RQe
— The Today Show (@TheTodayShow) October 19, 2017
With the factory’s closure, Holden will become an importer of cars.
Former Holden boss Mark Reuss, who is now based in the US, said, “(Today) will be a very emotion filled day for me. Like many people who have worked for Holden, I put my heart and soul into the place. I brought my wife and kids to a far away land of Australia, and we all fell in love with the people, the cars, and the culture.
“We are lucky to have this special place and people as a large piece of who we are as a family. It is hard to put into words, but… we thank all of you and God Speed to those who made Holdens. We will look forward to a new future for Holden engineering and design. Thank you all.”
What are your thoughts? Do you think Australia let the local automobile industry die too easily? Was there more that we could’ve done?
Image credit: Twitter / Nine News Adelaide