Holden Milestone: 7 Million Cars

Motoring Channel Staff - 21/August/2008

Melbourne, Australia — It's been a big year for GM Holden, which has just marked another milestone in its long 60 year history. 

On top of celebrating its 60th Anniversary in 2008, with the stunning Coupe 60 at the Melbourne Motor Show earlier in the year, but now the Australian car maker has built its seven millionth vehicle.

This manufacturing milestone for an Australian car company was reached when a dual fuel LPG 60th Anniversary Commodore sedan rolled off the production lines in South Australia, and was met by various state and federal governmental senators and GM Holden executives, including GM Holden’s Executive Director for Manufacturing, Rod Keane.

"This is a proud day for every one of GM Holden’s 6500 employees in Australia. It says so much about us as one of this country’s largest manufacturing operations and most trusted brands," Mr Keane said.

Holden's first mass produced car was the 48-215 model, which entered production in November 1948 at Fisherman's Bend in Port Melbourne, where Holden's HQ exists today.

Fourteen years later in 1962, the magic millionth car was built at Dandenong, the EJ Holden (see below for the full list of models).

"The next chapter in our history will see us delivering a wide range of energy solutions to meet varying consumer needs and budgets," said Rod Keane, in a reference to the upcoming hybrid Commodore.

"I believe manufacturing the next million vehicles will be one of the most dynamic periods of GM Holden's rich history," added Keane.

Holden is also expected to launch its new AFM, or active fuel management system on key V8 models, such as the V8 Calais, either late 2008 or early 2009, where half of the cars cylinders can be shut off to conserve fuel.

The first ever diesel and hybrid Commodore models are expected to emerge around the turn of the decade.

GM Holden Vehicle Production Milestones

First Holden (48-215) launched -- November 1948 (Fishermans Bend, Vic)

One millionth (EJ) -- October 1962 (Dandenong, Vic)

Two millionth (HK) -- March 1969 (Dandenong, Vic)

Three millionth (HQ) -- June 1974 (Pagewood, NSW)

Four millionth (VC Commodore) -- June 1981 (Dandenong, Vic)

Five millionth (VN Calais) -- August 1990 (Elizabeth, SA)

Six millionth (VX Commodore SS) -- June 2001 (Elizabeth, SA)

Seven millionth (VE Commodore) -- August 2008 (Elizabeth, SA)

Related Links:
- Holden Sportwagon (Road Test)
- Holden Coupe 60 Concept (2008)
- Holden Commodore Diesel (2009)
- Holden VE Commodore vs Ford BF Falcon (Road Test)
- Holden VE Sportwagon (2008)
- Holden VE Ute: SS vs SV6 (Road Test)
- Holden VE Ute (First Drive)
- Holden Captiva Diesel (Road Test)
- Holden Astra Diesel (Road Test)
- Holden VE Commodore - Dual-Fuel LPG (2006)
- Holden Commodore Hybrid (2010)
- Holden Coupe 60 Concept (2008)
- Holden Commodore Diesel (2009)