Holden Tasked With Developing Two New Chinese Cars
After getting a $1 billion “investment” from both GM and the Australian government, Holden will be starting their first post-funding project; d esigning two new cars for the Chinese market.
While production will take place in China, design and development work will take place at Holden’s technical center in Port Melbourne, Australia. Those models will be developed for Shanghai General Motor, but no technical details were announced. Presumably, they will be smaller and more economical than the Holden Caprice-based Buick Park Avenue (above). Australia’s car industry is in a precarious position, with sales of large, Australia-derived V8 sedans (like the Holden Commodore and Ford Falcon) declining, while small cars, like the Holden Cruze and Mazda3 are gaining ground. Holden’s area of expertise will have to shift if this trend continues, and what better use for one of GM’s best subsidiaries than to focus on its biggest market.
More by Derek Kreindler
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That rebadged Holden is the best looking Buick I've seen in over 40 years.
Holden designs one of the best looking cars on the market today. Holden also puts nice touches to cars already designed by GM Korea. The Holden Cruze, Holden Colorado and Captiva look worlds better than their Chevy cousins. Its great to see GM utilizing Holden on a global scale. The park avenue pictured above could do wonders for Buick as a halo vehicle in North America. Looks very upscale and Audi A6ish.
Was thinking 'that Holden would make a good-looking Buick.' Wasn't aware that it WAS a Buick.