General Motors Stopping Vehicle Manufacturing in Australia

General MotorsGMUnited States of America, 1998 > present8 models
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has announced that it will no longer build cars or engines in Australia by 2017 but still distribute vehicles there and in New Zealand. The HoldenHoldenAustralia, 1856 > present29 models
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brand will continue to exist as GM’s Australian subsidiary but only be responsible for sales and distribution. GM’s Australian design studio will also remain open.

“The decision to end manufacturing in Australia reflects the perfect storm of negative influences the automotive industry faces in the country, including the sustained strength of the Australian dollar, high cost of production, small domestic market and arguably the most competitive and fragmented auto market in the world,” said current GM CEO Dan Akerson.

The decision will shut down two factories and cause 2,900 people to lose their jobs. Holden is promising to work with local governments to find new jobs for as many of the employees as possible

The decision does not affect Holden sales and service because the brand is not going away, only local production.