In a release that starts aggressively with “Mark Bernhard returns to Holden, Holden to deliver product onslaught,” General Motors is as clear as day - the automaker’s Australian division won’t go kaput by the end of 2017, when the current Commodore will go out of production. Regarding the latter, we hear that early 2018 will see Holden import the next-gen Holden from the Old Continent (Opel, anyone?).
Starting with that boisterous “product onslaught,” the Holden brand is referring to its long term product strategy. Without further beating around the bush, we would like to highlight the most important intel offered: a “true sportscar” will be launched in the future and more than one-third of the marque’s future lineup will come from Europe. In addition to these, three new models will be launched this year.
More specifically, Holden refers to the posh Cascada soft top, the Insignia sedan and the Astra C-segment hatchback. With this bit o’ info covered, let’s move on and talk about the new head of Holden. Mark Bernhard is no stranger to the automaker, having started his automotive career here in 1986. Mark was previously the CFO of the marque and currently holds the position of VP and CFO of Shanghai GM.
Mr. Stefan Jacoby, GM executive vice president and president of GM International, added that Mr. Bernhard is the right man for the struggling Aussie brand due to its 29-year experience with General Motors. Jacoby also announced details of GM Holden's major new vehicle launch program, set to deliver 24 new vehicle launches and 36 new powertrain combinations over the next five years. Now that's a surprise from Holden...
It seems like somebody up there finally decided to change things for the better, appointing the first Australian-born Holden head in 25 years. We’re also told that the all-new Holden Barina Spark (2016 Chevrolet Spark) will be launched “in the first quarter of 2016,” while the Captiva SUV’s replacement will follow soon after that. Lastly, a “world-class SUV” will be added sometime in the future as well.
More specifically, Holden refers to the posh Cascada soft top, the Insignia sedan and the Astra C-segment hatchback. With this bit o’ info covered, let’s move on and talk about the new head of Holden. Mark Bernhard is no stranger to the automaker, having started his automotive career here in 1986. Mark was previously the CFO of the marque and currently holds the position of VP and CFO of Shanghai GM.
Mr. Stefan Jacoby, GM executive vice president and president of GM International, added that Mr. Bernhard is the right man for the struggling Aussie brand due to its 29-year experience with General Motors. Jacoby also announced details of GM Holden's major new vehicle launch program, set to deliver 24 new vehicle launches and 36 new powertrain combinations over the next five years. Now that's a surprise from Holden...
It seems like somebody up there finally decided to change things for the better, appointing the first Australian-born Holden head in 25 years. We’re also told that the all-new Holden Barina Spark (2016 Chevrolet Spark) will be launched “in the first quarter of 2016,” while the Captiva SUV’s replacement will follow soon after that. Lastly, a “world-class SUV” will be added sometime in the future as well.