After 40 years on the roads, the iconic Holden Commodore nameplate has been retired.

Following declining sales as car buyers move away from sedans and towards SUVs, Holden has elected against continuing to sell the four-door sedan as of the end of 2020.

It marks the end of a historic run for the popular Holden vehicle. First manufactured in 1978, the Commodore was Australia’s highest selling vehicle for 15 consecutive years between 1995 and 2010, selling 94,642 units at its peak in 1998. However, following the decision to cease local manufacturing of vehicles, sales took a dramatic decline, a decline that Holden has failed to recover from.

The decision was made by interim chairman and managing director Kristian Aquilina, announcing that Holden would be looking to go down the path of SUVs and Utes to reflect consumers preferences.

“Holden is taking this decisive action to ensure a sharp focus on the largest and most buoyant market segments,” said Aquilina, who was only named interim chairman this month.

“So far this year SUVs and Utes have increased to 76% of Holden sales, a trend we only see continuing.”

Holden has confirmed that the MY19 Commodore will be available until through 2020, with limited availability.

After that, the brand’s fleet line-up will be made up of the Trax, Equinox, Acadia and Trailblazer SUVs as well as the Colorado ute.

Aquilina paid tribute to the Commodore during the announcement, noting its significance to Australians across the country over the last 40 years.

“The decision to retire the Commodore nameplate has not been taken lightly by those who understand and acknowledge its proud heritage,” said Aquilina.

“The large sedan was the cornerstone of Australian and New Zealand roads for decades. But now with more choice than ever before, customers are displaying a strong preference for the high driving position, functionality and versatility of SUVs and Utes.”

Holden also announced that the Astra nameplate would also be retired at the same time as the Commodore.

Original source: autotalk.com.au | Commodore done after 40 years

11 Dec 2019