Holden’s seven millionth vehicle milestone
August 18, 2008 by George Skentzos
Holden’s seven millionth vehicle has rolled off the production line today, creating a record manufacturing milestone in Australian automotive history.
Since the first mass production Holden – the 48-215 – drove out of Fishermans Bend in 1948, the iconic marquee has become arguably the country’s most cherished brand.
The milestone car was a 60th Anniversary Commodore sedan, conveniently specified with dual fuel LPG fitment – a nice touch by the marketing department.
Public figures including the Premier of South Australia, the Hon. Mike Rann MP; Federal Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research, Senator the Hon. Kim Carr; and GM Holden’s Executive Director for Manufacturing, Rod Keane were in attendance to celebrate the event.
“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
In total, the GM Holden plant at Elizabeth manufactures 43 models off six variants, including left and right hand drive.
Almost half of the total vehicles produced are destined for the export market – sold as brands such as Vauxhall, Chevrolet and Pontiac.
Since the first exports began in 1954, more than 800,000 vehicles have been delivered to customers around the world.
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)
Print it: 
REALCARS, you are not the same person as Realcars are you?
The one and the same Duck! Reformatted the hard drive this arvo and hit the caps lock.LOL.
I like Falcons but have a soft spot for Holdens. What do u do?
anyone remember the VN adds “love it, I just love it!”lol.
for the record the only aussie made Holden i have ever owned is a VS commodore. Was bought brand new in 1996 by my parents (was the limited edition equipe model, basically an executive with extra kit and fancy paint) they owned it for 7 years before selling it to me. Was utterly reliable the entire time we owned it. My parents had to replace a wheel bearing in the time they owned it, otherwise just normal servicing. When i took it over i had to replace the power steering pump which was on the way out, otherwise not a single thing went wrong with it untill i sold it in 2006. It was easy to drive, very comfortable, very practicle, and was actually pretty good on fuel. Even now whenever i’m on the highway, i wish i still had the old VS, never should have sold it really!
BM, if you had a VK Brock Director (lovely car btw) you’d know that it was a 304, and not a 308.
I was under the impression they didn’t change it to a 304 untill the VL model to comply with Group A racing regulations, and up untill then, including the VK, was a 308?
sorry, they did introduce the 304 in the VK, but i still think it was only in the SS group A wasn’t it? Didn’t the other models like the group 3 and the director have the 308 still?
Group 3? Not sure, mate, but I know that the Director was a definitely a 304, as a close friend owned both the VK and VL Directors.
Boy that VL version sure was ugly with its skateboard-ramp rear spoiler!
ok no worries. The VL director was a hell of a car though, easily the most advanced holden ever for the time, even more advanced then the walky many would argue, except in the engine department as the walky had a truly impressive engine for the time. The intake and fuel injection system where truly state of the art in 1988, and the block design was extreemly good. Made more power in race trim then a 5ltr V8 of 1988 had any right to do!