Holden down to its last 2000 cars, some dealers already taking down signs
Holden is believed to be down to its last 2000 or so new cars, after another 1100 vehicles were reported as sold in July.
Numerous dealers have already begun taking down signage and some already have new car brands taking their place.
Some empty Holden showrooms are displaying used cars until another new automotive brand can be installed.
Drive has been told by a number of dealer sources Holden has about 2000 or so vehicles in dealer stock, holding yards, and in transit.
Some dealers are yet to receive their last vehicles, with a limited number of Holden Colorado utes yet to come from Thailand and a number of Holden Commodores yet to arrive from Germany.
Some holding yards across Australia also have stock of the Holden Equinox and Holden Acadia SUVs.
General Motors announced on 17 February 2020 it would retire the Holden brand by the end of this year, but maintain parts and service support for at least another 10 years.
However, it’s quickly becoming apparent few showrooms will have any new Holden cars to sell by the end of the year, after the company offered bonuses of between $7500 and $17,500 to clear remainder stock soon after the shutdown announcement.
It is at each dealer’s discretion how much of the bonus they pass-on to consumers; some dealers are trying to continue operating for as long as possible and are holding onto as much of the bonus as they can. Others have used it to clear stock and install a new brand in its place.
More than 90 per cent of Holden dealers are understood to have now signed compensation and separation packages with General Motors.
Showroom sources claim only “15 to 20” of the 185 Holden dealers who operate 203 showrooms nationally are yet to sign their compensation deals, which range from $100,000 to more than $3 million depending on recent dealership investment and how many cars they sold during a set period.