mark bernhard

Holden has announced plans to introduce GM Financial services to Australia in early 2019. The company is expecting 'Guaranteed Future Value' (GFV) financing to play a key role in the introduction, slated to bring 30 jobs to Melbourne. It'll operate under the Holden Financial Services banner when it touches down, with the expectation (or hope) being new customers will lease cars using the service, trade them in and upgrade to a new Holden.

Last year was a big year for Holden, both emotionally and financially. Now, the local boss says the shackles have finally been released. 2017 saw the closure of local manufacturing and the termination of 30 dealer franchise agreements, with the brand electing not to renew them beyond December 31, 2017.

Holden is no longer “the Commodore car company” and aims to grow its sales in 2018 by getting far more consistent volume out of its entire core model range. The company is demanding growth from the existing Astra, Trax and Colorado, big sales from the new Equinox mid sized SUV, and success for the seven-seat Acadia crossover, out of North America, that arrives later next year to challenge the Toyota Kluger and Mazda CX-9. Pictured: Holden chairman and managing director Mark Bernhard