The world reacts to Holden's death
Tuesday, 18 February 2020
Yesterday, General Motors announced it retire the Holden brand from sales in Australia and New Zealand, with local design and engineering operations winding down by the end of 2021.
The news came as a shock to many of us who, despite predicting the demise of the Commodore after the lukewarm reaction to the ZB, presumed the Lion brand still held enough sway to continue sales without its flagship.
Folks were quick to take to social media to express their sadness and show some love for Holden.
As previously reported, Greg Murphy said the news was a 'total shock'. His immediate thoughts went to Kiwis who have jobs associated with Holden, not just directly with the brand but also through its expansive dealership network here. 'It's tough news for all those many people and I really feel for them.'
**READ MORE:
* Why Australians fell out of love with Holdens
* Economy of scale killed Holden in the end
* General Motors axes Holden operations in New Zealand
* Holden's bombshell sends a shockwave through the Supercars field**
He also mentioned those he knows at Holden's head office in Melbourne and at its test track at Lang Lang on the south-east outskirts of that city. Approximately 600 of the 800 jobs those Australian locations provide are set to be lost. 'This has been hard news to hear but at this time I'm really thinking about all those people and how this decision might affect them.'
Reigning Supercars champion Scott McLaughlin retweeted a trio of tweets from his Shell V-Power Racing team and Ford Australia, both expressing sadness at Holden's closure.
We are saddened by Holden’s closure announcement. Holden was always a fierce rival. A great Aussie brand coming to an end is sad for our country, no matter your allegiance. We feel for those affected, and look forward to continued strong competition on the track. #VASC #Holden pic.twitter.com/g16q44RUzS
— Shell V-Power Racing (@DJRTeamPenske) February 17, 2020
Shell V-Power said: 'A great Aussie brand coming to an end is sad for our country, no matter your allegiance. We feel for those affected, and look forward to continued strong competition on the track,' while Ford Australia added that Holden is an 'iconic brand that holds a special place in the heart of many Australians.'
We are saddened by Holden’s closure announcement. Holden was always a fierce rival. A great Aussie brand coming to an end is sad for our country, no matter your allegiance. We feel for those affected, and look forward to continued strong competition on the track. #VASC #Holden pic.twitter.com/g16q44RUzS
— Shell V-Power Racing (@DJRTeamPenske) February 17, 2020
Even the Xbox ANZ account had sweaty eyes, posting an image of a VK Commodore in the sun-drenched landscape of Forza Horizon 3, adding'Thanks for the memories, Holden.'
The End of an Era. Thanks for the memories, #Holden. pic.twitter.com/C3jaQ9rbOv
— Xbox ANZ (@XboxANZ) February 17, 2020
Meanwhile, the official Supercars account paid tribute with a small video clip of Jaime Whincup scrapping it out with James Courtney in Adelaide, 2016.
On that, Holden hasn't yet discussed its Supercars plans beyond 2021. It said, in a statement: 'We will begin discussions with the organisers of Supercars and Red Bull Holden Racing Team. We will update you on these discussions at the appropriate time.
We are aware of our commitment and we will work through with Red Bull Holden Racing Team the implications of this decision.'
We’re incredibly saddened for all Holden employees, dealers and fans and our thoughts are with them at this difficult time. We’ll update RBHRT and Supercars fans with our future plans in due course, but right now we’re supporting our friends and colleagues at Holden. pic.twitter.com/BKXeec28HA
— Red Bull Holden (@redbullholden) February 17, 2020
Thousands of others posted tributes to social media, showing off their Holdens and sharing stories about their love for the brand. It seems that while the Lion brand is going out with a bit of a whimper rather than a V8-flavoured roar, it will live on for a great deal longer in the hearts of its fans.