A sliver of good news has been reported out of the Holden brand. Contradicting previous decisions, Holden has officially announced it will be retaining a number of key engineering positions inside the division. Previously, cuts were to run even deeper than they already have.
The decision was reportedly made last week after a meeting in Melbourne, which included senior executives from General Motors and Holden, according to Motoring.
Holden engineers have typically been held in high regards, known for their high skill set in initial vehicle calibrations, right through production-ready vehicles.
Another factor influencing the decision is the weak Australian dollar, making it more affordable to keep talent inside of Holden. According to the report, it is now 25 percent cheaper to do business in Australia than it was in 2013 when GM announced it was pulling the plug on Australian automobile manufacturing.
The news was made official by Holden’s Senior Manager of External Communications, Kate Londsale, with the following statement:
We can confirm there will be a significant number of Engineering positions retained at GM Holden. While this is good news, we are still working through project details and our staffing requirements.
“As always, we will work closely with our workforce as we determine exactly what is required. At that point, we will be able to make a full public announcement.
That’s one small win for Holden’s new chairman, Mark Bernhard, who is the first Aussie in years to manage the brand.
Comments
So with the Aussie dollar back on the decline will it end up to where they just keep Holden if the trend continues?
Doubtful. GM needs profit and they can get more of it by moving factories elsewhere, even with a drop in sales in Australia.
GM engineering is not just one company and one country anymore. The past few years the Holden group has done a great job on more than just Holden cars along working with the other groups around the world.
The fact is GM engineering is a 24/7 venture and the sun never sets on it today. That is thanks to todays technology that brings it all together.
Absolutely correct Scott3! Even 25 years ago when I started at the Bend, my first job was dyno work on Opel products when the Family 2 was pumped out in 127 different variants. They went all over the world into all sorts of vehicles. We solved problems and developed engines with a miniscule number of people by comparison to GMNA & Opel. That’s why I’m dirty on the GM management and our Gov’t for their short sighted decision in the first place. Our dollar was always going to go down and the US interest rates haven’t started to move yet. Just wait until they do! Anyhow, I’ve found there is life after Holden. Not quite as interesting or fun, but life nevertheless.