Holden has a bit of sorting to do with its current portfolio, and incoming global models, before it can really focus on winning back consumers, after manufacturing decisions have left more than a bitter taste on the tongues of locals.
Motoring spoke with Sean Poppit, Director of Holden Communications, on the brand’s future small-car strategy, saying the 2016 Opel Astra will play a very important part.
“It is hugely important not just because it will be playing in the largest volume sector in the market but also because it’s at the vanguard of our launch of 24 new models by 2020.”
“This is a huge step towards Holden evolving as a brand and being able to talk to new customers who potentially don’t have Holden on the radar at the moment.”
“We do have a small car strategy in-place and we will be in a position to talk about that next year,” Poppit told Motoring.
Holden currently sells the locally-manufactured Holden Cruze and Cruze hatchback but, with the confirmation of the 2016 Astra heading to Oz, it gives a clear indicator of when the Cruze will cease production, and be replaced with the new Astra.
Currently, the previous-generation Astra is sold under Holden in GTC and VXR guise.
The other piece of the puzzle is what will replace the Holden Cruze sedan, as Opel has not revealed any details on an Astra sedan thus far. Though, it’s inevitable that model is coming.
It’s possible the Cruze may be dropped from the Holden lineup entirely, as the brand leans more and more on Opel to source its vehicles.
Comment
My bet is that Holden sells both the Astra hatch and Cruze sedan seeing as the styling doesn’t overly conflict.
I say this only because I believe Malibu, in some form, will be sold. (I read an interview somewhere stating that Insignia would not be going to Oz due to its being a hatch).