No more Aussie muscle cars

Larbre34

Following the decision by Ford in May to end its Ford of Australia operations by 2016, GM have announced the closure of its production and likely death of the Holden brand in 2017 - factors include the Aussie dollar, production costs and scale in such a remote location and the small segmented market size.

So, its the death knell for Utes, Commodores, full size V8 cars, classic Bathurst tussles and Fosters drinking Home and Away watching honest Aussie muscle.

I'm sad to hear it as the Aussie brands retained the essence of muscle car characteristics. Even the Yanks are going to produce the next Mustang with smaller capacity ecoboost engine. With Peak Oil and the green agenda we really are seeing the end of an 80 year tradition. The future, for however long the private car survives, is light nimble sporty cars, twincharging, electric assistance or even wholly electric motors and regenerative devices. The iPod generation, youll soon be driving it....

So long, and thanks......

corktina

My daughter and her fiancé live in Aus. I TOLD him buy a V8 ute, would he listen? No, Golf GTI :-(

bugsntinas

that's a bloody shame mate!can't see the farmers driving around the outback in little electric utes trying to round up cattle so I wonder what they'll!
maybe the japs might nake a decent one for them but then again probably not.and what about the v8 ute racing!!!

jimgoose

Without the Holden Kingswood they're going to have to close down 'Stralia.

Supergurrier

Nooooooo

biko

Goodbye sweet ute

dantastic

Really sad news. The Aussies really love these cars though so hopefully after the dust has settled a local company will build a brand new equivalent. One to finally unite the Ford and the Holden crowds. One can hope anyway!

CJhaughey

They were great in their day but that segment has really changed.
The Japanese make decent size cars for that market and in terms of practical utility there is always Toyota's Landcruisers with a trayback(its a V8 as well)
I never liked the Commodore based Utes, they just weren't as cool as the HQ and previous series.
I did like the Sandman versions though they were really nice.

SleeperService

corktina wrote: »

My daughter and her fiancé live in Aus. I TOLD him buy a V8 ute, would he listen? No, Golf GTI :-(

I would have been straight off the plane and shopping for a V8 ute.

Presume Japanese manufacturers will gain from this, Toyota and Subaru?

Iwannahurl

I can't see the hoons driving one of these.