Development of future technologies for autonomous vehicles and electric powertrains will soon be in the hands of more Australian designers and engineers as GM invests an additional $28 million into its local operations.
The cash injection will boost Holden’s design, engineering and vehicle development workforce by 150 new recruits which will take Holden’s headcount over the 500 mark.
GM Holden Executive Director – Engineering Brett Vivian said: “This announcement of 150 new engineers at Holden to work on global advanced vehicle development comes on top of significant upgrades we have made to the emissions test lab and test tracks at our Lang Lang Proving Ground.”
“Holden’s engineering unit has a bright future undertaking important local and global work, from ensuring imported Holden vehicles can master Australia’s unique driving conditions, to developing the technologies that will power the future of mobility globally.”
Those solutions will need to be creative too as Holden is aiming to introduce at least 20 new all-electric models to the market by 2023, an ambitious plan.
Holden also plans to debut OnStar, a connectivity service, in Australia from next year and launch GM Financial.
With all of the expansion and development on the horizon, $120 million annually is earmarked to be spent on automotive research and development in Australia by Holden.
In a move reminiscent of what Ford has done since ending local manufacturing, GM Executive Vice President and President, Global Product Group and Cadillac, Mark Reuss, said: “Australian engineers would be fully integrated into global GM engineering teams.”
The new financial commitment to Holden comes at an important time, recently Holden HQ culled 60 sales jobs in response to declining numbers. GM needs to be proactive in reinforcing its commitment to Holden if the brand is to get back in the minds of buyers.
More: All News
More: Holden Resurrection
