After pledging support for the Commodore as late as last week, Holden today confirmed the Commodore would be dropped from the range, along with the Astra.

  

The legendary Commodore nameplate has been a fixture of Holden’s portfolio since 1978.

  

At its peak, the large car segment in Australia accounted for 217,882 sales in 1998. This year it is projected to come in at about 8700 units.

  

Along with turning away from Holden, buyers are abandoning large passenger cars in favour of SUVs.

  

This announcement closely follows the new that Dave Buttner would vacate the chairman and managing director position after just 16 months in the role.

  

Holden says it will now exclusively offer SUVs and light commercial vehicles. Holden’s interim chairman and managing director Kristian Aquilina said, “Holden is taking this decisive action to ensure a sharp focus on the largest and most buoyant market segments.”

  

The new Holden boss also paid tribute to the Commodore nameplate and its place in the Australian automotive industry over time.

  

“The decision to retire the Commodore nameplate has not been taken lightly by those who understand and acknowledge its proud heritage,” he said.

  

“The large sedan was the cornerstone of Australian and New Zealand roads for decades. But now with more choice than ever before, customers are displaying a strong preference for the high driving position, functionality and versatility of SUVs and Utes.”

  

Sales of the Commodore and Astra will continue through 2020, albeit with diminishing model availability as part of an orderly runout.

  

Today’s announcement leaves Holden with the Colorado ute and the Acadia, Trailblazer, Equinox and Trax SUVs.

  

If it does arrive locally, the new Corvette will be Holden’s only low riding model.

  

The brand claims “existing Commodore and Astra customers can be assured that Holden will continue to back warranty and roadside assistance commitments, with spare parts supply guaranteed well into the future.”

  

In addition, all MY19 ZB Commodores and MY19 BK Astras delivered from today onwards will qualify for Holden’s seven-year free scheduled servicing offer.

  

Holden’s dealer network will continue to provide warranty support, servicing and spare parts to Commodore and Astra owners.

  

Moving forward, Holden will be launching the MY20 Equinox in the first quarter of 2020 followed by a “significant MY21 upgrade” to the ageing Colorado in the Spring. Right-hand drive production of the new Corvette is due to commence next year, however, an Australian arrival date is yet to be confirmed.