Demise of a Australian icon: Holden discontinues the Commodore
After a 42-year run, the Holden Commodore, a staple of the Australian automotive industry, has been discontinued by GM Holden in 2020. Originally introduced in 1978 as a mid-size car, the Commodore evolved through five generations, transforming into a symbol of Australian muscle cars and a dominant force in the local motorsport scene.
Production History and Variations
The first generation of the Commodore, the VB model, was launched in 1978 as a mid-size car. Subsequent iterations, including the VC, VH, VK, and VL, extended production through 1988. The Commodore grew into a full-size car with the VN model in 1988, followed by VP, VR, and VS.
The third generation, which continued as a full-size car, included the VT, VX, VY, and VZ models. The VE, launched in 2006, was the first Commodore developed entirely in Australia. The final Australian-built Commodore, the VF, was produced from 2013 to 2017. The fifth and final generation, the ZB model, was the first imported Commodore and the first front or all-wheel drive Commodore, produced from 2018 until 2020.
Alongside sedans, the Commodore was available in utility (ute) and wagon variants, contributing to its versatility and popularity as a family car as well as a performance vehicle.
Racing Achievements
The Holden Commodore has a prestigious reputation in Australian motorsports, particularly in touring car racing. The model was a dominant force in the Australian Touring Car Championship and later the V8 Supercars Championship, gaining a strong following for its racing pedigree. Notably, various iterations such as the VL race cars participated in competitive racing events, emphasizing performance engineering and endurance.
Holden Commodores have been celebrated for blending everyday usability with high-performance capabilities, making them central to Australia's automotive culture, both on the roads and race tracks.
Legacy
Over its 42-year run, the Commodore has sold over three million units in Australia and New Zealand. It was the best-selling vehicle in Australia for 15 consecutive years from 1996 to 2010. The Commodore was also the focus of export programs to the Middle East, South America, and the United States over the years.
The reborn Monaro coupe, based on the VX Commodore, was a massive hit for Holden in Australia and was exported to the US as a Pontiac GTO. The new version of the Commodore, launched in 2018, was the first imported Commodore and the first front or all-wheel drive Commodore.
Despite its discontinuation, the Commodore's legacy is deeply intertwined with Australian automotive history, noted for its production longevity, model diversity, and motor racing success.
- The Holden Commodore, after a 42-year journey, was discontinued in 2020, marking the end of an era in the Australian automotive industry.
- The Commodore, initially introduced as a mid-size car in 1978, morphed into a full-size car in the VN model, with various iterations and generations emerging over the years.
- Besides its popularity as a family car, the Commodore also gained prominence on Australian race tracks due to its impressive performance in touring car racing events such as the Australian Touring Car Championship and later the V8 Supercars Championship.
- The Holden Commodore sold over three million units in Australia and New Zealand during its 42-year run, making it the best-selling vehicle in Australia for 15 consecutive years from 1996 to 2010.
- The reborn Monaro coupe, based on the VX Commodore, enjoyed success in the Australian market and was exported to the US as a Pontiac GTO, demonstrating the global reach of this iconic car.
