It’s official. Holden are set to stop producing the Commodore after 41 years of being an Australian legend.
When I was in high school, I worked at the local auto store. When people were asking about car parts, they usually weren’t expecting to ask a sixteen year old girl with a big red bow in her hair, but that’s what they got.
Anyway, once a Canadian guy came in and handed us a set of seat covers made for Commodores. He asked us what a Commodore was, and we spent about 20 minutes of this poor guys life telling him all about the cultural icon that is the Commy.
It’s hard to put into words, really. The Commodore was so the first car for so many people that I don’t even want to guess at a number. If it wasn’t your first car, it was your mates first car, and haphazardly throwing an unrolled tent (but usually no tent pegs) and beer in the back of one and driving off for a weekend is a near-universal Australian experience.
The poor Canadian guy absolutely didn’t understand, but I promise we tried.
The Holden Commodore first hit our shores in 1978, and became Australia’s best selling car. It kept that title for almost twenty years.
Holden’s Interim Chairman and Managing Director, Kristian Aquilina said that the decision was a hard one to make, but that people’s preferences are changing over time.
“The decision to retire the Commodore nameplate has not been taken lightly by those who understand and acknowledge its proud heritage.”
“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.”
So rest in peace, Commodore. You had a good run, and we’ll miss you. Thanks for all the good times.
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