Holden Special Vehicles (HSV) says it will continue to produce performance cars in Australia beyond Holden’s manufacturing closure in 2017. What cars HSV will actually develop for local customers has yet to be determined.
HSV managing director Phil Harding confirmed the performance arm’s intentions to continue producing modified vehicles, just hours after Holden revealed it would be closing its manufacturing operations. HSV is no stranger to re-badging and selling performance versions of Holden’s Astra.
HSV currently produces six models which are based on the architecture and underpinnings of the VF Commodore. The modifications undertaken by HSV strictly apply to performance and cosmetic enhancements.
HSV’s new top-range model released earlier this year, the HSV GTS, is the fastest, most powerful car produced in Australia. In future General Motors could begin importing right-hand drive Chevrolet variants, such as the Camaro or Corvette, to appease local performance enthusiasts once the Commodore is axed. The Chevrolet SS – a rebadged Holden Commodore – currently being sold in the US and being used as the brand’s entrance into Nascar racing, is unlikely to be a short-term marketing decision as General Motors develops more right-hand-drive muscle cars for markets such as Australia in future.
HSV currently employs more than 200 people at its headquarters in Clayton, Victoria.