What are Holdens called in America?
Holden, an iconic Australian car manufacturer, has a rich history of producing vehicles that are beloved in Australia and beyond. However, when these vehicles make their way to the United States, they are often rebranded under different names. In this article, we’ll explore what Holdens are called in America and why this rebranding occurs.
The Connection Between Holden and General Motors
Holden was a subsidiary of General Motors (GM), which played a significant role in determining how Holden vehicles were marketed and sold internationally. In the United States, GM often rebranded Holden models under its American brands to align with the preferences and expectations of the U.S. market.
Popular Holden Models and Their American Counterparts
Several Holden models have been rebranded and sold in the United States under different names. Here are some notable examples:
- Holden Commodore: In the U.S., the Holden Commodore was sold as the Pontiac G8 during the late 2000s. After Pontiac was discontinued, a newer version of the Commodore was reintroduced as the Chevrolet SS.
- Holden Monaro: This sporty coupe was marketed in the U.S. as the Pontiac GTO in the early 2000s, reviving the classic GTO nameplate.
- Holden Ute: While the Holden Ute (utility vehicle) never officially made it to the U.S. market, there were discussions about rebranding it as a Chevrolet El Camino revival, though this never came to fruition.
Why Rebranding Happens
The rebranding of Holden vehicles in the United States was primarily driven by marketing strategies. GM aimed to leverage the established recognition and loyalty of its American brands, such as Pontiac and Chevrolet, rather than introducing a new, unfamiliar brand like Holden to U.S. consumers. This approach allowed GM to streamline its global operations while catering to regional market preferences.
The Legacy of Holden in the U.S.
Although Holden ceased production in 2020, its vehicles continue to hold a special place in the hearts of car enthusiasts worldwide. In the United States, rebranded Holden models like the Pontiac G8 and Chevrolet SS have developed a cult following, celebrated for their performance, design, and connection to Australian automotive heritage.
Whether you know them as Holdens or by their American counterparts, these vehicles are a testament to the global reach and influence of automotive engineering and design.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Holden also known as?
The company was known as General Motors-Holden's Ltd (GM-H) – and had been since 1931. So when the company chose to name its first 'indigenous' car the 'Holden', that was the car's model name. In those days, 'Holden' was enough to identify the model and, implicitly, the brand – GM-H.
Are Camaros Holden?
OK, it's not a Holden, but with the end of local manufacturing the Camaro is the closest thing red fans can get to a Commodore SS-V Redline or HSV GTS. Hey, it's got a small-block Chev V8, it drives the rear wheels and it looks great doing it. And, of course, the Holden connection is strong.
What does Holden often call people?
Holden characterizes “phonies” as people who are dishonest or fake about who they really are, or people who play a part just to fit into a society that Holden questions. Therefore, Holden hates “phonies” because they represent everything he fears or fights against, such as adulthood, conformity, and commercialism.
What is Holden Commodore in the USA?
Chevrolet SS
Australian export models
From 2014 to 2017, the VF Commodore was sold in the United States as the Chevrolet SS and the sport version from HSV sold in the United Kingdom as the Vauxhall VXR8.
What is Holden in English?
The name Holden traces its origins to English etymology, derived from the words hol, meaning hollow, and denu, meaning valley. When combined, the name symbolizes an individual hailing from a hollow in the valley.
Can you get Holdens in the US?
Are Holden Utes legal in the US? As long as they meet emissions regulations in your jurisdiction and all US DOT safety standards (seat belts, safety glass, air bags?), then yes.
What is another name for Holden?
General Motors-Holden
Holden, formerly known as General Motors-Holden, was an Australian subsidiary company of General Motors.
Are a Holden and Chevy SS the same?
The 2013 to 2017 Holden Commodore was an executive car produced by the GM Australia marque Holden. This model year range was the last generation of the Commodore and was imported to the USA under the nameplate of the Chevy SS. Previously, the Commodore was briefly imported to the USA under the Pontiac G8 nameplate.
Are Australian cars legal in the US?
Yes, Australian cars can be imported to the USA, but they must meet specific safety, emissions, and other regulatory requirements set by the US government.
What is Holden called in America?
Chevrolet SS
From 2014 to 2017, the VF Commodore was sold in the United States as the Chevrolet SS and the sport version from HSV sold in the United Kingdom as the Vauxhall VXR8.
