Open for business

By Caitlin Bewley

Parent company General Motors has retired the Holden name, but clients of the Bacchus Marsh dealership will see no changes for years to come.
The discontinuation of Holden comes after an Australian leadership team presented a business case to GM executives.
This resulted in the decision to cut investments into future Australian Holden models because of the lack of significant financial return.
Managing Director of Alan Mance Motors Group, Phillip Mance, reassured people of Bacchus Marsh and surrounds with outstanding warranties will not be affected by the closure of the company.
“Holden after sales division will be around for 10-years, so all warranty, parts and service for Holden’s will be honoured well into the future,” he told the Moorabool News.
“Bacchus Marsh is mainly a service and parts centre for Holden, Mitsubishi, LDV, Nissan and Kia, and services all makes and models for the people and surrounds of Bacchus Marsh,” Mr Mance said.
A 72-year stint wasn’t long enough to keep Holden afloat in Australia and the Motor Trades Association of Queensland (MTA) said this will affect the country both economically and socially.
“The departure of Holden comes at a time where franchised new car dealers are under immense pressure from global manufacturers,” Group CEO of MTA Queensland, Dr Brett Gale said.
“This development re-affirms the need for government to thoroughly consider the framework of the new automotive franchising code in Australia to ensure that has adequate protection for businesses who’ve invested millions of dollars.”
Alan Mance Holden is located at 4 Graham Street Bacchus Marsh.