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As its 50th anniversary year comes to a close, Holden still has plenty of reason to celebrate. In 1998, vehicle production at its Elizabeth (SA) manufacturing facility will nudge 120,000 units - an all-time record annual high. Total sales for the year, during which Holden consistently led the market, are expected to top 154,000 units, constituting the company's best result in 19 years. The outstandingly successful Holden Commodore has easily outsold rival Ford Falcon and will claim the title of Australia's top-selling car for the third year in a row.
1998 also marked Holden's return to volume exports. In a stunning start to the program, left-hand-drive Commodores being exported to Middle Eastern markets have met with such high demand that the car is already GM's top-selling passenger car in the region.
Other highlights of Holden's 50th anniversary year included the beginning of local production of the medium-sized Holden Vectra sedan and wagon - an export-related venture of major significance - and the launch of the pace-setting compact Holden Astra. Both models featured prominently in several 1998 'Best Car' awards, as did the Holden Commodore, which in January began the year on a high note by taking out the prestigious 1997 Wheels Car of the Year award.
In June, Holden's leadership in safety feature technology was further demonstrated when it became the first Australian manufacturer to offer the extra protection of side impact airbags.
This initiative won a commendation in the Windscreens O'Brien 1998 Achievement in Automotive Safety Awards, while the Society of Automotive Engineers-Australasia presented Holden Ltd with its Gold Automotive Engineering Excellence Award for the safety systems of the VT Commodore.
Through the year, in the lead-up to the 29 November anniversary of the launch of the first Holden, commemorative activities included the introduction of a sell-out series of limited edition, uniquely specified 50th Anniversary models. However, the Holden that took the nation by storm was the coupe design study version of the VT Commodore unveiled at the Sydney Motor Show in October.
On 29 November, an estimated 65,000 people nationwide joined Holden in celebrating the birth of the first Holden and the inauguration of the Australian motor industry at a series of events, culminating in a re-enactment at Fishermens Bend of the launch of the first Holden, attended by the Prime Minister, Mr John Howard.
Reflecting on the year Holden Chairman and Managing Director, Jim Wiemels, said that Holden has succeeded in making its 50th anniversary a year of exceptional performance.
"Holden's achievements of record production volume, extraordinary success in new export markets, and a successfully expanding product range showed Holden's determination to take its industry leadership heritage into the next century", Jim Wiemels concluded.
| Holden Awards, 1998 |
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| Holden Vectra 4 cylinder | Holden Astra |
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| NRMA BEST Cars 1998 | NRMA Best Cars 1998 |
| Best Medium Car | Best Small Medium Car |
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| RACV BEST Buys 1998 | RACT Best Car Awards 1998 |
| Medium Car Best Buy | Best Small Car |
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| The Age Top Ten 98 | RACQ QCAR Queensland Car Awards 1998 |
| Best Medium Car | Best Small Car |
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| The Age Top Ten 1998 |
| Holden Commodore | Best Small Car |
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| Wheels Car of the Year | Canberra Times |
| Best Car of '98 |
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| RACT Best Car Awards 1998 | 2CH Car of the Year, 1998 |
| Best Family Car | |
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| RACQ QCAR Queensland Car Awards 1998 | |
| Best Family Car | |
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| The Age Top Ten 1998 | |
| Best Family Car | Holden Statesman |
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Society of Automotive Engineers
- Australasia (SAE-A) | 2KY 1998 Car of the Year Awards |
| Gold Automotive Engineering Excellence Award | Best Value Luxury Car |
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Windscreens O'Brien 1998 Achievement in Safety Awards
Holden Side Impact Airbag | |
| Highly Commended - Industry Division | |
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| Sao Paulo Auto Show 1998 | |
| Most Admired Car | |
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