By Jessica Anstice
The iconic Holden brand will be exiting the right-hand-drive market at the end of this year, meaning the future of Holden’s famous Lang Lang Proving Ground is still up in the air.
With news of Holden retiring out of the Australian and New Zealand markets only announced on Monday 17 February, a statement released by General Motors states the Australian-owned company will “explore options” around the Lang Lang Proving Ground.
The Lang Lang Proving Ground, a Holden vehicle testing facility, was established about 63 years ago on a 2152-acre site off the Bass Highway. Since opening, it has been used to test every Holden model starting with the Holden FC.
In 2018, the Holden ground underwent a significant $15.9 million upgrade that focused on refurbishing road surfaces and improving test facilities.
In an attempt to contact the Lang Lang Proving Ground, with not much luck the Gazette discovered the incredibly secretive facility is informally known as “Australia’s Area 51”.
About 600 Holden employees will lose their jobs but it is undetermined just how many are based at the Lang Lang Proving Ground.
In another statement released, General Motors announced impacted Holden employees will be provided separation packages and employment transition support while the company’s aftersales network will continue to handle recalls or safety-related issues.
General Motors international operations senior vice president Julian Blissett said General Motors had taken the difficult decision after implementing and considering numerous options to maintain and turn around Holden operations.
“Through its proud 160-year history, Holden has not only made cars, it has been a powerful driver of the industrialisation and advancement of Australia and New Zealand,” he said.
“Over recent years, as the industry underwent significant change globally and locally, we implemented a number of alternative strategies to try to sustain and improve the business, together with the local team.”
