ADELAIDE - Holden has confirmed production of a new small car at its Adelaide assembly operations.
The company said production of the, as yet unnamed, four cylinder model would begin in the third quarter of 2010.
Holden will produce diesel and petrol versions but is also considering options
to run it on alternative fuels such as ethanol and LPG.
Holden chairman and managing director Mark Reuss said the new car would help ensure the long term viability of the Elizabeth manufacturing operations and came at a pivotal time in the company's 60-year manufacturing industry in Australia.
"This redefines our future and acknowledges we can take several paths at once," Mr Reuss said.
"These are challenging times but we have clear direction and from that we will emerge stronger."
Mr Reuss said the announcement was also good news for the company's South Australian workforce.
"We are breathing extra life into our new vehicles manufacturing operations."
Prime Minister Kevin Rudd was on hand for today's announcement and promised to do everything possible to support both Holden and the car industry into the future.
"We are here to celebrate the future of this great city, we are here to celebrate the future of this great industry and we are here to celebrate the future of this great Australian name, Holden," Mr Rudd said.
- AAP
