Holden Logo
Holden was an iconic Australian automobile manufacturer, initially a saddlery business. It later evolved into car production, becoming a subsidiary of General Motors (GM) in 1931. Famous for robust, performance-focused vehicles like the Commodore, Holden became a symbol of Australian automotive culture. Despite strong heritage, financial challenges led to GM discontinuing the Holden brand in 2020, marking the end of an era in Australia’s motoring history. The brand’s legacy remains in its significant contribution to the Australian car industry and motor sports.
Meaning and history
Holden began as a saddlery in South Australia in 1856. By 1917, it moved into auto body building. In 1931, General Motors (GM) acquired Holden, marking a new era. Post-WWII, Holden’s first all-Australian car, the 48-215, was launched. The 1950s and 60s saw Holden dominate the Australian market. Models like the Monaro and Torana became iconic in the 60s and 70s. The Commodore, launched in 1978, became Holden’s most popular car. Financial issues in the 1980s led to government bailouts. The 2000s brought challenges from global competition and high production costs. Despite a strong fan base, declining sales impacted the brand. In 2013, Holden announced the end of Australian production. The final Holden, a Commodore, was produced in 2017. GM retired the Holden brand in 2020, ending its Australian legacy.
Holden remains an important part of Australia’s automotive history.
What is Holden?
Holden was a prominent Australian car brand, renowned for producing vehicles tailored to Australian conditions and tastes. Originally a saddlery, it evolved into an automotive giant, symbolizing Australian manufacturing prowess until its closure in 2020.
1928 – 1969
The logo displays a roaring lion within a stone wheel, encapsulating motion and strength. The lion, a universal symbol of power, is depicted mid-roar, suggesting dominance and ferocity. The wheel signifies progress and industry, hinting at the brand’s automotive focus. Encircling the central image is a chain link, representing connectivity and resilience. The bold, capitalized “HOLDEN” text crowns the emblem, asserting a confident brand identity. This design conjures a sense of traditional craftsmanship intertwined with dynamic advancement.
1969 – 1994
In this modernized logo, a red lion is confidently placed, its right paw resting atop a wheel, signaling mastery and innovation. The design is sleek, with a sharp contrast between the red lion and the wheel, symbolizing motion and control. “HOLDEN” is inscribed below in a clean, assertive font, reinforcing the brand’s strength and legacy within the automotive industry. This emblem embodies a blend of tradition and progression, resonating with a bold, contemporary audience.
1994 – 2020
In this logo, the lion is reimagined with a starker contrast, encapsulated within a complete circle against a white background. The design is more abstract, focusing on the lion’s silhouette, which evokes power and pride. The Holden name appears in a stark, black font below, conveying a modern and clean aesthetic. This emblem represents a refined vision of the brand, aiming for simplicity and impact in its portrayal of heritage and forward motion.
2014 – 2016
The logo variation introduces a three-dimensional effect, with the lion and wheel given metallic shading for depth. Set against the familiar red backdrop, the emblem now pops with a glossy, modern finish. Beneath the logo, a new slogan appears: “LET’S GO THERE,” encouraging a sense of adventure and action, reinforcing Holden’s drive towards progress and exploration. This tagline adds a dynamic, forward-looking energy to the brand’s image.
2016 – 2019
The emblem now boasts a sleek monochrome palette, eschewing color for a sophisticated silver gradient. The lion and wheel are rendered in a chrome-like finish, exuding a sense of high-end craftsmanship and modernity. This design choice underscores a futuristic vision, with the metallic sheen reflecting precision and premium quality. The absence of any text lets the iconic imagery stand alone, asserting Holden’s strong brand recognition. This logo is a nod to a more premium, technology-driven direction for the brand.
2019 – 2020
Transitioning from the metallic sheen, the logo now features a bold, black-and-white design. The lion, starkly outlined against the circle, exudes simplicity and power. This return to a classic two-tone palette speaks to timeless design, focusing on strong contrast over the previous logo’s nuanced gradients. The name “Holden” is presented in a robust, no-nonsense typeface, emphasizing solidity and reliability. This stripped-back approach showcases a return to basics, highlighting the emblem’s enduring symbolism.
