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Holden, officially GM Holden Ltd was the Australian subsidiary of General Motors (GM), the world’s second largest automaker.

Holden vehicles, in addition to nameplate, are designated by a series code. For example, the 1971–1974 Holden Kingswood has been assigned the series code "HQ", and the 2002–2004 Holden Commodore, "VY". Often these series codes are not arbitrary. In the case of the VY above, the "V" stands for the GM V platform that underpins it. The letter "Y" is not however significant; it is simply a logical successor to the previous "VX" Commodore model. Meaning can be found in other codes. The TX Gemini and MB Barina for example, where the "T" and the "M" denote the GM T and M platforms that underpin each vehicle, respectively. While the majority of Holden cars follow this double-letter format (not necessarily based on platform), anomalies exist. The "V2" code applies to the 2001–2004 Holden Monaro, with "V" indicating the V platform architecture and the "2" possibly referring to its two-door body style. Similarly, the 1998–2001 Holden Suburban designated "K8". The three-letter codes assigned to the WFR series Holden Shuttle and UBS Jackaroo are the remaining incongruous designations. These codes are simply those carried over from the original Isuzu models that the Shuttle and Jackaroo derive from.

The VY series of Holdens were not restricted to the Commodore; VY Berlina and Calais cars were also marketed. All three are essentially identical, except in terms of level of equipment and luxury and have therefore been separated using different nameplates. Holden’s record of separating fundamentally identical cars by nameplate to occupy different niches applies mainly to their locally made "large" cars, for example, the Holden Belmont/Kingswood/Premier, Commodore/Berlina/Calais and Statesman/Caprice. Derivative versions with unique body styles, like the Monaro coupe often share the series code with their donor model. Outside of "large" cars, the only other Holdens to have operated in a similar manner are the UBS Jackaroo/Monterey twins and the LX and UC Sunbird/Torana. Generally, only the "large" Holdens are referred to by series code, thus this list is confined to listing only these models. List of Holden vehicles by nameplate covers these excluded cars, with the "large" Holden models occupying both lists.

First generation (1948–1956)

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Second generation (1956–1960)

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Third generation (1960–1962)

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Fourth generation (1962–1965)

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Fifth generation (1965–1968)

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Sixth generation (1968–1971)

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Seventh generation (1971–1984)

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Eighth generation (1978–1988)

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Ninth generation (1988–2000)

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Tenth generation (1997–2007)

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Eleventh generation (2006–2013)

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References

Notes

1. For the 1973 model year (beginning 1 September 1972) Vehicle Identification Numbers (VIN) were mandated by the Australian Government. As a result of this, Holden introduced a new VIN-derived model code system which was phased into production from October 1972. However, the older style model numbers remained on the body identification plate for the remainder of HQ production.
2. Eight-cylinder engine (V8) model produced from February 1972.
3. ^ Statesmans not marketed as "Holdens", but under the separate "Statesman" marque.
4. ^ Prior to July 1973, Monaro GTS and Monaro GTS 350 utilised the 8N69 (Kingswood) VIN.
5. ^ XX7 had 15.5 long cwt (1,740 lb; 790 kg) carrying capacity until September 1975, when 10 long cwt (1,120 lb; 510 kg) suspension was fitted.
6. ^ XU3 had 15.5 long cwt (1,740 lb; 790 kg) carrying capacity.
7. ^ XU3 had 14.5 long cwt (1,620 lb; 740 kg) carrying capacity.
8. ^ XX7 had 10 long cwt (1,120 lb; 510 kg) carrying capacity.
9. New frontal styling for the One Tonner cab chassis released on 31 March 1981 utilised the 8WM60 (V8N) model code.
10. New frontal styling for the utility released on 1 July 1980 utilised the 8WM80 (V8N) model code.
11. New frontal styling for the panel van released on 1 July 1980 utilised the 8WM70 (V8N) model code.
12. ^ HDTs not marketed as "Holdens", but under the separate "Holden Dealer Team" (HDT) marque.
13. ^ "V6Q – 334" had the 4.2-litre engine, which was the only version initially available when released. Demand for 3.3- and 5.0-litre versions led to the July 1980 introduction of the "V6Q – 335" and "V6Q – 336" packages, respectively.
14. ^ B01 had the 4.2-litre engine; BY2 the 5.0-litre engine.
15. ADP stands for "Australian Dealer Pack" (could be applied to SL, SL/X, and SL/E).
16. ADP stands for "Australian Dealer Pack" (could be applied to SL, Berlina, and Calais).
17. ^ Option code depends on engine type:
    • A8Q: 3.0 L RB30E six-cylinder.
    • A8R: 3.0 L RB30ET six-cylinder turbo.
    • A8S: 5.0 L EFI V8.
    • A8T: 2.0 L RB20E six-cylinder (export).
18. ^ Dealership marketing special.
19. ^ HSVs not marketed as "Holdens", but under the separate "Holden Special Vehicles" (HSV) marque.
20. ^ Option code depends on whether manual or automatic transmission is specified (manual listed first).

Citations

1. Bunkley, Nick (21 January 2009). "Toyota Ahead of G.M. in 2008 Sales". The New York Times. Retrieved 15 May 2009.
2. ^ Bebbington (2009), 60 Years of Holden, p. 55.
3. ^ Bebbington (2009), 60 Years of Holden, p. 61.
4. ^ Bebbington (2009), 60 Years of Holden, p. 66–67.
5. ^ Bebbington (2009), 60 Years of Holden, p. 71.
6. ^ Bebbington (2009), 60 Years of Holden, p. 75.
7. ^ Bebbington (2009), 60 Years of Holden, p. 79.
8. ^ Bebbington (2009), 60 Years of Holden, p. 82.
9. ^ Bebbington (2009), 60 Years of Holden, p. 85.
10. ^ Bebbington (2009), 60 Years of Holden, p. 90.
11. ^ Bebbington (2009), 60 Years of Holden, p. 95.
12. Holden's Motor Company sales brochure AD10304 of February 1988
13. ^ Bebbington (2009), 60 Years of Holden, p. 99–100.

Bibliography

• Bebbington, Terry (2009). 60 Years of Holden. Padstow, New South Wales: Haynes Manuals. ISBN 978-1-876953-58-4.

• Lists of cars
• Holden vehicles by series