Holden will host ‘goodbye cruise’ before factory closure

Holden is calling on owners of its cars both new and old to join a drive to farewell its local manufacturing.

Dubbed the ‘Holden Dream Cruise’, it promises to be a celebration similar to the biennial Woodward Dream Cruise which runs in Detroit.

The route is described by Holden as starting “from the Elizabeth City shopping centre, past Holden’s vehicle operations plant on Philip Highway, Elizabeth, before culminating in a giant family fun day and show ‘n’ shine car event at Central District Football Club’s My Money House Oval, at Elizabeth South.”

To that effect, the run is open for registration to owners of Aussie-made Holdens.

Leading the cruise will be examples of the first and last Holdens, a 1948 48/215 and a 2017 VF Commodore.

“The Holden Dream Cruise is not just for owners of classic Holden cars made in Australia but for the wider community,” says Richard Phillips, executive director of manufacturing.

“We want to hold an event that recognises the large community of people who care about the brand, its manufacturing heritage and its future.

“This includes not only customers and enthusiasts but people for whom employment at Holden has been an important part of their family, in some cases for decades.”

“We also want to reiterate that the final day of our local manufacturing will be a strictly private event. That last day is for our people – there will be nothing public happening on 20 October.

“The best way to help celebrate Holden the brand and your personal association with it is to join in or come along and line the route of the Holden Dream Cruise – this is the opportunity for Australia to show that pride and support for our people.”

So, now’s the time to get registered and make sure you can “clean your Commodore, tidy your Torana and chamois your Sandman” for the big day.

It’s going to be bittersweet.