Holden’s testing ground sold to Vietnamese car company
Lang Lang was used by General Motors to test many of its brands. Photo: Supplied
Automotive manufacturer VinFast and GM Holden have signed an agreement for VinFast to purchase the iconic GM Holden Proving Ground at Lang Lang in Victoria, Australia.
The famous testing ground was put up for sale after General Motors (GM) axed the Holden brand in Australasia earlier this year. But recently it announced the formation of GM Specialty Vehicles that would bring in such vehicles as the Silverado 1500 ute and Corvette and convert them to right-hand-drive for Australia and New Zealand customers.
VinFast is a private automotive startup manufacturer based in Vietnam and plans to market electric vehicles to the United States by 2021.
GM Holden Interim Chairman and Managing Director Kristian Aquilina said the sale meant that global automotive research and development would continue at the Lang Lang Proving Ground.
“The Lang Lang Proving Ground will continue to shape the global automotive industry,” said Aquilina. “Over the past five years, GM has invested in the laboratories and tracks at the site, which will now be well utilised by its new owners.
“This deal hits a sweet spot of a fair sale value, a ready-made facility for VinFast’s needs, ongoing employment for departing Holden employees and the preservation of amenity for the community.
“In some ways, it’s the end of an era. We pay tribute to the rich automotive history created at the Proving Ground, and the brilliant Holden people who worked there. At the same time, it's genuinely pleasing to know there’s a bright future there as well,” Aquilina concluded.
VinFast said it was committed to the ongoing protection of the local bushland and environment and it intends to continue to allow access for community Landcare activities. The company also intends to honour Holden’s heritage at the iconic site by allowing access for Holden car clubs and former employee open days.
Aquilina said that under the agreement, GM Specialty Vehicles will continue to access the Lang Lang site for testing and engineering validation of new products in local conditions.