Staff at Warrnambool's Callaghan Motors have been assured their jobs are safe following the shock announcement the Holden brand would be phased out by 2021.
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Dealer principal Steve Callaghan said while Holden sales had dwindled, the announcement on Monday still came as a shock.
"When I was driving to work yesterday I didn't expect to be driving home knowing what we do now," he said.
Mr Callaghan said it came as a shock, with the dealership selling Holdens for 62 years.
But he said his employees have no reason to fear for their future at the company.
"It won't affect any of our 70 employees," he said.
"They've been assured their jobs are safe."
Mr Callaghan said the dealership had diversified in recent years, which meant it was able to withstand the phasing out of the brand.
"We've got several other brands," he said.
He said the dealership sold Mitsubishi, Suzuki, Mercedes Benz cars and vans, caravans and Polaris motorbikes.
"I'm shocked, but not surprised," Mr Callaghan said.
"We will adapt and move on."
He said he may consider taking on another car brand, but his main priority was assuring customers who had recently purchased Holdens the dealership would still service and repair the cars.
"The good news is that GM will be supporting the service and parts business for at least 10 years," Mr Callaghan said.
"Anyone who has purchased a car or will purchase a car in the liquidation period will be able to buy with confidence."
Mr Callaghan said people looking to buy a new vehicle would be able to make the most of the exit sale savings.
"Once we get things set up with our run-out campaign there will be some sensational value in terms of what's on offer," he said.
Mr Callaghan said it was a sad day for the motoring industry.
"Our family has been involved with GM Holden for 62 years," he said.
"(The brand) has been a big part of our lives for such a long time."
GM International operations senior vice president Julian Blissett said the company had made the difficult decision after implementing and considering numerous options to maintain and turn around Holden operations.
"After comprehensive assessment, we regret that we could not prioritise the investment required for Holden to be successful for the long-term in Australia and New Zealand, over all other considerations we have globally," Mr Blissett said.
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