General Motors has confirmed a new boss for its Holden division, while announcing plans to roll out 24 new models in the next five years.
Mark Bernhard, who began his career at Holden in 1986, will return as chairman and managing director according to president of GM International Stefan Jacoby.
Bernhard began his career in the automotive industry at Holden in 1986, undertaking senior finance roles across GM’s global operations over the past four decades. He is a former cfo of GM Holden and his current position is vice president and cfo of Shanghai GM.
Jacoby says that given his background and experience, Bernhard is the right person to lead GM Holden.
“Mark’s knowledge of GM Holden, including New Zealand, our region and GM’s global operations will serve him well in his new role,” Jacoby says.
“He will champion the ongoing transition of GM Holden in Australia to a National Sales Company and the repositioning of the Holden brand for long-term growth and profitability.”
Bernhard briefly visited Australia this week to speak with dealers and will take up his new role in the third quarter this year. He will succeed interim md and cfo Jeff Rolfs.
“I want to thank Jeff for taking on leadership of GM Holden on an interim basis. Once the transition with Mark is complete, Jeff will continue to play an important role at GM Holden as cfo,” Jacoby says.
Jacoby also announced details of Holden’s major new vehicle launch program, delivering 24 major new vehicle launches and 36 new powertrain combinations over the next five years.
“GM is investing significantly to broaden the Holden product portfolio and deliver world-class vehicles,” Jacoby says.
“Holden is accessing GM’s global operations to assemble its biggest and best ever product line-up,” he explains. This new model onslaught will ensure Holden has world-class products in every major segment – a true customer-driven product strategy.” 
“While I can’t reveal all the details, I can say that Holden will debut an all-new Barina Spark in the first quarter of 2016, launch a global Captiva replacement and another all-new, world- class SUV to ensure comprehensive offerings in the crucial SUV market segment.”
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