General Motors’ 100 years in Australia celebrated in former HSV boss’s book

Last year, Ford celebrated 100 years of operating in Australia, as it now holds the title of the longest continually operating car brand in local showrooms, following the late 2024 demise of Citroen.

In 2026, another big brand is about to celebrate its centenary, with November 1, 2026 representing 100 years since General Motors was incorporated as an Australian company, and now its history is being detailed in an upcoming book.

Written by John Crennan, who was Holden Special Vehicles (HSV) managing director for 22 years, and had been a part of the Holden family since 1962, the 260-page hardcover book is limited to just 1000 copies.

Celebrating 100 Years of General Motors in Australia... More Than a Car Company (Limited-Edition Hardcover) - Pre Order

On 1 November 1926, General Motors was incorporated as an Australian company at City Road, South Melbourne. Shortly afterwards, about 120 head-office staff gathered out the front for a photograph. In the front row was a young man named Harry Crennan, who would serve the company for 42 years. A century later, his son Jo

Authentic Collectables

Available through Authentic Collectables, it details the early days of General Motors’ Australian tenure from its inception in 1926, the launch of the first Holden in 1948, and the shuttering of the famed brand in 2020.

Now operating through its General Motors Specialty Vehicles (GMSV, selling Chevrolet and GMC) and Cadillac brands, much has changed in the world of GM Australia across the past 100 years, all of which is detailed by Crennan.

Priced from $100, the book will be printed in Melbourne and begin deliveries later this month.