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Holden will be axed at the end of 2021, ending 160 years of the brand's association with Australia.

Holden's global parent company General Motors has decided to retreat from right-hand drive vehicles internationally, informing Holden staff and dealers at midday today.

Approximately 600 of 800 jobs will be lost, including workers from Holden's design studio and Lang Lang proving ground.

© AAP The VF Commodore was the last Australian-made vehicle ever manufactured in the country.

All Holden employees being sacked will be provided with separation packages and employment transition support.

The remaining workers will stay on to service Holden's ongoing warranty commitments for at least 10 years.

GM Holden's Interim Chairman and Managing Director Kristian Aquilina said the brand will always have a "special place" in Australian history.

© AAP Holden announced on 17 February 2020 it is closing down its operations in Australia. The last Holden Commodore is shown, as imported by General Motors.

"Holden will always have a special place in the development of our countries. As Australia and New Zealand grew, Holden was a part of the engine room fuelling that development," said Aquilina.

"Today's announcement will be felt deeply by the many people who love Holdens, drive Holdens and feel connected to our company which has been with us for 160 years and is almost ubiquitous in our lives.

"Unfortunately, all the hard work and talent of the Holden family, the support of our parent company GM and the passion of our loyal supporters have not been enough to overcome our challenges."

© Getty

Holden was founded as a saddlery in South Australia in 1856 before moving into building vehicles in 1908.

Holden became a subsidiary of the United States-based General Motors in 1931, beginning the brand's 89 year history as a combined entity.

In December 2013 Holden announced it would cease production of vehicles in Australia and transition to an import-focused business model.

© AAP Holden also boasts a strong motorsport presence, the future of which is currently unclear.

In 2017 the last Australian made vehicles – the venerable VF Commodore – rolled off the line at Adelaide's Elizabeth plant.

Currently Holden imports General Motors vehicles into Australia from its sales headquarters in Port Melbourne.

Holden is also supported by a national parts distribution centre, a global design studio and its traditional car proving ground at Lang Lang.