Holden’s departure from Australia five years ago did not eliminate its cultural impact, particularly in parts of New South Wales where the brand stays widely recognized. Records from Transport for NSW reveal that Sanctuary Point, a coastal town 190 kilometers south of Sydney, has the highest number of Holden registrations in the state, totaling 9,136. Southern suburbs also show strong support, with Barrack Heights (5,615 registrations) and Worrigee (5,470 registrations) featuring prominently. Even in regional areas like South Tamworth (4,373) and West Kempsey (3,752), Holden’s influence persists beyond major urban centers.
The Holden Commodore drives these figures, representing 65,615 registrations across 82 NSW suburbs. Despite Australia’s new-car market now including over 60 brands, with Chinese automakers gaining ground, the Commodore remains a standout. While utes and SUVs dominate national new vehicle sales, small cars and hatchbacks lead registration trends in New South Wales.
Holden’s continued relevance aligns with broader market patterns. In September 2026, the Commodore ranked as the ninth best-selling used car in Australia, and the brand itself held the ninth spot in NSW registrations, behind Toyota, Mazda, Subaru, Hyundai, Ford, and Volkswagen. Meanwhile, the Toyota Corolla, Australia’s most registered vehicle, accounts for 2.9 million examples statewide. Suburbs like Blacktown (37,726 Corollas) and Castle Hill (34,350 Corollas) reflect its dominance. Demographer Mark McCrindle attributes this to affordability, as many residents rely on second-hand Corollas or maintain older family vehicles for long-term savings.
Even after production ceased, Holden’s footprint remains visible on local roads and in used-car listings. Ads for models like a 2007 Holden Caprice priced at $19,990 and a 2018 Trax at $8,999 demonstrate the brand’s ongoing presence in the secondhand market. The brand’s persistence shows how regional loyalty and practical needs can endure beyond corporate decisions, leaving some communities viewing Holden not as a brand that departed, but as one that remained embedded in their daily lives.