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Vietnamese carmaker buys Lang Lang, but GM to test vehicles still

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Vietnamese carmaker buys Lang Lang, but GM to test vehicles still


Vinfast, a Vietnamese start-up owned by one of the Asian country's richest men, has purchased the iconic Lang Lang proving ground east of Melbourne, once owned by General Motors Holden and the location for local testing and development of many Holden vehicles.


But since GM axed Holden earlier this year, the big US company has been looking to liquidate assets and one of its largest was the 872 hectare (2155 acre) Lang Lang site. Vinfast was a keen suitor and has now finalised the sale, though the purchase price remains unknown. GM has also snagged itself rights to continue using the test track for its Australian GM Special Vehicles brand of cars, including the new Corvette.


Vinfast will also open the site for Holden enthusiasts and tracks days, honouring its heritage, though it remains unclear what native protection overlays may be put in place for the unique flora and fauna at the site. Vinfast doesn’t just own Lang Lang, either, with the fledgeling car company owning a Port Melbourne office just around the corner from the old Salmon Street Holden HQ.

The new owners of the test track out-bid interested buyers, reportedly including Lindsay Fox, owner of the Anglesea Proving Ground. Vinfast plans to develop its Asia-Pacific region cars at the new Lang Lang site.

Its first round of cars will be produced on BMW architecture, the company having purchased rights from the German maker to use its previous generation platform as a base. However, the sheet metal will be all Vinfast’s work. The fast-tracked program is an efficient transition into vehicle production which is slated to happen in Vietnam.

Executives and talent recruited by Vinfast include ex Holden, Ford, and Toyota employees.

GM Holden Interim Chairman and Managing Director Kristian Aquilina confirmed GM Special Vehicle would use the site, according to Holden’s press release, yet admitted it was also the end of an era.

“The Lang Lang Proving Ground will continue to shape the global automotive industry. Over the past five years, GM has invested in the laboratories and tracks at the site, which will now be well utilised by its new owners.

“This deal hits a sweet spot of a fair sale value, a ready-made facility for VinFast’s needs, ongoing employment for departing Holden employees and the preservation of amenity for the community.

“In some ways, it’s the end of an era. We pay tribute to rich automotive history created at the Proving Ground, and the brilliant Holden people who worked there. At the same time, its genuinely pleasing to know there’s a bright future there as well.”
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Subju

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lmoengnr

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Hope they maintain an automotive connection for many years.
 

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krusing

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Why would you even buy Vietnamese CRAP,
or Korean CRAP,
They are a Disposable CARS, NOT WORTH fixing.

That is exactly why your car "GOOD USED SECOND HAND CAR" worth nothing now !
And is why the A______ end has fallen out of the Secondhand Car Market into a heap.
That is Why I am "hanging on to my AUSSIE CARS" !
That has been my opinion since the Hyundai was introduced in to Australia'
What a massive big mistake that was !!!
Don't like it, bad luck, everybody to their own !
Support the Local Manufactures, Well some of us did while it lasted !
 

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figjam

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https://www.whichcar.com.au/car-news/holden-lang-lang-proving-ground-for-sale

There is something that stinks about the VinFast / GM tie up.
GM could have sold Holden, and it had the buyer who wanted to do that, but they insisted on just destroying the brand and its infrastructure, at the reported cost of US$$billions. None of that makes sense.
It is good that some Australian jobs will continue, but for a RHD VinFast Commodore, don't hold your breath.
Don't forget that Holden 'bought' Deawoo and turned it into GM South Korea, and now that company is on its way out.
I suspect that VinFast is a political and economic fancy dress party for GM.
 

mpower

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so now they are just pissing on the grave.
 

krusing

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https://www.whichcar.com.au/car-news/holden-lang-lang-proving-ground-for-sale

There is something that stinks about the VinFast / GM tie up.
GM could have sold Holden, and it had the buyer who wanted to do that, but they insisted on just destroying the brand and its infrastructure, at the reported cost of US$$billions. None of that makes sense.
It is good that some Australian jobs will continue, but for a RHD VinFast Commodore, don't hold your breath.
Don't forget that Holden 'bought' Deawoo and turned it into GM South Korea, and now that company is on its way out.
I suspect that VinFast is a political and economic fancy dress party for GM.

Interesting article and reading.
 

Subju

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