With GM announcing the demise of Pontiac, the sale of Saturn and Hummer, and the cloudy future of most of its European brands, it was inevitable that people would start questioning the future of Holden within the General Motors empire.

But now a Holden spokesman has cleared the air, saying that for the time being Holden’s position as the local branch of GM is secure.

Some of the negative speculation has come from industry commentator Ian Porter, who said in a recent interview with the AAP newsagency that:

“GM is teetering on the brink of extinction and it could fall over and evaporate.”

“There’s nothing safe or secure about GM. Anything is possible when you continue in such a parlous state.

“It would be a worse-case scenario for General Motors to sell Holden.”

Mr Porter also said that Chinese car company Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation would be a likely buyer for a dumped Holden, but we went straight to the source and contacted Holden’s media relations manager Scott Whiffin, who quashed the rumours.

“I don’t know the circumstances, but it sounds a bit like [Mr Porter] was asked a ‘what if’ question and gave a ‘what if’ answer,” Mr Whiffin said.

“There is no shortage of speculation in this environment, that’s life, but the facts are that GM is going through a process of reinvention that will see it emerge alive and well as a leaner, faster and more customer-focussed organisation.

“GM’s messages about Holden have been straightforward - they have said we are a viable, valuable and important part of its global picture.

“So to the question is Holden about to be sold-off – the answer is no. Are there discussions underway to sell or even offer a stake in Holden – again, no.”

There you have it ladies and gents, and straight from the horses mouth too. Times may be tough, but Holden’s staying put.