Holden Logo Meaning and History: Of Lions, Stones, and Wheels

Holden is one of the limited indigenous Australian automobile manufacturers. Subsequently, it became a significant component of GM, impacting not only the domestic market but also international export markets. Nevertheless, the brand has an interesting history of its own, and for the people looking for Holden logo meaning, there is an interesting anecdote. Similar to many other brands, Holden became a part of GM through an acquisition.

Holden Logo PNG

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Holden Information

Founded 1856
Founder James Alexander Holden Sir Edward Holden
Logo creator Rayner Hoff
Headquarters Port Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
Official website www.holden.com.au
Owner General Motors

Holden Logo History and Evolution

As indicated in the table provided, Holden was founded in 1856 at a time when motorcars did not yet exist. Consequently, Holden did not initially engage in automobile production. Its origins trace back to a saddle manufacturing venture established by James Alexander Holden. Following a period of early success, James observed a decline in the business and subsequently transformed it into a partnership with H A Frost, leading to the formation of Holden & Frost.

The business was inherited by James’ son, H J Holden, but it continued its focus on saddle and related product manufacturing. The transition into automobile production only occurred in 1919 when Holden’s Motor Body Builders (HMBB) was established. This transformation was brought about by Edward Wheewall Holden’s persuasion of his father to shift from the saddlery business.

This period also coincided with the Australian government’s restrictions on motor car imports, aimed at supporting the local automotive body-building industry. Edward Holden entered into an agreement to import chassis from General Motors and fit them with locally produced bodies. This move proved to be advantageous, and the business flourished in the following years.

In 1931, Holden officially became a part of General Motors through the acquisition of HMBB, which was subsequently merged with General Motors (Australia) Limited.

Holden Logo PNG Vector

Holden Logo PNG Vector

Holden Logo Meaning: Lion and Stone

Holden’s contemporary logo features a lion clutching a stone, and this emblem made its debut on vehicles in 1928. Before this change, Holden vehicles sported a badge that paid tribute to its factory and showcased a mystical figure with wings and a sledgehammer.

Holden's Motor Body Builders Logo
By sv1ambo – [:File:1928 Chevrolet National tourer (8701042412).jpg], CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=60437563

The contemporary Holden logo was crafted by sculptor Rayner Hoff and draws inspiration from a fable wherein observations of lions rolling stones contributed to the invention of the wheel. Although Hoff’s design had minimal details, primarily featuring the lion and the stone, it played a crucial role in establishing a distinct visual identity for Holden vehicles. It’s worth noting that this interpretation and the meaning behind the Holden logo may appear unconventional, but the automotive world is replete with such intriguing tidbits of history and symbolism.

Holden Emblem 1928

Since then, the Holden emblem has undergone several alterations to maintain its contemporary appeal. However, the company has been careful not to stray from the symbolism of the lion and stone, ensuring that this core analogy remains intact.

Holden Text Logo

Regrettably, this renowned brand met its demise in 2020 as the sales of its flagship Commodore car continued to decline due to the strong Australian dollar and diminishing government support.

Holden logo meaning

Despite the automotive brand’s disappearance from the corporate landscape, it remains alive in the collective consciousness of the general public. Fond memories are rekindled with the mere sight of the Holden logo.

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