Holden wheels out last ever locally made Commodore

Holden has unveiled the last ever locally made Commodore, marking the end of an era of Australian car manufacturing.

The new V8 Commodore VF II was wheeled out in Port Melbourne today and will be the last model made here before the building moves overseas in 2017.

While 2000 jobs are expected to go, maker General Motors today said more than 100 design jobs will remain on our shores despite being slated to be axed.

Nearly 1000 Holden jobs in Australia could remain here amid the move, with some corporate and engineering roles to be retained. 

"The engine plant here in Port Melbourne will cease production at the end of next year and the vehicle plant in South Australia in 2017," Holden Chairman Mark Bernhard said.

"We're committed to producing engines and vehicles until that time."

As Australian drivers move away from large passenger vehicles and towards small cars, Holden has followed in the path of Ford and Toyota in wrapping up local production.

Holden has not revealed where the VF II's replacement will be built, but has vowed the Commodore name will live on.