Holden introduces temporary seven-year warranty

Holden has announced a standard seven year/175,000km warranty for all new-vehicle purchases made from now until December 31 this year, eclipsing its usual three year/100,000km program and equalling Kia's industry-leading offering in longevity.

However, Kia still reigns supreme with its unlimited kilometre warranty, but Holden's temporary program still tops Toyota’s three year/100,000km, Mazda’s three year/unlimited kilometres and Hyundai’s five year/160,000km offerings.

As well as the extended warranty, Holden's capped-price servicing, road-side assist and 24-hour 'Take Your Time Test Drive' programs carry on, in addition to special drive-away pricing across most of its model line-up during October.

According to Holden product communications manager Mark Flintoft, the limited-time, peace-of-mind offering coincides with the Aussie carmaker's upcoming Elizabeth factory closure.

“We’re coming up to an interesting period for us,” he said. “We’ve got to close the plant down, so we just want to make sure we’re looking after customers during that period.

“Different manufacturers kind of go from three-, to five-, to seven-year warranties to test the market. We’re reminding customers that we’re still supporting them through what’s going to be a pretty difficult month.”

The new program will also be offered on the final examples of the home-grown VFII Commodore, as well as with the Equinox mid-size SUV that goes on sale from December 1.

From 2018 onwards, it is anticipated Holden will change its standard new-vehicle warranty back to a three year/100,000km offering.

Two months ago, an Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) investigation led to Holden introducing an industry-first 60-day guarantee for all of its new vehicles.

Under this guarantee, Holden buyers are provided with the choice of a repair, replacement or refund of their new vehicle if a fault renders it inoperable during the first 60 days of ownership.

Should a seven-year warranty become permanently available on all Holden models? Tell us what you think in the comments below.