Holden Apollo
| Company type | Automobile model |
|---|---|
| Industry | Automotive |
| Predecessor | Holden Camira |
| Founded | 1989 |
| Defunct | 1997 |
| Successor | Holden Vectra |
Area served | Australia |
| Products | Compact and mid-size automobiles |
The Holden Apollo was marketed in Australia by Holden as a compact and later mid-size automobile from 1989 until 1997. It replaced the GM-developed Holden Camira and was essentially a rebadged iteration of the Toyota Camry, which was also available in the Australian market. The Apollo corresponded with two generations of the Camry: the V20 series, identified as JK and its facelifted JL variant, followed by the XV10 generation, designated as JM and its refreshed JP version. Differences between the Apollo and Camry were limited to subtle changes in the grille design, lighting elements, and trim details.
This vehicle sharing arrangement emerged from the United Australian Automobile Industries (UAAI) alliance formed in 1987 between Toyota Australia and Holden, which initiated shared model production starting August 1989. The UAAI partnership was established under the federal government's Button car plan, designed to enhance automotive sector productivity by lowering tariffs and streamlining domestic vehicle manufacturing.
Manufacturing of the Apollo ceased in late 1996, with remaining units sold until mid-1997 when it was succeeded by the Opel-engineered Holden Vectra. Assembly occurred at Toyota’s Port Melbourne facility up to 1994, after which production shifted to the Altona plant.
Timeline
- August 1989 - Introduction of JK Apollo
- August 1991 - Launch of JL Apollo
- March 1993 - Release of JM Apollo
- September 1995 - Debut of JP Apollo
- Late 1996 - End of production
- June 1997 - Replacement by Holden Vectra