Laurence Hartnett

Sir Laurence John Hartnett CBE (1898–1986) was an engineer who made several important contributions to the Australian automotive industry.

Appointment as Managing Director of General Motors- Holden

Born in the United Kingdom, he was brought to Australia in 1934 by General Motors to head up its Australian subsidiary General Motors Holden (GMH), which it had acquired in 1931. At the time of his appointment as Managing Director, GMH was performing poorly, and Hartnett's brief was to either turn around the floundering business or close it down.

Hartnett successfully turned around the fortunes of the local subsidiary, which operated as a bodybuilder for imported car chassis, to the extent that in 1935, the company increased production to over 23,000 bodies, and declared a profit of 650,000 pounds.

In 1936, Hartnett instigated plans for production of an Australian car- these plans finally came to fruition in 1948, with the introduction of the Holden.

Contribution to Australia's War Effort

During World War II, Hartnett was appointed as Director of Ordnance Production by the Australian Government, and he made an important contribution to Australia's War effort.

Father of the Holden

After the War, Hartnett returned to GMH and continued to pursue the goal of producing an Australian car. This involved compromise with General Motors in Detroit, as Hartnett favoured development of a local design, while Detroit preferred to see a US design as the basis for "Australia's Own Car". Ultimately, shortly before the launch of the Holden in 1948, Hartnett resigned from his position as Managing Director of GMH.

Life after GMH

Hartnett continued to make important contributions to Australian motoring after he left GMH. He instigated an ambitious venture to build a uniquely Australian car (based on a Gregoire design). This car was front wheel drive, with a 600cc flat twin engine. The venture failed, after problems with the supplier of the aluminium body panels. Only 120 cars were produced, and few of these survive today.

Then, in 1957, he was involved in production of the Lloyd-Hartnett car- based on a German design. This venture also experienced misfortune, as Borgward, the German supplier of parts for the car suffered financial problems.

Promotion of Nissan

Hartnett's luck changed in 1959, when he saw a new Japanese car- the Datsun Bluebird- on display at a motor show. Hartnett commenced importing the Datsun to Australia, hence pioneering the importation of Japanese cars to Australia. This became a successful venture, and Hartnett was responsible for popularising the Nissan/ Datsun brand in Australia.

In 1966, Hartnett sought to establish local production of Nissan cars, but this was not successful. Nissan went on to assemble cars fromCKD kits in the Melbourne factory where Volkswagen cars were produced, and ultimately, Nissan commenced full production of cars in Australia.

Hartnett's legacy

Hence, Hartnett has left a legacy of playing a crucial role in the introduction of two of Australia's best selling brands of cars- Holden and Nissan.

References

Autobiography: Big Wheels and Little Wheels.Lansdowne Melbourne. 1964

External links

Australian Science Archives Project - Sir Laurence John Hartnett