Many Australians were very proud when Prime Minister Ben Chifley launched the first General Motors Holden car on 29 November 1948. At the time it was acclaimed as ‘Australia’s first car’. This 48/215 model was the first Australian car to be mass-produced in Australia. Although it was based on an American design, it contained 92% Australian components. It was manufactured in Victoria, providing jobs and helping to make cars more affordable for ordinary people. The 48/215 cost £675 plus tax, or a total of £733 to buy. Within four years, almost 30% of new cars bought in Australia were Holdens, making them the most popular new cars.