Established in 1856, the Holden company started production in 1914 of the body for the Lancia and other cars, and in 1923 – also for vehicles by General Motors which, in 1926 and at its own GM (Australia) Pty Ltd., started the assembly of the chassis and engines. In 1931, GM bought Holden, and the new company took its present name. After World War II, since 1948, Holden was manufacturing Chevrolet cars, and until 1952 – Vauxhall vehicles. In November 1948, the firm launched its own 48/215 model, for the first time under the Holden brand.