Holden has also offered no response to news that Treasurer Tom Koutsantonis has written to the company to seek support for the reported plan.

InDaily has seen the letter, sent from Koutsantonis to Holden last Wednesday, which says that Gupta’s company GFG Alliance intended to develop the site as a manufacturing base for an electric vehicle.

GFG was seeking to buy some of Holden’s assets at the Adelaide factory in advance of a public auction, due to open last Friday, the letter reads.

“I understand that, should they be the successful bidder, they intend to develop the site as a manufacturing base for an electric vehicle utilising the innovative i-Stream technology developed by their partner, Gordon Murray Design,” Koutsantonis’s letter says.

“We are incredibly excited and supportive of the GFG Alliance’s bid and subsequent plans to ensure the continuation of our very proud history of automotive excellence and innovation in South Australia.”

A spokesperson for GFG Alliance declined to confirm whether any purchase had been made.

“We can’t say anything right now about this … it’s too early and we just don’t have any clarity,” the spokesperson said, adding that the company would likely be able to confirm the situation within about five days.

Gupta has major interests in SA after taking over the Arrium steelworks in Whyalla along with the company’s other operations across the country.

– with AAP