New federal Industry Minister Ian Macfarlane is the man to save Holden, independent Senator Nick Xenophon says.
"If Ian Macfarlane can't pull off this deal for Holden, then no one can," Senator Xenophon told reporters in Adelaide.
The senator took part in a tour of the Holden assembly operations on Wednesday, along with company boss Mike Devereux, Mr Macfarlane and South Australian Premier Jay Weatherill.
He has been a stronger supporter of ongoing assistance for the car producer, warning of the impacts on the local community and the wider South Australian and national economies if it closes its manufacturing operations.
Senator Xenophon said with the new industry minister there was real hope that a deal could be struck.
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"This is not just about South Australia's interests, this is about the national interests," he said.
"Who knows what happens in the next few weeks. But so far, so good."
Last year Holden was promised $275 million to develop and build two new cars in Australia from 2016.
But the company is now thought to need as much as $500 million in government help.
Mr Macfarlane has urged all those involved in talks with the company to put politics aside but says it will be a huge challenge to reach a successful outcome.
