Australian Auto industry still has future

Federal, state and local governments are being urged to buy Australian made vehicles, to support the local automotive industry.

Agreement on this basic requirement was reached at an industry summit, attended by the Prime Minister Julia Gillard, vehicle industry unions and company leaders, in Melbourne last week.

“All parties acknowledged the shared responsibility in ensuring a viable, innovative and efficient automotive industry,” the participants said, in a statement issued afterwards.

“The meeting expressed a shared commitment and optimism about the future of automotive manufacturing in Australia,” they added.

They acknowledged too, that community involvement and support would be needed.

The prime minister – and other participants – said: ”Today’s meeting agreed on the importance of cooperation and community involvement in implementing the $76 million package of measures announced in response to Ford’s recent decision to cease manufacturing operations in Australia in October 2016.”

Summit participants noted that Ford will remain in local production until that date, and will continue as a significant employer in design, engineering and sales.

They also acknowledged the importance of the industry to Australia.

“The meeting acknowledged that a successful automotive industry, which creates skilled jobs, drives high-level research and supports other technologically sophisticated industries, is a marker for an advanced economy and its manufacturing capability,” says the statement.

Participants admitted that Ford’s decision to stop local production from 2016 had been a blow, but also said there had been: “other positive developments including recent investment decisions by Holden and Toyota.”