Trade Minister Mark Vaile and Industry, Science and Resources Minister Senator Nick Minchin today announced that Australian automotive exports reached a record $4.2 billion in 2000, an increase of almost 30 percent on 1999.

Automotive products now rank ahead of the traditional export commodities of wheat, beef and wool.

Both Ministers welcomed this impressive export performance noting that export sales were an important measure of the success of the Government's Automotive Trade Strategy. They also noted that the export performance confirmed that the Government's approach to maintaining the future viability of the automotive industry by encouraging global integration was working.

"Saudi Arabia is now the principal export destination for Australian-made cars with imports of $896 million. In fact, more than 50 percent of all vehicles were exported to the Middle East region," Mr Vaile said.

Senator Minchin said industry had set itself a target of $6 billion in exports by 2005 and it was encouraging that this latest result represented a significant step towards achieving that target.

"The Government will continue to work closely with industry to encourage the development of a prosperous and internationally competitive automotive sector in Australia," Senator Minchin said.

Mr Vaile said that while export figures in all markets remained strong, for the first time Brazil was among the top ten destinations for automotive exports.

"This is evidence of the success the industry has had in attracting and establishing new export markets," Mr Vaile said.

Both Ministers were encouraged by an increase in automotive exports to Asia, in line with the continuing economic recovery of the region.

In the last calendar year, vehicle exports increased by 38 percent, while component exports increased by 20 percent. The United States, with imports of nearly half a billion dollars, continued to be the leading export market for Australian automotive components.

Contact:
James Baker Minister Vaile's office 02 6277 7420
Jennifer Eddy, Senator Minchin's office 02 6277 7580