Media Release
23 October, 2009
Expanding Auto Exports To Asia
Trade Minister Simon Crean today launched a new initiative designed to consolidate and expand Australian auto exports to Asia.
AutoLink Australia will help connect advanced Australian design and manufacturing capability to auto industries in emerging Asian economies.
“AutoLink’s initial aim will be to sell into Thailand and India, but in the long run China and other Asian centres of growth will naturally come into focus,” Mr Crean said.
“The AutoLink cluster represents an innovative way for the industry to tap into the growing export markets of Asia by selling existing products but also offering new designs on demand.”
The program brings together a cluster of nine leading Australian automotive firms which produce automotive parts, design interiors and deliver advanced automotive services.
“It is based on the idea that cooperation on the design and manufacture of automotive parts and interiors for overseas markets is a good business strategy,” Mr Crean said.
“Through partnerships the Australian auto industry is better able to plug into global supply chains.”
“In February I signed the historic free trade agreement between New Zealand, Australia and the ten nations of ASEAN, known as AANZFTA.”
“When this agreement comes into force on January 1, 2010, AANZFTA will significantly reduce tariffs for Australian exports of cars and parts in ASEAN,” Mr Crean said.
“Australia’s automotive industry sustains 60,000 Australian jobs and is a major pillar of the national economy.”
“Each year, automotive sector exports about 140,000 cars and auto parts to the value of about $5 billion, making it Australia’s number one manufactured export,” Mr Crean said.
AutoLink Australia is funded by Austrade’s Global Opportunities Program which is a three-year $1.8 million plan to lift Australian industry’s export and investment potential in a range of sectors, including automotive.
Media Inquiries:
- Mr Crean's office, Clinton Porteous 0403 369 588