Australia is a real force in the global automotive industry – generating revenue of at least $20 billion and employing close to 70,000 people.
Perfectly positioned for export opportunities to Asia, the industry is well regulated and supported by a strong domestic economy and highly educated workforce.
With exports worth $4.85 billion in 2006, the sector represents Australia’s sixth largest export earner and free trade agreements with Thailand, the US and potentially China are expected to enhance those export opportunities.
Australia also has a strong automotive aftermarket industry and supplies accessories and parts to both a global and domestic market.
The four major multinational motor vehicle producers in Australia are GM Holden, Ford, Toyota and Mitsubishi, with GM Holden and Toyota accounting for most of the vehicle exports.
These four companies produced 326,960 motor vehicles in Australia in 2006, which accounted for 65.5 per cent of industry revenue.
Locally produced cars include the Ford Falcon, Ford Territory, Holden Adventra, Holden Commodore, Mitsubishi Magna, Toyota Camry and Toyota Aurion. In addition, luxury cars such as the Fairlane, Statesman and Caprice are also assembled in Australia.
The rest of the industry’s turnover is shared by truck and bus manufacturers and to a lesser extent smaller engine manufacturers.
