AFF Technical Resources - Ford Australia Response to New Car Plan

November 10, 2008

The Federal Government's new automotive industry policy arrangements announced today will provide a strong framework to support the continued transition of Australia's automotive manufacturing industry.

While it is clear that the automotive industry in Australia and around the globe will continue to face unprecedented challenges as a direct result of ongoing economic volatility, Ford Australia believes that the new transitional assistance arrangements announced today will support the future viability of automotive manufacturing in Australia.

"The Federal Government's new car plan represents a significant and comprehensive package, with a number of key elements that have the potential to drive a paradigm shift in Australian automotive manufacturing," Ford Australia President and CEO Marin Burela said.

"In particular, the expansion of the Green Car Innovation Fund will provide a framework for Ford Australia to investigate a suite of environmentally-oriented product investment initiatives which will increase future competitiveness.

"The stability and assurance provided by the new car plan will allow Ford to move forward with studying these initiatives for Australian application."

Mr Burela acknowledged the Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research, Senator Kim Carr, as having worked closely with the automotive industry in Australia on developing the policy arrangements and initiatives included in the car plan.