Renewed Focus on Aussie Car Industry

VICTORIA, AUSTRALIA – Jan 10, 2012: General Motors Chairman and CEO, Dan Akerson, and other senior GM leaders met with Australian Minister for Manufacturing, Senator the Hon. Kim Carr, and South Australian Premier, the Hon. Jay Weatherill, today to discuss Holden’s ongoing commitment to manufacturing cars in Australia.

The Ministerial delegation met GM leaders, including Holden Chairman and Managing Director, Mike Devereux, at the annual North American International Auto Show in Detroit which is one of the most important events on the global automotive calendar.

Mr Devereux said the events of 2011 had refocussed the national debate on the importance of the car industry and manufacturing to Australia and the need for co-investment in order to compete globally.

“Today Australia’s policy leaders met with GM at the highest level to discuss the future of the Australian car industry and our strong mutual desire to retain the capabilities we have in design, engineering and manufacturing,” Mr Devereux said.

“In the meetings today, Minister Carr and Premier Weatherill demonstrated the clear commitment of the Australian and South Australian Governments to maintaining a healthy and viable automotive industry in Australia.”

Mr Devereux said there was unprecedented competition for capital investment in manufacturing and product development for next generation global vehicles.

“Car makers are investing billions of dollars to develop future vehicles, so it’s critical for Australia to have consistent and competitive long term polices that make this country an attractive place for General Motors and other companies to continue to invest.

“The discussions with the Minister and the Premier have been very positive and productive. We're making good progress in developing a new co-investment plan to help secure a long-term future for Holden and the automotive and manufacturing industry more broadly.

“Holden and GM look forward to working with the governments of Australia on policies and programs to ensure Australia continues to be one of just 13 countries in the world that has the ability to design, engineer and build cars,” he said.