PA/28/11 26 July 2011
From the Office of the Australian Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science
and Research, Senator Kim Carr
Australia-India cooperation in the automotive sector
Australian Innovation Minister meets Indian firms
Australia’s Minister for Innovation is visiting India to build greater cooperation between the rapidly growing Indian automotive industry and world-class Australian firms.
Meeting Indian car manufacturers today, Australia’s Innovation Minister Senator Kim Carr said Australia was looking to build closer links between our innovative automotive companies and the Indian market.
“With the help of the Australian Government’s A New Car Plan for a Greener Future our auto industry has not only survived the global economic downturn but is transforming and becoming a world leader in new technology. This expertise makes our companies attractive partners for international companies,” Senator Carr said.
“India is an extremely promising market for many Australian firms. Indian car sales over the past six years have grown by more than 130 per cent to a total of about 3.2 million vehicles.
“The Indian automotive industry wants to develop more vehicle design, manufacturing processes and low emission technologies and Australia is well placed to provide these innovative products and technologies.
“For example, earlier this year I opened a new facility at SMR Automotive Australia—an Indian- owned company based in South Australia. The venture is creating new Australian jobs, skills and products through design and production of world-leading lightweight mirrors for cars.
“This is a great example of how international collaborations can strengthen research and development and lead to production of world-leading products that will transform our industries and the way we live for the better.”
In India, Senator Carr is meeting automotive firms Mahindra & Mahindra, Tata Motors, Samvardhana Motherson Reflectec (SMR), the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers, the Automotive Components Manufacturers Association of India and the Minister for Commerce and Industry Dr Anand Sharma.
Media contacts: Minister's Office, +61 2 6277 7580
Mark Durrant, Department, 02 6213 7540 / 0403 137 481;
Australian High Commission, Public Affairs Section: 011 4139 9900