Australian-Indian automotive cooperation a priority: industry minister
Australia’s federal minister for innovation and industry has encouraged greater cooperation between the Australian and Indian automotive industries.
Victorian Senator Kim Carr travelled to India this week in an attempt to strengthen Australia’s relationship with key players in India’s booming car industry, including representatives from Tata Motors and Mahindra & Mahindra.
Mr Carr said Australia was becoming a world leader in new automotive technology and insisted the expertise of our local manufacturers and suppliers made them attractive partners for international companies.
“India is an extremely promising market for many Australian firms,” Mr Carr said.
“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.”
Last month we reported on a J.D. Power prediction that sales of new cars in India would increase to more than 11 million per year by 2020, indicating the rapid expansion that lies ahead in that region.
Mr Carr said the Indian automotive industry wants to develop more vehicle design and manufacturing processes and low emission technologies, and said Australia was well placed to provide these innovative products and technologies.
“For example, earlier this year I opened a new facility at SMR (Samvardhana Motherson Reflectec) Automotive Australia – an Indian-owned company based in South Australia,” he said.
“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 Australian research and development and lead to production of world-leading products that will transform our industries and the way we live for the better.”
Do you think a greater level of cooperation between Australia and India will be a good thing for Australia’s automotive industry? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.
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