Minister promotes closer links to India

Australia’s Innovation Minister Senator Kim Carr is working on developing closer ties between India and our local car industry.

Senator Carr, who is currently in India talking to key people in the local car industry, said the development of stronger ties would be of mutual benefit to both countries.

He said closer connections would help secure the strength of the Australian car industry through assisting India in vehicle design, manufacturing processes and low emissions technologies, as well as providing new export opportunities.

Australia’s expertise in these areas, Senator Carr said, is partly due to the government’s New Car Plan for a Greener Future. "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.

"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.”

An example is a new facility recently opened at the Indian-owned company SMR Automotive, which brings employment and development of expertise to Australia. “The venture is creating new Australian jobs, skills and products through design and production of world-leading lightweight mirrors for cars” Senator Carr said.

While he is in India, Senator Carr is meeting Mahindra and 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.

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