SYDNEY, Oct. 7 -- AsiaNet
Export opportunities for Australian motor industry manufacturers were highlighted by Peter Sturrock, Chief Executive of the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) in opening the Australian International Motor Show in Sydney today.
Mr Sturrock said last year about one third of the 400,000 cars manufactured in Australia were sent overseas and the automotive industry remained on target to achieve its goal of $US7 billion worth of exports a year by the end of the decade.
Holden was finalising plans to export its Statesman model to South Korea and both Holden and Toyota Australia were studying opportunities elsewhere in Asia.
(Holden Concept car unveiling at: www.asianetnews.net ).
There would be even more opportunities as a result of trade diplomacy now underway.
Australia has been invited to attend a meeting of ASEAN heads of state next month where trade will be discussed, Mr Sturrock said.
There was also an Australian Government study in progress into trade
arrangements with Malaysia. A reduction in trade barriers could see material benefits for Australia's automotive industry in that country.
Mr Sturrock said cars like Ford Territory, Holden Monaro and Toyota Sportivo Coupe V all on display at the motor show today V were testaments to Australia's ability to produce world-class automotive design on relatively tiny budgets.
The Motor Show, at the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre,Darling Harbour, from October 7-17, will feature 500 cars and 50 new models will be unveiled. The most expensive on display is the Maserati MC12 - $US1.3 million and the least expensive is the Daihatsu Charade at $US8600. The title of lastest has been claimed by the Koenigsegg CCR at more than 395 kilometres an hour.
Show highlights, including pictures, press releases and opening day video can be seen on www.asianetnews.net ; www.carsguide.news.com.au ; www.autodeadline.com
SOURCE: Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries
CONTACT: Peter Sturrock 61-2-6229-8212 ; Mark Mathot 61-2-8908-8888
--Distributed by AsiaNet (www.asianetnews.net)--
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