Carr urges closer ties with India

FEDERAL industry minister Kim Carr urged closer co-operation between the Australian and Indian automotive industries during a trip to India this week.

Aiming to strengthen ties between Australian parts suppliers in particular and Indian car-makers including Mahindra & Mahindra and Tata Motors, Senator Carr said building co-operation between the rapidly growing Indian car industry and Australian firms “will create new export opportunities and help secure the ongoing strength of the Australian auto industry”.

“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,” he said.

“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.” As well as meeting with Mahindra and Tata Motors, Senator Carr will hold talks with Samvardhana Motherson Reflectec (SMR), the parent company of South Australian-based SMR Automotive Australia, which was recently awarded a $2,422,190 grant under the now-defunct Green Car Innovation Fund to help develop a lightweight rear-view mirror.

“The venture is creating new Australian jobs, skills and products through design and production of world-leading lightweight mirrors for cars,” Senator Carr said. “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.” Senator Carr will also meet with the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers, the Automotive Components Manufacturers Association of India and India’s minister for commerce and industry, Dr Anand Sharma.