Overview
The Automotive Market Access Program (AMAP) is an integral component of A New Car Plan for a Greener Future. It is providing $6.3 million, over three years from July 2009, to boost component suppliers’ access to global supply chains.
It is doing this in three ways: first, the appointment of two prominent Automotive Envoys; second, through the expansion of the Team Australia Automotive (TAA) initiative in North America; and third, through an expanded Austrade adviser network in four key markets.
Automotive Envoys
The two Automotive Envoys, Mr John Conomos AO and the Hon Steve Bracks AC, were appointed in July 2009. The Envoys are helping to identify and facilitate linkages for Australian automotive suppliers in global supply chains. A key part of this role is leading overseas trade missions and advising on opportunities for market access.
Mr Conomos retired in June 2008 as Chairman Emeritus and Principal Policy Officer of Toyota Australia, and President of the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries. He previously served as Executive Chairman of Toyota Australia, and was awarded an Order of Australia in 2005 for his contribution to the Australian automotive industry.
Mr Bracks served as Premier of Victoria prior to his retirement from the Victorian Government in 2007. He has extensive experience and links with business at home and abroad. He was responsible for the 2008 Review of the Australian Automotive Industry which proceeded the Government’s A New Car Plan for a Greener Future.
Over the past 18 months, the Envoys have been active in the Asian, North American and European regions. Mr Conomos has led industry trade delegations to:
- Thailand in November 2009, with the AutoLink cluster group
- India and Malaysia in February 2010, with the AutoLink cluster group
- China, May 2010, in coordination with the Victorian Government
- China, October 2010 to participate in the China Australia Alliance for New Energy Vehicle Innovation Summit
- Thailand and Malaysia in November 2010, as head of an industry delegation
- Japan and Korea in December 2010 to meet with vehicle manufacturers to assess supply chain opportunities
Mr Bracks has:
- led an industry trade delegation to USA in October 2009
- met with a number of technology component and motor vehicle producers in Germany and the Czech Republic in July 2010
Team Australia Automotive
The AMAP supports the expansion of the Team Australia Automotive (TAA) initiative. The consortium, which includes key automotive stakeholders, Industry Capability Network, Austrade, the Victorian Government and the Federation of Automotive Products Manufacturers, is currently focusing on accessing the North American automotive supply chains. Further information about this initiative can be found at the TAA website.
Austrade Adviser Network
To support these initiatives, the AMAP includes an expanded Austrade adviser network in key automotive markets China, India, Thailand & Korea. For more information please contact Austrade's Automotive and Advanced Manufacturing Industry Team, email: advancedman@austrade.gov.au.
Further Information
AMAP Secretariat
Mail: GPO Box 9839 CANBERRA ACT 2601
Phone: 02 6213 7785