Australian automotive suppliers will have another opportunity to boost their competitiveness in global supply chains and domestic markets through the $30 million joint Australian, Victorian and South Australian Government's Automotive New Markets Program (ANMP).
Applications for Round 2 grants open today.
Federal Minister for Industry and Innovation Greg Combet said ANMP grants provide financial assistance to automotive supply chain companies to diversify their customer base and product range, moving beyond their traditional markets.
"The ANMP will help ensure we continue to have a strong automotive supplier base to deliver innovative products for global and domestic markets," Mr Combet said.
"This will ensure we maintain important automotive manufacturing capabilities in Australia at the scale necessary for a sustainable future.
"The grants, which are jointly funded by the Australian and Victorian Governments and administered in conjunction with the South Australian Government, demonstrate the three governments' commitment to the long-term sustainability of automotive manufacturing in Australia."
Victorian Minister for Manufacturing David Hodgett said: "The automotive industry is a critical driver of new technologies and skills for the broader manufacturing sector."
"Australian automotive manufacturing is dynamic and internationally focused.? By supporting greater innovation in the automotive sector, the benefits will be shared with other key industries such as defence, aerospace, and mining."
South Australian Minister for Manufacturing, Innovation and Trade Tom Kenyon said: "Our automotive component makers have an important role in advancing Australia's manufacturing industry."
"The ANMP will enable automotive supply chain firms to continue to make innovative products for automotive and non-automotive customers, enhance their ability to integrate in global markets and find new markets."
The program's first round provided grants of up to $1 million to assist 10 Australian automotive firms to develop new products, introduce new technologies and grow markets in Australia and overseas.
Applications for Round 2 of the grants close on 19 April 2013. More information including program guidelines and application form, is available at www.innovation.gov.au/anmp.
