“Australia has an ongoing vibrant and viable automotive industry,” Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry Chief Executive Officer James Pearson said today.
“The Holden closure today, while the end of an era and a moment to reflect on an iconic part of our history, should not define our perceptions of the Australian auto industry.
“More than 70,000 automotive businesses across the country employ 380,000 Australians in the service, repairs and retail sectors.
“Our automotive industry employs 40,000 apprentices, an investment in higher-level post-trade skills.
“There are 18.8 million cars, trucks, buses and commercial vehicles on the road that need to be serviced, repaired and maintained. This number is growing by 400,000 a year.
“Such is the demand for labour, there will be an estimated 35,000 skilled vacancies in 2018.
“Australia’s ongoing automotive industry is high-tech and highly skilled. This trend will continue with more electric vehicles hitting our roads over the coming years and self-drive cars to come. These vehicles are already being used in our important farming and mining sectors.
“Our automotive industry is entering a new growth phase. The best way to encourage that growth – as in all industries – is through policies that make it easier for business to attract capital, hire skilled workers and run enterprises in an agile way.”