A joint program initiative by Australian, Victorian and South Australian government worth $30 million will boost competitiveness for automotive suppliers in global supply chains and domestic markets.
The Automotive New Markets Program (ANMP) is inviting applications for round two. The 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.
Federal Minister for Industry and Innovation Greg Combet said ANMP grants gives financial assistance to automotive supply chain companies to diversify 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,” Combet said.
Applications are assessed based on whether the project outcome meets the goal of the ANMP, which is to assist the automotive supply chain companies widen their customer and product base domestically and internationally.
The capability of the applicant will also be assessed, as will the contribution of the project to the economic sustainability of the applicant. The panel will also look at how much the project contributes to the economic sustainability of the Australian automotive supply chain and the wider economy.
The panel includes an independent Chair appointed by the program delegate, a representative from the Department, a representative from the Victorian Department of Business Innovation and a representative from the South Australian Department for Manufacturing, Innovation, Trade, Resources and Energy.
Applications for round two of the grants close on April 19, 2013.
Victorian Minister for Manufacturing, David Hodgett said the automotive industry is an important driver of new technologies and skills for the 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,” he said.
Two companies won the $1 million grant in round one of successful applicants. Australian Arrow won it for commissioning full service local electrical wiring harness design, engineering and manufacture. Chassis Brakes International (Australia) won it for designing and validating automotive braking components for the Asian region.
Image courtesy: Transport and Logistics News