The Victorian coalition government is urging the federal government to back its commitment of $4 million for a new program to support investment in the Geelong region.

Nissan has shipped the first of its Leaf electric vehicle components, made in the Nissan Casting Australia Plant (NCAP) in Dandenong, to Japan.

Holden is recalling 9,547 locally-built Cruze small cars due to a potential fire risk in the engine.

Ford Australia will terminate 440 manufacturing jobs by the end of the year, due to reduced demand for the locally-built Falcon.

A report shows expenditure on energy as a percentage of turnover increased by 10% between 2008 and 2011, as pressures mount from the carbon tax and rising electricity bills.