The Australian Government is now offering $3.4 billion worth of grants to the Australian automotive manufacturing industry.
Registrations have opened for the Automotive Transformation Scheme (ATS), which is designed to lift innovation in the motor vehicle industry by supporting investment in skills and research and development.
Innovation Minister Senator Kim Carr has urged Australia’s innovative automotive businesses to access the assistance measures on offer.
“The ATS is the key element of the Australian Government’s $6 billion New Car Plan for a Greener Future,” Senator Carr said.
“There are more than 200,000 jobs reliant on the automotive sector. Through the ATS, the Gillard Government is supporting investment and innovation to enable the sector to meet the challenges of the 21st century.”
The ATS replaces the Automotive Competitiveness and Investment Scheme (ACIS). It will run from 1 January 2011 to 31 December 2020 and include: capped assistance of $1.5 billion from 2011 to 2015; capped assistance of $1 billion from 2016 to 2020; and uncapped assistance estimated at $847 million.
Senator Carr said current participants in the ACIS will have a streamlined application process and be able to apply for registration under the ATS from today.
“ATS is a partnership between Government and industry with co-investment at its core. Businesses accessing the ATS will need to report progress in achieving economic and environmental sustainability, and developing a more skilled workforce,” Senator Carr said.
“AusIndustry – the Australian Government’s principal business program delivery division – will be presenting information seminars to the sector. This includes motor vehicle producers; automotive component producers, automotive machine tool and automotive tooling producers, and automotive service providers.”
Applications for registration must be lodged with AusIndustry before 1 January of the calendar year for which registration is sought.