World-renowned business model expert and former South Australian Thinker-In-Residence Goran Roos is to spend a month reviewing Holden’s financial and manufacturing data.
The review is part of the Federation of Automotive Vehicle Industry Unions’ seven-point plan, put to Holden after managing director Mike Devereuxrequested that workers consider pay reductions to help keep the car maker viable.
John Camillo from FAVI said that Roos’ credentials were right for the job.
"This person has been heavily involved in helping and supporting companies right around Australia, he's a person that can look into the books and find out where the cost cutting will be," Camillo told the ABC.
Roos, who has previously said that subsidies to Australian car makers represent good value for money and are low by international comparisons, repeated his support for auto manufacturing in Australia.
"There is a lot of debate around the amount of subsidies (the automotive sector) has received," Roos told News Limited last month.
"But the industry is worth more than $20 billion and then sub-suppliers benefit, which provides another $10 billion.
"The industry then provides a lot of technical expertise … so you are getting $30-$40 billion back from your $1 billion investment, which is pretty good
return in my book."
As reported by Manufacturers’ Monthly, 500 Holden workers at Elizabeth have applied for the 400 voluntary redundancy settlements on offer.
To listen to Roos explain the importance of automotive manufacturing, click on this interview from Radio National, conducted in May.