Fed: Car chiefs join council to advise govt on industry plan

AAP General News (Australia)
12-19-2008
Fed: Car chiefs join council to advise govt on industry plan

CANBERRA, Dec 19 AAP - The bosses of Holden, Ford and Toyota have been appointed to
an industry council set up to advise the federal government on its $6.2 billion car plan.

Innovation and Industry Minister Kim Carr announced the make-up of the Automotive Industry
Innovation Council on Friday.

It will coordinate the implementation of the government's multi-billion dollar car
plan, which aims to make the industry greener and more competitive.

"The council will be a vehicle for good communication between industry and government,
develop and disseminate new ideas, and drive continuous improvement and renewal," Senator
Carr said in a statement.

The council will be chaired by David Charles, a former Department of Industry, Technology
and Commerce secretary and senior associate at economics group Deloitte.

Holden managing director Mark Reuss, and the Australian chief executives of Ford and
Toyota, Marin Burela and Max Yasuda, will also have seats on the council, alongside representatives
of commonwealth and state ministers, component makers, unions and researchers.

Senator Carr also released a framework paper outlining the operation of the $1.3 billion
green car innovation fund.

It outlines the size of the grants available, who is eligible and the application process.

Ministerial guidelines for the government's industry structural adjustment program
were also released on Friday.

AAP jcd/rl/tnf

KEYWORD: CAR

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