Holden Statement - Mitsubishi Australia

Friday, May 21, 2004

Holden Statement - Mitsubishi Australia

Today is a difficult day [the announcement of the closure of the company’s V6 engine assembly plant] for the Mitsubishi workforce in Adelaide but they have done well to prevent further cuts.

All four local manufacturers benefit from the largest possible production output in Australia. We all want to see a viable Australian automotive and supplier industry.

Tom Phillips [President, Mitsubishi Motor Corporation, Australia] has done well in difficult circumstances advancing Mitsubishi’s interests in Australia. It is clear he is in touch with everyone in the company and is a superb contributor to the broader industry.

Equally, the Federal and State governments should be applauded for their active role in trying to keep all Mitsubishi operations in Australia. They have been strong supporters of our industry through strategic policy settings and encouraging of our export programmes.

Questions have been asked regarding Holden’s interest in Mitsubishi people. Holden has hired 1500 new employees in the past 18 months, including more than 1000 in South Australia, so we have no immediate hiring plans.

We also recognise that Mitsubishi’s engine operations would have many talented people and will certainly take that into account when future needs arise.

ENDS

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