Toyota to leave Australia in 2017
First it was Ford, then Holden and now Toyota has made the decision to cease manufacturing in Australia.
By 2017 we will see the last of the Australian built Camry, Camry Hybrid and Aurion vehicles. While Toyota did not identify a single factor as the main reason for the decision the unfavourable Australian dollar has been nominated as an influencing factor as well as the high costs of manufacturing and low economies of scale in Australia.
Toyota identifies Australia as one of the most open and fragmented automotive markets in the world which coupled with current and future free trade agreements makes it unviable to continue to build cars in Australia.
The impact of this decision will be felt not only amongst the 2,000 plus employees at Altona but to the local supplier base already reeling as a result of the decisions made by Ford and Holden in recent years.
Like Holden, Toyota is attempting to be upbeat with the decision and highlighting the fact that they will still employ significant numbers of Australians through their local dealer network. However, whether this will be enough to protect the company from a buyer back lash only time will tell.
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