The AMWU has welcomed Toyota’s announcement this week that production of a new hybrid four-cylinder Camry at Altona, Victoria will begin in 2010.

“This is an excellent first step towards creating a new green car industry in Australia,” said AMWU National Secretary, Dave Oliver.

“Hybrid and Green cars are the next generation of vehicle manufacture, and it is essential that the entire industry repositions to meet the challenge of climate change and to reflect consumer preference and the importance of retaining a viable manufacturing industry.

“The next stage is for other car manufacturers to follow suit, with the assistance of the federal government.

“An environmentally sustainable car industry is the way forward for an economically sustainable car industry.

“Keeping the manufacturing industry vibrant and strong is crucial to the Australian economy as a whole.

“We are glad that after eleven years of neglect under the previous government, the Rudd Government has recognised the role it has to play in encouraging new markets, supporting research and development.

“We will continue to urge the Rudd Government to maintain tariffs and minimise the damage of plant closures such as Holden’s 500 job cuts announced last week.

 “We need government, car companies and unions to work together to save jobs and keep the industry onshore.

“We hope that manufacturers like Ford and GM Holden will now be looking at Toyota as an example of the new opportunities that lie in green car manufacturing.”

The announcement occurred during Prime Minister Kevin Rudd’s visit to Japan.

Last week Mr Rudd declared he was determined to see the production of green cars in Australia despite the Productivity Commission’s announcement that it was unlikely to reduce greenhouse gases.

"When it comes to the future of the Australian automobile industry, let's again have a vision and aspiration for the future that we can manufacture cars in Australia," he said.

"Secondly, use the challenge and the opportunity represented by climate change and rising fuel prices to get in and build more fuel-efficient cars including Australian hybrid cars."