Toyota began pilot production of its hybrid Camry this week - the first to be built in Australia.

AMWU members welcomed Toyota’s decision to manufacture the green car on Australian soil, as a boost for local employment and an important step in the road to green industry initiatives.

“The AMWU is keen to see more eco-friendly manufacturing opportunities in Australia to join in what has become the world’s fastest growing industry”, said AMWU National Secretary, Dave Oliver.

“We are fighting to make sure Australia chooses to fight climate change with skills and technology, and provide opportunities for manufacturing to grow in green industries.

“Not only do we need to be developing these technologies in Australia, we also need to ensure we are making it here, thereby boosting employment and innovation.

The Government has recently committed to the Renewable Energy Target (RET) of 20% by 2020. In order to achieve this goal Australia must invest in proven technologies, including aiming to boost manufacturing of things like solar panels, wind turbines and towers, and hybrid cars.

The Government’s commitment of $35 million from the Green Car Innovation Fund to the Camry Hybrid project shows their commitment to working with industry to achieve economic and environmental sustainability.