The Society of Automotive Engineers -Australasia (SAE-A) has argued that a return to automotive manufacturing in Australia would save lives should a global pandemic like COVID-19 ever again be witnessed.

With manufacturers around the world stepping up to quickly deliver face masks, ventilators and other emergency medical equipment in the face of COVID-19, SAE-A Chairman and CEO Adrian Feeney said Australia was missing out on crucial supplies that could save lives in the future.

“Car manufacturers around the world are making masks, ventilators and other equipment, not just in America and Europe, but in countries like India and Mexico,” said Feeney.

“Not so in Australia, where we see Ford Australia developing a surgical face shield, but having to do it in a Parts Distribution Centre, not a car factory.

“It could be so difference if the government invested in reviving our car industry, starting with engineers, and ultimately full-scale specialist manufacturing.”

With SAE-A representing some 2,000 auto engineering professionals employed in Australia as the Asia Pacific professional body for automotive and mobility engineers, Feeney believes the country already has the assets necessary to breathe new life into the industry.

“We have the capacity right now – engineers, proving grounds, factories and other facilities – that would cost hundreds of millions of dollars to rebuild if lost,” he said.

“It’s a big opportunity, with new players and technologies emerging all the time.”

The Australian automotive industry has struggled since Holden’s decision to cease local production back in 2017, with the main source of manufacturing now coming from converting imported left-hand-drive vehicles to right-hand-drive.

But Feeney believes that government intervention could see the industry return to its former glory.

“Let us not sit back and let countries like Mexico and India put us in the shade – let’s be the smart country again and develop a new and exciting car and build it for the world.

“And then, next time we face a challenge that calls for world-class engineering and manufacturing capabilities, whether a virus or anything else, we will be ready and able to meet that challenge.”

Source: SAE News | SAE-A says rebuild car industry to save lives

20 April 2020