Fate of GM and Toyota factories hangs on the election.

[Swampy]

Socialist Ruud has promised subsidies, to get the car companies to set up factories in Australia, and the opposition is vowing to scale back support, so as to let the free markets win out. With this uncertainty, the companies are waiting the results of the election before making their decision.

[Sir John]

Ford, GM, and Toyota have been manufacturing here in OZ for many years.

GM since 1948, and Ford before WW2. Toyota maybe 40 years ago I think.

ALL have been sucking on the taxpayers teat for the last 20 years, in the form of cash grants and some small union co-operation. Workers have little care for the future of the wage payer.

That will come to an end soon I expect and we will end up with probably one manufacturer here. Ford has announced the decision to cease building soon.

SJ

[hornet32]

How can OZ with a population smaller than California afford all these perks to the unfortunate ? .

[Sir John]

VERY good question, they can't!

[Deleted]

Since 1970s import duties have been abandoned apart from select industries like automotive and the main reason for subsidising that industry is vehicle manufacturing union jobs and related component manufacturing jobs, or votes.

Effectively taxpayers pay for over paid under worked people who provide unacceptably low productivity for their employers

[hornet32]

Why would the taxpayers want to do that ? .

[Deleted]

Sept 2, 2013 18:47:53 GMT -5 hornet32 said:

Why would the taxpayers want to do that ? .

In my opinion most of us do not want this subsidising, 22 million people and maybe half working are too few to support Ford, GMH and Toyota manufacturing. And why should private enterprise be handed tax monies to remain in business?

Here is a guide, 8 of every 10 motor cars sold here are imported