Toyota has announced it will close its Altona factory in October with production of Aurion, Camry Hybrid and Camry petrol to cease.
LIKE FORD AND HOLDEN, Toyota will also cease production of cars in this country and has announced that it will shut the doors on its Altona factory on October 3.
“As part of the shutdown process, the plant will stop building Aurion vehicles in August, Camry Hybrid vehicles in September and Camry Petrol vehicles in October,” Toyota said in a statement.
“The company will continue operating both AM and PM shifts until the final closure date. This will ensure the total volume production of 61,000 vehicles for the year, made up of 26,600 domestic and 34,400 exports, is met.”
In a short statement, Toyota Australia President Dave Buttner said: “Our priority over the remaining months is to continue to support our employees in every way possible so that they are well prepared for the future”.
“We remain extremely proud of our rich manufacturing history which spans over 50 years. Our employees are committed to producing vehicles of the highest quality as we work towards our goal of ‘last car = best global car’.”
Beyond the closure of its factory, Toyota Australia will also move its corporate functions from Sydney to its Melbourne head office. It means, Toyota’s local workforce will drop from 3900 to 1300.
Victoria’s economy is about to take a beating. By rights good Federal policy that enables investment in areas where we have comparative economic advantage such as adding basic value to raw materials and agricultural produce would have more than taken up the slack. Just shows the opportunistic economic dunces we have in Parliament.
Yes, great! Now all Australians can buy a second class, lower standard, weaker, more pathetic Toyota Camry. BUY ONE NOW AUSSIES! Out of 5 world factories that make Camrys, all Middle East Toyota dealers chose the Aussie one! It was judged better than the Japanese, Russian, Thai and American Camry. By now or buy second best!