Toyota jobs in Australia at risk

Toyota stocks have risen this morning after the company confirmed it is to cease production in Australia, with thousands of jobs expected to be affected.

Ford and General Motors' Holden unit have already announced plans to stop making cars in Australia and the revelation from Toyota is likely to damage the country's automotive industry even further.

"We believed that we should continue producing vehicles in Australia, and Toyota and its workforce here made every effort," Toyota Motor Company president Akio Toyoda said.

However, he explained that factors such as an extremely competitive market and a strong Australian dollar have made it harder for companies to operate in Australia in recent years.

Mr Toyoda added that "forecasts of a reduction in the total scale of vehicle production in Australia" have "forced" the company to make the "painful" decision.

Stocks up

Despite the news of the job losses, the share price of Toyota is slightly up this morning (February 10th) in the early stages of trading. By 08:14 GMT, stocks in the car manufacturer were up by 0.93 per cent for the day.

Toyota stated that it will work together with employees, business partners, government, local communities and others regarding specific measures on how to end the production of its vehicles in Australia in the coming months.

Mr Toyoda said: "Over the 50 years that we have produced vehicles in Australia, so many people here have kept us feeling at home, have helped us grow and have supported us.

"Toyota’s commitment to continue to provide great cars and services to the Australian people – something we have done for 50 years and will do for the next 50 years – will not change. Toyota will work hard to continue its contribution to Australia."

It was explained by the firm in a statement that it will change into a sales and distribution company in Australia when production of its vehicles in the country is wound down.

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