The Coalition Government is supporting Australia’s automotive innovation with a $10 million initiative to help local businesses expand into new markets.

Minister for Industry, Science and Technology, Karen Andrews, announced applications are open for the $7 million Automotive Innovation Lab Access Grants program—supporting businesses across Australia to undertake automotive product development.

Australian business can receive up to $200,000 in matched funding for eligible project costs through the Automotive Innovation Lab Access Grants program. Eligible project costs can include design, prototype and testing activities at established commercial and research facilities and Automotive Innovation Labs.

As part of the initiative, the Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association, the national industry association representing the automotive industry, will also receive a $3 million grant over the next two years.

The grant will be used to build an Automotive Innovation Lab facility in South Australia and enhance an approved facility in Victoria. While the South Australian facility is being built, a shopfront will be established in South Australia to facilitate business access to the Victorian facility.

“The Coalition Government is committed to supporting an internationally competitive and globally integrated automotive sector in Australia,” Minister Andrews said.

“The Automotive Innovation Lab Access Grants program will help businesses improve the time to market for new automotive products, enhance product offerings for local and global markets and expand high-value automotive manufacturing operations in Australia.”

“Automotive Innovation Labs are world-class automotive testing facilities that allow businesses to integrate new automotive products with the latest vehicle models and technologies.”

“This will boost industry capability to manufacture products that comply with both local and international standards.”

The $10 million Automotive Innovation Labs program, announced in the 2017-18 Budget, is a key element of the Coalition Government’s $100 million Advanced Manufacturing Fund, supporting Australian workers and businesses to move into new areas of growth in the automotive sector.

The Government recognises Centre Alliance’s strong advocacy in the establishment of this grant.

This initiative follows the recent launch of $5 million Automotive Engineering Graduate Program, aimed at providing a steady flow of qualified, job-ready engineers into the Australian automotive sector. 

For more information about the Automotive Innovation Lab Access Grants program and how to apply visit https://www.business.gov.au/ailag

Media contact: Minister Andrews' office 02 6277 7070