Holden and Toyota assure of commitment to Australian operations, Toyota to hire 140 temporary workers

Both automakers have assured that Ford's decision to pull out will have no effect on their plans

Following Ford's announcement yesterday (23 May) that it will shut down its operations in Australia by 2016, the other two major automakers in the country, GM Holden and Toyota, have assured workers and politicians of their commitment to manufacturing, reports the Sydney Morning Herald. Holden chairman Mike Devereux has reiterated his company's intention to continue producing cars until at least 2022, stating that the launch of the VF Commodore is a step in that direction. Similarly, Toyota has assured of its commitment to operations in the country, stating that plans are in process for the production of a new locally built Camry due in 2017. Separately, Toyota is also set to hire 140 temporary workers at its Melbourne plant to meet increased export demand for its locally built Camry. Toyota Australia plans to export 70,000 vehicles in 2013.