The exit of multinational auto manufacturers from local
manufacturing is a classic example of manufacturers being
led by costcutters rather than by marketing managers who
are sensitive to market trends and consumer needs.
The writing should have been on the wall for the big 3
when Mitsubishi exited the market just a few years
after introducing the 380; argueably its best locally
produced model.
GM & Toyota tried to half heartedly respond to the
trend towards fuel efficient cars by introducing the
locally assembled Cruze and the Hybrid Camry but
it was simply too little -too late and once a cash strapped
Abbott Government got its knees under the treasury desk
it spelt an end to taxpayers' corporate welfare.
Add to the the ass falling out of the AUD and you have the
trifecta with a drying up of exports.
IMO, if Toyota can find global markets fot the locally
produced Camry hybrid then it may continue to produce
this model variant in low volume post the 2017 proposed
exit date.
The Cruze is a completely different kettle of fish.
