GM to dump Holden

[LP]

I'm all in favour of lower payroll taxes to (re) emerging industries (i.e. no bailouts) and if the infrastructure exists as well as the talent, I'd have no issue whatsoever with a decent car manufacturer as the filter down economic benefits are indeed considerable.  But NOT electric vehicles save for potential export if the market exists. 

Bit of seize the day logic.

Many years ago Australia had the opportunity become the SE Asian / Oceania hub for the manufacture of commercial stuff, trains, buses, tractors, trucks, excavators, etc., etc.. It was basically a three way race between Sth Africa, India and Australia. The local push was being supported by Ex.Patriot Sth Africans, they saw a huge opportunity to add value to locally produced steel. Nobody makes buses, trucks, excavators and tractors out of carbon fibre or aluminium, and everybody was starting the process with Australia's iron ore!

The local Pollies turned up their toes and said we can't compete with China, and so they didn't, naturally the others failed,....................not!!!

Sth Africa and India and now thriving hubs for such equipment and we import pretty much the bulk of whatever we need here excluding a few niche items! The Sth African's behind the push here headed home, a couple of them built billion dollar businesses back there doing exactly what they had wanted to do here!

I can't believe how piss-weak we are on the global stage, we are our own worst enemy!