Australia's engine

Their automotive resources include everything from proving grounds on the outskirts of the capital to design and research facilities that enable them to plan and develop the cars of the future.

The automotive roots run far deeper, too, down to the many dozens of suppliers and component companies who contribute to the making of cars in Melbourne and also to Mitsubishi's work in Adelaide.

This historic connection to the motoring world goes back to the early days of the 20th century and is celebrated at motor show time each year with a week of car-related activities.

Australian Automotive Week was begun in the late 1990s as a way to promote and enhance the value of the automotive sector to the Victorian economy.

It is a joint initiative of the Victorian Government and the Victorian Automobile Chamber of Commerce, and from the early days Automotive Week has enjoyed the enthusiastic support of successive State governments.

Exports, investment and careers are the main focus of the Automotive Week activities in 2006, with events for everyone from high school students with an eye on their future through to the leaders of industry.

David Nutter, president of theMelbourne International Motor Show, believes Automotive Week is a natural opportunity to bring together the many industry people who converge on Melbourne for the motor show.

"It's no secret that the automotive sector is a crucial part of Victoria's economy and the government of the day wanted to formalise its support for the industry through a week of organised activities," Nutter says.

"It might seem a bit presumptuous calling it Australian Automotive Week, rather than Victorian, but this really does reflect the great automotive strength we enjoy in this part of the world.

"We have Ford and Toyota building cars, Holden building engines and dozens of world-class component manufacturers in Melbourne and our regional cities."

The importance of the motor industry to the state of Victoria is reflected in the economic benefit that flows from the business. More than half the total value of the Australian automotive industry is created in the state.

Figures for 2004 show Victoria accounts for $9.9 billion of Australia's $17.7 billion automotive production. In exports it accounts for $2.5 billion of the $4.7 billion total.

Victoria also employs 27,552 people at vehicle manufacturers and tier-one component suppliers - just over half the national total of 54,487 - and many more in the aftermarket, retailing, service and repair industries.

Where Victoria most dominates nationally is in research and development, spending $409 million of a national total of $553 million.

Nutter says the week's major focus is to encourage young people to pursue careers in the automotive sector, adding: "There are so many ways to work in this industry - everything from manufacturing to retail - and you don't necessarily have to be a car buff to find a well-paid, satisfying career.

"What's more, there are jobs at all levels from semi-skilled labour right through to senior professionals with multiple degrees, so there really is something for everyone.

"Australia's car industry is recognised around the world for its experience and high skill levels, which means there are often opportunities for bright young people to pursue their careers in Europe, America or Asia as well as at home."

The events ofAustralian Automotive Week include ministerial and lord mayoral industry receptions and special activities for fleet management, manufacturing, retailing, service and repair sectors.

There are careers seminars on Tuesday and Wednesday, February 14 and 15, in the auditorium at the Melbourne Exhibition Centre. Three sessions will be held each day.

This year more than 2000 students have booked into the seminars - a record attendance - and many of the school groups are taking advantage of discounted motor show tickets to round off their excursion.

Some of these students are also taking part in a major contest at this year's show: the Target 2020 Future Car competition, in which secondary and tertiary students are competing for thousands of dollars in prizes.

Many remarkable competition entries encapsulate the technology and styling that could well be seen in the cars of the future.