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The Member for Farrer, the Hon. Tim Fischer, MP, joined hundreds of employees, suppliers and special guests at Holden's Fishermens Bend (Vic.) facility in a ceremony to mark the occasion. Mr Fischer, who assisted in the send-off by packing the engine and placing an export sticker on the engine's box, congratulated Holden on its "spectacular effort" and applauded the company's continuing commitment to an expanding involvement in the global marketplace.

"Holden occupies a central place in the Australian manufacturing industry, and the Holden name is synonymous with quality Australian motoring," Mr Fischer said.

"I'm delighted to salute the efforts of all the Holden workers who have contributed to the high standard of excellence that underpins Holden's successful export strategy," Mr Fischer concluded.

Holden's three millionth export engine - a four cylinder 'Family II' 2.0 litre, double overhead camshaft powerplant - will power a vehicle built by GM affiliate Opel in Germany. Other Holden engine export destinations currently include South Korea, Taiwan, Japan, Indonesia, the U.K., Poland, the U.S.A., Belgium, Egypt and South Africa.

Mr Peter Thomas, Holden's Executive Director, Planning and External Affairs, said Holden engines and components had generated more than $4 billion in export revenue since the first shipments of Family II engines to the UK and Germany in 1981. They contribute $2.2 million to Australia's balance of trade figures every working day and combined with vehicle exports are largely responsible for earning Holden the title of Australia's principal exporter of manufactured goods.

"The achievement of Holden's three millionth engine export represents the culmination of a great deal of support from many sources: from employees past and present, from hundreds of suppliers, from customers around the world who rely on us to deliver quality engines that suit their needs - and from governments at all levels, who help to create the environment that supports the growth of the Australian automotive industry," he said.

Mr Thomas said Holden appreciated the support given to its endeavours by the Federal government, and made special mention of the role played by Mr Fischer.

"It was your continual reinforcement during your time as Trade Minister that Australian industry must 'export, export and export some more' that inspired us to continue along the road we are taking," he said.

"A commitment to flexibility and a broad customer base have contributed to our ability to work through tough times. The recent downturn in Asia put Holden Engine Operations under unprecedented pressure, but I am pleased to announce that we recommenced a second shift last week in response to increased demand from South Korea, as we witness the beginnings of an economic recovery in Asia," Mr Thomas continued.

"Holden faces an exciting future. We are playing a crucial role in the Asia Pacific region, which, regardless of current economic difficulties, will be the world's fastest-growing market for automotive products by the year 2006. With our strategic location, and with the talents of the people who make up the Holden organisation, we are extremely well-placed to take full advantage of the anticipated growth," Mr Thomas concluded.

In addition to its international trade in four cylinder engines, engine blocks and components, Holden exports vehicles in volume to markets in the Middle East, Latin America and the Asia Pacific region. It is also the designated General Motors engineering and design centre for the Asia Pacific region.

Holden Engine Operations (HEO) is based at Fishermens Bend, Victoria, and combines engine assembly and testing, foundry casting facilities and precision manufacture of key engine components. A range of four and six cylinder engines is produced by a 2,000-strong employee team. The ECOTEC V6 and Supercharged V6 engines assembled by HEO power Australia's top-selling VT Commodore and Calais, Holden Ute and Holden Statesman and Caprice models.

Holden currently exports 1,200 four cylinder engines per day. The Holden range includes 1.8, 2.0 and 2.2 litre double overhead cam engines and 1.6, 1.8, 2.0 and 2.2 litre single overhead cam engines. Flexible manufacturing processes allow Holden to produce its four cylinder engines in 94 variations to suit individual export customer requirements.