Volkswagen Australia Ltd was formed in 1957 by Volkswagen AG of Germany and various Australian state Volkswagen distributors.[1] The company acquired the vehicle assembly facilities of Martin & King at Clayton in Victoria, that site having been used for local assembly of the Volkswagen Beetle since 1954.[1] By 1960 sheet metal panels were being pressed at Clayton and by 1967 the engine and most components were being produced there.[1]
In 1967 Volkswagen Australia developed a unique model, the Country Buggy, which used components from the Beetle and the Kombi.[2]
Due to falling sales the operation reverted to assembly only in 1968.[1] A new company, Motor Producers Limited was formed and operations were expanded to include Datsun and Volvo models as well as Volkswagens.[1] The factory was sold to Nissan in 1976 and Australian assembly of Volkswagens ended shortly after.[1] Volvos continued to be assembled up until 1988, and Nissans until 1992.[3]
External links
References
- Pedr Davis, The Macquarie Dictionary of Motoring, 1986, page 519^
- Tony Davis, Aussie Cars, 1987, page 99^
- James Stanford. 12 orphan cars built in Australia Wheels, 2015-08-21^