Innovation Minister Senator Kim Carr has invited applications to the $20 million Automotive Supply Chain Development Program.

Part of the Rudd Government’s $6.2 billion New Car Plan for a Greener Future, the new grants program will help component suppliers become more innovative and efficient, positioning them to access local and global supply chains.

The Automotive Supply Chain Development Program is designed to help foster collaboration along the supply chain to help component companies lift their capabilities and take advantage of new opportunities, Senator Carr said in a statement.

With a focus on collaboration, funding will be available under three separate elements.

Element 1 will fund a single service provider to facilitate automotive industry specific, specialist high-level intermediary assistance, and/or mentoring to companies across the entire breadth of the Australian automotive supply chain.

Element 2 will assist motor vehicle producers to work with their own key suppliers.

Element 3 will allow tier 1 suppliers to work with their tier 2 and tier 3 suppliers.

Potential applicants are urged to refer to the Program Framework Paper and Information for Applicants before applying.

Applications close at 5.00pm, Friday 9 October 2009.