2014届高考英语考前突破阅读理解能力：《2017年澳洲霍顿将停产》.docVIP

2017年澳洲霍顿将停产 Holden, a subsidiary of General Motors (GM), has said it will stop making cars in Australia by the end of 2017. 通用汽车子公司之一，澳大利亚霍顿公司将于2017年停止生产汽车。Holden said a small domestic market was among the reasons behind its decision ? The move will result in nearly 2,900 people losing their jobs.? ? The firm said a strong Australian currency, high manufacturing costs and a small domestic market were among the reasons behind its decision. ? Holden, which has made cars in Australia for nearly 65 years, will retain its sales unit and a parts distribution centre in Australia. ? The decision to end manufacturing in Australia reflects the perfect storm of negative influences the automotive industry faces in the country, GM chief executive Dan Akerson said in a statement. ? This includes the sustained strength of the Australian dollar, high cost of production, small domestic market and arguably the most competitive and fragmented auto market in the world. ? Subsidies ? Carmakers in Australia have been struggling for some time, despite the government extending support to the industry via subsidies over the past few years. ? However, there has been a debate over whether the government should continue to provide support to the sector.? ? According to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC), Prime Minister Tony Abbott declared last week that there would be no more taxpayer assistance. ? The government had also increased pressure on Holden in recent days to clarify its future plans for Australia. ? Dave Smith, national secretary of the vehicle division at Australian Manufacturing Workers Union, said the governments push had influenced Holdens move. ? I believe the decisions been prompted by the behaviour of the government yesterday, he told the ABC. ? Unfortunately, theyve been let down by a government that wouldnt back them in.