Whyalla steelworks owner wants to make electric cars in Adelaide

The Adelaide Advertiser has reported that UK billionaire Sanjeev Gupta, who saved the Whyalla steelworks, is looking to bring car manufacturing back to Adelaide's northern suburbs, just months after Holden closed its doors.

The Advertiser understands that the GFG Alliance boss has approached General Motors Holden to buy assets from the closed Elizabeth factory.

SA Treasurer Tom Koutsantonis said GFG Alliance also recently approached the state government with a plan to buy some of the former factory's assets. If successful, Koutsantonis said Gupta would use the equipment to begin manufacturing electric vehicles at Elizabeth.

"Mr Gupta and the GFG Alliance already manufacture motor vehicles in the United Kingdom," said Koutsantonis.

Car production at the Holden plant ceased in October, and last month, Melbourne-based developer Pelligra Group was revealed as the buyer of the plant but the site will not be formally handed over until after decommissioning, which is expected to continue until mid-2019.

“We are incredibly excited and supportive of the GFG Alliance’s bid and subsequent plans to ensure the continuation of our very proud history of automotive excellence and innovation in South Australia,” said Koutsantonis.

“We believe that the GFG Alliance’s plans would put South Australia at the forefront of the inevitable transition of the Australian market to electric vehicles and ask that all due consideration be given to their bid and the potentially significant benefits to the automotive industry and broader community in South Australia.”

It is unclear where on the former Holden site GFG Alliance proposes to manufacture the electric vehicles, when the company intends to start operations or the planned scale of production.

Image: Sanjeev Gupta (ABC News Nick Hamsen)