Premcar makes change at top

Leading Australian new-vehicle engineering and manufacturing firm Premcar has announced the appointment of Craig Clarke as its chief operating officer.

He has been assigned to lead and manage the company’s engineering and manufacturing operations across its two-vehicle development and assembly sites in Epping just outside Melbourne.

Clarke, pictured, is the first COO to be appointed by Premcar. This new position results from the company’s continued growth. Underpinning this are increases in new-vehicle engineering projects, growing secondary manufacturing operations for global carmakers and overseas expansion.

“Premcar entered a new level of business growth in 2023 and this year will be even bigger,” says Bernie Quinn, engineering director and co-owner of Premcar.

“Various carmakers have tasked us with delivering more long-term engineering and manufacturing projects so appointing Craig, a highly experienced automotive industry leader and manager, is a logical step to ensure they get the success they expect from our team.”

Clarke was previously a senior executive at Nissan Motor Company’s Asia-Pacific operations. Prior to this he held management positions at Cox Automotive / Manheim and Goodyear-Dunlop.

Premcar recently opened an extra assembly plant in Melbourne. This secondary manufacturing centre will meet growing local demand for the Premcar-enhanced Nissan Navara Warrior pick-up models and Patrol Warrior SUV. It has engineered and developed both models for Australia’s driving conditions.