Premcar appoints COO

Australian new-vehicle engineering and manufacturing firm, Premcar, has appointed experienced automotive industry executive, Craig Clarke, as its Chief Operating Officer.

The first COO to be appointed by Premcar, Clarke will lead and manage the company’s total engineering and manufacturing operations across its two-vehicle development and assembly sites in Epping, just outside Melbourne.

According to Premcar, the new leadership and management position results from the company’s continued growth, such as increases in new-vehicle engineering projects and secondary manufacturing operations for global carmakers, as well as overseas expansion.

“Premcar entered a new level of business growth in 2023 and this year will be even bigger,” said Premcar’s Engineering Director and co-owner, Bernie Quinn.

“Various carmakers have tasked the Premcar team with delivering more long-term engineering and manufacturing projects so appointing Craig Clarke, a highly experienced auto 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 additional new-vehicle assembly plant in Melbourne. The new secondary manufacturing centre was established to meet growing local customer demand for the Premcar-enhanced Nissan Navara Warrior pick-up models and Nissan Patrol Warrior SUV. Premcar engineered and developed both Nissan 4×4 models specifically for Australia’s unique driving conditions.