BRITISH CAR INDUSTRY.

Auckland Star, Volume LXI, Issue 65, 18 March 1930, Page 7

BRITISH CAR INDUSTRY.

GROWTH IN AUSTRALIA. ADVERSE RULING CONDITIONS NEED FOR NATIONAL ECONOMY. A bright prospect for British care in Australia was predicted by Mr. S. A. Cheney, chairman of directors of the firm of Cheneys (Australia), Ltd., who arrived in Auckland by the Ulimaroa this morning. Three years ago, Mr. Cheney said, liis firm was • the biggest distributor of American cars in Australia. Struck with the possibility of Engiisti models, Mr. Cheney changed completely over t) British cars, and to-day he is able to • make such an optimistic statement. "I was able to persuade Sir William 0 Morris, of the firm of Morris cars, to visit Australia two years ago and study conditions first hand," he said, "and the result is to be" seen in the type of British car which now is' suitable for use in the colonies. Undeniably sales have jumped up since his visit. We sold 3000 British cars in Victoria and South Australia last year."

He intended going to England, via America, to follow up the British car, industry, and he expected to interview all the prominent makers with the object, among others, of explaining existing conditions, and the best car for them.

The car industry had been adversely affected by recent economic conditions in Australia, he affirmed, but as the Government intended to restrict foreign importation, it was anticipated that the sale of British cars would increase, particularly as a suitable vehicle was being produced. * On account of poor crops and Bcanty < harvest, Australia's revenue was many thousands of pounds below normal, and' imports were easily exceeding exports. This was the reason for the restriction': referred to. With the tradition of good harvests, and high, prices for wool, Australia had formed the habit of spending lavishly, and extravagance had become a habit. People in the. Commonwealth were now beginning to realise that i national economy was a necessity. Once this realisation was translated into fact production would be increased, and costs. would be lowered.