MORE NEW CARS SOLD

Press, Volume LXX, Issue 21354, 22 December 1934, Page 16

MORE NEW CARS SOLD

Big Increase For November MOTOR TRADE IMPROVES More new cars were sold in Christchurch during November and the first part of December than in the corresponding period last year, and the motor business generally was much brighter. This was the unanimous opinion of leading motor traders interviewed by "The Press" yesterday. Reports of the trade in used cars varied, but it was generally agreed that it was not quite as good as at the same time last year, mainly because of the exceptional number of new cars sold. In November the number of new cars registered in New Zealand was more than three times greater than than for November last year. The figures ase as follow: 1933. 1934. New Zealand .. 400 1274 North Island .. 285 876 South Island .. 115 398 Christchurch .. 42 160 For October the figures were:— 1933. 1934. New Zealand .. 255 952 North Island .. 172 653 . South Island .. 83 299 Christchurch .. 25 114 The Christchurch figures for October represent an increase of 350 per cent. A Steadying Effect The figures for December are, of course, not yet available, but it is anticipated that they will not show such extraordinary increases as were shown in October and November. It is thought that the combined effect of the wool sales not being quite as good as was expected in soma quarters, and the long spell of dry weather in Canterbury, will have a steadying effect on the sales. Nevertheless traders are emphatic that December this year has so far been a much better month than December last year. The manager of one firm said that his turnover for November was the best of any month since 1930.

Although all traders report better business, they have not shared equally in the exceptional increase in sales of the last few months. It appears that the greatest demand has been for lighter and moderately priced cars, and firms which are able to cater for that demand have naturally done the best business. The demand for more highly priced cars has also increased, but not to the same extent. One firm reported that many of the sales were cash transactions, and that there appeared to be plenty of money about for buying cars. The opinion was expressed that many buyers had had the money for some time, but because of the low interest rates offering for investments, had decided that they might as well have some pleasure out of their money and buy a car. [ Used Cars I Because of the many popularly priced new cars sold, some firms are finding that their stocks of used cars are swelling, the demand not having kept pace with that for new cars. Several firms reported enquiries for very cheap cars, priced about £lO, from parties wishing to go holiday trips, but there are now very few cars for sale at that price. The manager of one firm said that the sale of used cars was better than at this time last year, and he was experiencing a definite shortage of cars selling at between £6O or £7O, although there were still plenty of cars priced at more than £IOO. He had had a good demand for used cars throughout the year. Generally speaking motor traders do not experience the Christmas rush common in other businesses. The pressure of business comes a month of two before Christmas when people are deciding on their holidays, and whether or not they can afford to buy a car for the Christmas trip. One firm, however, reported that this week has been the busiest for some months. The repair departments of all garages are exceptionally busy at present doing last-minute overhauls and repairs to cars that will be taken away for holiday tours.