THE USED CAR PROBLEM

Press, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22339, 1 March 1938, Page 4

THE USED CAR PROBLEM

RELATION TO SALE OF NEW MODELS

DETERMINING FACTOR IN INDUSTRY

The ability of motor-car dealers to move used car stocks must to a great extent determine the future of the industry in New Zealand, according to a statement made in an interview yesterday by Mr G. H. Jackson, managing director of the Ford Motor Company of New Zealand. Ltd. The problem was one that would finally have to be faced, he said, and its solution depended on the ability of workers on the lower wage levels to buy used cars Asked to comment on an Australian suggestion that the position might be helped by Government assistance, ivir Jackson said that there was ho doubt that if the Government could lower operating costs so that used cars would be within the maintaining power of the lower-paid workers, the industry would certainly be assisted Reduction of the registration tax would not make a material difference, but a lowering of the petrol tax would help The compulsory warrant of fitness’ had to some extent helped by putting off the road cars which should have been condemned —and it was matter for argument whether motorcar dealers should carry the burden of dumping such cars, or whether the owners themselves should face the loss. ______