New Zealand Imports Of European Cars Criticised

Press, Volume XCIV, Issue 28013, 6 July 1956, Page 12

New Zealand Imports Of European Cars Criticised

“If Continental car allocations to New Zealand are increased, we will not be able to keep our dealers in ♦his country, and they will be forced to seek a franchise for foreign cars It can't be expected that a distributor can make a living out of perhaps 30 English cars a year,” said Mr R. J. Hancock technical service engineer of the Rover Motor Company, LtdWarwickshire. in Christchurch yesterday. Mr Hancock is on a business tour of New Zealand.

“I agree that Continental competition will keep our manufacturers on their toes, but it is difficult to keep the public supplied with the type of car they want and keep prices down as well.” he said. “That is whv the English manufacturers feel strongly about New Zealand import

cuts on British cars and increased Continental allocations.

“Because New Zealanders have to go on waiting lists for English cars, they decide to buy comparatively easily obtainable European cars,” said Mr Hancock “If this continues. British cars could be pushed right off the market in New Zealand.

“We are really sore about a German make which has a larger allocation in New Zealand than many English makes. My company has already sold all its import quota of cars for this vear and most were sold before they even reached New Zealand. I believe that the English car can compete with the Continental make anywhere in the world, and this is proved in New Zealand, where dealers are simply screaming for English cars.” The recent dismissals of labour in

the motor industry in England represented only a reduction of output to demand, said Mr Hancock. It was unlikely that any of the companies would be forced out of existence, but it would mean fierce competition Several new types of car had been designed in England over recent years, but the price at which they would sell did not make them reliable propositions

“I have no doubt that the present situation will return to normal in England shortly. It is simply a case of the firms expanding to meet the demand, and now the demand is suddenly decreased, leaving the companies with excess labour.” said Mr Hancock.