CZECHOSLOVAK SCOOTERS TO BE MADE IN AUCKLAND

Press, Volume XCIX, Issue 29162, 24 March 1960, Page 15

CZECHOSLOVAK SCOOTERS TO BE MADE IN AUCKLAND

A company to manufacture motor-scooters and .motor-cycles in New Zealand, known as the J.N.Z. Manufacturing Company, has been formed in Auckland and will begin production this year. Under the terms of a manufacturing licence issued by the Motokov Company, of Prague (producers of Jawa motor-cycles and Skoda cars), the scooters will represent 80 per cent, of the production of the new company. Announcing in Christchurch yesterday the plans of the company, its general manager (Mr L. Summers) said it was planned gradually to increase the amount of local content in the machines. The scooters and motor-cycles would initially have about 30 per cent, local content, but it was hoped eventually to have most of the parts made locally. The Government had given its full backing' to the scheme, and the Capital Issues Committee had approved the formation of the company two weeks ago. The first overseas components for the machines were ready for dispatch to this country, and quotations had been obtained from New Zealand companies for subcontracts. said Mr Summers. The building of the company’s factory in Auckland was still under negotiation but would be started very soon. Initial Capital £30,000 The company had solely New Zealand shareholders, and had an initial capital of £30.000. “We eventually hope to turn it into a public company as more money is required for expansion, and we will invite the established motor-scooter and motor-cycle trade to invest. “I don’t feel it would be possible to undertake this without the strong support of an experienced factory,” said Mr Summers. “As a result, we will have in New Zealand a technical adviser from Czechoslovakia, Mr J. Koch, who was the designer of the Cezeta motor-scooter which has been marketed throughout the world. He will stay in New Zealand permanently and be in charge of production. At the same time, a New Zealand technician will be sent to Prague to be instructed at the parent company’s factory, and will return to New Zealand to train local workers.”

Mr Summers said his company had been given permission to ex-

ploit Pacific area markets, and the factory would export a certain percentage of its products. Under the manufacturing licence, all technical information, tools, jigs, and other specialised equipment would be sent to this country from Czechoslovakia. “Substantial” Output Asked what production figures his company aimed at, Mr Summers said' he did not wish to make any statement apart from saying it would be “substantial.” There was a shortage of motorscooters in New Zealand, and there should be a good demand for the products. Scooters would be the initial concern of his company, and motor-cycles would be produced later. His company would be able to produce almost the whole range of Motokov’s motor-cycles and scooters in New Zealand, said Mr Summers. The 175 c.c. motorscooter and the 175 c.c. Jawa motor-cycle employed the same power units, and motor-cycles up to 350 c.c. would also be produced. There would be no price increase involved in local manufacture.