Motor Trade Blames Restrictions

Press, Volume C, Issue 29681, 27 November 1961, Page 21

Motor Trade Blames Restrictions

(New Zealand Pres» Association)

WELLINGTON, Nov. 26. Although the New Zealand retail motor trade as a whole would agree that it would be desirable for members of the public to be able to buy the car of their choice, it strongly resents any suggestion that it is mainly to blame for the present state of the car market,” said the president of the New Zealand Retail Motor Trade Association (Mr A F. East) yesterday. “In fact, our association is trying its best in every possible way to help improve the existing position,” said Mr East. "We must reiterate that the present shortage of new cars and the consequent high price of used vehicles are caused solely by the restricted imports of new vehicles in recent years,” he said. • It is a question of supply and demand and we in the retail motor trade have had the greatest difficulty and embarrassment in trying to allocate fairly the limited number of vehicles we have available. "Priority must be given to essentia! operators and. because of the growth of industry and population, these users are increasing all the tune. Particularly in the popular makes of cars our allocations are practically used up in keeping this sect.on of the public supplied. Considers Customers “In allocating the few remaining vehicles the fran-chise-holder naturally cons ders those people who trade with him ahead of

those who could have their names on other waiting lists besides his own. “Our association has been most concerned over the number of near-new cars being offered for sale at considerably above list price. "We recently asked the Minister of Customs to enforce the covenant provisions on no-resnittance cars to prevent them reaching the used vehicle market with only delivery miles on their speedometers. “We have also made a strong appeal to all fran-chise-holders to be particularly careful in their allocations to help prevent cars being turned over immediately by those meifabers of the public who are unable to resist the temptation of making a quick profit. “Finally, who is responsible for the high prices of used vehicles? “I would suggest that it is not the dealer but the motorist himself who is taking advantage of a situation that can be cured only by a return to a satisfactory level of new car imports,” said Mr East. Glider's Test Flight.— Towed by a Tiger Moth aircraft, a Cherokee II sailplane built by Messrs H. C. Christie. J. L. Williams and T. D. Taylor made its first test flight of about 30ft at Ardmore on Saturday. Its builders claim the glider is the first completely built in New Zealand to receive approval from the Civil Aviation Administration. The glider is 21ft long with a wing span of 4Oft. —(P.A.)