Motor trade-ins

Press, Volume CXI, Issue 32639, 22 June 1971, Page 16

Motor trade-ins

Sir,—The reply of the Industries and Commerce Department is typical of the lack of enterprise it displays. It is an accepted fact that a compulsory low-priced trade-in is still required by most popular-make new-car dealers in Christchurch. My last compulsory trade returned the dealer concerned the best part of $lOOO. These dealers are thumbing their noses at Government regulations with impunity. Let the department’s inspectors procure a copy of the current New Zealand used-car price guide, published monthly, and subtract $2OO as a reasonable dealer profit A fortnight spent examining the trading records of some of the major franchise holders would produce enough evidence on which to .base many prosecutions and enable the calling of many witnesses in court. The department could, if it wished, rectify the condition that it at present condones. Such impartial investigation would retain for the client the possible chance of being able to buy another new car within his lifetime. No informer could be so assured at present.—Yours, etc., FLEECED. June 21, 1971.