U.S. and N.Z. prices

Press, Volume CXII, Issue 33094, 8 December 1972, Page 12

U.S. and N.Z. prices

Sir, —Recently an American diplomat gave a comparison of prices ruling in New Zealand and the United States. I can fully bear out his statement. Some time ago 1 had to buy a new set of standard piston rings for an American car. The agent informed me that they would cost SBO, which I thought excessive and did not order. Through an American friend I purchased a set in America. The over-all cost was $6.49 in America. This gives an idea of what it costs for local industry protection. — Yours, etc., ANTI-PROTECTION. November 22, 1972. [Mr D. H. Perry, internal officer of the New Zealand Automotive Component Manufacturers’ Federation,

replies: “The major local manufacturers of piston rings on being contacted, indicated that they would be pleased to answer your correspondent, if he would supply complete details to the federation. In the absence of these details, we can only comment that, overall, the pricing of replacement piston ringsets manufactured in New Zealand is comparable with those ruling in other countries. The high price quoted bears no relation to prices currently ruling for catalogue listed, complete ring-sets manufactured in New Zealand as replacements for American-origin passengervehicle engines. We feel it possible that the price of $BO quoted may have related to an imported ring-set. Supply of all details is necessary if we are able to make constructive comments, and we can assure your correspondent that we are keen and, indeed, most anxious to do so.”]