Another chance to bid to import vehicles

Press, 3 July 1985, Page 3

Another chance to bid to import vehicles

PA Wellington Traders and individuals who missed earlier this year in bids to import the cars of their choice now have a chance to try again. The Trade and Industry Department has announced the second round of tenders for import licences for new cars worth $34.4 million. Tenders close on July 29. More than 17,211 units are at 32000 each, and those wilang to pay the highest premium will get the licences.

When the first tender round closed in February bids outnumbered licence units eight to one. Successful tenderers included Emco, Mazda, Toyota, and Nissan. The rival big car companies of Ford, Todd Motors, Motor Holdings, General Motors, and Cable Price all submitted tenders that were too low. A Trade and Industry official said yesterday that it was still too B§rly to know how many cars were being imported as a result of that first tender round.

Importers had until September to pay the department for the licences and had another six months after that to use them. Already a greater range and quantity of exotic cars had arrived on the market, he said. The tenders process is part of the motor-vehicle industry development plan announced last December. Under the plan a gradually increasing percentage of motor-vehicles and parts will be allowed in over the next four years.