Sourcing parts poses no problems

Press, 12 October 1988, Page 33

Sourcing parts poses no problems

Such is the chain of supply from Japan these days for mechanical and collision repair parts that owners of Japanese imported cars need have little concern. Autoparts International, the biggest importer of used car parts from Japan into New Zealand, has a container leaving that country every three days. “We have a supply link with the largest dismantler of vehicles in Japan,” said the national sales manager for Autoparts International, Mr Russell Boyd. “They are breaking down 6000 cars a month so you can see the backup we have. “As most of the cars imported from Japan are almost identical to those in New Zealand, then there is absolutely no problems. In fact, it is often easier to get parts for Japanese imported cars than those assembled in this country.” In the last 12 months as the numbers of imported

cars into this country have grown sharply, Autoparts International has correspondingly built up its own supplies. “For the nine most popular cars imported we have a complete range of parts. In the case where we do not have the part, we can get it in 45 days. “It is just a matter of getting in touch with our suppliers and they will slip it into the next shipment. Freighting it by air is possible, but also very expensive.” Mr Boyd said that the need for mechanical parts for these cars is very rare. “These cars are usually very low mileage therefore there is not the mechanical need for new parts. Since our growing involvement with Japanese cars we haven’t noticed any difference in our repair patterns. “Japanese imports must be looked upon as being extremely well put together, mechanically sound cars and a good buy,” he said.