BRITISH CARS

Evening Post, Volume CXIII, Issue 141, 18 June 1927, Page 18

BRITISH CARS

THE MOTOR DELEGATION

ATTITUDE OF THE TRADE

Dealing with the presence of tho British Motor Delegation in tho Dominion, the "Radiator" remarks:—

"Apart altogether from the question of British versus America:l cars, New Zealanders have had the world's markets to choose from, and it should .bo recognised that the types-of motor vehicles now in use in different.parts of the country are the types most suitable for the work required. "An investigation; on these lines should give information m,uch more reliable and valuable than, tho theoretical idea of what the ideal car should bo. The difference between conditions in England and New-. Zealand will'be more easily recognised by a comparison of tho average horse-powers used in the two countries.' . "In England 55 per cent, of the passenger cars are of 12 h.p. or under; in New' Zoaland only 5 per cent, are in TTiis class. . ' ■ "In New Zealand 75 per cent, of the cars are between 21 and 30 h.p., whilst England only has 14 per cent, in this class. ■ ' • ■ .-■.'<■'■■ ■ ■' : "The complete classification of horse-power is 'as follows:—-

"A study of these figures should be valuable evidence of what power is required or preferred in New Zealand, and should convince the members of the delegation that r.ntil reading conditions generally have.made a much greater advance, considerably more horse-power is required in New Zealand than in England. ''■':.

"The experience of many New Zealand motor traders in handling English cars has been so bitter that they are indifferent and apathetic, and it will be difficult to get them to >,ake sufficient interest in the matter to submit their views to the delegation. WHERE THE BLAME BESTS. "Wo believe that the English manufacturer is to blame for the small percentage of English cars in use in New Zealand. There are reasons why this is so, but motor traders would do well to remember that at one time English cars were' outstanding in this, country, and it is not impossible that the lost position should be regained. * . "This cannot be done by-a stroke of the pen or a roport by a delegation, but a clear understanding botween the interested parties will go a long way to accomplishing the objective sought. "Mptorists, motor traders,' and others have nothing to lose by doing everything possible to enable this delegation to know the motor requirements of Now Ze.aland, and we would strongly urge all motor traders with a Knowledge of the subject to do their part jn ( making tho visit of the delegation successful.

"Tho reason America dominates tho New Zealand market is really simple whon'ldoked into, and may be summed up shortly in these words: Tho English motor vehicles in New Zealand have been bought from the English manufateurers, whilst American motor vehicles have been sold to New Zealand by the manufacturers.

"Tho visit of this delegation is some evidence that English manufacturers at least realise that if overseas business is to be done it must.be sought and not waited for, and if as a result of tho visit of the present delegation tho manufacturers of English motor vehicles make a Berious attempt to satisfy the requirements of this market, we have no doubt England's share of the Now.Zealand business will .increase, by leaps and bounds."

England. JN.Z. per cent, per cent. 12 h.p. and under 55 5 L3to 20 h.p. .... 20 17 !1 to 30 h.p 14 75 ii to 40 h.p 1 3 >ver 40 h.p. ...; 1 1