CAR IMPORTATIONS INADEQUATE TO MEET N.Z. DEMAND

Greymouth Evening Star, 13 March 1948, Page 3

CAR IMPORTATIONS INADEQUATE TO MEET N.Z. DEMAND

New Zealand motor traders are concerned at the limit imposed by the Government on the importation of motor-cars, particularly as far as English vehicles are concerned. In a booklet issued recently, the Dominion’s position is set out by the New Zealand Motor Vehicles Importers’ Association.

In 1938, it is stated, motor-car imports totalled 28,055, of which 17,606 came from Great Britain, while in 1947 the number had been reduced to 18,095. This year licences allow an estimated importation of only 10,000, including 8500 from Great Britain. In 1938, it is pointed out, 7.6 per cent, of the national export income of £58,000,000 was allotted to motorcar imports, which cost £4,460,000, but the proportion of national income allotted this year is only 2.6 per cent. — £3,370,000 of £130,000,000. A total of 28,000 new cars would be provided by 7.6 per. cent, of the 1948 export income, it was stated. At the 1948 rate of importation, continues the association, it will take 20 years to replace the national motor-car fleet. Between 1936 and 1939 the annual average of new motor-car registrations in New Zealand was 24,2-73, between 1940 and 1947 it was 3896. Of all the motorcars on the road at September 30 last year, 15,238 or 7.3 per cent, were under five years of age and fully efficient, 85,893 (40.9 per cent.) were betwen five and 10 years, 56.142 (26.7 per cent) between 10 and 15 years and 52,754 (25.1 per cent.) were over 15 years of age. Though this year British car manufacturers have allotted and are willing to supply New Zealand with 20,000 motor cars, and other countries a similar number, New Zealand will be able to take only 10,00.0 —to meet an estimated demand of 50,000.