Motor Imports

Manawatu Times, Volume LV, Issue 7378, 11 November 1930, Page 3

Motor Imports

Interesting details of the number and values of the motor vehicles imported into New Zealand during the nine months ended September 30 arc revealed in a return prepared for the New Zealand Herald by tho Comptroller of Customs. In spite of tho general trade depression which has existed for some time, a total of 12,861 motor vehicles •were imported during the period, the value of the. imports being £1,890,255. The Auckland imports numbered 3139, approximately 25 per cent, of the total, and were valued at £461,381. Tho values shown represent .the current domestic values in the countries of export, plus 10 per cent. Nature of the Imports. Of the total of 12,861 vehicles imported, 9520 were passenger vehicles, which wero valued at £1,437,550. There were 627 passenger chassis, valued at £73,335; 419 commercial vehicles costing £42,396, and 1993 passenger chassis representing the sum of £336,671. The figures show that there is considerable importance attaching to tho coachbuilding industry in New Zealand, as only 419 out of a total of 2412 commercial vehicles arrived in the countiy complete with bodies. The remaining H 93 were fitted with bodies in New Zealand, which is an indication that owners are convinced ot the mciits of Dominion-made coaehwork. In addition •„hcr c were 629 motor-car chassis fitted with bodies by local concerns. In Auckland alone 670 commercial chassis and 15 car chassis were fitted with bodies, Hus providing employment for quite a large number of people.

Countries of Origin. In bolli the Dominion and Auckland totals, Canadian imports were by far the largest, representing over 50 per n e nt. of the total in each case. There were 9820 passenger vehicles imported into New Zealand, and of these 5523 were of Canadian origin, while H 25 of tho Auckland total of 2373 came fiom Canada. Canadian machines also predominated in the commercial section, there being 417 out of the 419 complete commercial vehicles, and 1174 out of 1993 commercial chassis. The United States imports were the next largest, there being 2602 cars, 63 car chassis and 613 commercial vehicles and 202 commercial chassis. The total value of the United States imports was £591,634. Third on tho list came the United Kingdom total, with 1659 cars,. 306 car chassis two commercial vehicles and 202 commercial chassis. Belgium accounted for one car, two car chassis and three commercial chassis, while French imports were one car, three car chassis, and one commercial chassis. There were also two cars each from Germany and Italy.