BRITISH MOTOR-CARS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22318, 16 January 1936, Page 9

BRITISH MOTOR-CARS

NEW ZEALAND PURCHASES BEST OVERSEAS CUSTOMER LONDON. Jan. 14 New Zealand in 1935 became the biggest overseas purchaser of British motor-cars. The Board of Trade returns reveal that the Dominion imported 8225 cars, valued at £952,620, an increase of £3-14,000 compared with 1934.

South Africa was Britain's next best car customer. She bought £809,241 worth.

Sir Herbert Austin states that in view of the large increase British manufacturers will bo compelled to vote for and to do all in their power to foster trade reciprocity with New Zealand.

Mr. W. E. llootes, deputy-chairman of the Humber-Hi 11 man Commer group, says the United Kingdom motor industry will not be unmindful that New Zealand's capacity to buy British cars depends upon Britain's support of her great dairying industry.

Quarterly returns of imports during last year showed that the United Kingdom was enjoying a large share of New Zealand's motor trade. For the first quarter an appreciable increase in the proportion of British vehicles was apparent. However, the figures for the first half-year revealed loss preference for vehicles from the United Kingdom than had been apparent in the corresponding six months of 1934, the proportion of the total having fallen from 62 per cent to 49 per cent. Referring to a record shipment of 552 British motor vehicles which arrived at Auckland from London in November, a representative of the New Zealand Dairy Board stated in London that the Dominion was buying more cars because of her increased purchasing power brought about by better prices and a bigger demand in tho United Kingdom for her dairy products. Dealing with the same matter, the Daily Express stated: "The loyal Dominion's imports of British cars and aircraft jumped by 54 per cent in nine months. She is one of this country's largest customers. Will there be reciprocity from Britain, now helping with trade agreements and quotas New Zealand's competitors in our market? The Argentines are raking in the shekels at New Zealand's expense, while they boycott British goods in Buenos Aires."