FEWER CARS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23338, 5 May 1939, Page 11

FEWER CARS

IMPORTS EOR QUARTER SUBSTANTIAL DECLINE CANADA MAIN SUPPLIER A decrease in the number and value of motor vehicles imported into New Zealand in an assembled or unassembled state for the first three months of 1939 compared with the figure for the corresponding period last year is shown in a return issued by the Comptroller of Customs. A total of 8882 vehicles was imported for the 1930 period, valued at £1,539,407, compared with 11,209 vehicles, valued at £1,703,165, in the first quarter last year. Motor vehicles imported into Auckland for the first three months of this year numbered 1081 and were valued at £190,110, the corresponding totals for the first quarter last year being 2398 vehicles, and £253,257. The small totals through Auckland are stated to be due to the fact that the largest motor assembly plants are situated in Wellington. Canada was the major contributing country of motor vehicles, her total of 4590 including 3406 assembled vehicles, 1164 unassembled commercial vehicles and 20 assembled. The United Kingdom was next with 3344 assembled and unassembled cars, 294 commercial vehicles in an unassembled, state, and nine assembled, making a total of 3647 vehicles. The United States' total included 233 unassembled cars, five chassis and 181 commercial vehicles. There were 191 cars in an assembled state. Italy and Germany did not supply any commercial vehicles. Thirty unassembled and two assembled cars came from Italy and one assembled car was the only importation from Germany.