GERMAN MOTOR-CARS

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 19915, 18 April 1939, Page 2

GERMAN MOTOR-CARS

IMPORT DIFFICULTIES duty too high No German cars arc likely to be imported into New Zealand, according to Baron von Oertzen, general export manager of the Auto Union A.G., Chemnitz, Saxony, who _ came to the Dominion at the beginning ol February to find a market for his firm's cars.

After careful inquiry into New Zealand’s economic conditions as they affected the importation of foreign foods, the baron has decided to abandon the idea of establishing a market here, states a Christchurch message.

The basic duty on the import of German goods into New Zealand was 10 times as high as that for British goods, explained Baron von Oertzen. There was also a surtax, which was roughly a quarter of the basic duty. Finally, the duty was figured on the pound sterling, which had devaluated to about GO per cent of the former gold standard. The German mark had not. '

D.K.W. cars, “Das Klcine Wunder" (“The Little Wonder"), sold for 2000 marks in Germany, which was' £IOO sterling, continued the Baron. The cost of the car in New Zealand, with duties, but without dealers’ discount, would be £360.

“When I get back to Wellington, 1 hope to see the authorities, including your Minister of Finance, and make one last attempt to establish a market,” said the baron. “We have markets for our ears in all the other British Dominions. The trade in South Africa is exceptionally big.”

Baron and Baroness von Oertzen leave Auckland by the Niagara on May 2 for Australia, on their way back to Germany.