NO GERMAN CARS FOR N.Z.

Southland Times, Issue 23794, 17 April 1939, Page 8

NO GERMAN CARS FOR N.Z.

DUTY ON IMPORTS BARON -VON OERTZEN IS DISAPPOINTED No German cars are 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 of February to find a market for his firm’s cars. . “Wipe it out. Forget it. It is not practicable,” he said when he arrived in Christchurch in continuation of his New Zealand tour.

After careful inquiry into New Zealand’s economic conditions as they affected the importation of foreign goods, the Baron has decided to abandon the idea of establishing a market here. He had hoped that it could be done, but it seemed impossible, he said. The basic duty on the import of German goods into New Zealand was 10 times as high as that of 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 60 per cent, of the former gold standard. The German mark had not. D.K.W. cars, “Das Kleine Wunder” (“The Little Wonder”) sold for 2000 marks in Germany, which was £lOO sterling, continued the Baron. The cost of the car in New Zealand, with duties, but without dealers’ discount, would be £360. ONE LAST ATTEMPT “When I get back to Wellington I hope to see the authorities, including your Minister of Finance (the Hon. W. Nash), and make one last a'ttempt to establish a market,” said the Baron. “We have markets for our cars in all the other British Dominions. The trade in South Africa is exceptionally big.” Baron von Oertzen would not discuss Herr Hitler or European politics. He said he had defended Herr, Hitler’s foreign policy when’ he first arrived in New Zealand, and he did not feel inclined to discuss European affairs again. “Just let us enjoy our holiday,” he pleaded. “It is a beautful country ” “A. gem,” cut in Baroness Oertzen. “My husband'came here sick. He is now well again. Rotorua made him better. But all your country is wonderful. Its climate is like a European climate. The air is so fresh. Everything is perfect.” “And so we leave with a tear in our eye,” concluded the Baron. Baron and Baroness von Oertzen will leave Auckland by the Niagara on. May 2 for Australia, on their way back to Germany.