SUPPLY OF CARS

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLVIII, Issue 21558, 22 January 1940, Page 4

SUPPLY OF CARS

BRITAIN’S BIG EFFORT MAINTENANCE OF EXPORTS LONDON, December 12. Conferences between motor manufacturers. the Ministry of Supply and the Board of Trade have resulted in a plan to increase the export of Britisn motor-cars and commercial vehicles all over the world, and especially to secure a share in the now eliminated sea-borne export markets of Germany, which last year traded 78,000 vehicles out of the Reich. Already since war began Britain has sent overseas an average of nearly 1000 vehicles a week. Under the new scheme a detailed arrangement for supplies of basic materials has been officially planned for at least 12 months ahead, and manufacturers have already started to draw up future production schedules. New Zealand Demand New Zealand’s demand for British vehicles will be a vital factor in the wartime production regime. While it is realised that New Zealand may not be able to mantain the peak demands of 1936-38, representing 15.000 to 20,000 vehicles a year, every order will help to ease the economic situation of an industry which, having lost much if its basic home demand, will be straining every nerve to mantain export trade. Already 60 per cent, of New Zealand’s motor trade and industry depends on supplies of British vehicles, and manufacturers are fully prepared for this proportion to be increased. “Our overseas customers are now assured of supplies both of cars and commercial vehicles, the arrangements being on the basis that export orders shall be fully met. The export interests of the motor industry are therefore safeguarded to the utmost possible under present conditions.” said Mr W. E. Rootes. president of th* Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, speaking for a British industry whose direct annual contribution from all sources to the nation’s economic life is estimated at £500.000.000. Expansion of Shipments One-fifth of all British vehicles produced were regularly exported, but this proportion will be increased to 50 per cent, during the war. Including parts and accessories, the pre-war annual value of British motor exports was £20.000,000. Since 1937, the annual export figure of 100.000 vehicles has been reached. The total elimination of Germany s. sea-borne export trade is capable of exceptionally favourable reactions for British motor manufacturers, because competition was largely in the light car class, in which British preeminence is acknowledged throughout the world. Figures for 1938 show that Australia, which took 27.722 cars, was Britain's best customer. New Zealand, with 15,015. u’as next, then came Eire 5973. and South Africa fourth, with 4928. During the same year Germany exported 672 cars to Australia. 173 to New Zealand, 129 to Eire and 2700 to South Africa.