MOTOR IMPORTS

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 73, Issue 424, 15 November 1930, Page 21 (Supplement)

MOTOR IMPORTS

TOTALS FOR NINE MONTHS CANADIAN MODELS POPULAR Interesting details of the number of values of the motor vehicles imported into New Zealand during the nine months ended September 30 are revealed in a return prepared by the Comptroller of Customs. In spite of the general trade depression which has existed for some time, a total of 12,861 motor vehicles were imported during the period, the value of the imports being £1,890,255. The values shown represent the current domestic values in the countries of export, plus 10 per cent.

Nature of the Imports. Of the total of 12,861 vehicles imported 9820 were passenger vehicles, which were valued at £1,437,880. There were 627 passenger chassis, valued at £73,335; 419 commercial vehicles costing£42,3(s9, and 1993 passenger chassis representing the sum of £336,671. The figures show that there is considerable importance attaching to the coachbuilding industry in New Zealand, as only 419 out of a total of 2412 commercial vehicles arrived in the country complete with bodies. The remaining 1193 were fitted with bodies in New Zealand, which is an indication that owners arc convinced of the merits of Dom-inion-made coachwork. In addtion there were 629 motor-car chassis fitted with bodies by local concerns. Countries of Origin Canadian imports were by far the largest, representing over 50 per cent, of the total. There were 9820 passenger vehicles imported into New Zealand, and of these 5523 were of Canadian origin. Canadian machines also predominated in the commercial section.

there being 417 out of the 419 complete commercal vehicles, and 1174 out of 1993 commercial chassis. The United States imports were the next largest, there being 2602 cars, 63 car chassis and (513 commercial chassis. The total value of the United States imports was £591,634. Third on the list caino the United Kingdom total, with 1689 cars, 306 car chassis, two commercial vehicles and 202 commercial chassis. Belgium accounted for one car, two car chassis and three commercial chassis, while French imports were one car, three car chassis and one commercial chassis. There were also two cars each from Germany and Italy. Comparative Values

The figures reveal an interesting comparison between the values of the cars from the three principal countries of export. Numerically, the Canadian imports were by far the largest, but individually United Kingdom cars imported was £lB4, while United States products averaged £173 and Canadian models as little as £122. These figures do not, of course, represent local retail prices, but are the current domestic values in the countries of export, plus 10 per cent. The one Belgian <ar imported was valued at £31(5, while the sole French model cost only £74. Th? average of the two German machines was £Bl9. while the two Italian cars averaged £248. In the case of commercial chassis, the United Kingdom imports were individually by far the most expensive. The average price of the United Kingdom commercial chassis was £460, the United States machines average £215. and the States machines averaging £215, and the Canadian models only £9O. These average prices indicate that the Canadian commercial chassis in most common use are the lighter type, while it would appear that owners require a heavier and more costly type of vehicle are using United Kingdom products.

The. City CouniTl has now instructed the city solicitor to draw up a by-law with regard to the painting white of bicycle rear mud-guards. The first move in the matter was taken by the Automobile Association. Wanganui is following other centres, but it is a move which will make for greater safety.