MOTOR IMPORTS

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 80, Issue 36, 12 February 1937, Page 11

MOTOR IMPORTS

REMARKABLE INCREASE BRITAIN’S LARGER SHARE. The phenomenal recovery in the motor industry in New Zealand during the past two years is illustrated by the remarkable increase in imports revealed in a return compiled by the Comptroller of Customs. The number of vehicles imported into New Zealand in 1936 was 30,265, 9440 more than the number for the previous year, 20,825. In 1934 the total was 14.415, and in 1933 it was 3868. For tlie purposes of assessing duty, motor vehicles of all kinds imparted last year were valued at £4,547,205 or £1,339,769 more than the value of the imports in the previous year, £3,207,436. These figures represent the current domestic values in the countries of export, plus 10 per cent. Analysis of Values.

More Unassembled Vehicles. ! As in the previous year, there was a large increase in the number of vehicles assembled in New Zealand. Last year 17,634 of the 30,265 machines imported into the Dominion were assembled here, the numbers arriving already assembled being 12,901. In 1935, 11,317 vehicles were already assembled when they arrived, 9528 being assembled in New Zealand. To some extent this increase may be attributed to the opening of a large assembly plant at Petone. By far the greatest proportion of New Zealand's imports of passenger cars last year came from the United Kingdom. Of the total of 24,229 motor-cars and motor-car chassis, 13,321 were from the United Kingdom, 6335 came from the United States, and 4572 from Canada. One vehicle of a dutiable value of £l2l was imported from Japan. That Britain has made a great advance on the New Zealand market is indicated when these figures are compared with those of 1935. In that year, motor-cars and chassis imported from the United Kingdom numbered 9464, as compared with 5559 from the United States. Last year, imports from the United Kingdom were more than double those from the United States. Britain’s share of the total imports was valued at £2,556,658, compared with £1,099,659 for the United States, £767,012 greater than her share in 1935, when imports from the United States were valued at £867,964, compared with Britain’s £1,789,646. Figures for Three Years. Following are details of the motorcar and motor-car chassis imports for the past three years:—

The number of commercial vehicles imported last year increased by 3035 over the figure for 1935. Last year the number was 6036, as compared with 3001 in 1935 and 2668 in 1934. In 1933 only 935 commercial vehicles were imported, the total for 1931 being still lower at 632. The United States again exported the greatest number of commercial vehicles to New Zealand, 2666 coming from this source. Great Britain supplied 1989 and Canada 1373. Following are details of the commercial vehicles imported during the past three years:—

Unassembled or completely knocked-down— United United Kingdom. States. Canada. £ £ £ 737,011 589,4G0 189,401 12,105 14,876 15,649 , 405,760 333,369 172,367 Com. vehicles .... Totals 1,158,876 937,705 377,417 Assembled— (rs 1,328,369 159,617 508,731 Car chassis .... 3,245 144 — Com. vehicles . 66.1G8 2,193 4,616 Totals 1,397,782 161,954 513,350 In addition, one assembled motorcar, valued at £121, was imported from Japan. The total value of imports, compared with that for 1535, was:— 1936. 1935. £ £ United Kingdom . 2,556,658 1,789,646 United States ... 1,099,659 867,964 Canada a90,767 549,826 Japan 121 — Totals 4.547,205 3,207,436

1934. 1935. 1936. United Kingdom 5,654 9,646 13,321 United States 3,778 5,559 6,335 Canada 2.315 2,619 4,572 Japan Totals 11,747 17,824 24,229

1934 1935. 1936. United Kingdom .. ... 1.095 920 1,989 ... 1,112 1,214 2,666 1,373 ... 461 867 Totals ... 2,668 3,001 6,036