MOTOR TYRES

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 70, Issue 117, 2 March 1950, Page 7

MOTOR TYRES

ACUTE SHORTAGE CONCERN IN DOMINION (P.A.) WELLINGTON, March 1. The acute shortage of motor tyres in all the popular sizes is causing concern throughout New Zealand. No relief,is expected by retailers until after the middle of the year unless additional import licences are granted.

Motor trade retailers and importers said to-night that the shortage was almost as grave as that which put cars off the road during the war. Motor assembly plants in the Hutt Valley are reported to be embarrassed by the lack of tyres. It was said tonight that some new cars had been delivered without spares. Other cars are held up awaiting tyres before they can leave the factory. The secretary of the New Zealand Motor Trade Retailers’ Association, Mr G. R. Edmond, said that, the Association, which is meeting in Wellington this week, is seriously concerned oyer the shortage. “We are investigating the possibility of importing tyres of popular sizes from England,” he said. Discussions would be held this week with the representatives of the trade to endeavour to secure some relief from the shortage. The manager of. one of Wellington’s largest tyre importing firms said there was no chance of early relief. Shipments of tyres on the water for New Zealand were not popular sizes. “This year’s import licences for common sizes used by 90 per cent, of car owners are only 31 per cent, of the previous year’s licences,” he said. “Last year no tyres of the common sizes were imported. Local production does not appear to be keeping up with the demand, and the shortage is now as acute as it has ever been.” A serious shortage of motor tyres is embarrassing city retailers. One representative of the trade said the shortage was worse than any he had known durfng the war. Many retailers have none of the most common sizes of tyres in stock. , However, the shortage may be shortlived. Imported tyres due this month are expected to relieve the demand until all three New Zealand factories reach full production in the middle of the year.