MOTOR TRADE

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 1, Issue 70, 4 October 1939, Page 5

MOTOR TRADE

OUTLOOK SOMEWHAT BRIGHTER

MORE PETROL POSSIBLE

Garages report some improvement ' in business and an increased number of inquiries for new and used cars, with the repair departments busier. Reductions in the use of petrol had wide psychological effect, but now

that the general public has become

accustomed to the changed condi"tions, business is proceeding on more normal lines. It is understood that ' the restrictions will be eased shortly, with an increased allowance tor heavier cars, and it is generally expected that in the summer months vthe position will be greatly relaxed.

Ten gallons a month, though adequate 'ilor normal life s would bs much "too little for holiday travelling. It

would take the average light car

to the centennial exhibition, ■|L~but it would not enable it to return, - _ " and in view of the fact that the

tjovernment is vitally interested in the success of the exhibition ai.d it will lose a great deal of revenue if holiday motoring is restricted, some improvement is possible.

Present supplies otf fuel are estimated at 50,000.000 gallons which, tinder the rationing sjrstem, should "be sufficient for eight to ten months. [Storage space is already taxed to 'the utmost, and no indication has Iseen given that the tanker service to the Dominion is likely to be curtailed unless the theatres of naval warfare are unexpectedly extended.

There is a persistent rumour that -one tanker which recently arrived at Auckland went on to Australia -without discharging the full amount' •of cargo which was intended. These "factors, together with the announcement in the House last week that the question of petrol rations for "October was being reviewed, lend colour to the belief that a revision •of the whole system would not be surprising. Dealers believe that a hardening in the price of both new and used cars is possible. With most of the • energies of industry concentrated on the manufacture of! war material's and with the increased demands for metals and rubber, an increase in the price of cars was almost certain. There, would be fewer new cars and an increase in the amount of repair work.