MOTOR VEHICLES

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 2, Issue 110, 15 January 1940, Page 6

MOTOR VEHICLES

ONLY BRITISH CARS TO BE ALLOWED INTO DOMINION SIX MONTHS' QUOTA Motor imports into New Zealand lor the first six months of tliis year will be restricted to British vehicles. The value of imports will he 25 per cent of that for the first half of 1938 in the case of assembled vehicles and 35 per cent covering completely knocked down models. Advice to this effect, has been received by the motor trade from the Minister of Customs, the Hon. W. Nash. The point is not clear whether the percentages of imports will include the sum previously allocated for United States and Canadian vehicles. An explanation of this question is being sought. Spare parts will be admitted entry into the country to the equivalent value of imports during the first half of 1938, irrespective of Hie country of origin. The Minister has pointed out that the restrictions are being imposed as a further step towards preserving sterling funds. Motor imports from all countries for the first half of 1938 were valued at £3,081,09(5. ,Britain's share of the importation was £1782,3i>7, or 57.8 per cent of the total. This amount included £1,010,04'J in the case of assembled vehicles, and £772,018 in the case of built-up units The total number of vehicles imported was 19,610, of which 11,173 or f>6.9 per cent were of British origin, including 6401 unassembled and 4772 assembled.