INCREASE IN BRITISH CAR EXPORT QUOTA

Chronicle (Levin), 21 June 1947, Page 3

INCREASE IN BRITISH CAR EXPORT QUOTA

Received Friday, 8.50 p..m. LONDONjiJmim^O. The British Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders had advised the motor vehicle industry to increase the export of automobiles from 50 per cent to 00 per cent of the total production and export of heavy vehicles from 33 1-3 per c®&t to 40 per cent, said the direetor of the society (Mr R. GreshamCooke). He said they were still in the dark about the reason for Argentina 's ban ou imports. Although the ban was announced only two days ago British manufacturers had already received cancellations. The industry had sufficient export orders to last two or three months but after that the export posiiou was not clear.

The new British taxation rate of £4U a vehicle would enable manufacturers to produce more automobiles of the 14 horse-power type for the home market. The increased production would mean a lower price to attract overseas buyers. He said the society hoped that the Indian suspension of import licences for motor vehicles after June 30 would last onlv until the Indian Government made sure of its foreign exehange position. The Swedish restrictions might be lifted soon, but Holland, Belgium aud Denmark wffire expected to retain their restrictions for some time. It Is estimated that it will be about two years before any British car can be marketed which has been designed to take advantage of the new car fax announced by Mt. Hugh Dalton. It is expected that factory programmes will immediately be revised in order to give more emphasis to existing models between 12 and 18 horsepower at the expense of 8 and 10 horsepower models, says the N.Z. Press Association 's London correspondento