Motor Vehicle Imports

Dominion, Volume 33, Issue 191, 9 May 1940, Page 11

Motor Vehicle Imports

Sir,- —The world-motor census- compiled by the “American Automobile” is interesting in view of the inclusion of motor-cars in the 100 tier cent, list of the import restrictions for the new term. Using the figures given and the latest available population figures, we find that New Zealand has one motorvehicle for every 5.9 of population. For other countries the .approximate figures are: U.S.A., 4; Union of South Africa (white population), 4: Canada, 7.5; Australia, S: Great Britain, 19; France, 20 • Scandinavian countries. 25; Argentina, 34; Germany, 50: Italy, 90; and U.S.S.R., 225. The inferences to be drawn from these figures are by no means conclusive. Topographical considerations, density of population, available fuel supplies, other transport facilities and fashion, all contribute toward reducing the value of the figures for use in debate. However, the fact remains that, omitting South Africa, New Zealand stands second in the world in the use of motor-vehicles. Moreover, taking into consideration relative prices. New Zealand has spent on motor-vehicles per head of population, more than any other nation. Perhaps we have here the explanation of the need for petrol restrictions in this country.... It is to be deplored that the ban on the importation of motor-ears will reduce employment in the sales section of the industry, but a fillip will be given to the servicing trade, and many mechanically fit vehicles which have been discarded at the behest of fashion will find their places again on the roads. And a brake will be applied to the present high rate of depreciation of car values.

In any case, automobile importations represent a large proportion of the drain on overseas funds, and it is surely better that our extravagant tastes should suffer before our supplies of necessities.! am, etc., VARIAN J. WILSON. Picton. May 5 [This letter has been abridged. 1