MOTOR IMPORTS.

Taranaki Central Press, Volume IV, Issue 346, 29 January 1937, Page 5

MOTOR IMPORTS.

United Kingdom Is Biggest Supplier.

Wellington, To-day. Last year was a record one for mojor importations. Vehicles numbering 30,265 were imported, cor.pared with 29,166 in 1929. During 1935 21,842 were imported. T£e United Kingdom led in both numbers and value, comparative figures being:— United Kingdom 15,310 (£2,556,658); Canada, 5945 (£890,767); U.S.A, 9009 (£1,099,659). The United Kingdom has a preference of 45 per cent, over foreign vehicles, the completely knock-down United Kingdom duty being 5 per cent, against 50 per cent., plus surtax in the case of U.S.A, and other foreign vehicles. Canada pays not more than 20 per cent., in some ca'ses less. In assembled cars the United Kingdom pays a duty of 15 per cent, as against 60 per cent., plus surtax in the case of foreign cars. The U.S.A, leads in knocked-down vehicles, partly due to the big concerns which assemble cars here. The total dutiable value of motorvfhicles imported for the year was £4,511,205. Duty is charged oil a £1 sterling basis, which would bring the landed costs of the imported vehicles to at least £5,511,205.