Air Conditioning - Costing Less

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 4, Issue 34, 10 February 1987, Page 2 (Supplement)

Air Conditioning - Costing Less

LARGE growth in the sale of air conditioning units for cars in this country is predicted by a prominent motor vehicle franchise. "Air conditioning is likely to become the biggest selling motor vehicle accessory in New Zealand during the next few years," says Mike Playle, parts and accessory marketing manager for Mazda Motors of New Zealand Limited. "An increasing number of our models are becoming available with air conditioning, and additionally we will see air conditioning fitted in an after-market situation to a greater extent than before," he says. As consumers realise the year-round benefits, there

will be an increasing demand from New Zealanders for air conditioning in their motor vehicles. Mr Playle points out that while the prices of new cars have risen in the past year, the cost of air conditioning has actually declined. Models like the Mazda 626 and 323 can be filled with integrated factory approved air conditioning for less than $2,000. "Air conditioning as an extra now costs less than 10 percent of the total cost of a medium or small family car," says Mike Playle. It forms less than five percent of the total cost of a large, expensive model. Two years ago, air conditioning could amount to 20 percent of the total vehicle price. "We have been able to reduce the cost of air conditioning kits in recent months, and I see them ultimately becoming the number one selling motor vehicle accessory," says Mr Playle. "The New Zealand consumer wants to keep up with world trends and there is a world-wide trend towards the use of car air conditioning. A similar situation has happened with car audio products," he says. To facilitate convenient nation-wide fitment of air conditioning, Mazda New Zealand had set up training schools so that all Mazda dealers have the skills to fit the integrated air conditioning units. Latest air conditioning units include an 'economy' mode as well as full operation.

"Trial kits were acquired and the units marketed by Mazda have been adapted to suit New Zealand conditions," says Mike Playle. Even though air conditioning provides total driving comfort throughout the year, the biggest saies potential is in the hot summer months. In both summer and winter, the air conditioner works as a dehumidifier, and with its special recirculation system filters out dust and dirt within the vehicle interior. As a result, it is an asset to people who are allergy sufferers, and a valuable road safety accessory in reducing stress by keeping vehicle occupants cool and comfortable.

MOTORISTS travelling between National Park and Raetihi or Ohakune will now have an easier drive in the vicinity of Horopito, thanks to some resealing work recently completed. The Roads Board has spent $56,000 on three-and-a-half kilometres of road which is either side of Horopito School corner. The work included levelling and resealing dips in the road, improving drainage and extending the width of the seal one metre either side of the road. The school corner has been known as a notoriously bad bend but it is hoped that the recent work will improve the situation.