CANADA LIKES OUR CARS

The New York Times
April 12, 1914

Is Willing to Pay Extra Duty for Machines Made Here.

According to Fred J. Titus, the former bicycle champion, who is now agency representative of one of the automobile companies, the field for American cars in Canada is largely increasing despite the fact that the duty on American cars is 13 per cent. higher than the duty on cars imported from Europe.  Titus returned from Canada a few days ago.  Speaking of trade conditions in the Dominion, he said that last year 7,212 American cars, representing a value of $9,233,561, were sold in Canada, as compared with 385 cars, valued at $700,504, disposed of in 1908.  Statistics for 1913 bear evidence of an increase of 934 cars over the figures of 1912.

"It is interesting to note," he added, "that Canadians show favor to American-made cars.  Conditions naturally favor English cars, and while these have found a ready market the better grade American cars, as well as the medium and low-priced grades, are making rapid strides.  All American cars must pay a duty of 35 per cent., which is added to the agent's purchasing price and the agent's profit is computed with the duty added.  Hence the Canadian list price of the car I represent is approximately $8,000, whereas in the United States it is $6,500.  Several American manufacturers have established complete factories in Canada to avoid the payment of the heavy duty."