U.S. auto makers still try to reduce imports WASHINGTON (UPI) - The Ford Motor Co. and the United Auto Workers Union asked Congress recently to give President -Carter new powers to seek a quick reduction of Japanese auto imports. Their appeal, to the House Ways and Means trade subcommittee, came a week after the US International Trade Commission refused to recommend import relief against Japanese cars. The agency, set up -by Congress to review trade cases, said imports are not the main cause of the American auto = industry's troubles. At the same time, the administration said it lacks authority to negotiate reductions in Japanese auto shipments, and that such limits would violate US antitrust laws. Resolutions are pending in both houses of Congress designed to provide Carter or President-elect Ronald Reagan with both authority to negotiate with Tokyo and to exempt any resulting trade agreement from an- titrust laws. UAW president Douglas Fraser told the sub- committee at a hearing that quick passage of such a resolution would “send a clear signal, most im- portantly to the Japanese, and also to the president and Once again the Ra 56 moo (5OL/10O0km) the president-elect, that Congress feels immediate action on the automotive import question is required.” Unless imports. are limited, Fraser said, there will be “permanent damage” to the US auto injury and permanent loss of jobs for American autoworkers — 193,000 of whom currently are laid off. Noting that several European nations already limit the number of cars from Japan, Fraser said, “The US cannot afford to continue to be the ‘sitting duck’ target for Japan's aggressive (export) efforts when they are prevented from expanding sales in other countries.” Ford Vice President Will Scott told the panel, “It's time for the United States to assert sovereignty over its own automotive market.” Scott said that while quotas or tanffs might raise that would be car prices, PITRE ee Rieeterrgy Crenwaved coe angaprecrwm ad Veper agent UC caesenaher to eae " Don't settle for less reve Wane Vers Fase epee saseragetigce: will NOUNE outweighed by the amount taxpayers are losing on unemployed auto workers. He estimated the autoworkers will get $1.6 billion in unemployment benefits this year and the economy will lose $1.2 billion in taxes they would have paid if working. Car importers oppose the legislation on grounds restrictions would not help the bulk of unemployed auto workers, since most worked in plants producing now- unpopular large cars. “Detroit is well on the road to recovery with its new small, fuel-efficient models, and the import share of the market will decline in 1981 and 1982,” said Ralph Millet, chairman of the Automobile Importers of America. Japan's share of the US auto market has risen since 1970 from less than four per cent to nearly 22 per cent, according to Ford's figures. i) S. PAIRNICIPACTION ° The Canadian movement for personal fitness pit Diesel has the best fuel economy + in Canada. Rabbit Diesel Capilano Volkswagen 1151 Marine Drive, North Vancouver, phone 985-0694 _B15- Sunday-News, November 30, 1980 il itl dutopar AUTOPAR SNOW TIRES The only tire with a full road hazard warranty. A78x13" Polyester built tough to keep you rojling this winter. v= $3895 autopar AUTOPAR ANTI-FREEZE Top quality anti-freeze to protect your car's engine from the cold. $g95 iil container dutopar AUTOPAR BATTERY 24C Battery 48amp hr Guaranteed for 36 months Also available is our maintenance free battery $5295 WINTER WHEELS CHRYSLER PRODUCTS Save yourself time and hassle. have your snow tires mounted on a set of these wheels tor quick and easy change over from your summer tires to your winters “cach $1495 Sach 316% Omni Horizon each +] 7*° New Parts & Service Hours Effective Nov. 3/80 Mon. - Fri. 8:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. Sat. 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. NORT el RJDGE PLYMOUTH CHRYSLER bass 1177 MARINE DR. NORTH VANCOUVER 980-6511 pCMV STE AY Rauge lar