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The Outlook for 1931
Page 79
Page 80
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By THE EDITOR AT the time of writing the outlook is dark and foggy, but light follows darkness and fog is invariably dispelled, and in the same way we believe that 1931 will, see a decided improvement in the conditions which prevail. at the moment.
We are in the fog of a change in legislature, and until this has thinned, potential buyers are holding off, and makers of chassis and bodies are in doubt as to the ultimate requirements. It must be remembered,however, that postponement of a purchase doesnot mean that a sale is altogether lost. • The growth of transport needs increases, old vehicles are wearing out and must be replaced, and the field is such a vast one that replacements alone must account for a very considerable production of new vehicles.
Overseas the immediate prospects are also somewhat dimmed by the prevailing depression. We think that " depression " is the right term to employ because many consider it to be something more psychological than real, although it can bring a great deal of trouble in its train. It is what. may be termed an atmosphere of general distrust which promotes a feeling that assets must be conserved at all costs, with the immediate result that buying is diminished and manufacturers, their agents and workpeople suffer accordingly ; but depression is only a passing phase and already the rays of optimism are breaking through its clouds.
We are in the position to be able to publish in this issue the frank opinions of all the most important leaders on the manufacturing side of the commercial-vehicle industry, and readers who carefully peruse the statements made by those men Who are in a position to judge worldtrade conditions, will find that the majority is optinfistic regarding the prospects of the; British-built road-transport vehicle, not only in this country but in all those parts of the world where it can be employed. There are undoubtedly indications that, at last, the advantage of quality as compared purely with that of price is being realized. The average British-built commercial vehicle takes precedence over all its rivals in respect of reliability, low maintenance costs and durability, and now that our makers areopening . up throughout the .world more completely equipped and more widely • distributed servicing depots, there is every hope that our overseas trade in transport media will become firmly established.
In certain types of vehicle, such as the six:wheeler, we are already pre-eminent, and other types of chassis designed to meet the particular requirements of various countries form an essential part of the programmes of our important makers.
Hauliers, Watch the News.
WE read the other day that burglars find it worth while to study the news concerning the doings of Society, for in that way they can discover when the houses of the wealthy are likely to be unguarded. We hope we shall not be misunderstood if we recommend our haulier readers also to peruse the morning papers carefully with an eye for announcements that are likely to be of especial interest to them in the way of business. The haulier is no burglar, but his business is, in many cases, directly dependent on fluctuations of trade and industry, and to learn from the newspapers that certain• Industries are likely to undergo an improvement, or the reverse, is to be forewarned of possible increases or decreases in the demand for his services.
Lately there have been several instances of this sort. To some of them we have drawn attention, as in the case of the beet industry, wherein, even now, the prospects for next year's crops are being discussed. The diminution of business in the glove industry is a matter for concern to some hauliers, and those who have been engaged on the haulage of skins to the glove factories and of gloves from the factories to the centres of distribution are likely to have to divert their energies.
Again, the other clay we read that success had attended the first serious attempt to grow chicory on a large scale, and that a consider ably increased area is to be planted next year. If that does occur, and if that agricultural activity grows as is at present hoped, then there may very well arise, in the eastern counties first and, later, elsewhere, a demand for haulage which will rival that occasioned by the beet crops.
The serious set-back which hop growers have suffered this year. In that the prices obtained have been so very low, will most likely have the effect of reducing next year the area under hops. Hauliers who have been accustomed to carry hops should bear that in mind and make their plans accordingly. We could go on for quite a long time quoting examples of this kind and proving the wisdom of keeping a close watch on the trend of industry in general, as well as, in particular, on those departments in which they are individually interested.
Valuable Data for the Transport • Industry.
ONE of the features of this special issue is the group of tables of chassis specifications. It constitutes a work of reference to which buyers of all classes of vehicle and appliance can turn, Obviously, the tables include only the principal points in the specification—greater detail would make the data too complicated— but the matter selected is that which enables the buyer to formulate comparisons between machines of various makes and classes, in the light a his individual needs.
As an indication of the comprehensive nature of the tables it will be found that they deal with the products of 140 makers, cover some 1,200 models, and contain about 20,000 entries.
The prices quoted are, of course, those obtaining in this country ; as these form the basis of prices quoted for other lands, buyers overseas can still make comparisons, assuming the freight charges to be the game for vehicles of similar dimensions and weight, irrespective of manufacture.
A study of the tables shows, in an unmistakable manner, how large an industry is that dealing with vehicles and machines for commercial purposes. The vast majority of makes included is British—this year the percentage is greater than ever—and the variety of products offered to the commercial-motor users of the world is unique.