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What THE SHOW Meant to Leading Makers

22nd October 1948
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Page 37, 22nd October 1948 — What THE SHOW Meant to Leading Makers
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Exclusive Messages to "The Commercial Motor"

By Viscount Nuffield,

Chairman, The Nuffield Organisation

NAY most vivid impressions of the first post-war "ICommercial Vehicle Show are superb engineering and coachwork design allied to unsurpassed and traditional British craftsmanship; the remarkable progress made in the application of the compressionignition power unit; the much greater thought given nowadays—and very rightly so—to driver comfort; and, finally, the very commendable enterprise shown by the majority of firms exhibiting at Earls Court to adapt their vehicles and equipment to the requirements of overseas markets.

I feel proud, indeed, to be associated with the commercial vehicle industry.

By Sir Patrick Hennessy,

Managing Director, Ford Motor Co., Ltd.

I BELIEVE in figures, and the figures of attendances

at the Earls Court Show answer all queries as to Whether or not the Show was a success. For example, 6,000 people a day visited the Ford stand, where the 7-cubic-yd. Jekta expelling, telescopic body on a Fordson Thames chassis was one of the biggest crowdgetters at the Show.

We get little opportunity to show the flag these days, and it was good to see the reaction of visitors from overseas to the excellent finish and workmanship of the models on all stands. The success of this Show strengthens the belief that the industry could repeat its success every two years, but one has to keep in mind the accumulation of interest over the war years, when no Shows were held.

One thing surprised me—the number of truck drivers who were there, and the almost surgical interest they took in details of construction and design. One thing distressed me—we could give no satisfactory answer to the biggest domestic question of the Show: "When can I expect delivery? The age of existing transport in this country is becoming a major problem.

By Sir William Rootes, K.B.E.,

Chairman, Rootes, Ltd.

RARELY has an industry presented such a fascinating shop window to the world as the British commercial vehicle industry at Earls Court. This year's Show will endure in memory, not so much because it was the first in 11 years, as for its demonstration of British Industrial virility in ominous days.

It impressed we who are in the industry. It certainly astonished overseas friends, who might, too, have become susceptible to those critics overseas who have, since the war, been complaining that Britain cannot pull her weight any more The urgency for exports is always in our minds, know that all the United Kingdom commercial vehicle manufacturers will back up this splendid exhibition by renewed effort in the overseas market.

By C. W. Reeve, C.B.E.,

Chairman, Associated Commercial Vehicles, Ltd.

THE remarkable attendance figures compared with those of •pre-war years reflected the widespread interest created by an exhibition which, in the range and variety of vehicles shown, has probably never been surpassed. Equipment and accessories displayed in the gallery stands, were particularly comprehensive and catered for every aspect of road transport operation. The continual praise given to the progressive design of

the exhibits and to the high standard of finish everywhere evident was well justified, and worthy tribute to the traditional skill, and craftsmanship of the British commercial motor industry.

Everywhere there was evidence of the desire of foreign visitors to buy British and, were international trade less restricted, the value of orders placed might easily have been exceeded. Nevertheless, on a long-term view, 1 am sure that the Exhibition was well worth while.

J feel that the "new look" of many vehicles has robbed individual makes of their established character; it is unlikely to„be followed by my group of companies. A minor criticism of Earls Court is the inadequate catering arrangements, which could be greatly improved.

As to the future—if design and development continue at their present rate there will be, in my opinion, every justification for holding the Commercial Motor Transport Exhibition biennially.

By L. P. Lord, Chairman and Managing Director, Austin Motor Co., Ltd.

NOBODY can deny that the Commercial Motor Show

was a great success—in fact, an inspiration. Broadly, it has proved that in this class of vehicle Britain excels, not only in chassis design but also in the development of coachwork and equipment to meet the thousand-andone road transport requirements of the modern world, ranging from light delivery vehicles to the heaviest of heavies, from road haulage tractors to the most luxuriously equipped long-distance coaches.

The industry has shown that it is right on its toes, moving with the times, and is offering the finest quality of workmanship and design at an economic price.

am sure that such resources and such resourcefulness, concentrated in one Exhibition, .have enormously impressed buyers from overseas, and it will not be too soon to stage. another Commercial Motor Show in 1950.

By Sidney S. Guy, Managing Director, Guy Motors, Ltd.

T° "Y that the Commercial Motor Transport Exhibi tion was a success would be a gross understatement of the facts, and the S.M.M.T. deserve the highest praise. Attendances were up by over 100 per cent., and had it been possible to keep a record of the overseas visitors, I should imagine it would be found that their numbers had increased by ieverM tithes. thit amount.. It Seemed

11-1 to me that, outside home customers and agents. two out of every three other people I spoke to were from abroad —from as far as Iceland in the north. Australia in the east, Chile in the west and the Cape in the south, and more or less all the countries in between!

All this, I might say, in spite of the Show's being almost completely ignored by the national daily-Press, but apparently divorces and murder cases are more important in their valuable space. On the whole, the provincial pape's "did us well," but, unfortunately, most of the overseas people do not visit the provinces.

There was a marvellous array of exhibits for every clime and purpose, and amongst the old-established heavy-vehicle manufacturers (so called for want of a better term, although some of them make vehicles down to 3-ton or 4-ton carrying capacity) there was the finest display of high-class engineering, design and craftsmanship that I have ever seen

Engineering, as the term is understood to-day, originated in Britain over a century or more ago, and the Commercial Motor Show gave conclusive evidence that the seven or eight generations of engineers had been responsible for the high standard of the present breed, and proved that, as with racehorses, selective breeding does count.

By Lt.-Cdr. J. W. Thornycroft, R.N. (Retd.),

Chairman and Managing Director, Transport Equipment, (Thornycroft), Ltd.

THE commercial motor. industry, and particularly the I heavy section, made a wonderful display, which should have shown all foreign visitors that the United Kingdom is fully capable of meeting any of their requirements for goods or passenger vehicles. I do not believe there has ever been a better exhibition covering such a wide field anywhere in the world.

As an international exhibition, however, it was disappointing, as foreign exhibits were so few.

The cost to individual manufacturers has undoubtedly been very high, and the additional charge on overheads has to be distributed in the prices of vehicles. .

I think the staging of the Show was well worth while, and the attendance of approximately three times that of previous years speaks volumes for the interest aroused. As a heavy commercial vehicle manufacturer, however, I am of the opinion that one exhibition in every four years is sufficient. As a suggestion, and knowing that there were many specialist bodybuilders, and special equipment manufacturers who were unable to obtain space, I recommend that in future the Show should be divided into commercial passenger types and commercial goods types, there being in every four years one passenger and one goods exhibition.

In the case of passenger vehicles, it would allow more space for trolleybuses and light utility vehicles, which are becoming more and more popular. As regards goods vehicles, specialized labour-saving types of body peculiar to the variety of trades using road vehicles are becoming increasingly employed, and I expect that where pur ,. ,

chasers spend large sums., On bodies there will be a

tendency to use quality vehicles, which can be assumed to give service for anything up to 14 years, rather than buy volume-produced vehicles of low first cost, which must necessarily be a compromise of requirements for many trades.

In the past three years there has been a great number of ill-informed critics of the multitude of types being produced, but I think a visit to the Show would illustrate to them that manufacturers do not make, special types for pleasure but to meet customers' requirements. To illustrate this further, it was clear that overseas customers were demanding both petrol and oil-engined vehicles of a variety of powers, mostly in excess of what would be considered satisfactory in the United Kingdom. Again, the regulations in the United Kingdom are such, in limiting the size of vehicles, as to make machines built for this country unacceptable to overseas customers as regards length, width and constructional details. I suggest that it is up to the Government to remove these obstacles as quickly as possible.

The amount of publicity given to the Exhibition by the daily Press was most disappointing; in any event, during the opening days, when every overseas visitor should have been urged in the national interest to visit the Show.

Much of the usefulness of the Show will be lost because of protracted deliveries resulting from shortage of materials. In view of the great difficulties confronting .manufacturers in trying to keep pace with their deliveries, I think it reflects great credit on all exhibitors that so many new features were introduced.

By Jackson Millar, C.B.E., J.P., Managing Director, Albion Motors, Ltd.

THERE appears to be no doubt but that the Exhibition

was completely successful, from the manufacturers', buyers', and public points of view. The latter were obviously interested in seeing—after a lapse of years— the excellent range of products and the modern trend in design. The Exhibition proved conclusively the great contribution manufacturers, particularly the larger ones, are making towards the export drive.

An inspection of those export vehicles, showing their added capacity and comfort, would surely prove the early necessity of modifying, in this country, present out-Of-date regulations regarding overall breadths and lengths.

It was indeed encouraging to note the -high standard of workmanship and finish throughout the whole heavy commercial trade. The maintenance of such standards would ensure favourable consideration of British vehicles at any time, in any market. The British commercial vehicle industry can feel justly proud.

Whilst these shows are-of great interest to the public, I am of the opinion that if they be staged too frequently they will defeat their own object

Having in mind the question of cost, the effect on normal production, etc., the Commercial Vehicle Show held once every four years would appear adequately to meet all needs. By W. E. Pearson, Managing Director, Scammell Lorries, Ltd.

THE 14th International Commercial Motor Transport Exhibition will rank as one of the finest and most successful ever undertaken by the industry. For the first time in 11 years it has been possible to show the world that this country can still produce road transport vehicles equal to the best.

It was evident that the sight of such varied products, destined for all parts of the world, made a tremendous impression on visitors from overseas. Potential buyers having import difficulties or currency problems, realizing that their requirements can be met from this country, intend to pursue these matters with greater determination on their return.

It was encouraging to find home users understanding the difficulties confronting manufacturers, and appreciating the vital contribution the industry is making to national recovery through its export effort.

The Exhibition has been worth while from various points of view. The advisability of continuing a biennial series will depend on many factors, one of the foremost being the long-term export-development work now in hand by manufacturers, and the vital necessity to con,solidate and increase the present measure of success in overseas markets.

By William Fish, J.P., joint Managing Director and Deputy Chairman, Dennis Bros., Ltd.

AM confident that the 1948 Commercial Motor a Transport Exhibition has confirmed that British transport vehicles can bear most favourable comparison with the products of the rest of the world. Vehicles designed to meet the varying conditions of overseas and home requirements were shown, some ordinary, some very special types, and they have received favourable comment from buyers.

Mention has been made that on some "new look" vehicles accessibility has been impaired and that this feature will have an adverse effect on maintenance costs.

Major components are very much as and where they were pre-war, whilst the trend towards larger engines in the larger types of goods and passenger vehicles has been established. The need for rightand left-hand driver's position has been met by separate engines with the accessories and controls on the side remote from the driver or by units which can be assembled with the same items on either side.

Transmission has shown few major changes, and the infinitely variable gear has not progressed far. Whether for compression-ignition engines the five-speed gearbox will be replaced by a suitably graded four-speed gearbox coupled to a two-speed rear axle, experience will decide, for the latter scheme makes eight speeds available.

Driver's comfort has received serious attention and improvements have been made with this object in view. On public service vehicles excellent examples of bodywork have been shown, including special types for overseas customers, worthy of inspection by all.

Our overseas friends have been favourably impressed by their inspection of the exhibits and have placed substantial orders for both goods and passenger models. More orders will follow directly items relating to special requirements, delivery and finance can be arranged, and the industry will reap benefit as a result of the Show.

I am, therefore, favourably disposed towards a return to the biennial series of exhibitions. Such a course would not only keep our products "up to scratch," but also provide an opportunity to indicate to the buying world the steady progress which the industry is making.

By William Foden, Managing Director, Fodens, Ltd.

WE are very pleased with the results obtained by " exhibiting at the Show. From what I heard, visitors from abroad were both surprised and delighted that we in this country were able to stage such a magnificent variety of transport vehicles and equipment, and I am convinced that the Exhibition will greatly benefit most exhibitors.

It was a Show of which our country may well be proud and will live in the memories of visitors, who, I am sure, have gone away with the utmost confidence in the ability of all the exhibitors to supply their different requirements.

By R. H. Seddon, Joint Managing Director, Seddon Motors, Ltd.

AFIER a period of 11 years it was nigh time that the :world should know, and, what is more important, should see, what the British commercial vehicle manufacturer is doing. Visitors to the Exhibition could not fail to be impressed by the fact that, in spite of the

B6 difficult times, the industry has not only maintained but enhanced the high reputation of British-built commercial vehicles. This opinion was confirmed by the overseas visitors with whom I came in contact.

It is too early to assess the value of business which has accrued, especially from overseas, but I have no doubt that the Commercial Motor Show has been a successful venture.

By E. R. Foden, Managing Director, E.R.F., Ltd.

THESE Commercial Motor Shows are really neces

sary, but not too often. They bring together the customers and the manufacturers, and the homely chats which take place can be achieved only in this way. It was apparent to me that the Exhibition was a great interest to the overseas buyers and I feel sure that the results will be most satisfactory. Many foreign buyers visited our stand, and I am pleased to say that we were able to complete_ the arrangements which we had in hand with our overseas representatives..

There was a large attendance of home buyers, who all seemed concerned with the delivery dates; this grieves us very much—we would like to please all, but circumstances will not allow it.

I am of the opinion that it would not be advisable to hold another Commercial Motor Exhibition in England for at least the next four years, thus leaving the manufacturers to concentrate on production; all exhibitions interfere with output, and the cost of producing or changing models, say, every two years would be out of all proportion to the results obtained.

By David Brown, M.I.Mech.E., A.F.R.Ae.S., Managing Director, David Brown Tractors, Ltd.

THE 1948 Commercial Motor Show surely reveals the motor industry as having earned the right to be regarded as one of Britain's basic industries, whether considered from the point of view of the vital needs of essential transport at home or from the now more familiar angle as a major earner of foreign currency.

The high quality of the exhibits would seem to prove that, in this industry at least, there has been no tendency to lower the traditional British standards of workmanship, whilst there is abundant evidence of progress in design and in the appreciation of the special needs of overseas buyers.

Certainly, foreign visitors, whether buyers or interested competitors, must have been impressed by the wide range of products, both in vehicles and components, which the British motor industry has to offer. The concensus of opinion would seem to be that no other country could stage such a comprehensive exhibition at the present time, not excluding the United States. And by "concensus of opinion" I mean a real world-wide cross-section of opinion. Within the first two or three days of the Show, the David Brown stands entertained visitors from Brazil, Argentina, Belgium, Greece, Norway, Colombia, Portugal and India, all of whom were genuine buyers—all pressing for early delivery.

The Earls Court Show demonstrates that in design and workmanship at least, Britain has the goods which the .world is wanting. Whether these goods can be produced in sufficient quantity and at the right price depend entirely on our capacity for rationalization of our productive resources. If the same energy be put into solving this problem as has evidently been put into the advanced design of the vehicles exhibited, the issue will not be in doubt.

By James Leek, C.B.E.,

Managing Director, The Daimler Co. Ltd.

JHE Commercial Motor Transport Exhibition

achieved its object in no uncertain way. It put a bright spotlight on the commercial-vehicle side of the British motor industry and revealed, in a way that no other form of propaganda could do, the great development in commercial vehicles in this country since the close of the last Exhibition before the war. The reaction of foreign visitors was particularly noticeable—they were impressed and in many cases obviously surprised not only by the universally high standard of quality and finish of the exhibits, but also by the range and scope of products of the commercial section of the industry.

Immediate export business as a result of the Exhibition was frankly disappointing, and this can be attributed directly to the inability of foreign buyers to place orders because of currency shortage and importlicence restrictions in their own countries. With these barriers eased or removed there would be an immediate flood of orders from overseas.

Nevertheless, it was well worth while; it created great confidence in the British motor industry amongst foreign buyers, promoted good relations and left an impression of a very healthy state of industrial life, not only in our own industry but in the country as a whole. The general presentation of the Exhibition and the efforts of individual exhibitors reached a high level, and the strong emphasis placed on the export angle gave the Government ample evidence, if such were needed, of the industry's desire to play its full part in the export drive.

There is no doubt that the staging of the Exhibition at this time was opportune and fully justified in the results, but it is questionable, from the manufacturer's viewpoint, whether a decision to revert to the pre-war practice of biennial exhibitions is either necessary or desirable in the circumstances controlling production as at present visualized.

By Sir John Black,

Chairman, Standard Motor Co. Ltd.

I AM convinced that there could be no better indica tion of the industry's virility and determination to overcome post-war difficulties than the excellent display of commercial vehicles at Earls Court. In the many conversations I had with overseas visitors it was apparent that the advanced engineering achievements and modern vehicle designs of British manufacturers had impreised them deeply and added still further to our prestige abroad. All expressed surprise and admiration at The comprehensive range of service equipment and accessories admirably displayed in the galleries.

Judging from the interest and enthusiasm shown in our own light vehicles at our first exhibition, together with the great number of orders taken during the exhibition, the S.M.M.T. has been well rewarded for its efforts. The record attendance figures this year indicate considerable public interest; it is my opinion that this should be sustained by the resumption of the biennial Exhibitions of pre-war days.

I personally welcomed the trend towards more colourful vehicles—a happy omen, let us hope, of better and brighter things to come.

By H. C. Mallett, M.B.E., Managing Director, Tilling-Stevens, Ltd.

NAY impression when entering Earls Court on "October I, 1948, was one of personal pride, because of having been associated with the motor industry for a number of years. Taking into account the trials and tribulations of a World War, coupled with the aftermath and controls, it was amazing that the industry could stage such an exhibition.

It was obvious that no country in the world other than Britain could have gathered together manufacturers of chassis, bodies, accessories, etc., under one roof in such a dignified manner. Of course, this could not have been achieved without the guiding hand of our Society's officials, all of whom should be heartily congratulated, Whilst allowing for the usual show finish, our high standard of engineering was maintained, and the many overseas visitors whom I met on behalf of my two companies still considered that " Britain leads the world" in this respect.

It was interesting to see some notable advances in design, but I was particularly pleased to observe a general "clean up" in existing designs, without adding too many "frills," which often cause great annoyance to the operator.

My main interest was, quite naturally, in the exhibits of vehicle manufacturers, but I would like to pay tribute to the fine show put up by bodybuilders and accessory and component manufacturers. At the next Show I hope we Will see the most interesting display of the Motor Industry Research Association in a more prominent position.


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