Britain to Import German Vehicles
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AS a result of discussions between Britain and the Federal Republic of Germany concerning
trade arrangements for 1954, provision has been made for imports into this courrtry of German commercial vehicles valued at £250,000. Quotas for private cars arc to remain at the same level as for 1953.
An immediate effect is that V.W. Motors, Ltd., 7-9 St. James's Street, London, S.W.1, are to introduce into Britain passengervehicle and probably goods versions of the Volkswagen. The vehicle has a rear-mounted, air-cooled engine and is notable for its roominess.
The passenger vehicle, which is to be known as the Micro Bus, provides for six passengers between the axles, with accommodation for two more alongside the driver. Because of the low chassis, both driver and passengers can step straight in. The driving compartment has its own doors, and for the passengers there are double doors which open out to expose about 80 per cent. of the seating space.
Ample luggage room is provided at the rear above the engine compartment and within the body. The claimed fuel-consumption rate is 30 m.p.g.
As a goods vehicle it can carry a payload of 15 cwt., the.van body having a capacity of 162 Cu. ft. The specification, which applies to all models of the Volkswagen, includes a 25 b.h.p. fourcylindered, four-stroke, air-cooled engine, single-plate clutch and fourspeed gearbox unit mounted at the rear. Torsion-bar suspension is adopted and the brakes are hydraulically operated.
No price has yet been stated for the Micro Bus,. and it remains to be seen whether it will be in any way competitive with home-built vehicles. All the payload in the Micro Bus is carried between the axles. The normal seating capacity is for six passengers, but two extra people can be comfortably accommodated alongside the driver.
N.R.T.F. PRESENT TAX CASE TO TREASURY
ADEPUTATION from the National Road Transport Federation was to meet the Financial Secretary to the Treasury on Wedriesdey to press for the abolition of purchase tax on vehicles and a reduction in fuel tax.
Among those present were Mr. F. J. Speight, chairman of the Federation, Mr. J. Janes and Mr. C. W. H. Sparrow, vice-chairmen, Mr. J. S. F. Pollitzer, Mr. R. Morton Mitchell, secretary, Mr. F. D. FitzGerald, Mr. F. A. Walker and Mr. G. Mitcht11.
COUNCILS SUPPORT TAX CAMPAIGN NAUNICIPAL transport committees at al Wigan, Blackburn, Middlesbrough and Burton-on-Trent have decided to support the fuel-tax campaign and to display window bills in their buses. Darlington Transport Committee. have recorded their protest against the tax. A22 Hull Transport Committee have also decided to support the Municipal Passenger Transport Association in renewed efforts for a reduction in fuel tax.
South Shields Transport Committee, however, have decided not to take part in the campaign. Newcastle-on-Tyne City Council have also rejected a recommendation by the transport committee to protest against the high fuel tax, which is costing the city transport undertaking £150,000 a year.
TELLING THE PASSENGER LEAFLETS calling for the reduction of the tax on oil fuel used in buses are being distributed to passengers on a national scale by the Municipal Passenger Transport Association, the Public Transport Association, the Passenger Vehicle Operators' Association and the Scottish Road Passenger Transport Association.
The leaflet asks passengers to support the campaign by making their views known to their Members of Parliament.
WALLACE ARNOLD BUY YELLOWAY TOURS
SUBJECT to the approval of the North Western Licensing Authority, the long-distance tours business of Yelloway Motor Services, Ltd., is to be taken over by Wallace Arnold Tours, Ltd. Yelloway will continue to run express services and local excursions.
Wallace Arnold's facilities will now be directly available to American tourists travelling by the recently instituted Belgian transatlantic air line service to Ringway, Manchester.