THE BUENOS AIRES SHOW IN RETROSPECT
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What the Exhibiting Companies Think of the Show Now That Their Representatives Have Returned Home
REPORTS which we have had from British commercial-motor manufacturers as to the results of the British Empire Trade Exhibition, which concluded recently at Buenos Aires, have been supplemented by further information, compiled as the event drew to a close, which has just reached us by mail from South America. There were over 1,300,000 visitors to the show grounds.
The predomivant impression seems to be that the exhibition surpassed all expectations and the popular Argentine opinion is summarized in the phrase,
" depend° p magnifica." A peculiar feature seems to have been that the ordinary people were attracted largely by the music rendered by the Cameron Highlanders' Band, and, coming to be amused, found themselves closely studying all kinds of exhibits, of which the commercial-motor chassis were amongst the most interesting.
If the British manufacturer wishes to continue the good effect of the exhibition he will have to follow it up with a campaign of advertising, for we learn that, a short while after the exhibition closed, American advertisements in the Argentine Press increased noticeably. The world-wide depression in trade is being felt keenly in' Argentina, and the fall of the country's currency on the exchange markets is a big obstacle to the prompt materialization of orders.
Remarks that have been made to us by various of the exhibitors are in themselves worth studying. Agricultural and General Engineers, Ltd., does not for one moment think that this event should be judged by actual sales resulting, particularly in costly engineering products. Col. Garrett, one of the directors, says that connections were made with a large number of people with whom business is likely to develop.
The Associated Equipment Co., Ltd., tells us that the well-known house of Agar, Cross and Co., Ltd., confidently expects actual results in the near future, particularly with the A.E.C. Mercury 3i-tonner, which has a wheel track of 1,600 mm. and is efinitely built pare el cam pa. Amongst others, the Argentine railway companies appear to have been interested in the A.E.G. oil engine.
Much favourable comment was accorded the Austin exhibits. Orders have been received and further negotiations are proceeding.
Clayton and Shuttleworth, Ltd., expresses satisfaction with the results. As regards the products of Commer Cars, Ltd., Mr. R. C. Rootes, who was present throughout the show, whilstsnot anticipating a rapid result, is convinced that when conditions improve a greater demand for British vehicles will arise than has ever been experienced before. A new company—Rootes (Argentina). Ltd.—has been formed to handle the products for a group of companies, including the Commer concern.
Mr. John Walford, director of the Eagle Engineering Export Co., says that the view spread by so many people abroad that Great Britain is down and out has been obliterated in the Argentine. The company claims to have taken the first order placed at the exhibition for a transport vehicle, thie being followed up by a number of other satisfactory orders and inquiries.
General Motors, Ltd., of course, showed the Bedford 2-tonner ; from all accounts this was well received, and it is a model that should do much towards dislodging the light American machines from their favourable position.
It is a little too early for Leyland Motors, Ltd., to express a view, but the Leyland exhibits made a remarkably fine impression.
R. A. Lister and Co., Ltd., reports that the business results exceeded its expectations, the Auto-Trucks being one of the outstanding items. The vehicle illustrated on tthis page, on which the Prince of Wales rode, is a 12-seater capable of speeds of 5 m.p.h. to 8 m.p.h.For the transport of goods in connection
with the preparation of the exhibition five or six of these trucks were in continuous use, often 16 hours a day.
The Morris-Commercial exhibits were exceedingly well received, although •we have not yet had from the company a conclusive report on the results.
Ruston and Hornsby, Ltd., takes a conservative view as regards heavymachinery business, thinking that the real results of the exhibition will he felt when world trade revives.
Scainmell Lorries, Ltd., states that arthough business dime has been comparatively small the number of inquiries received was most encouraging.
Singer and Co., Ltd., reports that although the sales at the exhibition were not disappointing the event constituted but an initial step towards penetrating Latin American with Singer vehicles. Orders are already arriving.
Mr. Roger Thornycroft is confident that his compeny will receive its share of business accruing to the exhibitors, it being always found that most of the benefit from such exhibitions is felt afterwards from contacts made at the time.