A LTHOUGH the economic situation in Uruguay, during the past few
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-years, has left much to be desired, there is no doubt that a trade revival is taking place. Great Britain is still the principal exporting country to that Republic, and the export figures most recently issued show a very satisfactory increase over those for the preceding year.
The most striking development is undoubtedly the remarkable increase in the number of motor vehicles imported—commercial motor vehicles, in particular, being considerably more in evidence than at any previous period in the history of the country. Over 14,000 driving licences have been taken out in Monte Video. The following figures, published in El Siglo, indicate the growth in the , imports of motor vehicles of all kinds. Statistics for commercial cars alone, we regret to say, are not available: The position of Great Britain in this market, although not good, is distinctly more favourable than is the case in the other South American Republics. Approximately 20 per cent. of the imports of cars are of British make and 50 per cent. of American make. As in the case of other LatinAmerican countries, the United States obtained a strong position in the market during the war, when supplies from Europe were not available.
The British Vice-Consul at Monte Video, in a recent report, makes the following observations :— " The American ear, which fits thetramlines (4-ft. 81-in, gauge) and has a higher ground clearance than the average European car, is more suitable for local conditions and is sold at more moderate prices. A preference appears to be given to Fords for light lorries, whilst in heavy vehicles Renaults seem to have gained a firm footing in the market. Cars are very often sold on the instalment system."
At the present time there are considerably _over 20,000 passenger cars and about 1,500 motor lorries registered in the country, and there are many good reasons for supposing that these figures will be greatly expanded during the next few years. Owing to the exceedingly fiat nature of the country, the matter of road construction is very much simplified. There are no mountains and only a few hills, such as Cerro—the so-called " mount " which overlooks Monte Video Harbour.
The flatness of the vast plains permits the use of mechanical transport even where there are no roads worthy of the name. There are, however, many hundreds of miles of macadamized roads, and this mileage is being increased regularly every year. In many towns the old-fashioned cobblestones have been replaced to a large extent by asphalt.
A resolution passed by the Monte Video Departmental Council prohibits the registration in Uruguay, as from March 4th last, of left-hand-driven vehicles. From that date all motors, commercial and otherwise, must be provided with steering on the right-hand side.
Paraguay as a market for commercial motor vehicles is quite small at the present time, although signs are not wanting of increased activity in the near future. It is a market that should be studied by enterprising British makers desirous of securing a good part of the trade when the commercial development of the Republic calls for more extensive motor transport.
Provided that political tranquillity can be maintained, this Republic should show a remarkable financial and commercial recovery in the near future. As it is, the general position is healthier than it has been for a-period of at least ten years. An effort is being made to promote the cultivation of wheat on a large scale, and, should this succeed, there is certain to be an increased demand for lorries for transport work. A similar effort to promote the growth of cotton was made some years ago, and has already shown satisfactory results, as indicated by a slightly increased demand for motor vehicles.
The main obstacles in the way of Paraguay's development are the lack of a good road system and inadequate railway facilities. Once steps have been taken seriously to remedy these deficiencies, the commercial development of the country is likely to be extremely rapid. But the time to make a study of this potentially remunerative market is now, and not at some remote future date when competing countries have already established a foothold for themselves.