FODEN REPLIES ON ENGINE CHOICE • I refer to two
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letters (CM 28 July) and in particular to our decision not to fit the up-rated Gardner 6LXDT engine in current models.
ERF's policy since 1933 has been to fit the best available components in its vehicles. In those early days, Gardner engines, David Brown gear boxes and Kirkstall Forge axles were recognised as being the best available, but times change, and we as a company have to change with them, or go out of business.
The Cummins engines which we fit are British-built, although Cummins is Americanowned. Gardner is now owned by Perkins, which, of course, is part of the Verity Corporation in North America.
For one of your readers to suggest that ERF will become another Leyland and lose its identity is somewhat puzzling. We wish to remain independent, to use as many British products as we can, and to remain in business. Hardly, I suggest, a similar scenario to the old British Leyland company.
At the end of the day, a vehicle is sold upon its performance, and recent road tests in the trade press show that ERF is still making "the best oil-engined lorries". Peter Foden Chairman & Chief Executive ERF, Sandbach, Cheshire.